The Next Step In My Heart Journey

Today I had an appointment in Ann Arbor with my electrophysiologist to determine what the next steps are in my heart journey. I actually see two different doctors for my heart failure, but each one with their own purpose and expertise.

After September and being put on a new med, I felt incredible. I thought, “This is IT!” Then a few weeks ago, I started to feel a bit worse. Not near to what I was in September, but I knew something wasn’t right.

I had my holter monitor test for 48 hours and then an ECHO to see if my EF (ejection fraction) has improved. I would have bet money that my EF had improved at least slightly, but unfortunately, my EF was basically unchanged. We were pretty disappointed. And shocked. But I kept trying to tell myself that God has a purpose in this too. But my holter monitor showed that my PVCs (extra beats) were basically non-existent! Good and bad…good in the sense that the new med I’m on is working, but unfortunately my EF had not improved, which was what we were hoping.

So, now the plan is for me to get an ICD (internal defibrillator) inserted into my side in the next few weeks, so that I no longer have to wear my LifeVest. Granted I haven’t been wearing it much at all because it sure is a pain to wear, but it will be good to get an ICD. It is just an overnight stay and will hopefully prevent from going into cardiac arrest. 

Then…I have an appointment next Wednesday with my heart failure doctor to determine what the next steps are in the heart failure side of things. From there, depending what is decided, I will have to have another procedure done to address my PVCs so that I can get off of the med I am on to prevent them because I can’t be on it lifelong. Though it’ll depend what is decided with my appointment on Wednesday.

So much to figure out yet, but what I have to remind myself that heart failure is not curable, but just has to be managed. I am thankful that I can have an ICD put in place so that I hopefully won’t ever go into cardiac arrest. The ICD is about the size of an altoid box and is inserted under my skin under my left arm. So interesting what has been invented and so THANKFUL! It’ll be interesting to see what the year brings but…

One thing we keep remembering is that God’s got this and we truly are at peace. And we hope that peace stays. Whatever God allows, He allows. The journey is far from over, but the Lord will walk with us!