Three decade long search ends with a microvascular disease diagnosis for Jody Rochecouste

For 30 years a Cranbourne North woman has been experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath but there was diagnosis — until now.

A Cranbourne North woman has spoken out warning other women to be more aware of their cardiovascular health, as research shows more than half a million Australians were diagnosed with coronary heart disease between 2020 and 2021.

Jody Rochecouste, 56, was diagnosed with a microvascular disorder a full 30 years after she first experienced symptoms.

Ms Rochecouste said the signs began with chest pains and running out of breath.

“I would be working and one day I could work perfectly fine, the next I’d get a lot of chest pain and couldn’t work as I was breathless,” she said.

“That’s been my rollercoaster ride for 30 years.”

After undergoing countless tests over three decades, Ms Rochecouste said she felt disillusioned and at times foolish, for continuing to push doctors to look into her symptoms.

“I think there would be quite a lot of women in the same situation as well,” she said.

“It can cause you to stop looking because you’re continuously told it’s anxiety or stress, but I knew it was something else.”

Ms Rochecouste continued prodding the issue, due to family members who had both suffered with heart issues, or died from heart attacks.

“We had to wait until they’d died to really see what the issue was,” she said.

“I didn’t want that to be me, I didn’t want to have to die for my family to find out what was going on with my heart.”

Cranbourne North woman, Jody Rochecouste, 56, was diagnosed with a microvascular disorders after 30 years of trying to find answers. Image: supplied.

Ms Rochecouste said her experience with Dr Monique Watts had been completely different from any other doctor.

“Dr Watts was the first doctor I felt comfortable sharing my history with, and I felt like she was actually listening,” she said.

“I knew she would get to the bottom of it.”

Dr Watts is a cardiologist and a heart failure specialist, who established The Alfred’s Woman’s Heart Clinic — the first of its kind in the state.

Dr Watts highlighted the importance of an accurate diagnosis.

“There is solid evidence that patients have increased adverse cardiac outcomes compared with a healthy population,” she said.

“We know these patients do worse, which is why diagnosis is important. A diagnosis stops the cycle of constant testing, emergency department presentations and hospitalisations, and it provides us with a sound indication for treatment to improve symptoms, quality of life and prevent premature death.”

Dr Watts also said the psychological aspect of a diagnosis was also important.

“At a cardiac level, there’s clear benefit in a firm diagnosis, but the psychological impact should not be underestimated,” she said.

“It can be life changing for a patient to have an answer and an explanation, and no longer be searching.”

Ms Rochecouste said her experience in getting a diagnosis eased years of stress.

“People ask why would I be happy to know there is something wrong with my heart, but for me just getting answers was such a relief,” she said.

“I seriously encourage anybody who is experiencing this right now to keep going to find the answers you need. Continued research and more diagnosis’ will save lives, I’m certain of it.”

The annual campaign REDFEB is run by Heart Research Australia, and encourages Australians to wear red in awareness of heart disease and to raise much-needed funds for lifesaving research.

Coronary heart disease was the highest cause of death in Australian women in 2020.

For more information about heart disease and getting a diagnosis, click here.

 
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