I think that I owe everyone an apology...I have had to take a little time to process everything that the DR. told me....I guess it has taken me this long to come to terms with it all..
So I got a call on Thursday the 4th after I had the Heart Cath done on Monday the 1st.. Dr. Kar proceeded to tell me that my heart is very small and that the Heart Mate II that we originally had looked at for me would not work because it is too big for me...
Then he threw in the BOMBSHELL, "we also noticed in this last cath procedure that your Tricuspid valve (which is actually bicuspid in your case) has a leak in it, it is a small leak, however that means that we cannot use the Heart Ware pump either, because if we were to put it in it would make your leak worse, and that would cause even more complications. So after discussing this with the Transplant team, and Transplant Board on Tuesday, we have all come to the conclusion that it is in your best interest to go ahead and proceed with the transplant. You will be placed as a status 2 on the list which means you are at home and stable at this point."
Needless to say I was speechless!!!!
After all of that researching, and talking to other patients about the pump, and finally concluding and having a peace about the decision to go ahead with the pump instead of straight to transplant....(after many long prayers) the decision was taken away from me.
So I was officially put on the list this past Monday, and now we wait!!!!
I am really hoping and praying that I continue to Serve, and Love and Trust HIM while I wait!!!!!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Day of Heart Cath
My dear friend Jenn went with me to have my Heart Cath done, which was a long day for both of us... Maybe longer for her!!She came and picked me up at 10:30 am, my appointment was scheduled for 3:30, but they wanted me there by noon....so we got there by then... I was hoping that they would get me in earlier than my time, but they wound up not getting me in, ( well taking me back) until 4:00pm. I did not actually get in the cath room until about 5:00, and I do not think that I got back to my room until about 6:15. We where able to leave at about 8:15, so Jenn got me home at around 9:15 or so... I am sure this was a very long day for her. I so appreciated her company, we had very good conversation...I learned a lot about Jenn and I think she learned a lot about me.
It was a very good day considering!!!!!!!!
First Day of Transplant Workup
This is the picture that the Transplant Team will use for my file, I am not really sure why they do this but here it is!!
This is from the morning that I started all of my Transplant Process. Kids obviously were not ready for shool yet.
I wanted to have something for the kids to remember everything by...I hooe that later in life they can look back on this time and see how GOD grew thier faith and mine through all of this.
Aren't they just so cute!!!!
Well I do not know what Connor is doing....so don't even ask.
I wanted to have something for the kids to remember everything by...I hooe that later in life they can look back on this time and see how GOD grew thier faith and mine through all of this.
Aren't they just so cute!!!!
Well I do not know what Connor is doing....so don't even ask.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Next Steps, and Dates
I go in tomorrow the 1st for a right heart cath, that they will do through my neck this time..
Then the surgery is set for next Tuesday the 9Th. I am not sure about the time yet..I should know this on Wednesday or so.
When I saw my Dr this past Friday he said that I met all the criteria for the surgery, he just had to have this test as a formality.
So they will do the test tomorrow and then they present everything to the transplant team on Tuesday the 2ND, and then to the LVAD team on Wednesday the 3rd.
I will be kept on the transplant list as active, however stable, as long as there are no complications from the surgery or from having the pump (IE..blood clot, or strokes). If I am having problems from the surgery or the pump then they will move me up on the list as more critical.
Please keep me and the family in your prayers, as this is going to be a rough road ahead for ALL of us!!!!!!
Thank you all in advance for your prayers!!
Then the surgery is set for next Tuesday the 9Th. I am not sure about the time yet..I should know this on Wednesday or so.
When I saw my Dr this past Friday he said that I met all the criteria for the surgery, he just had to have this test as a formality.
So they will do the test tomorrow and then they present everything to the transplant team on Tuesday the 2ND, and then to the LVAD team on Wednesday the 3rd.
I will be kept on the transplant list as active, however stable, as long as there are no complications from the surgery or from having the pump (IE..blood clot, or strokes). If I am having problems from the surgery or the pump then they will move me up on the list as more critical.
Please keep me and the family in your prayers, as this is going to be a rough road ahead for ALL of us!!!!!!
Thank you all in advance for your prayers!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Update from Last Week
Last week was my appointments for the transplant work-up!!
It all went good, well as good as it can go..!
I had to be at St. Lukes on Wednesday at 8:45, and I did not get there until 8:55, because there was horrible traffic and wrecks that day.
Anyway I got there and checked in met with the Financial Advisor. She informed me that my insurance will pay everything after my out of pocket is met, which is 2500.00 a year. So this was absolutely great news!!!!
Then it was over to the lab for my blood work, where I had 16 tubes of blood taken. I started feeling bad after about the 6Th tube. They had me lie back and gave me some water and that seemed to help, they did not have to stick me again. We were able to get all 16 with the first stick.
I was very thankful for this~!
Then they gave me two huge jugs that I have to collect 24hrs worth of urine in, and bring back. I think that they ask some of the grossest things of us when we are sick. I have to keep it on ice in a cooler or in the fridge. Can any of you that know me see me putting urine in my fridge, NO WAY!!!!!!!
So then after that I met with the Nutritionist. She did not have anything to tell me that I already did not know.
Then I went and got something to eat.
After that I saw the Psychologist, who informed me that she thinks I need to see someone to talk about everything.
After her I met with the Transplant Coordinator. She basically went over all of the specifics on how it works...once again not much that I did not already know.
On Thursday I had to be at the Quinn Tower of St. Lukes at 7:30, this time I got there at 7:20..they got me all checked in and then started right at 8, I had an ultrasound of my veins in my neck and then of my veins in my feet all the way to my groin.
From there I went to the 10Th floor and had a bone density test, then I had an ultrasound of my kidney's and bladder....then I had to drink this nasty stuff and wait for 45 min and have a CT of my brain, chest, and abdomen.
I was able to get done around 12:30, so my mom and I met Wendy for lunch and then we came home.
I was so tired that I went to bed, and then got up around 5:30 and then went back to bed at 9, I don't think I have quite yet got all rested from these two days.
So I know go back this Friday the 29Th and have a Pulmonary Function Test, which is a breathing test, and then I see my Cardiologist at 10:45.
Maybe we will have more definitive dates then.
Thank you all for your prayers!!!! I continue to need them, so thank you in advance!
It all went good, well as good as it can go..!
I had to be at St. Lukes on Wednesday at 8:45, and I did not get there until 8:55, because there was horrible traffic and wrecks that day.
Anyway I got there and checked in met with the Financial Advisor. She informed me that my insurance will pay everything after my out of pocket is met, which is 2500.00 a year. So this was absolutely great news!!!!
Then it was over to the lab for my blood work, where I had 16 tubes of blood taken. I started feeling bad after about the 6Th tube. They had me lie back and gave me some water and that seemed to help, they did not have to stick me again. We were able to get all 16 with the first stick.
I was very thankful for this~!
Then they gave me two huge jugs that I have to collect 24hrs worth of urine in, and bring back. I think that they ask some of the grossest things of us when we are sick. I have to keep it on ice in a cooler or in the fridge. Can any of you that know me see me putting urine in my fridge, NO WAY!!!!!!!
So then after that I met with the Nutritionist. She did not have anything to tell me that I already did not know.
Then I went and got something to eat.
After that I saw the Psychologist, who informed me that she thinks I need to see someone to talk about everything.
After her I met with the Transplant Coordinator. She basically went over all of the specifics on how it works...once again not much that I did not already know.
On Thursday I had to be at the Quinn Tower of St. Lukes at 7:30, this time I got there at 7:20..they got me all checked in and then started right at 8, I had an ultrasound of my veins in my neck and then of my veins in my feet all the way to my groin.
From there I went to the 10Th floor and had a bone density test, then I had an ultrasound of my kidney's and bladder....then I had to drink this nasty stuff and wait for 45 min and have a CT of my brain, chest, and abdomen.
I was able to get done around 12:30, so my mom and I met Wendy for lunch and then we came home.
I was so tired that I went to bed, and then got up around 5:30 and then went back to bed at 9, I don't think I have quite yet got all rested from these two days.
So I know go back this Friday the 29Th and have a Pulmonary Function Test, which is a breathing test, and then I see my Cardiologist at 10:45.
Maybe we will have more definitive dates then.
Thank you all for your prayers!!!! I continue to need them, so thank you in advance!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Disibility Hearing
Well I had a disability hearing today..I had applied back in August of 09 when I started getting worse, and they put in my first defibrillator.
I had applied and been denied twice, so I had to go in front of a judge to see if I could plead my case.
Thank the Lord, he enabled for Sarah to have her radiation changed to that evening, because the machines where down. (which never happens). I asked her if she could take me and just happened earlier that day they had told her that they needed her to come in the afternoon instead of the morning, so she was able to take me. My how the Lord works even when we do not see it!!!!
So she took me and we got there at 9:30, which is when the attorney told me to be there. He did not get there until about 10 minutes until 10:00 which was when the hearing was scheduled for...( a little aggravating)
Sarah had to stay outside...I was so scared and nervous. I am not one that is normally in situations like that and it was so intimidating!!
They swore me in , and then my attorney started asking me a bunch of questions....which I had already answered to him about 3 times, but he had to ask them in front of the judge. He made me feel so inadequate and lazy. Every time he said sssooooo, you do not do anything during the day...(me).No Sir.....and you still have to take a nap most days even if you do not do anything......(me)..Yes Sirr....
