About Me

In March 2009 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy - Heart Failure. Within two months, it progressed to end-stage. In August 2009 I had a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implanted to help my heart pump blood. Then in December I was placed on the heart transplant list. On January 11, 2010 a heart became available for me and I was taken to the operating room. While on the table, the surgeons found that my own heart had began to heal. I didn't get that transplant and subsequently had my LVAD removed in September 2010. Today, I have a new appreciation for life and am learning to take each day one step at a time.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Surprise Party

Some good friends of mine had a jewelry party yesterday and donated some of the profits to me. It just so happened that I was able to use my second excursion to surprise them and show up at the party.

It was so much fun to see everyone. It really lifted my spirits and helped me feel like I may actually get back to a semi-normal life. :-) Thanks ladies for being so encouraging.

Well, I am still in the hospital (day 37 today). Tomorrow I will be having a defibrillator put in. (I know, by the time I get home, I will be the bionic woman... but at least I will be living.) The defibrillator (ICD) will help regulate my heartbeats. It will also shock my heart if it goes into an abnormal rhythm for several minutes. My heart has not done this, but it would be fatal if it did. So, the ICD will shock my heart if it needs it. When I asked if it would hurt me, the surgeon said, "It will feel like a small horse kicking you in the chest." Sorry I asked! LOL! But it will save my life.

The surgery will take about 2 hours. They will make a slit on my left side just above my heart. They will then make a pocket in my muscle and slip the ICD into it. They will take 2 wires and connect them into my heart and the ICD. Then, they will stitch me up. Next, they will force my heart into an abnormal rhythm so they can test the ICD and its shock.

The surgeon said after the surgery I will feel a little beat up, especially from the shock, but it shouldn't be too bad. I will have to ice the stitches for 2 days and be on light bed rest. After that, I CAN GO HOME!!!!

Please be in prayer for the surgery and for coming home. I am a little nervous about both and have been trying to just pray and trust God that His hand will be over both and that He will give me His strength and courage for yet another surgery. He has been so good to us this far and I believe He will continue to watch over us. And I cannot tell you how comforting and effective all of your prayers have been. We could not have gotten through this without the prayers of so many loved ones. THANK YOU!!!

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1 comment:

  1. HeatherBSeptember 13, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    Melissa,

    It was so wonderful to see you at the party yesterday. You look good, and it was so wonderful to be able to visit with you a bit. I've missed your sweet spirit at work so very much.

    I will be praying for your surgery and for God to give you peace as you begin prepeartions for going home.

    Love,
    Heather

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