This is simply a blog to update you on my heart condition and how today's appointment went. I don't want to go into a lot of details nor really make it sappy, but it's really just to inform everyone at once.
Here's a quick back story on my heart condition, for those of you who do not know: I was born with an enlarged aorta and a bicuspid valve. I had heart surgery at six months old. On June 26, 2008, I had surgery to replace the aorta and the valve. Due to "complications" I had to get a pacemaker implanted. The lower chamber of my heart never came back to normal, so the pacemaker helps keep both chambers in sync. In 2015, I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis (narrowing of the valve). I was also told that the pacemaker was nearing the end of its life and needed to be replaced within the next few years. There was also talk of surgery to replace the valve again, but I was never given a set time. I had an appointment scheduled for 2016 but due to insurance issues I had to cancel it (#thanksObama). So keep in mind, I haven't seen my cardiologist for well over a year.
Today's appointment went really well... Kind of.. I was excited and anxious going into it because I knew there would be potential talk of surgeries. The doctor said that the echo looks great. I'm healthy. I'm "normal". I'm not in any pain or feeling any different, when it comes to my heart. The aortic stenosis is still there but it'll never truly go away. Now, I was under the impression that this valve would last about fifteen years. Not necessarily. He said it depends on the patient. He compared it to a car.. Sometimes they last five years, sometimes they last thirty. THIS WAS GREAT NEWS!! I just have to do my best to stay physically healthy.
I went over to another room get my pacemaker checked. Apparently my pacemaker expired in May of 2016. WHAT THE HELL???? Yeah. I'm still alive. WOW. Basically I have been running on the backup battery of the pacemaker. Honestly it's kinda hard to explain. The technician was confused by it. I'm a half dead woman. Kidding. Essentially the top chamber has been in control. I'll be having a quick outpatient procedure, in a few weeks, to replace the pacemaker. Send good vibes, please. :)
Medical stuff is crazy. Life is crazy. I'm just thankful for God. I'm not really anxious about this procedure since it'll be simple and quick. Although, I am a little shocked at how I've been living for the past year. Dad said, "We weren't going to let you die." LOL
All jokes aside though, I tend to forget that I have a CHD. I try to not let it limit me. If you know me, you know I don't use it has an excuse not to do anything. If I make an excuse, I'm just being lazy. I'm humbled by my CHD and it gives me a better understanding of what people with other medical diagnosis go through. However, when I am reminded of the realities of it, I'm slapped in the face with the importance of it. It's a little life shattering, but I will do my VERY best to stay on top of it. Please hold me accountable to this.
LOVE YOU, PEEPS!!
