Mom of 2 young boys experiences a life-threatening moment, highlights the importance of CPR training

1
Mom of 2 young boys experiences a
life-threatening moment, highlights the
importance of CPR training
2
LaNysha Adams of Silver Spring, Maryland, was
eagerly awaiting her husband's return with a
pizza when her life took an unexpected turn.
While lying on the sofa, engrossed in a TV show,
she suddenly found herself in a daze. Her
husband, David Foss, arrived back home just 15
minutes later to find her in a disoriented state
bloodshot eyes and drooling. Their 3-year-old
son, Davidson, was in his crib nearby.
3
Foss, realizing something was seriously wrong,
immediately called 911. Drawing from his job
training that included CPR instruction, he
carefully placed Adams on the floor and began
administering chest compressions. Although he had
never performed CPR on a person before, his love
for his wife and concern for their two young boys
fueled his determination to save her. As Foss
desperately performed the life-saving technique,
his mind raced with fear and thoughts of the
potential consequences of losing his wife. The
arrival of the first responders, eight minutes
after the distress call, brought a mix of relief
and anxiety. Davidson sobbed as paramedics
continued the CPR process. Eventually, Adams was
rushed to the hospital, leaving Foss at home to
care for their children while consumed by worries
about her survival and the potential aftermath of
the ordeal.
4
Six days later, Adams regained consciousness in
the intensive care unit, disoriented and
terrified. She was unaware of the events that had
unfolded or why she found herself in the
hospital. Confusion and anger enveloped her as
she struggled to comprehend the situation. Adams
felt as if she had entered "The Twilight Zone,"
and the sound of the monitoring machine beeping
in rapid succession only intensified her
anxiety. It was revealed to Adams that she had
experienced cardiac arrest, but she couldn't
grasp the significance of the condition or why it
had occurred. At 37 years old, with no family
history of heart disease, she was baffled.
However, her past diagnosis of postpartum
preeclampsia, a condition linked to
cardiovascular problems, and a recent battle with
COVID-19, which can increase the risk of
heart-related issues, provided some clues.
5
Adams had been grappling with symptoms such as
shortness of breath, leg swelling, and an
irregular heartbeat. To promote circulation and
alleviate swelling, her medical team encouraged
her to start walking. Yet, her first attempt
ended in a fall, leading to the use of a walker
for mobility. After ten days in the hospital, she
was finally discharged. While Adams
recuperated, her in-laws had temporarily moved in
to support Foss in caring for their children. In
their efforts to organize the home, they
inadvertently moved Adams' clothes to the attic,
which she discovered upon returning. Although she
understood their intentions, the sight left her
feeling as though she had returned from the brink
of death and was not expected to reclaim her
place among the living.
6
A month later, doctors diagnosed Adams with
dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized
by the enlargement and thinning of the heart,
leading to compromised pumping function. To
address the condition, she received an
implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to
monitor her heart rhythm and deliver corrective
shocks if necessary. Motivated to resume her
normal life, Adams enrolled in cardiac
rehabilitation. This program not only helps
patients regain physical strength but also
supports their mental well-being. Jeanmarie
Gallagher, a clinical exercise physiologist who
worked with Adams, emphasized the positive impact
of cardiac rehab, stating that it provides peace
of mind and allows individuals to exercise
without fear of further complications.
7
Following 11 sessions of cardiac rehab, Adams
continued her exercise regimen independently. She
purchased an exercise bike and joined a riding
group. LaNysha Adams, a true survivor, owes her
second chance at life to her husband's CPR
training. Now, she's dedicated to spreading
awareness about the importance of CPR training,
using her blog and motivational book to empower
others. Her remarkable journey serves as a
reminder that CPR training can make all the
difference in saving lives during emergencies.
8
Source https//www.heart.org/en/news/2023/04/05
/mom-of-2-young-boys-was-waiting-for-pizza-when-he
r-heart-stopped Learn, Enjoy, and Save Life.
Healthforce Training Center offers CPR Training
and certifications such as Basic Life Support
(BLS), Advance Cardiovascular Life Support
(ACLS), Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS),
CPR AED, Pediatric First Aid CPR AED, and First
Aid CPR AED.