By ALANA MITCHELSON
A PAKENHAM photographer is using her creative talents to give back to the charity that has restored her quality of life.
Mother of three Abby Boyle was diagnosed with a heart condition in her early twenties and suffered years of episodes, ambulance trips, hospital stays and tried many different medications.
For more than 10 years she lived with SVT, a rapid heart rate condition, and PoTS which involves abnormal jumps in heart rate when sitting up quickly from the lying down position.
Her episodes took a turn for the worse in late 2014 and Ms Boyle’s heart would frequently race over 200bpm, which would send her to the hospital every two weeks.
“When your heart races that fast so quickly, it makes you pass out. I was constantly worried that wherever I go, something might happen,“ she said.
“I used to make a mental note of all the defibrillators in Fountain Gate when I would go out with my daughters and at a concert with friends I was very aware of where all the exits were just in case I needed to get some fresh air.
“It consumed me and dictated what I would do on a daily basis.“
Late last year, Ms Boyle made the decision to undergo a cardiac ablation, an invasive procedure that required her to remain awake for the entire operation.
“I remember the whole thing and I could feel everything. I could see my heart up on the screen,” she said.
“As scary as it was, it was successful. I remember just lying in bed that night and thinking about how amazing it was to go into hospital for 45 minutes and be sent home that night, episode free.
“Everything’s so much easier now. I go out without a thought and I’m not scared of pushing myself that much further. I have a new lease on life.”
Inspired to give back to the Heart Foundation to support the life-changing work of doctors and surgeons, Ms Boyle will hold a monthly event, Go Red Portraits, inviting residents to have their portrait taken with a touch of red with 10 to 20 per cent of the cost donated to charity.
“This is my way of giving back as much as I can to the foundation that will continue to help more people live their lives,” Ms Boyle said.
“Wear a red dress, shoes, lipstick, colour your hair and share your own heart health journey.“
Ms Boyle said that often heart conditions were assumed to be anxiety attacks and encouraged residents to seek a second opinion.
“There’s not a lot of awareness around SVT but at the end of the day you only have one heart,“ she said.
“If something’s not feeling right, get it checked out and listen to your intuition. Get a second opinion and ask for a blood test.”
Go Red Portraits is open between 23 July and 14 August.
Ms Boyle said those interested could visit give.everydayhero.com/au/abby-15 or phone 0434 974 686.
