Friday, September 11, 2009

In Sickness and In Health...

Ok, I am keeping this brief since I am still a little overwhelmed and frankly trying to take it all in myself. Saw the cardiologist this afternoon. A very good doctor, I am feeling very positive that she is in control of things, so that is a blessing. Main things for now, another special echo to be done on my heart, its more accurate for detecting little things they need to look at.

She thinks I had pre-eclasmpsia and hypertension, that is how things got messy. How that was missed by my OB is beyond me, but some of the things that followed the surgery like my vomiting all day apparently was another sign of that being the case, weird. Anyhoo, the main issue at hand is getting my blood pressure under control. She is taking me off the pills, and putting me on a little to no salt diet (ugh), walking at least 30 minutes daily and basically trying to get rid of my pregnancy weight as quickly as possible. I still will take the pill that keeps the fluid off for now, as she didn't want to take me off everything at once, and she is upping my iron pills.

Now, the not so exciting news... I have a hole in my heart. Its not big, from what she can tell, but the next test will determine the size better, and the course of action. Most likely we can do a day procedure where they insert a umbrella like patch through a vein to my heart while I sleep. Its painless but because I am nursing, they have to hold off until I finish, but sounds like she wants to do it at least in a year, so I may not get to nurse Xander as long as I did Ariel which was 2 years. Guess we will see how it goes.

For those that don't know, my brother had a hole in his heart and had open heart surgery as a kid. Sooo, to find out I have a hole in my heart is rather ironic. Part of me now of course worries more about our kids, but so far with Ariel she hasn't had one detected but you can bet I will be really watching things in the years to come with them both.

So I have a few more tests ahead of me, and things long term to deal with. Trying to take one day at a time at the moment. I know everyone is praying for me and that we can fix this... I need to, for my kids and my hubby. I told him I guess this is our first 'in sickness and in health' moment... and honestly, I have cried a lot. Its scary, and overwhelming, but I need to keep the focus on my family and work hard. I am sad because I should be enjoying my baby, but now I am forced to deal with this. Sigh.... I don't understand why now, but I know I will long term, but its hard.

Ariel saw me cry tonight, and asked what was wrong. I told her my heart had an ouchie, she hugged me and kissed my heart. Then looking at me with those big brown eyes she said, don't be sad anymore.... I guess I need to listen eh?

9 comments:

Dianne said...

BIIIIIIG giant hugs and prayers to you, Janet. Wish I was closer and could deliver them in person. No one needs such scary stuff, especially my beloved friends.

As for the "blood pressure diet", welcome to my world! We're friendly people here. (Yay genetics.)

Stephanie said...

I'm so sorry. I will be praying for you. God Bless.

Jill Brochard said...

Oh Jay (((((hugs))))) Though you are far I will keep you and your family close to my heart.

Kristen said...

SOOO sorry Jay! Thinking of you!

Amy said...

I am sorry you have so much on your plate right now Jay! Someone told me the other day "worrying doesn't help the situation" I have really had to remind myself this when dealing with Boston's situation. Just take it one day at a time.
My mom is a Radiologist, and she actually does the procedure you will have done on your heart, so if you want to chat, call me. I have been there when she has done this procedure many many times :) love you girl, and seriously....don't worry

Megan said...

phew.. what a lot to digest thinking of you.

Brenda said...

Oh sweetie, how I wish I could be there for you IRL. Such scary news, but I'm glad it sounds like you've got a doctor in control now. FWIW, my parents' pastor had a similar diagnosis after his second daughter was born with a hole in her heart - they checked both parents and found his defect, too. He was almost 30 at that time, with no major previous signs of trouble. He and his daughter both had theirs fixed within a couple months of each other and are both doing great!

I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Lotsa internet hugs coming your way!

SarahRachel said...

Big hugs, lots of prayers, and remember that God has an awesome plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). I wish I could give you an IRL hug- maybe someday! =)

kelly ens said...

big stuff to deal with!!! will be praying for you as you make recipe adjustments and go through continued testing/monitoring.

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