From Fear to Relief: Mdm Badariah’s Heart Journey

By Chan Yu Qing

At 68 years old, Mdm Badariah Binti Ahmad thought the stabbing pain in her chest was just another ailment that came with age. But in August 2024, her life changed when she discovered she had heart disease.

Living with Pain

"I felt a stabbing sensation on the left side, where my heart is," Mdm Badariah recalled. When she told her children about the pain, they grew concerned and urged her to seek medical attention immediately. She was diagnosed with heart valve disease by the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS).

Before treatment, Mdm Badariah's daily life became a struggle. The pain was relentless and severe. "Every day, the pain in my heart made it difficult to breathe. I couldn’t sleep even when supported by three pillows," she shared.

Simple tasks became insurmountable challenges. Household chores, going to the market, even moving about the house all became difficult. For someone who had always been independent, this loss of mobility was particularly distressing.

Facing Fear and Finding Courage

Due to underlying health conditions that placed Mdm Badariah at higher surgical risk, her only viable option was the MitraClip procedure, an innovative and minimally invasive treatment to repair leaking heart valves. When her doctors first suggested it, Mdm Badariah admitted she was frightened. Her fear deepened when she thought about the cost. "I was afraid and worried that we couldn't afford the procedure. It’s expensive," she explained.

With support from NHCS Medical Social Workers, Mdm Badariah applied for financial assistance from the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund to help subsidise her treatment. The subsidy brought her immense relief. "The assistance means so much to us," she said gratefully. With her children's encouragement, Mdm Badariah found the courage to proceed with the procedure.

The Road to Recovery

A few weeks after the procedure, Mdm Badariah was able to breathe easily again. The pain that had made rest and daily activities unbearable was gone, and her quality of life returned. “I felt relieved. Most of the pain was gone," she said with a smile.

Throughout her recovery journey, Mdm Badariah's family remained her pillar of strength. "The whole family was united in helping," she shared warmly. Her husband and children supported her during the recovery period, especially when she was feeling weak in the early days following the procedure.

Mdm Badariah (right) with her son Mr Mazlan

Today, more than one year after her diagnosis and treatment, Mdm Badariah remains deeply grateful for her improved health. She now enjoys the simple joys of daily life such as sharing meals and spending time with her family: "My hope for the future is to remain healthy. Not to trouble anyone. Insya Allah."

Your Gift Saves Lives

Your gift to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund can help more heart patients like Mdm Badariah access critical care and rebuild their lives. Make a donation to help heart patients today: https://for.sg/jfh25.

Together, we can bring hope and healing to others in need.