About Kim

Kim’s health problems began during the pregnancy of her first child in 1993. They continued and became unmanageable causing her to have to take time away from work. It was very difficult for her to maintain a daily routine and to take care of her two children. In 2001 Kim was seen by Cardiac Specialists at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. They formed the opinion that Kim would require a pacemaker to relieve her of her symptoms. In July of that year Kim was the recipient of a dual chamber pacemaker. The pacemaker implants’ purpose was to eliminate bradycardia, which is a low heart rate. However the pacemaker did not regulate tachycardia or a high heart rate. Doctors tried to eliminate the tachycardia with several different medications, which were unsuccessful. Doctors then performed an Electro Physiology study and an ablation in December of 2003. The procedure proved unsuccessful as her symptoms persisted. Once again medications were introduced, which was also met with negative results. Since the battery of testing and procedures, Kim has consulted with other Cardiologists in Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. None have been able to pin point the cause of her ongoing symptoms. She has also been seen by an EMG Specialist who’s area of expertise is in diseases of the muscles. He felt that Kim may have a disorder of her large muscles. She underwent further testing in this area in London Ontario, which proved inconclusive. Lastly, Kim has shown positive symptoms for connective tissue disorders, (Lupus), however this too is inconclusive. It is safe to say that Kim has undergone numerous tests, which have not been able to point Physicians in the direction of a cause or a cure for her condition. She has taken many different medications, which have not relieved her of her symptoms, have unpleasant side effects and in some cases have amplified her condition. She still continues to persevere and make the best of things.

Kim continues to experience symptoms such as light headedness, dizziness, palpitations, swelling, headaches, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, paleness, nausea and loss of appetite on a daily basis. On numerous occasions these symptoms become more severe and occur with very little or no warning at all. This brings on syncopal episodes, which puts Kim in danger of losing consciousness and falling down. The falls have caused her bruising to the face, head, arms and legs. Because of the severity of her symptoms and episodes, Kim cannot be left alone for long periods of time and she is no longer able to operate a motor vehicle. Those who know Kim will attest that she will never complain about feeling ill and maintains a positive outlook on everything, although these symptoms have tremendously impacted her quality of life and daily routine. She continues to be a great wife to her husband Steve and mother to her daughters Kassandra and Tamara.

Kim's longtime Cardiologist Dr. Peter Forbath of Toronto has recommended the option of seeking medical treatment in a specialized clinic in the United States. Kim continues to live with daily distressing symptoms, however won’t give up her fight and wishes to pursue every available option.

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