I ignored my symptoms after eating a kebab, then I was rushed into surgery

A Cambridge woman has spoken out about her harrowing experience after mistaking a heart attack for indigestion while enjoying her favorite Doner kebab. Sallie Crawley, 60, initially brushed off the “unusual” symptoms she experienced after the meal, attributing them to fatigue and sickness. However, as her condition rapidly worsened, she sought medical help and received a shocking diagnosis.

“I felt a tingling sensation in my arms and was breathless—it was terrifying,” Sallie told reporters. “At the doctor’s, they said it could be a stomach ulcer, but they suspected a heart attack. I was in disbelief when they told me I needed to be hospitalized immediately.”

Sallie was rushed to Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where she underwent an angioplasty and had three stents inserted into her heart. Her physical recovery involved a 12-week cardio rehab program, but the emotional toll has been even more profound. The mother of one now avoids takeaways entirely, haunted by the fear of confusing serious symptoms with indigestion again.

“Seeing a Doner kebab shop or someone eating one sends chills up my spine,” she admitted. “The thought of the sliced meat brings back memories of that night. I’m also put off by all takeaway foods—even KFC—because of the fat, oil, and additives.” Sallie’s health challenges didn’t end there; she later had an adrenal gland removed due to elevated cortisol levels affecting her heart.

The ordeal has left Sallie wary of everyday activities. “The world became a scary place after my heart attack,” she said. “For a long time, I was afraid to fall asleep or leave the house.” Seeking support, she turned to online communities for heart attack survivors and founded My Heart & Mind Community for Heart Attack and Heart Surgery Survivors. She has also authored two books on cardiac health to raise awareness.

Through her group, Sallie connects with others to share experiences and offer support. “My story is a reminder that vigilance and timely medical attention can save lives,” she emphasized. “Women especially might delay seeking help, but it’s critical to get unusual symptoms checked—it just might save your life.”

SOURCE