Our Hearts. Our Choice. Tucson

Survivor Spotlight 

Nanette Morrow

It was a Sunday morning and I had just finished watching Shrek 3 with my then 4-year-old Daughter. My mother called so I went outside to talk with her and have my first cigarette of the day. As I lit the cigarette and took my first drag I immediately felt a punch to my chest and burning pain down both my arms. I hung up the phone and went inside to lie down. As I walked to my bedroom I started to sweat, it was so bad that my clothing and hair were soaked. I pulled off my clothes and tried to lay down but the pain was too bad. I then tried to take a shower, as I did not want to go to the hospital with unwashed hair. That did not work either. 

My husband called 911. The paramedics arrived and did a four lead EKG, which did not show any problems. This was now about 40 minutes since the attack started and it just stopped as quickly as it had started. The Paramedics thought it could possibly be early menopause or acid reflex.  They suggested I rest for the day and call my doctor the next day. 

Around 10:00 p.m. I again instantly felt a punch and the burning down both my arms. I fell to the floor and my husband called 911. A different team of paramedics arrived and again did a 4 lead EKG. They did not know what was wrong, but they too did not think it was cardio related. All I remember was waiting and asking why we were waiting and not going in the ambulance. South West Ambulance then took me to St. Joseph's Hospital non-emergency transport. I remember thinking "Oh my Gosh we are stopping for red lights!" When I got to the hospital they had not started the heart attack protocol as they were told it was non-cardio related by the paramedics.   

I remember being woke up around 6am and a nurse telling me I was having a massive heart attack, the on-call Cardiologist was on her way, sign here and sign there we are taking you to the Cathlab so the Cardiologist can go into your heart.

Since then I have been to Cardio Rehab at St. Joseph's, where I learned to eat better, exercise and reduce stress.

Today, I work with the American Heart Association to get the message out. You do not have to have family history, be obese, or have a bad exercise routine or diet.  I was an average-working woman with two kids and a husband. Now, I try to walk everyday either at work or on my treadmill at home, reduced my sodium and fat, and quit smoking cold turkey the day of my heart attack. Most importantly, you must be an advocate for your and your loved ones health, when you know something is not right do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

Sanda Schuldmann is a nationally recognized pianist and recording chamber musician with an active performing career. She is co-founder and founding director of Chamber Music PLUS together with cellist/playwright Harry Clark, her partner of 40 years.

But a stroke in December 2009 jeopardized Sanda’s life as a musician. At first she refused to believe that her symptoms were due to a stroke. She attributed them to an overdose of prescription codeine syrup taken for the flu. Others realized that her problems with balance and mobility should not be ignored and Sanda was taken to the hospital for treatment.

A stroke is a life-changing event for anyone, but for a musician it is even more devastating. Sanda’s survival-literally and figuratively-depends upon her body and mind. After realizing that her recovery was in the hands of her doctors, therapists, and the powers above, Sanda slowly began to play the piano and perform prescribed rehabilitation exercises. Over time, with patience and determination, she was able to regain 99% of her physical and mental abilities and again perform as a professional musician. As she notes, “I’m a Go Red For Women supporter because I want others to know there is life after a stroke.”