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Gerry Shepherd
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Gerry and Her Pacemakers: Living with Congenital Heart Disease — Practical Advice and Emotional Support for Families Facing Heart Disease Paperback – September 29, 2024

by Gerry Shepherd (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 20 ratings
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Are you struggling to navigate the complex journey of congenital heart disease in your family?

Do you feel overwhelmed and isolated after your child’s diagnosis?

Are you searching for practical advice and emotional support to help you through this difficult time?

Do you want to connect with a story that truly understands what you’re going through?

Finding out your child has congenital heart disease is a daunting experience. The emotional turmoil, endless medical appointments, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. “Gerry and Her Pacemakers: Living with Congenital Heart Disease—Practical Advice and Emotional Support for Families Facing Heart Disease” is here for you.

Gerry’s story goes beyond survival. It is about thriving against the odds and finding joy in the journey. In this candid and heartfelt book, Gerry shares her story: from her diagnosis in 1987 as one of around 4,600 babies born with congenital heart disease in the UK every year to six open-heart surgeries, three pacemakers, and countless other procedures. This book is both a memoir and a comprehensive resource filled with the advice and knowledge Gerry and her family wish they had known from the beginning.

With over 30 years of personal experience and countless interactions with families facing similar challenges, Gerry offers refreshingly optimistic and practical insights, emotional support, and guidance that can help you get through this journey without losing your way.

You’ll find solace in knowing you’re not alone, and gain valuable insights to help you navigate this difficult path:

  • Overcome the Initial Shock: Learn how to manage the overwhelming emotions that come with a congenital heart disease diagnosis.
  • Navigate Medical Needs: Get practical tips on dealing with surgeries, hospital stays, and the healthcare system.
  • Find Emotional Support: Connect with Gerry’s relatable and candid storytelling to find empathy and understanding.
  • Maintain Normalcy: Keep a sense of normalcy for your family with ways to balance everyday life with medical challenges.
  • Prepare for the Future: Understand what to expect and how to plan for both short-term and long-term medical care.
  • Strengthen Family Bonds: Learn how to support your loved ones and strengthen family relationships during tough times.
  • Gain Practical Tips: Benefit from Gerry’s advice on pain management, self-care, and navigating hospital environments.
  • Build Resilience: Develop coping strategies to handle the emotional and physical challenges of congenital heart disease.
  • Spark Hope: Empower yourself to stay hopeful and strong by drawing inspiration from Gerry’s story of survival and optimism.

And more!

Look forward to having a resource that not only guides you through the medical aspects of congenital heart disease but will provide emotional support when you need it.

Get your copy of “Gerry and Her Pacemakers: Living with Congenital Heart Disease — Practical Advice and Emotional Support for Families Facing Heart Disease” today and remind yourself you are not alone!

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  1. Print length
    264 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 29, 2024
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.66 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-13
    979-8338113578
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From the Publisher

Gerry and her Pacemekers, nonfiction, book description, living with heart disease
Navigate Medical Complexities, Gerry and Her Pacemakers, Gerry Shepherd
Emotional Support and Resilience, Herry and Her Pacemakers
Hope and Inspiration, Gerry and Her Pacemakers
From comprehensive medical guidance to emotional and medical support, Gerry and her Pacemakers

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DG56W4Y8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (September 29, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8338113578
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.66 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 20 ratings

About the author

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Gerry Shepherd

Gerry Shepherd

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Hi, I am Gerry Shepherd! 👋

Fun facts about me:​

- I am one of the happiest people you will ever meet

- I'm related to Florence Nightingale

- My mother is very Belgian and my father is very British

- I shouldn't have written my first manuscript in lockdown of Covid

- I make a mean gin and tonic - Cheers!

I was born in London, England, in the spring of 1987. I count myself incredibly lucky to be here today, as soon after being born, I was found to have pulmonary atresia (cardiovascular disease). This was the start of hospital notes, which span over three decades.

There was so much worry regarding my health and how everything would all pan out every step of the way, but after having six open heart surgeries and countless other procedures, I am still here, and I'd say I'm one of the happiest people you will ever meet.

My health meant my immune system was weaker, and I had less energy (my husband disagrees) than my peers. Growing up, I found a passion for all things creative, which normally were activities that were quite static and gave me an opportunity to express myself within my own limits. After a Business and Retail degree at Oxford Brookes, I went on to do an MA in interior design in Florence. This led me to become an interior designer with my own firm in London, Bamboo Elephant.

As early as I can remember, I have always loved to write and found joy in putting pen to paper. Writing mysteries and poems were my favourite. As an adult, I continued; however, there never seemed to be quite enough time, until lockdown, during Covid, when I had no excuse to finish Gerry and her Pacemakers finally — a project I had been planning and thinking about for years.

Since then, the floodgates have opened and I feel so overwhelmingly excited about so many other books and projects, so please watch this space ​☺️

