Testimonial of Amanda Philip Amandi:

A 19-Year-Old Male Diagnosed with Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm After Misdiagnosis of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, From Diagnosis to Recovery with Gratitude for Dr. Dan and the CardioStart Mission Team

I had the chance to speak with Amanda Philip Amandi, a 19-year-old male, on day 3 of his surgery while he was recovering in the ICU. When I asked, “What’s your name and how old are you?” he replied, “My name is Amanda Philip Amandi, and I’m 19 years old.” I then asked, “How are you feeling right now?” He shared, “I’m feeling a little tired and have some pain over the surgical incision, but I’m also a lot relieved because I no longer see or feel my heart beating through my chest.”

Amanda’s journey began last year when he first noticed chest pain. I asked, “When did you get to know about your heart condition, and how did you feel after the diagnosis?” He explained, “I went to a community hospital where they did an ECG, an echo, and prescribed me pain medication. But even after using it, I didn’t feel better. I couldn’t follow up for regular checkups because I was busy with my entrance exams for college. Eventually, the pain worsened, and when I returned to the hospital, they misdiagnosed me with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. They treated me for it, but I didn’t get better.” I asked what happened next, and Amanda continued, “Two months ago, I noticed my heartbeat was visible through my chest, which was concerning. A doctor from India, volunteering at Kilimanjaro, recognized that it wasn’t takotsubo cardiomyopathy but a left ventricular aneurysm. He immediately referred me to JKCI for further evaluation, where I was officially diagnosed with the aneurysm.”

When I asked how he felt after surgery, Amanda said, “Now I’m really satisfied with how the surgery went, all thanks to Dr. Dan, who made me feel at ease throughout the process, and the nurses who took care of me day and night after surgery, attending to my needs very attentively. I’m really grateful for the Cardiostart team. I was terrified of how the surgery would go, but I’m relieved that I’m feeling much better now, and my heartbeat is no longer visible. That means I’m getting better.”

Looking ahead, Amanda is focused on his future. “I cracked the entrance exam and got into the college I wanted. Once I recover, I’m going to join and start my college journey,” he said with excitement. I asked about his aspirations, and Amanda replied, “I want to become an accountant so I can earn more money and help my parents and siblings.” He smiled when I asked about his family: “I’m the oldest of four siblings, and I can’t wait to go back home and spend time with my sisters. I adore them deeply.”