A Journey of Heart and Healing: Sheri’s Story

In October 2022, Sheri’s life changed in an instant. It started as a regular day—rushing to work, diving into her responsibilities as a nurse. But something felt off. Her heart was racing, skipping beats, and her smartwatch alerted her to a condition she hadn’t even considered: atrial fibrillation (AFib). “I thought it was a panic attack at first,” Sheri recalled. “I told myself, ‘You’re fine,’ but deep down, I knew something was wrong.”

AFib, a condition that increases the risk of stroke and affects millions, felt surreal for Sheri. At 48 years old and in good health, she never imagined it could happen to her. Her fear of passing out in her office brought her to the emergency department. The diagnosis came quickly—confirmed by an EKG at the emergency department in Adventist Health Simi Valley.

“I was lucky,” Sheri said. “I work in the medical field, so I had access to incredible resources. But being on the patient side of care was humbling.” For Sheri, who has dedicated more than 24 years to helping others, this was unfamiliar territory.

The path to treatment wasn’t simple. Initially, she tried to manage her AFib with medication, hoping to avoid surgery. However, her condition persisted, and symptoms became impossible to ignore. A vacation to Mexico in November 2023 highlighted the severity. “I couldn’t even walk to my room without feeling my heart racing,” Sheri said. The delay in having the procedure was when she realized she needed a hysterectomy to safely undergo the ablation procedure that could restore her quality of life.

On June 20, 2024, Sheri underwent a successful ablation procedure. “The care I received was exceptional,” she said. “From the state-of-the-art technology to the compassionate staff, I felt supported every step of the way.” Miguel Salazar, MD, her cardiologist, explained the process in simple terms, ensuring she felt informed and confident in her care.

Sheri’s recovery was remarkably smooth—she was back to work the day after her procedure. Yet, the journey left her with a deeper perspective. “Health problems don’t discriminate,” she said. “Even as a nurse, I learned the importance of listening to my body and seeking help. You can never be too informed.”

Today, Sheri is focused on living her life fully while staying vigilant about her heart health. She cherishes time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, and remains deeply connected to her community in Simi Valley, where she has lived for almost 50 years.

Her message to others is simple yet powerful: “Don’t ignore the signs. Your body knows when something isn’t right. And having a team you trust—like the one at Adventist Health Simi Valley—makes all the difference. Here, it’s friends and family taking care of friends and family, and that kind of care is extraordinary.”

During Heart Month and beyond, Adventist Health Simi Valley stands ready to provide the compassionate, cutting-edge care our community deserves.

Take it from Sheri: listen to your body, stay informed, and never hesitate to seek care.