Nothing New

So someone mentioned to me that I need to update the blog. There has not been much new to actually report on.

I am still feeling great. I am usually tired at the end of the day, but after a good nights sleep I am ready to go again. I will see my doctor again November 7th and do another 24 hour monitor to check to make sure everything is still working correctly.

If you want to see the x-ray of the wires on my brestbone let me know. It's kinda cool. My scar is starting to fade very slowly. I wish it were a little faster, but it dose not botther me. One person was surprised that I was not concerned about hiding my red scar. I have had a previous scar my whole life and therefore, I think I would look strange WITHOUT it. It is part of me.

School is going great. It was overwhelming the first week jumping into the middle of everything. I love my kids but still feel like I am getting to know them. Everyday is different and exciting. Let me know if you need any cute kindergarten stories.

I will not post again until I have any new heart updates. My regular life is not eventful or exciting enough for all the world to read.

Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, gifts, concerns, and kind words. I know this recovery would not have been this easy if I had not had all the support from everyone.

First Days of School

My first day back was great. All the kids knew who I was ans were very excited to meet me. I mostly watched Ms. Smith (my sub) teach most of the day so I could figure out her little routines. Around 9:30 I was very overwhelmed, but felt better by the end of the day. All the kids kept waving to me, telling me they new my name, and giving me random hugs. They are all real cute and so small. I always forget how little they come.
It was also so great to see my kiddos from last year. I got lots of hugs at recess. I was very tired when I got home that evening and stayed on the couch all night fighting to keep my eyes open.
Friday was very busy. I woke up making lots of list and never stopped moving. I taught most of the day and Ms. Smith helped answer more questions. I was glad she stayed to help the transition. I stayed extra late to get little things done and brought several projects home. Monday I will get a chance to put in more of my routines. Dulcy is going to come to help me. What a blessing.

My energy level was very good both days. I even ended up doing a little cardio activity Friday. Its not a kindergarten day if I'm not running somewhere and jumping up and down with the kids.

Its good to be back. Thank you all for the encouragement and prayers. I could not have done it without you.

" My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insult, in hardship, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

I MADE IT!!!

I was FINALLY able to see my doctor today. He released me to work and do anything else I feel like doing. I can start working out and lifting things. YEA!!!!!! Apparently, I have done so well because I was motivated to get back to life. I think it had a lot to do with all the wonderful encouragement and prayers. Thank you friends.

I hope to go back to work latter this week. Please pray that it is smooth transition for the kids and that I will have the energy to do my job well.

Still Waiting

My surgeon's office called and had to move my follow up appointment to Monday. There was an emergency surgery he had to do today and could not meet. It is possible that the Monday appointment will have to be moved as well. I will just have to wait. Oh Well.

I will update after we do get to meet with him.

Better Than We Expected News!!!!!

Today I saw the rhythm specialist. He told us that my irregular heart beat has GREATLY improved. Before the surgery I had done a 24 hour heart monitor. The test showed the in the upper chamber I had several hundred EXTRA beats and in the lower chamber 6000 EXTRA beats. When we did the same test a few weeks ago, I had only 15 extra in the upper and only 4 in the lower. Wow!!! We were blown away by the difference. He even said that he sees normal people with a couple hundred extra beats. The goal of course is no extra beats, but have a few is normal.

He asked that I do another 24 hour monitor again in a few months just to make sure everything stays normal. There is no need to consider a pacemaker or devices or test at this time. I still might need one down the road, but not now. THE SURGERY WORKED!!!!!!

I will see my surgeon on Friday to see how I am healing and hope to get a short timeline of lifting restrictions. I am ready to get back to real life.

Good News

My Dr. called today with the results of my 24 hour heart monitor test. He said that my rhythms are "improving". He said he talked with the rhythm specialist and they are encouraged. I will see the specialist next week to get the details.

From what we understand from talking to him today, we will monitor my rhythms for a while and look for more improvements.

I will get to go back to Allen this weekend. Right now I am planning to stay. We will see what the doctors say and then make a plan to transition back into real life. WHOOOHOOOO!!!

