How One Mother Fought to Be Heard About Her Heart Symptoms

Erin Vickers first experienced dizziness during the first trimester of her second pregnancy. Though she initially accepted it as a pregnancy symptom, the persistent and worsening spells concerned her. However, multiple doctors dismissed her symptoms as pregnancy-related, a frustrating but not unfamiliar experience for Erin, who, as an adoptee, lacked a known family medical history. Her fears intensified as she sought answers, knowing she was responsible for not only her own health but also her unborn child’s.

Her determination to find answers grew stronger after she fainted twice — once during pregnancy without injury and again postpartum, suffering severe head trauma. The realization that she could have been holding her newborn during the fall terrified her. Finally, a doctor took her concerns seriously, leading to a diagnosis of second-degree heart block, requiring an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement surgery.

Recovery was physically and emotionally challenging, especially with a newborn and toddler. She struggled with losing independence and needing help, particularly since she couldn't use her left arm after surgery. Just as she was ready to return to work, a rare complication required a second surgery, prolonging her recovery.

Now, Erin prioritizes what truly matters — family, friends and purposeful work. Medically, she still has unanswered questions and plans to seek further care. Mentally, she battles daily fear, feeling the pacing function of her device, which is unsettling for her. Learning to cope with that fear remains a slow, ongoing process.

Her experience reinforced the importance of patient advocacy. She urges others to persist when their symptoms are dismissed and emphasizes the importance of education, preventive care and recognizing personal health changes — even seemingly minor ones like dizziness.

As a health equity program manager at CDPHP, Erin’s ordeal has deepened her commitment to addressing disparities in care. Despite her health care knowledge and access, she faced obstacles in getting a proper diagnosis — an experience that fuels her drive to improve patient experiences.

Through sharing her story, Erin hopes to challenge assumptions about heart disease — it can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. She also emphasizes self-advocacy and destigmatizing mental health struggles. While she has many positive moments, the emotional toll of her experience remains significant. By prioritizing her children and support system, she continues moving forward, advocating for both her own health and that of others.