I had heard him say that about 10 times and I broke down and started to cry....like I needed to be reminded that I am not able to take care of my kids the way I should, or my husband, or my house, I understand that I am incapable, but hearing this over and over just really upset me.
They gave me a tissue and wrapped up my testimony, and then called Sarah in there. They swore her in, and then asked her how long she had known me, and what she has noticed over the past year due to my health...I think she may have been in there for about 5-10 minutes, and then she was sent back out.
Then the judge asked the Dr that he had there what his opinion was, and he said that he absolutely agreed with what all the paperwork had said and with what I was saying and that he found that I was disabled and was not able to work.
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
I am so thankful that this is done, one less thing to think, and stress about..
I am also so thankful for Sarah, who is always here when I need her, even though she is still going through her own battle! I love you more than you will know. Thank you for always being here to take me somewhere or just to do my laundry!!!!!
Talk to you all soon..
I had applied and been denied twice, so I had to go in front of a judge to see if I could plead my case.
Thank the Lord, he enabled for Sarah to have her radiation changed to that evening, because the machines where down. (which never happens). I asked her if she could take me and just happened earlier that day they had told her that they needed her to come in the afternoon instead of the morning, so she was able to take me. My how the Lord works even when we do not see it!!!!
So she took me and we got there at 9:30, which is when the attorney told me to be there. He did not get there until about 10 minutes until 10:00 which was when the hearing was scheduled for...( a little aggravating)
Sarah had to stay outside...I was so scared and nervous. I am not one that is normally in situations like that and it was so intimidating!!
They swore me in , and then my attorney started asking me a bunch of questions....which I had already answered to him about 3 times, but he had to ask them in front of the judge. He made me feel so inadequate and lazy. Every time he said sssooooo, you do not do anything during the day...(me).No Sir.....and you still have to take a nap most days even if you do not do anything......(me)..Yes Sirr....
I had heard him say that about 10 times and I broke down and started to cry....like I needed to be reminded that I am not able to take care of my kids the way I should, or my husband, or my house, I understand that I am incapable, but hearing this over and over just really upset me.
They gave me a tissue and wrapped up my testimony, and then called Sarah in there. They swore her in, and then asked her how long she had known me, and what she has noticed over the past year due to my health...I think she may have been in there for about 5-10 minutes, and then she was sent back out.
Then the judge asked the Dr that he had there what his opinion was, and he said that he absolutely agreed with what all the paperwork had said and with what I was saying and that he found that I was disabled and was not able to work.
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
I am so thankful that this is done, one less thing to think, and stress about..
I am also so thankful for Sarah, who is always here when I need her, even though she is still going through her own battle! I love you more than you will know. Thank you for always being here to take me somewhere or just to do my laundry!!!!!
Talk to you all soon..
Friday, October 8, 2010
Dates
I finally got a call from the transplant team, they have gotten all of my dates scheduled for the testing.
I now have a transplant coordinator- Amy, and they will begin everything on the 20th of October.
On the 20th I will have blood work and consultations all day long..then on the 21st I have about 9-10 tests that they will do. The last test will be on the 29th of October, I also have an appointment with Dr. Kar that day..
So as for now that is what we are waiting on.
I am doing a little better controlling my worries...not that they have completely gone away, I am just trying to give them up to the Lord as soon as I start thinking about them.
Please continue to be in prayer about all of the testing and my attitude towards it all.
I now have a transplant coordinator- Amy, and they will begin everything on the 20th of October.
On the 20th I will have blood work and consultations all day long..then on the 21st I have about 9-10 tests that they will do. The last test will be on the 29th of October, I also have an appointment with Dr. Kar that day..
So as for now that is what we are waiting on.
I am doing a little better controlling my worries...not that they have completely gone away, I am just trying to give them up to the Lord as soon as I start thinking about them.
Please continue to be in prayer about all of the testing and my attitude towards it all.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Maybe Next Week
So we have not had any tests done yet...
I called and asked when they might start the whole process, and was told that they are still waiting on a pre-determination from the insurance company...I decided to call the insurance and see what the hold up was.
Doctor Kar had said that he wanted the transplant work-up done last week, so I was and am ready to go ahead and get started.
Insurance company tells me that they have not received anything for a pre-determination, at this point I am really starting to get aggrivated.
So I call back and leave a message and tell them what the insurance company had said...
I got a call yesterday morning at 8:30 and they told me that the lady that sent all the information for the work-up is not the one that normally does that and she forgot to include the insurance company.
So now that we have all of that figured out, they have submitted it to the insurance and have gotten an approval, so now they are in the process of scheduling the procedures.
The first day will consist of consultations, and then the second day will consist of tests...
I am not scared of the testing, however as of the last few days, I have been really scared about the surgery, I have nightmares about things going wrong....
I am not sure if Satan can get into our dreams, but I know that he is really trying to tell me that things will not work out....I will not listen to him....I will however listen to the voice of TRUTH!!!!!
Philippians 4:4-7
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
I called and asked when they might start the whole process, and was told that they are still waiting on a pre-determination from the insurance company...I decided to call the insurance and see what the hold up was.
Doctor Kar had said that he wanted the transplant work-up done last week, so I was and am ready to go ahead and get started.
Insurance company tells me that they have not received anything for a pre-determination, at this point I am really starting to get aggrivated.
So I call back and leave a message and tell them what the insurance company had said...
I got a call yesterday morning at 8:30 and they told me that the lady that sent all the information for the work-up is not the one that normally does that and she forgot to include the insurance company.
So now that we have all of that figured out, they have submitted it to the insurance and have gotten an approval, so now they are in the process of scheduling the procedures.
The first day will consist of consultations, and then the second day will consist of tests...
I am not scared of the testing, however as of the last few days, I have been really scared about the surgery, I have nightmares about things going wrong....
I am not sure if Satan can get into our dreams, but I know that he is really trying to tell me that things will not work out....I will not listen to him....I will however listen to the voice of TRUTH!!!!!
Philippians 4:4-7
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Lazy Week!
I have been really tired this week.
I was really wanting to go ahead and get started on all the testing, however I think that GOD thought that I needed to rest first!
I have been trying to sleep quite a bit. I do not sleep all the time, cause sometimes it is just hard to sleep, breathe, and relax....
The Lord has wonderful timing so I still give all to him and I will get rest (hopefully) while I wait on them to let me know when to come in.
The receptionist at the Heart Failure Clinic called me today and told me that they have talked to the transplant team and they have all of my information, and they have submitted it to the insurance (finally)..so now we are just waiting on them to authorize everything.
That is really all that I have for now...I will let you know when I know something!!
I was really wanting to go ahead and get started on all the testing, however I think that GOD thought that I needed to rest first!
I have been trying to sleep quite a bit. I do not sleep all the time, cause sometimes it is just hard to sleep, breathe, and relax....
The Lord has wonderful timing so I still give all to him and I will get rest (hopefully) while I wait on them to let me know when to come in.
The receptionist at the Heart Failure Clinic called me today and told me that they have talked to the transplant team and they have all of my information, and they have submitted it to the insurance (finally)..so now we are just waiting on them to authorize everything.
That is really all that I have for now...I will let you know when I know something!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Whats Next?
Well I had my appointment today, I do not know what made me think that it was even possible to walk in there and here the dr say..."you know we think that actually your heart is doing better than we thought, so for now we are just going to stick to the meds". That did not happen! BUMMER!!!!!!!
So last year when I had the stress test done the dr said that he was looking for a certain number. (I guess the test takes into considerations a lot of things about me and then they run the test and see how my heart reacts to all of it).
So last year he told me that if the test came back with a 14 or below we would look at doing something... it came back at 15-17...this was fairly good. He said that he was hoping that we could get a year or two out of this heart without having to do anything just yet.
So this year I take the test and he tells me that my level was 11. So my heart has deteriorated a lot faster than what he was hoping for. He said that the test is actually forcing him to go ahead and do SOMETHING.
They have already submitted the info to the insurance co. and we are just waiting to hear back from them to get started. So next week I will begin a battery of tests so that they can place me on the transplant list, and then about the 3rd week in October he is going to be putting in the pump as long as all of my pressures are in the right range. (he will check this the day before the surgery, so we will not know for sure until that day).
I know that this is a lot of information, believe me I am feeling a little overwhelmed myself!!!!!
I am trusting that the Lord has a purpose in this and that I am obedient to his calling! I ask him for strength, as this is really hard and scary to be facing.
Talk to you all soon!
So last year when I had the stress test done the dr said that he was looking for a certain number. (I guess the test takes into considerations a lot of things about me and then they run the test and see how my heart reacts to all of it).
So last year he told me that if the test came back with a 14 or below we would look at doing something... it came back at 15-17...this was fairly good. He said that he was hoping that we could get a year or two out of this heart without having to do anything just yet.
So this year I take the test and he tells me that my level was 11. So my heart has deteriorated a lot faster than what he was hoping for. He said that the test is actually forcing him to go ahead and do SOMETHING.
They have already submitted the info to the insurance co. and we are just waiting to hear back from them to get started. So next week I will begin a battery of tests so that they can place me on the transplant list, and then about the 3rd week in October he is going to be putting in the pump as long as all of my pressures are in the right range. (he will check this the day before the surgery, so we will not know for sure until that day).
I know that this is a lot of information, believe me I am feeling a little overwhelmed myself!!!!!
I am trusting that the Lord has a purpose in this and that I am obedient to his calling! I ask him for strength, as this is really hard and scary to be facing.
