Emma Perry

Name: Emma Perry

Condition(s): Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Implanted Automatic Cardioverter Defibrillator

Wears: Wheat Stainless Steel Bracelet

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"If you met me in the street you wouldn't know that there was anything different about me. That is why my Emblem is there; a subtle reminder to others that I have a serious medical condition."

In April 1997, on the way home from college, Emma blacked out whilst driving and went into the back of a taxi. She was taken to hospital and had a variety of tests. It was discovered that she had an irregular heartbeat. One of the chambers of her heart was enlarged and Emma was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Emma recalls: "In October 1999, in the middle of the night, I suffered a major heart attack. I was unconscious after having some kind of fit. My partner, Mark, raised the alarm and a neighbour phoned for an ambulance. It took the ambulance about 40 minutes to get to me, during which time I suffered all kinds of disabilities including hearing loss and blindness.

I was taken to Perth hospital and admitted straight into the Intensive Care Unit, where I had another heart attack. This time I was connected to a machine that was able to tell the doctors where the problem was identified. After some tests, I was told some devastating news: I was 20 years old and was told that, unless I had an Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD), I would die.

After my first operation and check-up, I was given a number of leaflets, one of which was from MedicAlert. I have now had my fourth ICD fitted since my first diagnosis. After a number of ups and downs, including being told that I wouldn't be able to have children, I lead a normal life. This is due to the help of my ICD, my family and my MedicAlert. If you met me in the street you wouldn't know that there was anything different, which is why my MedicAlert bracelet is there, as a subtle reminder to others that I have a serious medical condition."

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