“When I was just 25 years old, I had ‘weird’ chest discomfort after eating spicy foods,” recalls Gomez of Merrillville. She almost dismissed it as acid reflux, but she works for Cardiologist Pastor Llobet and knew she needed to go to the nearest ED to have it checked out.
“I ended up with first and second degree heart block and a pacemaker, and it has changed my life,” says the former semi-professional boxer.
“I won’t be able to ever box again which was my life’s dream,” explains Gomez. “But more importantly, I got a second chance and I’m here for my three children. I also have a chance to make a difference in the lives of patients coming into Dr. Llobet and Dr. Abbas’ office where I work. “We’ve had a number of patients coming into the office afraid of a pacemaker or blockage or stents, but I tell them my story and they think, ‘she is young and she got through it; then I can too’,” she says.
Heart disease can strike at any age. Find out more about the advanced heart care and cardiovascular services offered by the hospitals of Community Healthcare System.
