Saturday, January 21, 2012

One Year

Oh how things can change in one year! This time last year I was suffering from Heart Failure and didn't even know it.  I had nose bleeds, insomnia, rattling in my chest and it was very difficult to breath.  It wasn't until so much fluid had accumulated in my lungs , that even sitting upright was difficult to take a breath, did I finally decide I should go to the ER.  I remember when the doctor came out and said I was suffering from Congestive Heart Failure.  I didn't even know what that meant!  Was I dying?  What was going to happen to Darren and the boys?  How could a person my age have CHF,  I thought that was only for "old" people? 
One year later, and I'm wondering about a whole set of other questions.  How many medicines can I take to improve my heart function?  How long do the Dr.'s really think I will have this LVAD?  What kind of test are out there to lower my antibodies?  Can I go back on the transplant list?  Hopefully some of those questions will be answered Monday at my clinic visit.

Thursday I received a call from the Emory Coumadin Clinic.  They are in charge of adjusting my coumadin levels to help with preventing blood clots.  Coumadin is a blood thinner I take everyday, and most likely will take as long as I'm alive.  I started taking Coumadin before my surgery in May, and now my blood INR levels (to read more about INR, click here ) are supposed to be in a range of 1.8 - 2.0.  That range is a VERY small window, and very difficult to maintain.  I have to go into the clinic or the hospital to have my levels checked sometimes 2 times a week.  When Emory called me, they said my level was 1.4, and I needed to go the following morning to have it rechecked.  The recheck came back as 1.5, so I'm still too thick. 
I spoke to the VAD clinic yesterday, and they prescribed me Lovenox.  Lovenox is an injection that I must administer to myself, however that is absolutely impossible.  There is no way I can give myself a shot, so Darren is having to do it.  Now... the actual injection does not hurt, however the push of the medicine feels like fire going through my stomach.  See the pictures below.... Can you tell where the injections were? 

Monday, January 2, 2012

My 4 P's

Well a lot has happened since my last post in October, so I'll try and catch you up briefly.  October was a great celebration month.  Darren celebrated a birthday, we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary, the boys enjoyed Halloween with trick-or-treating and, we closed the month out with an event held in our honor, in Carrollton, GA . There was football, food, and a tremendous amount of giving and loving people.  Some amazing bands played there, and overall, people had a great time.  The "farm" was a stunning and perfect location.
November came and went, with lots to be thankful for this year.  Thanksgiving was shared with the McFarlan's, and of course was perfect in every way.  23 side dishes, a ham, a turkey, and desserts that attached to each of my thighs.  Wonderful in every way!

Also in November, I made it to the 6 month mark with my LVAD.  There were multiple tests run during the DR's visit, some being procedural and some were ordered by the Doctor after I arrived.  There were also a few more adjustments to my medicines.  All of these tests and medicine changes were due to some pump drops in the middle of the night and black outs throughout the day, all being caused by dehydration!

I can hardly believe December came and went so fast.  The house was beautifully decorated, thanks to my wonderfully talented Mother, and cleaned from top to bottom.  Although living with 2 children and 2 dogs, it doesn't stay clean for long. 

My December Dr.'s visit was Productive.  My medicine, INR, and Pump tests were all very good, with the numbers being where they should be.   The frequent blackouts have ceased, (it's amazing what water can do for you), and with much Persistence, I was able to talk Dr. Smith into increasing my Metoprolol another 25 mg.  I am now taking a total of 150mg per night.  I also had no side effects with this increase.  YAY!  I was also very Persistent about starting some new studies.  Something to lower my antibodies, or the new Stem Cell procedure.  I want a plan in place, and get the ball rolling in 2012.  My goal is to have this devise removed and be able to swim with my boys again.  Dr. Smith agreed we needed a plan and we could try some new things.... but I have to be Patient.   HA!!!
I will know more of what type of test we will begin at my January 12 appointment.  So once again I am asking for continued Prayers for healing, Prayers for Patience, and that my Persistence will Pay off!