I Love Current Events

I have discovered that I am addicted to current events. During my recovery time I have watched soooo much TV. First there was the Olympics. I was glued to the TV from 7pm till after 11pm every night. I felt it was un-American to watch anything else on TV. Then there was the Democratic National Convention. I loved hearing what everyone had to say and listen to all the opinions. Again my schedule revolved around this event. Finally this week I have been glued to hurricane coverage. I was ready for "The Big One". Yesterday I watched CNN for over 5 hours just on Gustav. I kept waiting for Anderson Cooper to blow away. I even considered waking up early to watch the coverage of the storm. Now I am gearing up for the Republican Convention. I know when everyone is going to speak and what to be looking for during each speech.

Aside from all the TV I have been watching, we have been doing other things. I have been watching my mom learn to play golf. That's interesting! Yesterday we went to San Marcus to see my brother and the Texas State campus. I have also helped a little bit with the Fair and Rodeo decorations by painting a few signs and boots. We are also working on the SECOND 1000 pc. puzzle.

I am still feeling great. I am also sleeping better now. Thank you for all the prayers.

First Check Up

I saw my doctor for the first time since being at home today. He said the new valve looks great and that everything I have been feeling is normal. He answered a lot of my questions as well. He also stressed that I don't need to over do things and to limit my activity. This is a little different than what the surgeon said. Before I left I had a 24 hour heart monitor put on again. This will be the information that that rhythm specialist looks at in a few weeks to tell us if I need any other surgeries. I will go back in two months.

I have felt a lot better that past few days. Sleeping has still been difficult because of my back pain. I think it is now time to start getting off the pain meds.

I am now back in Waco until the second week in September. I see the rhythm specialist Sept. 10 and my surgeon Sept. 12. I hope at that point I will be release to drive and go back to work soon after.

I know there will be more good days and bad days to come. All the cards, notes and kind words everyone has sent has been so wonderful and brightens each day. I am so blessed to have such great friends. Thank you!!!

Recovery Going Well

I am now in Waco recovering here. I miss all my Allen friends and do wish I was starting back to school this week. We will be back in Allen Saturday the 23th through Tuesday the 26th because I have my first follow up appointment Tuesday.

Many people who have heart surgery need cardiac therapy afterwards, but since I am young my doctors told me I could do it on my own. I have been getting up in the mornings and walking a little and then walking a little in the evenings too. We even have a treadmill here I get to use for those rainy days.

My pain has gone up and down a lot. There were several days that I was not having any pain, but my skin was very dry and itchy from the tape. The tape has now started to fall off a little and I am back to having a some pain. I am tyring to slowly get off Tylenol, but not sure yet if I am ready. Sleeping has been hard every night because once I do finally fall asleep, I have to get up every few hours. I think I sleep the best during my daytime naps.

School starts Monday and I am very sad I am not there. I was praying for a good sub to take my class. I am so glad to have gotten such a great teacher to be there in my place. The first few weeks are always tough, so please pray for her as school starts. I know she will do a fantastic job. What an answered prayer!!!

Be careful what you eat

So I take either Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three hours. This has been alright except in the middle of the night. Yesterday my mom went to go get my ibuprofen from the kitchen and then grabbed a handful a trail mix for herself. She then came and told me how horrible the new trail mix was and not to eat it because it had gone bad. When she then looked for my medicine she had set out, it was no where to be found. We looked all over and decided that ibuprofen looks just like the brown M&Ms in the trail mix. So be careful what you eat here.

I do have lots of wonderful tasting things here to eat. I am so overwhelmed by all the sweet gifts and flowers, cards, visitors, prayers, and phone calls. I don't know how to say thank you enough.

I am still feeling great during the day. I have lots of energy and movement. By the evening I am tired and sore. Bedtime is the worst to find a comfortable spot and getting up every three hours is not much fun. Yesterday, the place where I had the chest tube stared bleeding a little bit. I am not worried because it drained for 3 days after surgery and I think this is just normal, but it is something we are watching.

Today I got to have another big outing. I was allowed to go to church fellowship meal. It was great to see all of my friends there and feel like normal. Its hard to believe that exactly one week ago I had just come out of surgery and was in ICU.

I plan to go to Waco on Friday for about a week. My first follow up appointment is Tuesday, August 26. Right now we are planning to come back to Allen the weekend before and stay for a few days.

