A Heart Forever Changed My Story of Domestic Abuse Serious Illness and Open Heart Surgery

Between the 1940's and the 1960's, Rheumatic Fever was a leading cause of death in children. If they survived, there would most likely be some lasting damage, particularly to the heart. This is Etta LaVinya's story of being one of those children who, at approximately 4 or 5 years old, was diagnosed with Scarlet Fever. Scarlet Fever is what comes before Rheumatic Fever, and if the Scarlet Fever isn't completely cured, then it becomes Rheumatic Fever. In the 1990's, Etta found out that she had a mitral valve prolapse most likely caused by Rheumatic Fever. Neither Etta, nor her parents were aware that she wasn't cured from the Scarlet Fever as a child. She was informed that the mitral valve prolapse wasn't anything to worry about, but she would need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures, or any other invasive procedures she underwent in the future to prevent her from contracting bacterial endocarditis. She followed those instructions for years, and had no problems until 2007. In the year 2000, at the age of 39, Etta was married for the rst time. The marriage was a rocky and confusing union for her, and after 5 years she realized she was married to a verbally abusive man. During these years of verbal, mental and emotional abuse the stress it caused is what Etta believes landed her in the hospital in 2007 ghting for her life. This is Etta LaVinya's story of surviving a very serious illness, two open-heart surgeries and more, brought on by extreme stress and a suppressed immune system. She has written her story with the hope that anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence, serious illness or open-heart surgery will know they aren't alone, and that they can get through it.