Talk to you all soon!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dinner
Travis and I are going to dinner tonight with Allyssa Babineaux (bionic bride). She is meeting us with her mother.
She has already helped me so much. She has given me all kinds of information and support, and that has only been through texts and over the phone. God has amazing plans for her!
I am sure that it will go well, I am so looking forward to meeting her.
My mom will be here today to help with the sleep over for Becca on Friday night.. she will also be going with me to my appointment tomorrow.
So I guess that I am going to ask for courage as we face another dr appointment to find out when and what is next.
Like I told you in an earlier post I have made up my mind on the pump, however I am not sure what he has to say about the stress test. I leave it in God's hands.
2.The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
3.I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
4.The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
5.The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6.In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
7. The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because He was angry.
8.Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
9.He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
10.He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
11.He made darkness his covering,
his canopy around him-
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12.Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13.The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
14.He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.
15.The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
16.He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
17.He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18.They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
19.He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18:2-19
I only intended to put 18:2
but for some reason the Lord told me to put all of this. I pray for all of you today and I hope that the Lord speaks to you just as much as he has to me this morning.
He has once again reminded me that he is delighted with me, and I am his!!!!!!
She has already helped me so much. She has given me all kinds of information and support, and that has only been through texts and over the phone. God has amazing plans for her!
I am sure that it will go well, I am so looking forward to meeting her.
My mom will be here today to help with the sleep over for Becca on Friday night.. she will also be going with me to my appointment tomorrow.
So I guess that I am going to ask for courage as we face another dr appointment to find out when and what is next.
Like I told you in an earlier post I have made up my mind on the pump, however I am not sure what he has to say about the stress test. I leave it in God's hands.
2.The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
3.I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
4.The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
5.The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6.In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
7. The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because He was angry.
8.Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
9.He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
10.He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
11.He made darkness his covering,
his canopy around him-
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12.Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13.The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
14.He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.
15.The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
16.He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
17.He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18.They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
19.He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18:2-19
I only intended to put 18:2
but for some reason the Lord told me to put all of this. I pray for all of you today and I hope that the Lord speaks to you just as much as he has to me this morning.
He has once again reminded me that he is delighted with me, and I am his!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Great Idea
So last week my husband posts on his facebook page that he has this great idea. Well of course I as his wife want to know what is this great idea, so I message him "what is it".
He tells me after work that it was just something for a job that he was working on. I thought OK, why would you post THAT on facebook...oh well
So then the next morning I get a text from him telling me to check my email. He never does this unless he has sent me something of importance that he wants tended to right away!
I go and check and this is what I see!
Here’s my Great Idea.
There is a Heart Walk on November 6th, I’m making a team to walk on your behalf. I wasn’t going to tell you but Shauna below is interested in meeting you and may be able to help or answer some more questions. I think Allyssa Smith is the same person you’ve been talking to, maybe it’
s her maiden name. Anyway, if you want to call her and meet I think it would be a good idea.
We need to come up with a Team Name for you. Any suggestions? I was going to list Elliott Electric as the company.
Travis
So of course I was very surprised!
Since then HE has come up with the name Heart-n-Soles...here is the link:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/houstontx/elliottelectric
He always finds ways to amaze me!!!!
In all of this it has given me a new found LOVE for my wonderful MAN that GOD has given me..We just never knew exactly that the words "in sickness and in health" would come to be used so soon.
I love him more and more every day!!!!
So if you would like to join this team, or donate to the American Heart Association, or both.....PLEASE don't hesitate to contact us.
I have another Dr. appointment on Friday. I will let everyone know how it goes!!
It is to go over my stress test and possibly schedule the surgery.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:7
He tells me after work that it was just something for a job that he was working on. I thought OK, why would you post THAT on facebook...oh well
So then the next morning I get a text from him telling me to check my email. He never does this unless he has sent me something of importance that he wants tended to right away!
I go and check and this is what I see!
Here’s my Great Idea.
There is a Heart Walk on November 6th, I’m making a team to walk on your behalf. I wasn’t going to tell you but Shauna below is interested in meeting you and may be able to help or answer some more questions. I think Allyssa Smith is the same person you’ve been talking to, maybe it’
s her maiden name. Anyway, if you want to call her and meet I think it would be a good idea.
We need to come up with a Team Name for you. Any suggestions? I was going to list Elliott Electric as the company.
Travis
So of course I was very surprised!
Since then HE has come up with the name Heart-n-Soles...here is the link:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/houstontx/elliottelectric
He always finds ways to amaze me!!!!
In all of this it has given me a new found LOVE for my wonderful MAN that GOD has given me..We just never knew exactly that the words "in sickness and in health" would come to be used so soon.
I love him more and more every day!!!!
So if you would like to join this team, or donate to the American Heart Association, or both.....PLEASE don't hesitate to contact us.
I have another Dr. appointment on Friday. I will let everyone know how it goes!!
It is to go over my stress test and possibly schedule the surgery.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:7
Friday, September 17, 2010
New Appointment
I got a call from the doctor's office and they said that Dr Kar had my stress test results, and that he would be calling me. I told the receptionist to let him know that we had made the decision to go with the pump....
He never called, instead she called and said that she told him our decision and he also looked at the results from the stress test..and that he wanted me to come back in next Friday so that we could talk.
I am not sure if he is just wanting to go over the pump surgery and make sure that this is the right decision, or what.
So we wait until next Friday to find out.
In the mean time, we are going on a little road trip this weekend to East Texas. Doctor Kar said that as long as we stop every hour or so and let me stretch, and not sit in the same position too long that I could go.. if I start to feel bad, we have to come back immediately.
So I pray that I feel fine enough to take the trip.
I will talk to you all on the flip side of the weekend!!
He never called, instead she called and said that she told him our decision and he also looked at the results from the stress test..and that he wanted me to come back in next Friday so that we could talk.
I am not sure if he is just wanting to go over the pump surgery and make sure that this is the right decision, or what.
So we wait until next Friday to find out.
In the mean time, we are going on a little road trip this weekend to East Texas. Doctor Kar said that as long as we stop every hour or so and let me stretch, and not sit in the same position too long that I could go.. if I start to feel bad, we have to come back immediately.
So I pray that I feel fine enough to take the trip.
I will talk to you all on the flip side of the weekend!!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Decision made!
Well today went well, I was able to talk to 7-8 patients and see what they all thought. All but one had good things to say about the pump, however I think the poor lady was more of a glass half empty instead of a glass half full kind of personality.
Even though I have made up my mind I am still quite nervous and scared, and worried, and whatever else you could put in that category. I am continuing to pray about this decision even though I have made up my mind I still want to look to my Father for re-assurance.
So the scariest thing that I found out today was that I could have quite a long hospital stay. Anywhere from 3 weeks to a few months, depending on how well my body reacts with the surgery and the pump itself. About half of the patients that I talked to have had a stroke due to the pump. However they will have me on medicine for this, actually I am currently already on that medication.
I will not be able to drive for a while, and honestly they would not want me driving at all, because of the airbag, if I where to get in a wreck, and the airbag deployed it would kill me instantly. If I ride in the passenger seat, we have to be able to turn the airbag off. I talked to another lady Allie (the bionic bride) and she said that she does drive, however not all the time, and not on long trips.
Travis and I have also decided that when the time comes and we are going to have the surgery, we want the kids to be there. I will see them before I go in for surgery, but not after, as I do not want to terrify them by what I will look like after. Some adults have a hard time handling that, I would not want a child to. Rebecca is already very emotional lately and sensitive, so I do not want to make things worse for her.
I am supposed to talk to my Dr tomorrow, he has my stress test results in so he is going to call me, and I will ask him how the process of scheduling the surgery goes, but as for now this is what I do know..
He will schedule for me to have another right heart catheterization, so that he can go in and check some of the pressures in my heart. He said he could do the surgery the next day after that. So it could be very soon...not sure though.
Travis wants it sooner rather than later, so that if I do have a long hospital stay I would still hopefully be out for the holidays. But, it is my body, and I am truly scared!!!!!! Knowing that it could be soon is even scarier!!!!
So as I leave this post, I continue to ask for prayer. I ask for prayer for peace, strength, comfort, healing, and protection.
Thank you to all of my wonderful friends and family who continually support me!!!!!!
Even though I have made up my mind I am still quite nervous and scared, and worried, and whatever else you could put in that category. I am continuing to pray about this decision even though I have made up my mind I still want to look to my Father for re-assurance.
So the scariest thing that I found out today was that I could have quite a long hospital stay. Anywhere from 3 weeks to a few months, depending on how well my body reacts with the surgery and the pump itself. About half of the patients that I talked to have had a stroke due to the pump. However they will have me on medicine for this, actually I am currently already on that medication.
I will not be able to drive for a while, and honestly they would not want me driving at all, because of the airbag, if I where to get in a wreck, and the airbag deployed it would kill me instantly. If I ride in the passenger seat, we have to be able to turn the airbag off. I talked to another lady Allie (the bionic bride) and she said that she does drive, however not all the time, and not on long trips.
Travis and I have also decided that when the time comes and we are going to have the surgery, we want the kids to be there. I will see them before I go in for surgery, but not after, as I do not want to terrify them by what I will look like after. Some adults have a hard time handling that, I would not want a child to. Rebecca is already very emotional lately and sensitive, so I do not want to make things worse for her.
I am supposed to talk to my Dr tomorrow, he has my stress test results in so he is going to call me, and I will ask him how the process of scheduling the surgery goes, but as for now this is what I do know..
