September 22 Update

Hey everyone! It’s been a while since we gave an update, and that’s because I’ve been rather busy. Busy in a good way! I started Cardiac Physical Therapy the first week of September and have been making great progress. This past week, I started light jogging and upper body weight lifting. Needless to say, Ive been rather sore for over the past week. 

I finally met with my cardiologist, Dr. Zidar at Austin Heart, and he spoke very highly of, and was rather impressed with, the care and surgery techniques used at Emory Hospital on me. “Your surgeon knew what he was doing and was very methodical with every piece of your surgery. You were in the best hands.” This validated everything that happened to me; I was meant to just make it to Atlanta so I could receive some of the best medical care for my condition. 

Since meeting with my doctor, I am on a new journey with medical care and procedures. I learned my lower lung was impacted in the surgery and is not pushing out enough air; this is most likely due to nerve damage, which sometimes happens with this surgery. It is not holding me back, though! PT and routine X-rays will help us monitor it moving forward. I am going to a lipid specialist, who will assess by blood work and prescribe “targeted” medication moving forward. I will begin routine echocardiograms and X-rays to help monitor my numbers and health.

I can’t believe just over two months ago I was lying in bed wondering what will happen next. Well, this is what’s next: increasing my mobility, getting back to normal, and lots and lots of doctor’s appointments. I am very fortunate and thankful for where I am today. And, having multiple Austin doctors validate what a great job Emory did, makes me feel even more lucky and blessed.

Thank you for the many prayers, messages, thoughts and gratitude. I couldn’t have made it this far without all the love and support!