My Journey of Healing: A Testament to God’s Faithfulness

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalm 118:24 ESV

Introduction

In April 2025, my life changed forever. What began as two SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) heart attacks within a week, followed by emergency double bypass open-heart surgery, could have been the end of my story. Instead, by God’s incredible mercy and grace, it became the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with deeper faith, profound gratitude, and an unwavering testimony to His healing power.

As I write this now, five months later, I’m overwhelmed with thanksgiving for every breath, every heartbeat, and every step forward in this journey. This is my story of healing, hope, and the faithfulness of our God who declared over me in the ambulance, “Not today, Daughter” as His truth to cling to that day and it wasn't going to be my last breathe here in this earth.

The Storm: When Life Changed Forever

It started with a vivid spiritual dream and the Lord dropping 1 Thessalonians 5:17 into my spirit: “Pray without ceasing” first thing upon awaking.  I didn’t know then that I would need those words just hours later when the first heart attack struck. In the ambulance, even as my heart was deprived of blood flow, there was no fear—only peace and constant prayer. Jesus was with me every moment.

Once I was in the ER, The artery had spontaneously reopened as quickly as the SCAD had originally closed my artery.  I spent two nights in the ICU and a third in the regular room hospital and was cleared to go home. After a couple of nights at home of the best sleep I’d had in a year (which I now see as God’s preparation), a second, more severe SCAD STEMI heart attack occurred at around 9AM. God's timing was perfect that morning as the doctors and surgeons were all ready and at the hospital.  The spiral dissection had grown, affecting both the “widowmaker” LAD artery and the circumflex artery. Emergency open-heart surgery became necessary—a double coronary artery bypass graft had to be completed. 

My medical team confirmed that survival in these circumstances was nothing short of miraculous. My cardiologist, Dr. David Prutzman, who has decades of experience, had never seen a SCAD that had spread so extensively. Every step of the process had to go perfectly—and by God’s grace, every single step did.

The Healing: God’s Faithfulness Day by Day

Weeks 1-4: Foundation of Recovery

Coming home on Good Friday after nine days in the ICU felt like divine timing—the old was gone, the new had come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Those early weeks were filled with short walks, many naps, and learning to receive help—something God was teaching me as an act of humility, not weakness.

The emotional healing was as important as the physical. I learned to cry when I needed to, to rest when my body demanded it, and to marvel at how God was healing not just my heart, but my whole self.

Weeks 5-8: Building Strength

By week 5, I experienced my first day without a nap since coming home. I was walking to the mailbox, climbing stairs, and sleeping in my own bed again. Cardiac rehab began, and my body welcomed the gentle return to movement with steady vitals and improving numbers.

At my 8-week follow-up, my echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 55—in the healthy heart range! My resting heart rate had dropped from the 90s to an average of 72 bpm. The little fluid remaining in my lung was beginning to clear as we continued to pray for complete healing.

Weeks 10-15: Expanding Horizons

Week 10 brought the beautiful milestone of being completely free from all remaining chest pain. The fluid in my lung was officially gone—a direct answer to prayer. I joined a local gym and began building stamina beyond cardiac rehab.

By week 15, we celebrated our 30th anniversary with a trip to Pismo Beach, California. I averaged 7,000-9,000 steps per day with no unusual fatigue. Flying, which had concerned me, went smoothly with my heart rate remaining at normal levels throughout.

Five Months Later: A New Chapter

As I write this five-month update, I’m filled with awe at God’s continued faithfulness. Recent adventures have included a trip to Sedona where I completed a one-mile hike and witnessed the breathtaking Milky Way—a reminder of God’s vast creation and His intimate care for each of us.

My body continues to heal and communicate its needs clearly. I’ve learned to listen to those signals as part of the ongoing process. The summer thunderstorms bring an interesting awareness—my heart can lightly feel the lightning, a fascinating reminder of how my body has changed. It’s not painful, just a gentle reminder that makes me pause with gratitude.

I’ve returned to painting. There’s something profound about creating beauty with my hands as another form of worship, bringing something new into the world that didn’t previously exist.

Lessons Learned: Gifts from the Journey

Learning to Receive

God taught me that asking for and receiving help isn’t weakness—it’s healthy, freeing, and biblical. There’s beauty in being both a giver and a receiver.

Divine Appointments

Throughout this journey, God has arranged countless divine encounters—from fellow patients sharing their healing testimonies to strangers who needed to hear about His goodness. He uses each of us to inspire, encourage, and testify of His faithfulness.

Marriage Strengthened

Larry walked through this journey with unwavering faith, having to surrender me completely to God’s will. Our 30 years of marriage took on even deeper meaning as we faced it together with Christ Jesus.

Community Love

The body of Christ has shown up in beautiful ways—through meals, prayers, visits, and countless acts of kindness. You’ve been the hands and feet of Jesus to us, and we’re forever grateful.

Medical Miracles and Provision

The Medical Side

What made this particularly miraculous was that my heart was completely healthy previously—no heart disease, no cholesterol buildup, no traditional blockages. SCAD is a rare condition where the artery suddenly tears, creating a flap that blocks blood flow. The cardiologist acknowledged in an appointment that we either had “luck” or “divine intervention.” We know with certainty it was God’s healing divine hand.

Financial Provision

Through Christian Healthcare Ministries, what would have been over a million dollars in medical bills was dramatically reduced and hospital bills have  been paid. God has met every need, just as He promises.

The Bigger Picture: God’s Glory

This journey has never been just about physical healing. It’s about God’s kingdom and His glory. We’ve heard stories of people returning to prayer, drawing near to God again through witnessing this testimony. Everything is for His glory and for His kingdom purposes.

Some are healed in this life, others join Him face to face, fully healed in eternity—but all according to His perfect will and divine plan. I’m humbled and grateful that God chose to give me more days, more breath, more opportunities to serve His kingdom. He’s not done with my story yet.

Looking Forward: Grateful for Each Day

Every morning I wake with fresh awareness that every breath is a gift. He is the very breath in my lungs—YHWH. Each birthday now takes on deeper meaning, a tangible reminder of God’s mercy and the precious gift of time.

As we embrace fall and look toward the future, I’m filled with anticipation and gratitude. Special moments like my father’s upcoming visit—his first since this all began—remind me how precious these connections are.

There are days filled with energy and adventure, others calling for rest and reflection. 

A Living Testimony

This testimony continues to unfold in His perfect timing. Through every step of this journey, God has been faithful. Through every breath, He has been present. Through every challenge and every victory, He has been good.

I will continue to tell of His glory every chance I get. What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned for good—not just for our good, but for His glory and the building of His kingdom.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

To God alone be all the glory. He is faithful. He is the healer. He is not finished with any of our stories.

Blessing and Love,

Amy

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About the Author: Amy Schultz is an artist and SCAD survivor living in Arizona with her husband Larry. Through her art and testimony, she continues to share God’s faithfulness and healing power. You can view her artwork and follow her continued healing journey at amyschultzart.com.

Thank you to everyone who has walked this journey with us through prayers, support, and love. Your faithfulness means more than words can express.