Nine years ago major surgery changed the course of my life. Open heart surgery is not just a medical event, it is a profound experience that leaves marks beyond the physical. Reflecting on nearly a decade since that day brings a mix of gratitude and a quiet wish that the trauma had been less intense. As another year passes I wanted to acknowledge the quiet battle of the extreme and complex emotions that come with this journey. While this surgery saved my life, it came with a

Cardiac blues is a term used to describe the emotional and psychological distress that some individuals experience after a heart-related event, such as a heart attack or heart surgery. This condition can affect recovery and overall well-being, making it important to recognize the signs early. Understanding these signs can help individuals seek appropriate support and improve their quality of life. Recognising the Signs of Cardiac Blues The signs of cardiac blues can vary wide

February is Heart Month! This is a special post, we are diving into all things Heart Month and taking a closer Look at my two Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)!! Heart Month holds a very special place in my heart (pun not intended). It is such a good chance to talk, educate and share about all facets of heart health and bring a better understanding to topics often left undiscussed. The month long dedicated campaign strives to bring awareness and education to heart health, cardi

*Please note this is written from the perspective of my experience and is in no way medical advice* Living with a chronic illness can feel overwhelming and isolating. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, and Centralised Sensitisation (chronic pain) produce a barrage of daily challenges that can affect not only physical health but emotional and mental well being as well. It is a long, frustrating and often isolating experience. Understa

*Please note I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice in anyway and is solely my opinion and experience not speaking for or...

*PLEASE NOTE THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND OPINION NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY MEDICAL ADVICE * TW: Please be...

Welcome to our brand new home! From the Heart (previously Jess Brooke Heart Blog) has had a makeover and just like our new look our new...

Hey! I'm Jess, this is my first time blogging so bare with me. This is a blog about me, my life, my experiences and my opinions. I have...

Why? It's the question I have found my self asking a lot over the last 6 years since my Open Heart Surgery, why me? why doesn't my heart...

As you will have noticed have had a break from writing over the last several months. I got to a point where I was so far from the best...

Heart Surgery by nature is traumatic, having your heart stopped, chest ripped opened and parts moved, removed and replaced is not normal...

Y'all know I talk a lot about how my surgery and all the events surrounding it have effected me irrevocably. The nightmares, sleepless...

Open heart surgery is such a big thing, such a traumatic event that it almost doesn't feel real, like it has happened to someone else and...

Ever since I can remember I have struggled socially. Anxiety, shyness and a big lack of self confidence rear their head on an almost...

I read this passage the other day and I think it is so profound and powerful "Like the brain, the heart generates a powerful...

Why? that dang little word drove me crazy for MONTHS. Why me? why does my heart not function like everyone else's? why is the only way to...

PLESE NOTE THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE AND NOT A PROFESSIONAL OPINION OR ADVICE* (it is also important to note none of these are diagnosed...

Hey friends, I'm finally back! The last 4 months working and travelling through Canada and The USA have been INCREDIBLE! I can't...

As I sit here writing this, I am blown away at how fast the last two years have gone. I still remember the day I was told about my...

Who ever hears about something and goes "oh, so thats what that is?!" we all have those moments and usually they are small and...