With the many advances in care and treatments, today’s patients have more and more reasons to expect the best outcomes. Here are the incredible stories of our patients and their journeys. Click on a thumbnail and scroll down to view each story.
Sonyetta Cooper’s breathing issues began in June 2022. When walking from her car to her doctor’s office she would have to slow down to catch her breath. Due to her decreased lung capacity, she had to limit her activities on a family cruise in February of 2023.
In April, Sonyetta was diagnosed with bronchitis. By May, her breathing was getting worse. After not being able to get out of bed for three days, Sonyetta came to the McLeod Regional Medical Center Emergency Department.
“I struggled to get inside,” said Sonyetta. “I was wheezing by the time I reached the reception desk. They brought me in a wheelchair to the back and put me on a stretcher. I was diagnosed with pneumonia, a build-up of fluid in my body, and an enlarged heart.”
This build-up of fluid meant Sonyetta was also suffering from Congestive Heart Failure - - a long-term condition that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs causing shortness of breath.
Proper treatment and lifestyle changes can improve the symptoms and the quality of life for Congestive Heart Failure patients.
“I needed to do whatever I could to get my heart healthier,” said Sonyetta. “That meant lowering my stress, taking care of my blood pressure, exercising, changing my diet, and taking my medicine as prescribed by my Cardiologist Dr. Anil Om.
“Dr. Om said my heart didn’t get to this stage overnight so to expect it to take some time to mend.”
Congestive Heart Failure has been a learning experience for Sonyetta. She monitors her sodium intake, has incorporated more fruits and vegetables into her diet, and weighs herself every morning. For patients with Congestive Heart Failure, a sudden weight gain could mean that existing heart failure is getting worse, or the treatment is not working.
“Your heart won’t change until you want to change,” said Sonyetta. “I was determined to make the transformation to a healthier heart.”
Now that Sonyetta is back on her feet she is a very busy woman. She participated in the Pee Dee Heart Walk advocating for other heart disease survivors, teaches online classes, is a guest speaker for local speaking engagements, loves to cook Soul Food for her family, and spoils her 11 grandchildren.