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
20 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • E. Blenk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story of bravery, fortitude and happiness
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2025
    Like many of the other reviewers, I couldn't put this book down. Gerry writes a happy and positive story about her 30+ years living with congenital heart disease, diagnosed at just 3 days old. It's not just a beautifully told story about her life, but also a guide for those living with heart disease and for their loved ones. Gerry walks the reader through her countless operations and procedures and gives tips and tricks on how to deal with managing her condition, both physically and emotionally. This book will make you laugh and cry, sometimes in the same page. I can't recommend it enough.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sandra C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book. An honest and personal account on life with congenital heart disease
    Reviewed in France on October 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is filled with the honesty and positivity of the author. She provides practical advice for parents and people with congenital heart disease (or more generally children/people going through major surgeries and medical interventions).
    It’s such a heavy subject, written in quite a light hearted, but still serious way, broken down into short, helpful sections, with cute sketches and personal stories.
    It’s really opened my eyes to what other people can be going through, and I’d recommend it to anyone whether they’re part of “the club” or otherwise. It’s really a lovely book about a lovely person.
    Report
  • Gonzalo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Gerry Shepherd's "Gerry and Her Pacemakers" is more than just a memoir; it's a lifeline for anyone navigating the complexities of congenital heart disease. With raw honesty and unwavering optimism, Gerry shares her extraordinary journey, from her diagnosis as a baby to enduring multiple open-heart surgeries and living with pacemakers.
    Gerry's story goes beyond survival. It's a powerful demonstration of how someone can not only face significant health challenges but truly thrive despite them and this tone is set from the very beginning of the story. The book also offers practical advice, offering the kind of insights and guidance that Gerry and her family wished they had access to from the very beginning.

    But beyond the practicalities of living with a heart condition, "Gerry and Her Pacemakers" provides something equally important: emotional support. Gerry's candid and heartfelt narrative offers a sense of comfort and reassurance to anyone living with a health condition, letting readers know that they're not alone in their experiences. Ultimately, Gerry's story is one of hope and empowerment. She inspires readers to embrace life with joy and courage, regardless of the obstacles they face. "Gerry and Her Pacemakers" is a remarkable book, one that will touch your heart and leave you feeling uplifted. Whether you're a patient, a family member, or simply someone in search of inspiration, this book stands as a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.

    Overall, "Gerry and Her Pacemakers" is a moving and funny book. The writer is a great storyteller, and it's really encouraging to see how they handled everything. It's a good reminder that even with health stuff, you can still live a full life. You'll come away feeling like you've just had a good chat with someone who's been through a lot and has a lot of wisdom to share.
    Report
  • Mairi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful. Supportive. Humorous. Uplifting.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a must-read for anyone contending with a long-term illness or supporting someone who is. Drawn from the author’s lived experience, it’s packed with practical advice for those living with heart disease - and the loved ones it affects. But the wider message of living life to the full despite a diagnosis applies to anyone facing their own health struggles.

    This is no medical journal. Alongside the practical advice, Gerry Shepherd fills the pages with personal anecdotes from her life that are both funny and moving.

    She clearly finds humour, silliness and love in adversity and wants to take others on the same journey. Gerry reflects on her own challenging medical history with a raw candidness but unwavering positivity. And this book is brimming with emotional support for how others can do the same.
    Report
  • Anya
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brave and beautiful storytelling, with practical tips for living with CHD or a chronic condition.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A beautiful read - it is both heartwarming and at times heart wrenching, the author takes you straight into the core of her experience of living with Congenital Heart Disease since the day she was born.

    It is a truly brave and honest account about her fears, triumphs, and unrelentingly posotive onward journey of going through surgeries and hospital visits for as long as she could remember. The stories and experiences told from the perspective of a young person was truly eye opening - as it offers an insight into the cycle of surgeries and recovery. It tells a tapestry of beautifully woven stories of resilience and finding bright and funny moments in even the darkest times.

    The author writes with great humour and charm drawing you in to both smile, laugh and cry with her. I love the beautiful illustrations on the pages of this book, they really bring the story to life and made me smile every time I encounter them.

    This is a "must-read" and "give-as-as-gift" book - as it really opens our eyes and hearts to what it is like to live with a chronic condition, or how to advocate for, support, or alleviate the suffering of someone living with a chronic condition. I'm grateful to the author of this book for the gift of sharing her experience with us - which must have come at a great personal emotional cost - so that families, teachers and friends could learn from her journey.
    Customer image
    Anya
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Brave and beautiful storytelling, with practical tips for living with CHD or a chronic condition.

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2024
    A beautiful read - it is both heartwarming and at times heart wrenching, the author takes you straight into the core of her experience of living with Congenital Heart Disease since the day she was born.

    It is a truly brave and honest account about her fears, triumphs, and unrelentingly posotive onward journey of going through surgeries and hospital visits for as long as she could remember. The stories and experiences told from the perspective of a young person was truly eye opening - as it offers an insight into the cycle of surgeries and recovery. It tells a tapestry of beautifully woven stories of resilience and finding bright and funny moments in even the darkest times.

    The author writes with great humour and charm drawing you in to both smile, laugh and cry with her. I love the beautiful illustrations on the pages of this book, they really bring the story to life and made me smile every time I encounter them.

    This is a "must-read" and "give-as-as-gift" book - as it really opens our eyes and hearts to what it is like to live with a chronic condition, or how to advocate for, support, or alleviate the suffering of someone living with a chronic condition. I'm grateful to the author of this book for the gift of sharing her experience with us - which must have come at a great personal emotional cost - so that families, teachers and friends could learn from her journey.
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  • Jake George
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and Informative
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished reading Gerry and Her Pacemaker, and I must say, it's a truly inspiring and educational book.

    Gerry does an excellent job of explaining medical concepts in a way that's easy to understand, making the book accessible to all. At the same time, the story explores themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of staying positive in the face of challenges.

    Gerry's journey is relatable, engaging, and often humorous, making her a lovable author. The supporting characters, including Gerry's family and medical team, add depth and warmth to the story.

    One of the things that impressed me most about this book is its ability to balance entertainment with education. I learned a lot about pacemakers and heart health, and yet, the book never felt preaching or dry.

    Overall, I highly recommend Gerry and Her Pacemaker to anyone looking for a heartwarming and informative read.
    Report