Heart Journey Update
Today was my official follow-up with my team to discuss the results of my recent tests. Last week I spoke with my heart doctor via phone, but after a lengthy discussion, I was still left with questions. So off to Livonia/Northville I went and even though I maybe could’ve done this visit via video, the PA took ample time to explain what is really going on with my heart with pictures, drawings, and so much encouragement. It’s so what my heart needed!
I walked out of today’s appointment with much relief, having a much better understanding what is going on with this heart of mine! The biggest takeaway I had was about 2/3 of my heart is not receiving the amount of oxygen it should, which is disheartening to hear, but also explains so much with how I have felt. For instance, a day in the life of Kristin, I can go on walks and for the most part, do them successfully. Then there are those days that I really struggle. There are some days when I can climb up the stairs from doing laundry just fine, and other days, I can’t catch my breath. As the PA began to show me what happens when blood enters my heart, what my arteries are doing, or not doing, and how that effects my heart, was incredibly eye-opening. The gist is that because my heart is not receiving the oxygen it needs, anytime my heart is under any kind of stress, it cannot keep up. And as the PA said, “Kristin, listen to your body and immediately stop because that is how the ICD will go off.” You don’t have to tell me that twice! I always knew to not push myself too hard and I do know my limits, but to be even more aware now, is what I needed to be reminded of.
As for the actual heart muscle, there is one area that is struggling, but is fully viable, meaning it can return to full function if some solutions are found. As for another part of my heart, some areas of the heart will not return to full function, but some parts hopefully will if the right intervention is found. That is why having a CT scan and an ECHO will be helpful tests to have to see if I am starting to have a blockage, if I the pressures in my heart are okay, and to see how well my heart is pumping.
There is still a question whether I’ve had another heart attack because there is a small area of the heart that shows I did. Still can’t pinpoint when and probably never will, but it just proves that my heart is sensitive and it makes me want to ensure I do everything I can so that I don’t have any more!
I walked away so thankful for my heart team, once again. When I question whether I should message them about something I am feeling, I am always told, “Kristin, we are your TEAM, that’s what we are here for.” My PA is THE best and encouraged me more than I thought I even needed. I walked out of there with a little pep in my step, understanding a bit more what’s going on with my complex heart and grateful to God for giving me a team that cares so deeply. Of course it’s always a bit disheartening to hear when things are working properly, but I am fully confident that God’s perfect plan continues to work itself out through even this. I will continue to monitor my fluid levels, potassium levels, and blood pressure closely in hopes of remaining what I would call “stable” for Kristin. I head back to Ann Arbor end of September for more testing.
After any appointment, I am always grateful for how far God has led me through this disease. I am grateful I have made it this far without a transplant. I am grateful for how God has grown my faith through all of this. I am grateful for the love and support as we walk this journey. I am grateful that God has led me to a team that is “watching me like a hawk” as my PA said. But nothing trumps GOD’S provision, GOD’S sovereignty, and GOD’S providence!