He will schedule for me to have another right heart catheterization, so that he can go in and check some of the pressures in my heart. He said he could do the surgery the next day after that. So it could be very soon...not sure though.
Travis wants it sooner rather than later, so that if I do have a long hospital stay I would still hopefully be out for the holidays. But, it is my body, and I am truly scared!!!!!! Knowing that it could be soon is even scarier!!!!
So as I leave this post, I continue to ask for prayer. I ask for prayer for peace, strength, comfort, healing, and protection.
Thank you to all of my wonderful friends and family who continually support me!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Decisions, Decisions....
Well I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers, as I had told you before, I had a dr visit on friday..to have a stress test and to see the dr to go over the test results, and decide what the next step would be.
I got there and the admissions office told me that I was not scheduled for a stress test that day and that I was supposed to have been there on Thurdsay at 11:45. If you know me you know that I was immediatley upset..butI prayed and calmed down, it was somehow a mix up with the app desk and my dr's office. But they where able to work me in at 9.
The test went fine, I was dissappointed in myself as the last time ( a year ago) when I took this same test I was able to complete the whole thing, but this time I could not even get 10 seconds into the 2nd phase.
On the way over to the dr appointment Travis reminded me that I was not trying to run a marathon, and that it was OK that I had not done the entire test...it made me feel better anyway.
When Dr. Kar got in there he asked me how long I was able to last on the test, and I told him and he said that he was not suprised.
So he told me that he was going to give us 2 options to think about...
1) Heart Transplant
2) LVAD Pump
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_assist_device
He told me that if I was older he would have already had me on the list...but given that I am so young he wants to prolong the transplant as long as he can.
He did not say which one he would "prefer" that we do, just that he would be behind us 100%.
So this is the decision we are now looking at...Travis has told me that he would like me to get the pump, but that it is my decision and I have to be the one to live with it...so therefore it is up to me and he will support me either way.
I am going to go to the clinic this Thursday and talk to some patients that currently have the pump and see what they like and what they do not like...just to get a little information from someone who has been through this.
Also I have been in contact with the Bionic Bride.. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37354143/ and she and I have been talking. I am going to meet with her on the following Thursday.. cause wouldn't you know it..GOD has an awesome way of bringing people together.. She and I both go to the same clinic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ask that everyone pray as we look for guidance in this decision.. I am leaning towards the pump, but this is still a very serious surgery, and I do not want to make the wrong decision.
Though my flesh and my heart may fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 72:26
I got there and the admissions office told me that I was not scheduled for a stress test that day and that I was supposed to have been there on Thurdsay at 11:45. If you know me you know that I was immediatley upset..butI prayed and calmed down, it was somehow a mix up with the app desk and my dr's office. But they where able to work me in at 9.
The test went fine, I was dissappointed in myself as the last time ( a year ago) when I took this same test I was able to complete the whole thing, but this time I could not even get 10 seconds into the 2nd phase.
On the way over to the dr appointment Travis reminded me that I was not trying to run a marathon, and that it was OK that I had not done the entire test...it made me feel better anyway.
When Dr. Kar got in there he asked me how long I was able to last on the test, and I told him and he said that he was not suprised.
So he told me that he was going to give us 2 options to think about...
1) Heart Transplant
2) LVAD Pump
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_assist_device
He told me that if I was older he would have already had me on the list...but given that I am so young he wants to prolong the transplant as long as he can.
He did not say which one he would "prefer" that we do, just that he would be behind us 100%.
So this is the decision we are now looking at...Travis has told me that he would like me to get the pump, but that it is my decision and I have to be the one to live with it...so therefore it is up to me and he will support me either way.
I am going to go to the clinic this Thursday and talk to some patients that currently have the pump and see what they like and what they do not like...just to get a little information from someone who has been through this.
Also I have been in contact with the Bionic Bride.. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37354143/ and she and I have been talking. I am going to meet with her on the following Thursday.. cause wouldn't you know it..GOD has an awesome way of bringing people together.. She and I both go to the same clinic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ask that everyone pray as we look for guidance in this decision.. I am leaning towards the pump, but this is still a very serious surgery, and I do not want to make the wrong decision.
Though my flesh and my heart may fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 72:26
Random fun stuff Cont...
This is my new friend and his mom..Christian (15)and his mon Jeannie...He is on the transplant list
He iscurrently awaiting his new heart at TCH
Wendy and I at the Casting Crowns concert
Sarah, Jenny, and me at the comedy place
Connor and me getting ready for the UT vs. Rice game!
Me and the kids at a resturaunt inGalveston they both had a wad of gum in thier mouth!!
I think that this is all for the fun stuff for now...
I think that this is all for the fun stuff for now...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Life goes on!!!!!
First day of school 4th & 1st
This is me and the kids at the Aquarium when
This is me and the kids at the Aquarium whenwe went a few months ago with my mom.
I wanted to let everyone know that even though I am constantly writing about my illness and all that that intales....life still goes on around here. After all the kids still need parents right?
So with this post I will update you on fun stuff that we have been doing and also adding pictures!!!
I will post more later...I am having issues with this thing, so I will give you more fun stuff soon!!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Another Hospital Trip
I am once again writing to everyone about another hospital stay.
I really pray that those of you who read this do not think that I am always doom and gloom, but I am just trying to keep you all updated.
So I was not feeling well again for a few days, I was having chest pain that did not seem to cease. It is a dull pain, but at times it can get worse, especially when I take deep breaths. So I called my dr. and he told me that he wanted me to come in for 24 hr observation.
Wendy (my lovely friend) took me to the hospital, and sat with me while I waited to get admitted and my room.
She also let me hold her fingers and squeeze as hard as I wanted while they put the IV in.. Have I mentioned that I love her dearly..Oh how God is great when he chooses our friends!!!!
So IV is in, now it was time to start getting tests run to see if they could find what was causing the pain...
ECG.......X-RAY......BLOOD WORK.......ECHO......
While I waited for the dr to come in and let me know what he thought I had visits from Travis, my mom, and another wonderful dear God given friend Sarah. (she is such an inspiration for me to live life with GOD in charge and to trust HIM always).I love her dearly also!!!!!!
So around 4:20pm Dr. Kar came in and told me that unfortunately, he could not see what was causing the pain, everything looked normal (well no different than the abnormal it already is).
He said that there could be inflammation of the heart around some of my leads, but the inflammation is so minimal that the ECHO did not pick it up.
He said that he could do a CT Scan to determine where and how bad the inflammation is, but that he did not want to subject me to any radiation if he absolutely did not have to...
So he prescribed me some Hydrocodone with and anti-inflammatory to help with pain and the inflammation.
If the pain continues, I have to contact him and he will schedule the CT....
He told me that we will continue to keep the appointment for the stress test on the 10th of September.
I want to thank everyone for the prayers!!!!
I do not think you will ever know how much I appreciate them all!!!!!
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but GOD is the strength of my heart
and my portion FOREVER.
Psalm 73:26
I really pray that those of you who read this do not think that I am always doom and gloom, but I am just trying to keep you all updated.
So I was not feeling well again for a few days, I was having chest pain that did not seem to cease. It is a dull pain, but at times it can get worse, especially when I take deep breaths. So I called my dr. and he told me that he wanted me to come in for 24 hr observation.
Wendy (my lovely friend) took me to the hospital, and sat with me while I waited to get admitted and my room.
She also let me hold her fingers and squeeze as hard as I wanted while they put the IV in.. Have I mentioned that I love her dearly..Oh how God is great when he chooses our friends!!!!
So IV is in, now it was time to start getting tests run to see if they could find what was causing the pain...
ECG.......X-RAY......BLOOD WORK.......ECHO......
While I waited for the dr to come in and let me know what he thought I had visits from Travis, my mom, and another wonderful dear God given friend Sarah. (she is such an inspiration for me to live life with GOD in charge and to trust HIM always).I love her dearly also!!!!!!
So around 4:20pm Dr. Kar came in and told me that unfortunately, he could not see what was causing the pain, everything looked normal (well no different than the abnormal it already is).
He said that there could be inflammation of the heart around some of my leads, but the inflammation is so minimal that the ECHO did not pick it up.
He said that he could do a CT Scan to determine where and how bad the inflammation is, but that he did not want to subject me to any radiation if he absolutely did not have to...
So he prescribed me some Hydrocodone with and anti-inflammatory to help with pain and the inflammation.
If the pain continues, I have to contact him and he will schedule the CT....
He told me that we will continue to keep the appointment for the stress test on the 10th of September.
I want to thank everyone for the prayers!!!!
I do not think you will ever know how much I appreciate them all!!!!!
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but GOD is the strength of my heart
and my portion FOREVER.
Psalm 73:26
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
GOD answers Prayers!!
So I am not sure if any of you know , but I have been praying that God would put me in contact with SOMEONE that I could talk to that has been through all of this on some level.
I did not know why he was not answering this prayer, but today HE DID!!!!!!
I have been put in contact with a lady that has a son who is currently on the transplant list, and he is at Texas Childrens Hospital. Even though they do not live here in Texas, he is here..and we have contacted each other!!!!!
I pray that I am able to show them God's Love, and that they know that I am constantly praying for them and thier family.
I will give you more information when I make sure with my friend that it is ok to put his information on here.
I do know that they would love all the prayers you would be willing to send up for them. They are christians and I just thank God that he has joined us together on this earth.
