A woman has shared her terrifying ordeal after mistaking a heart attack for indigestion while eating her favourite Doner kebab.
Sallie Crawley initially dismissed the “unusual” symptoms she felt after consuming the greasy treat.
In the days following the meal, she felt fatigued and sick, so she went to bed to rest.
As her condition soon spiralled, she rushed to the doctor where she was given shocking news.
“I noticed a tingling sensation in my arms and felt breathless – it was terrifying,” Sallie, from Cambridge, told Need To Know.
“I went to the doctors and they told me ‘It could be a stomach ulcer but really we think you have a heart attack’.
“I couldn’t believe it and was in disbelief, especially as they said I needed to be hospitalised immediately.”
Sallie was taken to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where she underwent an angioplasty and had three stents inserted into her heart.
The 60-year-old’s recovery included a 12-week cardio rehab course.
The mental recovery has proved especially challenging for the mum, who no longer feels able to eat takeaways.
Not only could they worsen her heart health, but she also worries about mistaking a serious sign for indigestion again.
Whenever she sees a Doner kebab shop or someone eating a kebab roll, Sallie feels chills up her spine.
She said: “I haven’t eaten and am never likely to eat a Doner kebab again.
“Just the thought of the sliced meat brings back memories of that night.
“I have also had an adrenal gland removed as it was impacting my heart health due to high levels of cortisol.
“I definitely don’t want to be around someone that is eating a Doner and would probably tell them my story!
“I am pretty much against all takeaway foods, even my favourite KFC.
“It makes me cringe at the thought of the fat and oil content, not to mention the additives that are used in [junk food].”
Since the incident, Sallie has found solace and support in online communities for heart attack survivors.
She said: “Since my heart attack, the world has become a scary place.
“[For a long time], I feared falling asleep in case I didn’t wake up and I was scared to leave the house.”
Eager to help others, Sallie created a group called ‘My Heart & Mind Community for Heart Attack and Heart Surgery Survivors, as well as written two books relating to cardiac health.
She added: “We speak about our experiences and lend a listening ear for one another.
“My story serves as a reminder that vigilance and timely medical attention can make a significant difference in saving lives.
“Us ladies might delay seeking help but it’s important to get any unusual symptoms checked out, it just might save your life.”
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