Five heart attacks in three months

Leicesterfield, Clarendon, resident Cadine Davis has had five heart-attacks and a stroke since July. A 46-year-old allied healthcare nurse, Davis is currently admitted at the May Pen Hospital. She suffered the last such attack last Friday.

A cardiologist has at the hospital told her that she is in urgent need of an angiogram and other procedures to detect and clear severe blockages in her heart. The cost for the procedure is $2.6 million. This is an amount that she says has significantly exceeds her financial means. Currently, she has little more than $80,000 to her name.

"My life is currently at serious risk so I am humbly appealing to the generosity of the public for assistance. Every contribution, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact. I am appreciative of every prayer and well wishes also," Davis said.

Before her health took the drastic turn earlier this year, Davis said she worked three jobs to provide for family.

"I do nursing but I also do poultry rearing and I presently work at the Clarendon infirmary, but, in addition to that, I also take care of private patients. I do different different stuff just to take care of my children," she said.

In February of this year, Davis said she began experiencing stomach discomfort and vomiting spells. After a series of examinations at the University Hospital of the West Indies, the woman said she was told that she had contracted a virus and was given medication.

A week later, Davis said she still felt unwell, and those around her encouraged her to take a break." I did, but when another job opportunity arose, I couldn't resist. I was exhausted to the point of feeling like I might collapse. I wondered if it was old age or menopause. Then the vomiting returned, and I visited a private doctor for more medication, which provided some relief," she recalled.

Shortly after, she started feeling pain and pressure in her chest, prompting a visit to May Pen Hospital. Tests revealed she was experiencing a heart attack and had likely had one before.

"When I was told I was having a heart attack, I was confused. Imagine being hooked up to a machine and being told that you are having a heart attack. Honestly, I was wondering if the doctors knew what they were saying because I was being treated for just a virus before. But there was a lot of pressure on my chest. Afterwards, I was out of it for a couple days and when I woke up I couldn't speak or remember anything. I was told I had a stroke and I started speaking again days later. By that time I had four heart attacks along with the stroke," she said.

Davis expressed the emotional toll her condition has taken on her.

"At this point I don't know my head from my foot. With all these issues, I don't sleep at nights and I cant help to wonder when it will be my last breath. My smallest child is just 13 which means she is still underage and it's a whole lot for her to deal with. This is unbearable for my children as sometimes they visit me at the hospital and they don't know what to expect. I just want to get back on my feet and be independent again," Davis said.

Those wishing to help Davis can make donations at via https://realhelpinghands.com/campaign/support-cadines-recovery/#wpneo-ta....