On November 4th I was referred to a heart specialist for heart palpitations. I had an echo which showed a hole between my left and right atria (atrial septal defect). They were almost positive it would require surgery. On November 15 I had a transesophageal echocardiogram (ultrasound down the throat, ouch) that confirmed.
ASD is a birth defect. Most ASD's can be fixed my scope. Mine is too large. The hole has been causing my right atrium to enlarge, and if left untreated could cause stoke or blood clots in the lungs. I will be having open heart surgery the week after thanksgiving. My heart will be stopped, sternum cut, all the fun stuff. It will be at St. Mark's hospital, with a stay of 3-5 days. But on the bright side, it's not a risky surgery, and I should be fairly normal by Christmas, not that I'm normal in the first place, haha.
The stress in my life has been a blessing in disguise. If it hadn't been for my calling at church and kids, I probably wouldn't have felt any symptoms. The Lord has been taking good care of me, something good is going to come out of this. I'm so thankful for my faith, my family, and UPS's health insurance!
Hope that answers most of your questions.
3 comments:
Oh boy, April. You will be in our prayers. It is so good that you are looking for and focusing on the positives in this. That will help you a lot. I hope your recovery is speedy and not too hard on you with as little pain as possible. You know I will help with anything you need!
Love how you can take something like having open heart surgery and make it into a positive thing! You completely amaze me and I look up to you in so many ways! I love you like a sister April and am so grateful to have you in my life! I'm so glad that you took the time to get yourself checked out and that your precious heart can be repaired! I'm here for you and your family if you need anything!! :o)
We love you April and are here for you!! <3 I'm glad that they found the problem and are able to fix it! But I am sorry you've had to experience all of this. :( You are in our thoughts and prayers!
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