It's me again back at the computer. Thanks so much to Katie and others for keeping everyone updated. I had no idea how many people would read this.

We got home from the hospital yesterday around 1:00pm. I was very glad to get home and it made me feel even better. Although it was great to sleep in my own bed, I woke up about every hour and had to get up every 3 hours for meds. There always seems to be more pain and discomfort at night. Today we got a lot done in the morning and then got to go to lunch with Katie. Riding in the car is a little complicated, but worth it.

If you would like to come by today, you are still welcome to come between 5:00 and 7:00.

Home at Last

I am glad to report that Lindsay is finally home. Oh and a little FYI for the dentist office and other concerned persons, Lindsay has been brushing her teeth. Lindsay should be really tired today, but we are thinking about opening the house for visitors tomorrow. We will probably have visiting hours from 5-7 (pm not am although I know a few of you would be up that early).

Heart Print Out

I just saw Lindsay's heart print out and it was normal. What a praise=)

CLEAN and Tubless

She took a bath today!!!!! Lindsay is clean and has on makeup. The doctors came in this morning and said that she was doing very well. She has gotten her drain tub removed and is currently tubless. She is ordering lunch and watching the olympics. Hopefully after lunch she will take a nap. She is going to stay one more night to make sure she has the pain under control, and will home sometime on Sunday.

Day of Rest

We are declaring today Lindsay's day of rest. She had a big day yesterday and has done well this morning, but is starting to get worn out. If you planned to visit today I would encourage waiting until we come home. She should be getting out of the hospital on Saturday or Sunday. The recovery is going very well. Also, she has recieved the most beautiful flowers and her room is looking and smelling wonderful.

We have a winner

It is now 3:34 and we have a winner. Ember was on her way from school and brought stickers and a chart. I know that she had an unfair advantage to those of you who are actually working and I apologize. She says that she worked really hard and we commend her for her efforts, she wins!! Lindsay is currently sleeping. The good news is that she is one step closer to being dressed, you guessed it she now has on underwear. YEAH!!! She is still sporting the attractive hospital gown and has brushed her hair. More news to come later.

602 building E

Lindsay has an official room. She is now in 602 Building E. We need a sticker chart made for Lindsay's breathing exercises the first one to bring it up with stickers wins. The goal is to do a set of ten every hour in a breathing machine. It is currently 1:26 and I will post the winner as soon as we have one. Snap the jobs a game.

Up and Talking

Lindsay is having a great morning. She has been for a walk and is awake and talking. Her throat is sore from the ventalation tube so it isn't much fun to talk. However we all know that isn't slowing her down much. Last night she had a little nausea from some of the medicine, but is doing fine today. She is literally being moved into her own room right now. The doctors all say she is doing really well. The funny story for today is that Lindsay called me this morning asking for a ponytail holder and a brush. She couldn't sit up as I was working on her hair so I tried to put it in pigtails. Lindsay said "Don't make me look stupid" to which I responded "What is your definition of stupid?" She replied " I don't want to look like a five get year old." How did she know thats what she looked like? Clearly she is feeling more like herself. For those of you, Alison and Chris, who would like to see pictures I am afraid I had to change her hair back immediately.

ALL DONE- WHOO HOO

The surgery is over. Everything went well and Lindsay is going to ICU in a little while. They said that the nurses will have her sitting up in a chair by tonight. Thanks for the prayers. There are a ton of people here today, so if you are planning on visiting I would recommend a later day. I think she will be out of it for a while.

Next Update

The dr. said that things are still going well. More family and friends have come. We have people from the North Texas, East Texas, and Parkland (which could still be considered Texas but is definitely a different world).

1st Update

Our first update was good news. She is opened up and the surgeons are working. They said it would take about an hour to get in and through her scare tissue, a few hours to work, and an hour to close her back up. We just had lunch and are waiting patiently.

In Surgery

Lindsay is off to a good start. They took her into surgery at 1:00 which is ahead of schedule. She was doing very well and is now enjoying a long nap. We haven't gotten any updates yet, but I will let you know as soon as I hear. We have a ton of support here. Lindsay's parents, Dulcy, myself, Becky Barker, and Sami Girl are all here. