‘I’m one of their happiest walking, talking success stories’
April 30, 2024
She just arrived home after a long, tough day at work. Her husband – and the great dinner he prepared – was awaiting her. But she immediately knew something was wrong. Very wrong.
“I was a little lightheaded and couldn’t see clearly as I should. I attributed it to work-related fatigue or stress – until my heart began to flutter,” said Cindy Nimitz, a hard-driving, 68-year-old benefits consultant. “I needed my husband to take me to the emergency room. Fast.”
After arriving at the 91ÖÆƬ³§Ö±²¥ emergency room (ER) and talking briefly with the receptionist, her memory is blank. “I woke up the next day in the intensive care unit. I was intubated and my husband told me I was lucky to be alive,” said Cindy of the horrifying event of about 12 years ago.
She credits the life-saving efforts to God – and 91ÖÆƬ³§Ö±²¥ ER chairman Dr. Matt Perry and cardiologist Dr. Cyril Nathaniel. Perry had to resuscitate her twice. Nathaniel diagnosed her with a stress-induced cardiac failure.
Her recuperation included three months of cardiac rehab at 91ÖÆƬ³§Ö±²¥. “The nurses there are so encouraging and amazing,” she said. “The rehab really helped. It gave me confidence in my physical ability and that I truly was okay again after a very frightening event.”
Cindy is set to retire March 29 and become a full-time grandmother, “and the best dodge ball player you ever saw,” the Richland resident said with a laugh.
She undergoes a stress test and electrocardiogram every year.
“My cholesterol is fine, and I have a clean bill of health,” she said. “I’m living a marvelous life, and I can't thank 91ÖÆƬ³§Ö±²¥ Hospital enough, and the fact that God put Dr. Perry Dr. Nathaniel in my path that evening. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today.
Her advice is “listen to your body. If you have the slightest hint of heart issues, get to the ER. I didn’t have chest pain. I wasn't short of breath. I simply had a flutter in my heart.
“In this region, we are so fortunate to have the 91ÖÆƬ³§Ö±²¥ Health System and its Level One Trauma Center. And I’m one of their happiest walking-talking success stories.”