As for me I am doing ok...I am still tired all the time...I am sure you all get tired of hearing that, but that is what I am doing this blog for...in hopes that God will reach others!
Please continue to pray for my appointment that is on September 10th...for stress test and to see Cardiologist to talk about placement on the transplant list.
I love all of you and do not know what I would do without any of you..
I leave you with these verses this week....
"If only my anguish could be weighed,
and all my misery be placed on the scales!
It would surely outwiegh the sand of the seas".
Job 6:2-3
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.
Job 13:15
I did not know why he was not answering this prayer, but today HE DID!!!!!!
I have been put in contact with a lady that has a son who is currently on the transplant list, and he is at Texas Childrens Hospital. Even though they do not live here in Texas, he is here..and we have contacted each other!!!!!
I pray that I am able to show them God's Love, and that they know that I am constantly praying for them and thier family.
I will give you more information when I make sure with my friend that it is ok to put his information on here.
I do know that they would love all the prayers you would be willing to send up for them. They are christians and I just thank God that he has joined us together on this earth.
As for me I am doing ok...I am still tired all the time...I am sure you all get tired of hearing that, but that is what I am doing this blog for...in hopes that God will reach others!
Please continue to pray for my appointment that is on September 10th...for stress test and to see Cardiologist to talk about placement on the transplant list.
I love all of you and do not know what I would do without any of you..
I leave you with these verses this week....
"If only my anguish could be weighed,
and all my misery be placed on the scales!
It would surely outwiegh the sand of the seas".
Job 6:2-3
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.
Job 13:15
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hanging Out
Well the kids left 9 days ago and they finally came home today!!
It was good to see them, I had hopes that since they had been gone so long that they would not act in thier old ways, well I guess that was wishful thinking..only about ten minutes after they got here they where already arguing.
Kids will be kids I guess...
As for me I have been doing ok.. like I said before as long as I do not push myself I am ok, I seem to try and do more when I am feeling OK, I have to watch this because when I do I always pay for it afterwards.
This past 9 days has been restful, Travis and I have gotten to go to dinner with a lot of friends and hang out..it was a lot of fun.. I thank all of you that we did anything with during this past week.
I have been feeling ok..I still have to stop about 3-5 times while I am taking my showers, because I get tired and I am still afraid that I am going to get shocked again..
I have done 1 load of laundry (which I am still not supposed to do) and I managed to get it folded, but Travis had to put it up for me, because I was too short of breath to do it myself after folding it.
My mom is in town for a few days to help out a little. I am glad for the time to visit with her, she is going to make chicken and dumplings for dinner one night while she is here...this is one of my favorite meals (kinda wierd considering I hated it when I was a child).
I would like to ask for you all to pray for her as she is struggling with all of this that is going on. I just do not have words to comfort her....so pray that she finds someone who can do that for her..
So this past week we have jsut been hanging out, kinda nice for a change!! until next week I leave you with this....
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.
He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!"
Then he said, "Write this down, for the words are trustworthyand true."
Revelation 21:4-5
It was good to see them, I had hopes that since they had been gone so long that they would not act in thier old ways, well I guess that was wishful thinking..only about ten minutes after they got here they where already arguing.
Kids will be kids I guess...
As for me I have been doing ok.. like I said before as long as I do not push myself I am ok, I seem to try and do more when I am feeling OK, I have to watch this because when I do I always pay for it afterwards.
This past 9 days has been restful, Travis and I have gotten to go to dinner with a lot of friends and hang out..it was a lot of fun.. I thank all of you that we did anything with during this past week.
I have been feeling ok..I still have to stop about 3-5 times while I am taking my showers, because I get tired and I am still afraid that I am going to get shocked again..
I have done 1 load of laundry (which I am still not supposed to do) and I managed to get it folded, but Travis had to put it up for me, because I was too short of breath to do it myself after folding it.
My mom is in town for a few days to help out a little. I am glad for the time to visit with her, she is going to make chicken and dumplings for dinner one night while she is here...this is one of my favorite meals (kinda wierd considering I hated it when I was a child).
I would like to ask for you all to pray for her as she is struggling with all of this that is going on. I just do not have words to comfort her....so pray that she finds someone who can do that for her..
So this past week we have jsut been hanging out, kinda nice for a change!! until next week I leave you with this....
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.
He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!"
Then he said, "Write this down, for the words are trustworthyand true."
Revelation 21:4-5
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
NO WORDS
I had my follow-up appointment on July 30th, and my Cardiologist has scheduled me for a stress test on the 10th of September. I go in at 8:30 and then I will see him at 11:15 that same day.
He wanted to wait a little while to give my body time to heal from this last round of procedures before he pushed it anymore.
He told us that he feels that I am already in the range to be put on the transplant list, however he wants me to heal, and give myself a little more time, and once the stress test is done, he suspects that he will be taking the next steps to start the process.
I just do not have words to describe the feeling that you would have just being told this. I do not know that anyone would want this! However we are aware that we have done everything else that is medically possible to try and allow me some more time, but it just isn't working.
I have had friends ask me how I feel with this current news that the doctor has given me, and I have told them and I will tell you, I DO NOT KNOW!
I have so many feelings that I do not know where to even begin to process them. I have prayed for PEACE, WISDOM, & COMFORT.
I know that the Lord has all of this under control, so I turn to him and ask that I not stray from the truth. That he is all that matters, not this disease, or the upcoming tests, or surgeries.
I pray that you all will help me to focus on him and not on what the future holds.
This is how I feel at times.....
"The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
Psalm 143:3-4
But I need to remember this....
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my HEART may fail,
but GOD is the strenght of my HEART
and my prtion forever.
Psalm 73:23-26
He wanted to wait a little while to give my body time to heal from this last round of procedures before he pushed it anymore.
He told us that he feels that I am already in the range to be put on the transplant list, however he wants me to heal, and give myself a little more time, and once the stress test is done, he suspects that he will be taking the next steps to start the process.
I just do not have words to describe the feeling that you would have just being told this. I do not know that anyone would want this! However we are aware that we have done everything else that is medically possible to try and allow me some more time, but it just isn't working.
I have had friends ask me how I feel with this current news that the doctor has given me, and I have told them and I will tell you, I DO NOT KNOW!
I have so many feelings that I do not know where to even begin to process them. I have prayed for PEACE, WISDOM, & COMFORT.
I know that the Lord has all of this under control, so I turn to him and ask that I not stray from the truth. That he is all that matters, not this disease, or the upcoming tests, or surgeries.
I pray that you all will help me to focus on him and not on what the future holds.
This is how I feel at times.....
"The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
Psalm 143:3-4
But I need to remember this....
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my HEART may fail,
but GOD is the strenght of my HEART
and my prtion forever.
Psalm 73:23-26
Sunday, July 18, 2010
New normal
So once again it has been a while. So to keep you updated this is what is going on...
On the Thursday the 8th of this month my sister brought my kids home from spending a few days in East Texas, she said that her and the new baby (Lane) where going to stay for the weekend to visit with us. I was thrilled about this, as I LOVE babies!!!!!
Rebecca was to leave on the 10th to go to church camp, and we were all having a good time. I had an appointment scheduled to see my Cardiologist on Friday the 9th, because I had not been feeling very well for about 2 weeks.
Travis and I both were having a hard time sleeping the night before. So needless to say we were both very nervous!
On Friday Travis left for work and I was to pick him up to go to go to my appointment..I got the kids their breakfast (cereal) nothing fancy as I had my best friends child (Maddox) here also cause it was her first day at work and her husband John was on his way home from the mission trip to Brazil!!!! Which was awesome!!!
Anyway enough rambling..I got in the shower around 8:20 or so, I needed to leave the house by 10:00 am to pick Travis up and then get to the appointment by 11:15am.
I am in the shower and I am washing my hair, I sudded it all up, and then I had to take a break because I started to feel my heart race, I sat down for a moment, and then stood back up and started rinsing my hair....once agian I felt my heart start to race.....
ZAP.....................................
Next thing I know I am screaming,
ZAP......................................
yelling now Michelle,
ZAP.....................................
Michelle my sister gets in the bathroom and I am laying on the floor ( I think ) maybe sitting trying to calm myself down.....
ZAP...................................
This was the last shock that I got from my ICD ( Inplantable Cardiac Difibrilator).
I remember looking at her thinking THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to say so much, but I feared saying anything so that my heart rate would not go up again.
In the mean time she called 911, and got I think a towel and covered me up, as I was laying naked as a jaybird on my bathroom floor with 3 kids here and the ambulance on the way.
We had called Travis and he was on his way to the house.
I remember telling Michelle that I was ok, and that the ambulance did not need to come...(I was not wanting a bunch of men coming in and helping me as I lay naked on the floor).
Let me tell you now GOD was working in this the whole time..... Michelle was here for a reason.. to help me, and then the ambulance got here and they were all WOMEN. WOW HOW HE IS AMAZING!!!!! He knew what I was afraid of even when I didn't really know it. (of all things at that time to be worried about).
They did an EKG while I was still in the bathroom, and said they needed to get me to the nearest hospital as fast as they could......So here I go....Travis rode in the front of the Ambulance. (I really wanted him close, even if it was in the ambulance).
We wound up going to North Cypress Hospital, my Cardiologist had an ambulance sent for me to go to St. Lukes.. Thank God!!!!
I got to St. Lukes at about 11:45am..
I was not really aware that this was giong to be a week stay...but I guess that is what I needed.
