my journey with a hole in my heart
I had my pre-admission clinic visit yesterday, which I like to refer to as a hospital scavenger hunt. I arrived at the clinic at 9am and was sent off into the depths of the hospital with a map, a pencil, instructions to visit the lab and cardiology department, and told to report back to the …
So I’m getting the device! No open heart surgery for me, assuming all goes as planned. 🙂 I met cardiologist #2 today- the interventional cardiologist, who seemed really great. He answered my long list of questions, from my worries of a nickel allergy, to making sure I could still run a half-marathon with the device. …
I survived another procedure- I had a TEE (transesophogeal echocardiogram) on Friday! However, I had to wait until today to write about my experience, until all the drugs wore off. Note my extremely glazed eyes in the photo on the right! For anyone undergoing the same procedure, please don’t worry! It’s not nearly as scary …
I met Dr. L, my cardiac surgeon, yesterday. As stressed as I was for this appointment, he put me at ease, as he’s very nice and laid back- not intimidating at all. If he does end up doing my surgery, I’ll feel very confident in his hands. He actually may not be doing my surgery, …
I finally saw my cardiologist and received my MRI results. I think the stress of it all just hit me the morning I saw Dr. D. I live in denial with what’s going on for the most part. I feel “normal,” so I can’t quite believe that I have a serious heart problem. But as …
I did it! I survived an MRI. I didn’t even take the Ativan that Dr. D. had prescribed me when I told him how claustrophobic I am. I feel like I can do anything right now! I was beyond afraid to have this test, and last night I could not sleep at all. It’s not …
I requested a copy of my echo report right when I was at the hospital, so it already arrived- that was fast! However, I found it concerning. I mean, I’m extremely grateful that this defect was found. It was a complete fluke that it was discovered and I’m so happy that it was before it …
I spent the entire weekend in panic mode, non-stop Googling and diagnosing myself with various diseases. I found out that an “urgent” referral means “significant potential for early intervention to save life/prevent hospitalization or functional impairment,” so that scared me, needless to say. What helped me get through this weekend was my mindfulness practice. In …
Okay, now I’m scared. All was well in the world, as I worked away today, until I went on my break and checked my phone for messages. I had a voicemail from my GP saying to call back today to confirm an appointment with my specialist. My specialist? Say what? So I called my GP, …
Today I had my first echocardiogram. I wasn’t having any heart problems, nothing of the sort. I had been getting the veins fixed in one of my legs and in order to continue with schlerotherapy treatment- basically injecting foam into my veins so they stick closed and no longer bulge- I had to get an …