Gerry and Her Pacemakers by Gerry Shepherd

Are you struggling to navigate the complex journey of congenital heart disease in your family?

Do you feel overwhelmed and isolated after your child’s diagnosis?

Are you searching for practical advice and emotional support to help you through this difficult time?

Do you want to connect with a story that truly understands what you’re going through?

Finding out your child has congenital heart disease is a daunting experience. The emotional turmoil, endless medical appointments, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. “Gerry and Her Pacemakers: Living with Congenital Heart Disease—Practical Advice and Emotional Support for Families Facing Heart Disease” is here for you.

Gerry’s story goes beyond survival. It is about thriving against the odds and finding joy in the journey. In this candid and heartfelt book, Gerry shares her story: from her diagnosis in 1987 as one of around 4,600 babies born with congenital heart disease in the UK every year to six open-heart surgeries, three pacemakers, and countless other procedures. This book is both a memoir and a comprehensive resource filled with the advice and knowledge Gerry and her family wish they had known from the beginning.

With over 30 years of personal experience and countless interactions with families facing similar challenges, Gerry offers refreshingly optimistic and practical insights, emotional support, and guidance that can help you get through this journey without losing your way.

You’ll find solace in knowing you’re not alone, and gain valuable insights to help you navigate this difficult path:

• Overcome the Initial Shock: Learn how to manage the overwhelming emotions that come with a congenital heart disease diagnosis.
• Navigate Medical Needs: Get practical tips on dealing with surgeries, hospital stays, and the healthcare system.
• Find Emotional Support: Connect with Gerry’s relatable and candid storytelling to find empathy and understanding.
• Maintain Normalcy: Keep a sense of normalcy for your family with ways to balance everyday life with medical challenges.
• Prepare for the Future: Understand what to expect and how to plan for both short-term and long-term medical care.
• Strengthen Family Bonds: Learn how to support your loved ones and strengthen family relationships during tough times.
• Gain Practical Tips: Benefit from Gerry’s advice on pain management, self-care, and navigating hospital environments.
• Build Resilience: Develop coping strategies to handle the emotional and physical challenges of congenital heart disease.
• Spark Hope: Empower yourself to stay hopeful and strong by drawing inspiration from Gerry’s story of survival and optimism.

And more!

Look forward to having a resource that not only guides you through the medical aspects of congenital heart disease but will provide emotional support when you need it.