As I have mentioned a few times on this blog I have a heart problem (called a coarctation of the aorta) and last summer there was an attempt to fix this twice which led to some complications requiring some fairly major surgery. As a result of none of the other procedures working, I now require open heart surgery to fix a problem I was born with but unaware of until March 2010. I’ve been waiting for the past 3 or so months for a call as to when I would be having this surgery. I put myself on a short notice list as I want this to be over and done with as soon as possible. I finally got my call a week or so ago and I am going to be undergoing open heart surgery on June 23rd via a thoracotomy (which means they go through my back instead of my front).
& They dont break your ribs, just remove a small piece of one and move the others!
I’m obviously nervous of course, but I was really excited when I got my call because every since last may I have been worrying about surgery or waiting for surgery or recovering from surgery. It’s been a very stressful year and I am so looking forward to it being done. I would really love to go back to being a normal 21 year old with normal problems!!
This is a coarctation of the aorta, mine goes from 18mm down to 4mm and back up to 19mm, how have I ever played sports?!
I usually don’t go this into detail about personal things on this blog because this is kind of an escape from all that. But this is happening soon and it definitely is going to mean a break from the blog for a few weeks at least. I’ll be spending 5-7 days in hospital and have 5 weeks (more or less) off from work. I’ll definitely try to keep everyone updated with how things go though. With all the surgery I’ve had in the last year I know I’m a pretty good healer (& apparently scar very nicely) so I’m hopeful for how things are going to go. I am really appreciative of everyone who reads this blog because it has been a wonderful aid this past year in giving me something to look forward to and a reason to get dressed in the morning!
Love, JennaD
This what I'm going to look like after surgery? I'm going to turn into a giant heart with an angry face
I'm sorry you've had such a stressful year--nobody likes complications of any kind, and medical ones are the worst, but it's a good thing that you are taking care of this and I'm sure you'll be so relieved when it's all over! I hope you treat yourself to a beach vacation or something. Good luck, stay positive, happy healing!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your heart problems Jenna, but at the same time, I am glad that you are having the surgery soon, so you can put it all behind you! I wish you the best of luck but I know everything will be fine anyway. I am glad that you decided to share this with us, because we all care about you, even if we are only virtual friends :) I am sending all my love to you right now! xx
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so awful :( and I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible! I didnt realize that they were able to perform heart surgery through the back instead of cracking open the rib cage-- hopefully that means it will be a less painful recovery!
ReplyDeleteSending loads of positive thoughts your way <3
Alyssa
wow girl, you are so brave, I had no idea! I am glad you're staying positive and we will be here to encourage you and compliment your hospital goqn :)
ReplyDelete<3
I hope everything goes really well for you :) Sorry this has been such a stressful year! Wish you a speedy recovery :)
ReplyDeletex
you know, when i first "met" you, you mentioned just having some kind of surgery (on your arm??), and i tried to go back into your archives to find out why. so thanks for sharing this with us so that we can be here to support you! i'm nervous for you, but i know you will be fine!
ReplyDeleterockoomph.blogspot.com
Hurray for finally having a surgery date! I'm sure you'll feel such relief when the whole thing is over and you can move on to a normal life :) Just in case it helps you to gear up at all, I'll share this little tidbit from my personal life: my grandad had a triple bypass surgery on April 24th, two days before he turned 88. He's not quite back to normal yet, but the procedure went just perfectly. If an 88-year-old man can get through it, you'll be sailing :)
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
I know you're going to make it through this Jenna, and you're pretty much a professional healer so Cee's right. Just know we're all holding your hand (virtually) when you go in! Lots of love :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you will wear once you are a giant heart with an angry face! This will be interesting ;)
ReplyDeleteJoking aside. I'm sorry to hear this dear! You seem and look like a normal 21 year old so I hope you will also feel like that soon. I can imagine how nervous you are. I have a congenital birthmark along my whole right leg and I was a nervous wreck right befor emy first laser treatment. Of course I DON'T want to compare a laser treatment with an open heart surgery! I just wanted to attach a personal anecdote to make you feel better (hope it worked?!).
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that everything will be okay with your heart after the surgery! just take all the time you need to recover! I think I speak for all your readers when I say: Get well soon! We support you :)
Good luck, although I'm certain you won't need it. You are so brave to share your personal goings on on your blog, but hopefully a problem shared in a problem halved.
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling and I'm sure it will be a huge relief when it is all over.
Kate.
www.styleisalwaysfashionable.blogspot.com
Aww hun, I'm so sorry to hear about your heart. But I am SO glad you're finally getting the surgery you need. Keep us posted. We'll all be rooting for a quick recovery for you!
ReplyDeletexoxo
You have so many people who love you and care for you! You're the best Yenna! You need any sort of soup or books or love, you know I'll be there in a flash to hang out with your new healthy ass.
ReplyDelete<3
Thank you all very much, I definitely appreciate every comment. Some days are worse then others stress wise but I know I'll make it through and I'll be the healthiest person ever!
ReplyDeletexJennaD