I was put in CCU (Critical Care Unit) of the cardiac section. I finally got to see my Dr.'s around 6:05, and once again GOD came through. Wendy was there with me when they came in to talk to me. She was able to explain anything that I did not understand.
Dr. Kar
Dr. Hariharran
Dr. George
were all there for an entire hour....they said that my device shocked me because my heart rate was at 170-200 just from taking a shower, which obviously is way too high!
They decided to do an EP ( I do not know what that stands for.. you would have to ask Wendy) but they were going to up to my heart through veins in my groin and manipulate my heart to do what it had done to see if they could find the cause of the increase. This Procedure would be on Monday the 12th. If they did not find anything then it was most likely the deterioration of my disease causing the problem, and they would have to do another procedure on Tuesday to upgrade my device.
Mondy I can't eat or drink anything since I am having the procedure, and I finally get back there at about 7:00PM....UUGGHH,
Findings.....NOTHING.....
Tuesday I can't eat or drink anything again since I am having another procedure to upgrade my device. I thought they were just adding 2 more leads to my device, but it turns out that they took my device out and replaced it with a new one.....surgery finally happened again at about 6:30-7:00PM......
I do not remember much from the surgery. My Dr. did really well on the meds this time, and I did not wake up until I think I was in my room again.
So now I have a new device CRT ( Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy) device. It is constantly pacing me..(which yes I can feel).
I have been restricted from doing activities, driving, swimming, cleaning...
So I am once again at the mercy of my loving family to take care of me. I have amazing friends that have stepped up to the plate again. I just can't say thank you enough to them.
I also can't say thank you enough to my sister, Michelle. I do not know what I would have done without you here. I love you!!
I will end for now..I will also try and keep you all updated.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, meals, flowers, visits, letters, cards, calls and well wishes...
I will continue to try and stay strong and not let this get me down too much....sometimes that is harder said than done.
In Christ
Brandy
On the Thursday the 8th of this month my sister brought my kids home from spending a few days in East Texas, she said that her and the new baby (Lane) where going to stay for the weekend to visit with us. I was thrilled about this, as I LOVE babies!!!!!
Rebecca was to leave on the 10th to go to church camp, and we were all having a good time. I had an appointment scheduled to see my Cardiologist on Friday the 9th, because I had not been feeling very well for about 2 weeks.
Travis and I both were having a hard time sleeping the night before. So needless to say we were both very nervous!
On Friday Travis left for work and I was to pick him up to go to go to my appointment..I got the kids their breakfast (cereal) nothing fancy as I had my best friends child (Maddox) here also cause it was her first day at work and her husband John was on his way home from the mission trip to Brazil!!!! Which was awesome!!!
Anyway enough rambling..I got in the shower around 8:20 or so, I needed to leave the house by 10:00 am to pick Travis up and then get to the appointment by 11:15am.
I am in the shower and I am washing my hair, I sudded it all up, and then I had to take a break because I started to feel my heart race, I sat down for a moment, and then stood back up and started rinsing my hair....once agian I felt my heart start to race.....
ZAP.....................................
Next thing I know I am screaming,
ZAP......................................
yelling now Michelle,
ZAP.....................................
Michelle my sister gets in the bathroom and I am laying on the floor ( I think ) maybe sitting trying to calm myself down.....
ZAP...................................
This was the last shock that I got from my ICD ( Inplantable Cardiac Difibrilator).
I remember looking at her thinking THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to say so much, but I feared saying anything so that my heart rate would not go up again.
In the mean time she called 911, and got I think a towel and covered me up, as I was laying naked as a jaybird on my bathroom floor with 3 kids here and the ambulance on the way.
We had called Travis and he was on his way to the house.
I remember telling Michelle that I was ok, and that the ambulance did not need to come...(I was not wanting a bunch of men coming in and helping me as I lay naked on the floor).
Let me tell you now GOD was working in this the whole time..... Michelle was here for a reason.. to help me, and then the ambulance got here and they were all WOMEN. WOW HOW HE IS AMAZING!!!!! He knew what I was afraid of even when I didn't really know it. (of all things at that time to be worried about).
They did an EKG while I was still in the bathroom, and said they needed to get me to the nearest hospital as fast as they could......So here I go....Travis rode in the front of the Ambulance. (I really wanted him close, even if it was in the ambulance).
We wound up going to North Cypress Hospital, my Cardiologist had an ambulance sent for me to go to St. Lukes.. Thank God!!!!
I got to St. Lukes at about 11:45am..
I was not really aware that this was giong to be a week stay...but I guess that is what I needed.
I was put in CCU (Critical Care Unit) of the cardiac section. I finally got to see my Dr.'s around 6:05, and once again GOD came through. Wendy was there with me when they came in to talk to me. She was able to explain anything that I did not understand.
Dr. Kar
Dr. Hariharran
Dr. George
were all there for an entire hour....they said that my device shocked me because my heart rate was at 170-200 just from taking a shower, which obviously is way too high!
They decided to do an EP ( I do not know what that stands for.. you would have to ask Wendy) but they were going to up to my heart through veins in my groin and manipulate my heart to do what it had done to see if they could find the cause of the increase. This Procedure would be on Monday the 12th. If they did not find anything then it was most likely the deterioration of my disease causing the problem, and they would have to do another procedure on Tuesday to upgrade my device.
Mondy I can't eat or drink anything since I am having the procedure, and I finally get back there at about 7:00PM....UUGGHH,
Findings.....NOTHING.....
Tuesday I can't eat or drink anything again since I am having another procedure to upgrade my device. I thought they were just adding 2 more leads to my device, but it turns out that they took my device out and replaced it with a new one.....surgery finally happened again at about 6:30-7:00PM......
I do not remember much from the surgery. My Dr. did really well on the meds this time, and I did not wake up until I think I was in my room again.
So now I have a new device CRT ( Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy) device. It is constantly pacing me..(which yes I can feel).
I have been restricted from doing activities, driving, swimming, cleaning...
So I am once again at the mercy of my loving family to take care of me. I have amazing friends that have stepped up to the plate again. I just can't say thank you enough to them.
I also can't say thank you enough to my sister, Michelle. I do not know what I would have done without you here. I love you!!
I will end for now..I will also try and keep you all updated.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, meals, flowers, visits, letters, cards, calls and well wishes...
I will continue to try and stay strong and not let this get me down too much....sometimes that is harder said than done.
In Christ
Brandy
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Night Out!
Travis and I, and some friends went to the Astros game tonight, we had fun..
I started feeling bad again... (I think that everyone is going to get tired of hearing that).
I am going to call the doc tomorrow and see if there is anything that we can do for this, I can't seem to keep the fluid off, it comes back as quickly as I lose it.
I read a friends blog today and she is wonderful. In the midst of all of the horrible things that she and her family are facing she still is so thankful. (oh how I wish I was more like that). Lord help me with this!
Well enough ranting for tonight, I will keep all of you informed on what the doc says.. Goodnight, I hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started feeling bad again... (I think that everyone is going to get tired of hearing that).
I am going to call the doc tomorrow and see if there is anything that we can do for this, I can't seem to keep the fluid off, it comes back as quickly as I lose it.
I read a friends blog today and she is wonderful. In the midst of all of the horrible things that she and her family are facing she still is so thankful. (oh how I wish I was more like that). Lord help me with this!
Well enough ranting for tonight, I will keep all of you informed on what the doc says.. Goodnight, I hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Oh...What A Night....
So I have not posted in a while, sorry. It may be another long one, sorry.
This past Thursday was a Great and bad day all at the same time. I had been having car trouble..so I had to take my car to have it looked at. Thank goodness that someone was doing a (favor) and was not going to charge me any labor fees.
Mean while I was waiting to hear about my friend Sarah who was in the hospital, we where expecting her to get out possibly...and that turned out to be a whole big hospital politics mess. Sometimes I wonder why people work at hospitals if they are not going to put the patients well being first!!!!
Sarah was finally released from the hosp and she also got some great news that her DNA testing came back negative! PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!! He is so unfailing!!!!!!!!
Anyway, finally around 2, I got my car..it turned out to be the camshaft thingy...we replaced it, and I have not had any problems since.
I had started putting on a little weight on Wednesday, so I was self medicating, and taking an extra lasix pill whenever I was up in weight. However this for some reason was not working and by Thursday night I was having back pain and shortness of breath, I checked my weight and I was up by 7.5 lbs. I called my dear friend Wendy (because I roll like that, you know don't call the doc first call one of your best friends..) I knew that she would tell me what I needed to do, which low and behold was to CALL THE DOCTOR BRANDY!!!!
So I called the on call doc, and he was with my doc... do you see how well God works!!!! So my doc said that he wanted me to go to St Lukes so that he could admit me and get me on some IV meds so that we could get the weight off, I really did not want to go, since I was here by myself with the kids, so he told me to take 3 of my lasix pills and if I did not start peeing gallons of fluid in about 2 hrs then I had to go to the hosp.
Well thank heavens, I started going to the restroom about 2.5hrs later. I lost all but 1 lb that night, needless to say I did not get that much sleep.
We had a camping trip planned and I did not want to ruin it for my family...sometimes I feel that I have ruined enough of our life over the last year, I do not want to ruin more...(yes, yes I know this is Satan talking and I have to banish him).
We where able to go camping, I started feeling quite a bit better by Saturday. Even though the heat was horrible. Glad I have the RV so that I can cool down.
Thank you all for the prayers the last few days, I know that they helped to make me feel better..
This past Thursday was a Great and bad day all at the same time. I had been having car trouble..so I had to take my car to have it looked at. Thank goodness that someone was doing a (favor) and was not going to charge me any labor fees.
Mean while I was waiting to hear about my friend Sarah who was in the hospital, we where expecting her to get out possibly...and that turned out to be a whole big hospital politics mess. Sometimes I wonder why people work at hospitals if they are not going to put the patients well being first!!!!
Sarah was finally released from the hosp and she also got some great news that her DNA testing came back negative! PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!! He is so unfailing!!!!!!!!
Anyway, finally around 2, I got my car..it turned out to be the camshaft thingy...we replaced it, and I have not had any problems since.
I had started putting on a little weight on Wednesday, so I was self medicating, and taking an extra lasix pill whenever I was up in weight. However this for some reason was not working and by Thursday night I was having back pain and shortness of breath, I checked my weight and I was up by 7.5 lbs. I called my dear friend Wendy (because I roll like that, you know don't call the doc first call one of your best friends..) I knew that she would tell me what I needed to do, which low and behold was to CALL THE DOCTOR BRANDY!!!!
So I called the on call doc, and he was with my doc... do you see how well God works!!!! So my doc said that he wanted me to go to St Lukes so that he could admit me and get me on some IV meds so that we could get the weight off, I really did not want to go, since I was here by myself with the kids, so he told me to take 3 of my lasix pills and if I did not start peeing gallons of fluid in about 2 hrs then I had to go to the hosp.
Well thank heavens, I started going to the restroom about 2.5hrs later. I lost all but 1 lb that night, needless to say I did not get that much sleep.
We had a camping trip planned and I did not want to ruin it for my family...sometimes I feel that I have ruined enough of our life over the last year, I do not want to ruin more...(yes, yes I know this is Satan talking and I have to banish him).
We where able to go camping, I started feeling quite a bit better by Saturday. Even though the heat was horrible. Glad I have the RV so that I can cool down.
Thank you all for the prayers the last few days, I know that they helped to make me feel better..
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
So today started slow..
I did not feel well this morning, so I went back to bed. I thought that it would not be a big deal, however Travis forgot his debit card, and came home at 10:15, and ofcourse I was still in bed. Something I try not to do.
I guess I feel that if he does not see me do this, then it is not so bad, after all he has to get up early and go to work. Sometimes I just can't avoid it though.
I do not want him to think that I do this all the time, because I do not!
The day got better, I had lunch with a good friend Jenny, and then I had two wonderful friends, Sarah and Taunya over at my house to visit. We had a good time. I loved watching Sarah's son laugh at my dog and cat. TOO CUTE!
Then I got to watch Lost, I am ready to see how this is going to end.
I am not feeling well again..it seems to be worse at night. We will see if I get any rest tonight.
I will be meeting with my friend to start working on my Angels in Action duties tomorrow, I can't wait!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians1:3-4
I did not feel well this morning, so I went back to bed. I thought that it would not be a big deal, however Travis forgot his debit card, and came home at 10:15, and ofcourse I was still in bed. Something I try not to do.
I guess I feel that if he does not see me do this, then it is not so bad, after all he has to get up early and go to work. Sometimes I just can't avoid it though.
I do not want him to think that I do this all the time, because I do not!
The day got better, I had lunch with a good friend Jenny, and then I had two wonderful friends, Sarah and Taunya over at my house to visit. We had a good time. I loved watching Sarah's son laugh at my dog and cat. TOO CUTE!
Then I got to watch Lost, I am ready to see how this is going to end.
I am not feeling well again..it seems to be worse at night. We will see if I get any rest tonight.
I will be meeting with my friend to start working on my Angels in Action duties tomorrow, I can't wait!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians1:3-4
Monday, May 17, 2010
Angels in Action!
So I have been praying that God would show me what he wants from me, to be obedient to his will .
Because as of now I can not do as much as I used to be able to do. I believe he has answered my prayers!
I am going to be helping with Angels in Action. This is a support group that helps people that have been diagnosed with Cancer.
I know that this is not the same disease that I have, but if this is where God is leading me to serve then I am there. I am so excited about helping!
I have been so blessed with all of the friends and support system that God has given me, and I would just LOVE to give some of that support and Love back to them!
Please pray with me that he will be able to be seen in me, and that I will be able to further his kingdom!
Because as of now I can not do as much as I used to be able to do. I believe he has answered my prayers!
I am going to be helping with Angels in Action. This is a support group that helps people that have been diagnosed with Cancer.
I know that this is not the same disease that I have, but if this is where God is leading me to serve then I am there. I am so excited about helping!
I have been so blessed with all of the friends and support system that God has given me, and I would just LOVE to give some of that support and Love back to them!
Please pray with me that he will be able to be seen in me, and that I will be able to further his kingdom!
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Diagnosis
So Rebecca was going to her appointments, and of course I was going with her. They started asking questions about family members who might have heart problems, or if any had died from heart problems.
I told them that my father and brother both had a form of Cardiomyopathy, but that I did not know which one it was. (Later we found out that they have the exact same one as Rebecca).
As I was going to her appointments with her I started asking questions, because I was starting to have symptoms again. In October of 2008 I was referred by Rebecca's doctor, to a doctor at Baylor College of Medicine. (Dr. Franklin).
He ran so many tests, I think I was there all day. He came in the room and told me that I had a form of Cardiomyopathy so he was referring me back to Dr. Jefferies (Rebecca's doctor), because he was a specialist in this area.
So back to Texas Childrens I go at the age of 29.
He put me on meds twice a day, and for a while it helped.
In July of 2009 Rebecca and I had an appointment for both of us for a routine check. (The normal ecg, and echo). We had our appointments and then went home. Everything seemed normal. I got a call the following day and the nurse told me that after I left they looked back over my echo, and they saw something so they wanted me to go in and have a Cardio Catheterization done in the Cath Lab. This is where they go into your heart through an artery in your groin.
I went to St. Lukes the next week,on a Thursday and had the procedure done. Dr. Franklin was the one who performed the procedure. he came in after it was done and told Travis that there was a little bit of Hypertension so they where going to put me on Lasix, and I would need to follow up with my doctor the next week.
My follow-up appointment was scheduled that next Monday. I took the kids with me so that I could take the HOV lane. (since it was still summer and it was just a follow-up after all!)
I get in there and they make the kids leave and sit in the waiting room with a social worker, and proceed to tell me that I have a very rare form of Cardiomyopathy. It is called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. It is caused by the stiffening of the heart muscle. It is not allowed to relax all the way so therefore when blood pumps back into the heart, it still has pressure in there and it starts to back up into the lungs, and can start to affect other organs as well.
They tell me that they want to refer me to another Doctor who has his practice at St. Lukes. ( I was already crying by this point). I do not know about any of you , but I was fond of my doctor and I trusted him. I did not want to change doctors at all!)
Dr. Jefferies told me that the new doctor could better serve me at St. Lukes, and that they would more than likely put me on meds, but that I would probably have to have a transplant at some point, since there was no cure for this disease.
I was dumbfounded...(wasn't this supposed to be a follow-up?)
I gathered the kids up and we headed home. I called Travis and told him what they had said. His reaction was that we needed a second opinion! Hadn't God already lined that up for us!! What an amazing God to already know what he would need to understand!
We where scheduled to go and see Dr. Kar two weeks later on a Friday. I would wind up in the hospital the Wednesday before that appointment. I had fluid on my lungs, and I was admitted under my new doctor. Dr. Kar.
They did a Cat scan, MRI, Echo, ECG...and then he confirmed on Friday that yes, I did have this disease, and he was putting me on more meds, and he wanted to see me in his office in two more weeks.
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.....
We go to the appointment and he decides that he wants to have another Cardio Catheterization done, and depending on what he sees, he may want to put an ICD in my chest. (Impantable Cardiac Device).
This cardio cath was scheduled for Sept. 2, 2009....He decides, YES.. we need to go ahead and put one in just in case. So on the 3rd I go into surgery and they implant the device. They find a blood clot, and they also nick my lung in the process...(anything else..really.)
I would stay in the hospital for 5 days until the hole in my lung starts to close, and they feel safe letting me go home.
I would miss my son's 6th birthday while I was in the hospital. I would become severely depressed. But since then they have put me on meds to help with that.
I have had to go back in every month sometimes more than once, to see them, and have my meds adjusted. I get my blood done on a regular basis now, and I take about 8 pills a day.
My God is good. I am still here, and he will give me a new heart one day! Even better one day I will not have to live in this earthly body, and I will be whole!
I know that it was a long post.. thanks for listening!
I told them that my father and brother both had a form of Cardiomyopathy, but that I did not know which one it was. (Later we found out that they have the exact same one as Rebecca).
As I was going to her appointments with her I started asking questions, because I was starting to have symptoms again. In October of 2008 I was referred by Rebecca's doctor, to a doctor at Baylor College of Medicine. (Dr. Franklin).
He ran so many tests, I think I was there all day. He came in the room and told me that I had a form of Cardiomyopathy so he was referring me back to Dr. Jefferies (Rebecca's doctor), because he was a specialist in this area.
So back to Texas Childrens I go at the age of 29.
He put me on meds twice a day, and for a while it helped.
In July of 2009 Rebecca and I had an appointment for both of us for a routine check. (The normal ecg, and echo). We had our appointments and then went home. Everything seemed normal. I got a call the following day and the nurse told me that after I left they looked back over my echo, and they saw something so they wanted me to go in and have a Cardio Catheterization done in the Cath Lab. This is where they go into your heart through an artery in your groin.
I went to St. Lukes the next week,on a Thursday and had the procedure done. Dr. Franklin was the one who performed the procedure. he came in after it was done and told Travis that there was a little bit of Hypertension so they where going to put me on Lasix, and I would need to follow up with my doctor the next week.
My follow-up appointment was scheduled that next Monday. I took the kids with me so that I could take the HOV lane. (since it was still summer and it was just a follow-up after all!)
I get in there and they make the kids leave and sit in the waiting room with a social worker, and proceed to tell me that I have a very rare form of Cardiomyopathy. It is called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. It is caused by the stiffening of the heart muscle. It is not allowed to relax all the way so therefore when blood pumps back into the heart, it still has pressure in there and it starts to back up into the lungs, and can start to affect other organs as well.
They tell me that they want to refer me to another Doctor who has his practice at St. Lukes. ( I was already crying by this point). I do not know about any of you , but I was fond of my doctor and I trusted him. I did not want to change doctors at all!)
Dr. Jefferies told me that the new doctor could better serve me at St. Lukes, and that they would more than likely put me on meds, but that I would probably have to have a transplant at some point, since there was no cure for this disease.
I was dumbfounded...(wasn't this supposed to be a follow-up?)
I gathered the kids up and we headed home. I called Travis and told him what they had said. His reaction was that we needed a second opinion! Hadn't God already lined that up for us!! What an amazing God to already know what he would need to understand!
We where scheduled to go and see Dr. Kar two weeks later on a Friday. I would wind up in the hospital the Wednesday before that appointment. I had fluid on my lungs, and I was admitted under my new doctor. Dr. Kar.
They did a Cat scan, MRI, Echo, ECG...and then he confirmed on Friday that yes, I did have this disease, and he was putting me on more meds, and he wanted to see me in his office in two more weeks.
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.....
We go to the appointment and he decides that he wants to have another Cardio Catheterization done, and depending on what he sees, he may want to put an ICD in my chest. (Impantable Cardiac Device).
This cardio cath was scheduled for Sept. 2, 2009....He decides, YES.. we need to go ahead and put one in just in case. So on the 3rd I go into surgery and they implant the device. They find a blood clot, and they also nick my lung in the process...(anything else..really.)
I would stay in the hospital for 5 days until the hole in my lung starts to close, and they feel safe letting me go home.
I would miss my son's 6th birthday while I was in the hospital. I would become severely depressed. But since then they have put me on meds to help with that.
I have had to go back in every month sometimes more than once, to see them, and have my meds adjusted. I get my blood done on a regular basis now, and I take about 8 pills a day.
My God is good. I am still here, and he will give me a new heart one day! Even better one day I will not have to live in this earthly body, and I will be whole!
I know that it was a long post.. thanks for listening!
Life before diagnosis
Travis and I where married at a very young age. I was 18 and he was 20. We where High School Sweethearts, and still are to this day, thanks to God!
We where married 3 years when we had our first child Rebecca Nicole, on 9/26/2000, she was 4 weeks premature. Even though she was early she seemed to be a healthy little girl.
When we showed up for her 2 week appointment the dr. heard some suspicious sounds, so he immediately sent us to have an x-ray done on her over at the hospital. The x-ray showed that she had 3 holes in her heart. 1 ASD (Atrial Septical Defect) and 2 VSD's (Ventrical Septical Defects). They got us in to see a Cardiologist that day, in Austin. This dr. told us that the VSD's would probably close on their own, but that the ASD would more than likely have to be closed in the Cath Lab (more on that later).
Rebecca went to the dr very often to get checked, she was put on meds for a little while, but they later took her off of them.
We lived a normal life other than a few dr appointments every now and then.
Three years later we had our second child Connor Jordan. He was born on 9/4/2003. He was also early, but he was 5 weeks early. He was born and his lungs where not formed all the way, however his heart seemed to be just fine!!! Hallelujah
Connor stayed in the hospital for 12 days before they let him out. We where so glad to have him home. He was completely healthy.
We moved from Austin to Nacogdoches in January of 2004 with Travis's job. He went to work at the corporate office of Elliott, he was the Training Manager.
I was working at a bank as a teller. I started not feeling well around March, I would get really light headed, dizzy, nauseated, and my hair would also fall out. I actually thought for a little while that I might be pregnant again. I was not.
One morning when I got up to go to work I was feeling really bad, but I really needed the money and needed to go to work. I got in the shower and while I was in there I had to get out and lie one the cold floor..I was so hot I thought I was going to faint. Finally it passed enough so that I could finish getting ready.
I got to work, got my money drawer, and then walked to the drive thru, which was not far at all. I got there and put my money in the money slot, my friend asked me how I was and I told her "I just don't feel" (that was the last thing I remember). I woke up later and the medics where there over me.
I would wind up going to the hospital, I would stay for 2 days, and they would find nothing. I would have no more problems for a few years.
Since then in October of 2006 Travis decided one more time to take a transfer with work. This time the transfer would take us to Houston, TX. (this was the one place that I always swore I would never live. I would go anywhere with him but here!) WOW...how the Lord works!
I am happier here than I have ever been!!!
We moved to Houston and I contacted Rebecca's dr. in Austin and asked for a referral to a dr. here. There was no reason to drive all the way over there when we have so many good doctors here. He gave me a referral, and I made the appointment, This appointment was to go in and see about closing up her ASD. The other 2 VSD's had already closed.
We got to Texas Childrens Hospital, and had the ECG, and Echo done, and they came in and told us that she did still have the ASD, and they could close it, however they found something else, and they where more concerned about it, instead of the ASD.
They told us what she had was LVNC Cardiomyopathy (Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy) I know long huh! What a blow to us, we had no idea. The doctor put her on meds twice a day and she has been fine. We keep a close eye on her to make sure she does not over do it, but she lives a relatively normal little girls life! Thank you Lord..
Do you see how the Lord had his hand all over this move so far.
We where married 3 years when we had our first child Rebecca Nicole, on 9/26/2000, she was 4 weeks premature. Even though she was early she seemed to be a healthy little girl.
When we showed up for her 2 week appointment the dr. heard some suspicious sounds, so he immediately sent us to have an x-ray done on her over at the hospital. The x-ray showed that she had 3 holes in her heart. 1 ASD (Atrial Septical Defect) and 2 VSD's (Ventrical Septical Defects). They got us in to see a Cardiologist that day, in Austin. This dr. told us that the VSD's would probably close on their own, but that the ASD would more than likely have to be closed in the Cath Lab (more on that later).
Rebecca went to the dr very often to get checked, she was put on meds for a little while, but they later took her off of them.
We lived a normal life other than a few dr appointments every now and then.
Three years later we had our second child Connor Jordan. He was born on 9/4/2003. He was also early, but he was 5 weeks early. He was born and his lungs where not formed all the way, however his heart seemed to be just fine!!! Hallelujah
Connor stayed in the hospital for 12 days before they let him out. We where so glad to have him home. He was completely healthy.
We moved from Austin to Nacogdoches in January of 2004 with Travis's job. He went to work at the corporate office of Elliott, he was the Training Manager.
I was working at a bank as a teller. I started not feeling well around March, I would get really light headed, dizzy, nauseated, and my hair would also fall out. I actually thought for a little while that I might be pregnant again. I was not.
One morning when I got up to go to work I was feeling really bad, but I really needed the money and needed to go to work. I got in the shower and while I was in there I had to get out and lie one the cold floor..I was so hot I thought I was going to faint. Finally it passed enough so that I could finish getting ready.
I got to work, got my money drawer, and then walked to the drive thru, which was not far at all. I got there and put my money in the money slot, my friend asked me how I was and I told her "I just don't feel" (that was the last thing I remember). I woke up later and the medics where there over me.
I would wind up going to the hospital, I would stay for 2 days, and they would find nothing. I would have no more problems for a few years.
Since then in October of 2006 Travis decided one more time to take a transfer with work. This time the transfer would take us to Houston, TX. (this was the one place that I always swore I would never live. I would go anywhere with him but here!) WOW...how the Lord works!
I am happier here than I have ever been!!!
We moved to Houston and I contacted Rebecca's dr. in Austin and asked for a referral to a dr. here. There was no reason to drive all the way over there when we have so many good doctors here. He gave me a referral, and I made the appointment, This appointment was to go in and see about closing up her ASD. The other 2 VSD's had already closed.
We got to Texas Childrens Hospital, and had the ECG, and Echo done, and they came in and told us that she did still have the ASD, and they could close it, however they found something else, and they where more concerned about it, instead of the ASD.
They told us what she had was LVNC Cardiomyopathy (Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy) I know long huh! What a blow to us, we had no idea. The doctor put her on meds twice a day and she has been fine. We keep a close eye on her to make sure she does not over do it, but she lives a relatively normal little girls life! Thank you Lord..
Do you see how the Lord had his hand all over this move so far.
Rambling
So as you can tell I have been playing with my blog thanks to my friends help! (Thanks Jennie) I have decided that I will back up a little in time with this blog. I will post more on that later. I am still learning how to blog so please hang in with me!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
God given friends!
God has truly blessed me with wonderful friends! Today I had the priveledge to spend most of my day with my dear friend Sarah. She is so amazing! She talked me into starting this blog. so this is my first post. I will update the reason for the blog a little later. Sarah thank you for your friendship and listening ear!
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