Interview with Tena Kennedy – Life with chronic illnesses, it’s good to talk

My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley

Just before her 50th birthday Tena was admitted to hospital with unstable angina, and this was just the beginning of her story. Tena lives with many cardiac and respiratory chronic illnesses and she shares with us her journey and her coping mechanisms that helped her with her glass half full outlook despite the many changes to her life.
She talks about her diagnosis and some of the procedures she has undergone, including TOE (Transoesophageal Echocardiogram) and explains what that is. We also talk about acceptance of using a CPAP machine at night, how scary the thought is compared to reality.
Tena shares her thoughts about honesty with the people that love you.
We talk about fear, and how not knowing or understanding can add to the worry. We also continue to discuss becoming confident and that you need to be your own advocate with your medical team. She shares her top tips for making the most of medical and hospital appointments.
Tena shares her top tip for managing your emotions and thoughts is about using your voice. How finding people who share similar experiences, can help you not with the medical side but with how it was for them. She shares her story about the support she got from finding Facebook groups on the internet.
Another topic we discuss is the importance of acceptance and liking the new you after diagnosis.
Tena talks us through what motivates her, how having a mobility scooter is of great benefit to family life and the impact of her health on her mental health.
And so much more, did I mention one of the key tips from Tena is to talk ….
And now, let me introduce you to … Tena Kennedy
Facebook groups mentioned in this episode:

1. Belles Hearties ♥️
2. Pumping Marvellous the Heart Failure Charity Help for Hearts Facebook Group

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Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a life-changing event can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people that have had similar experiences. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome.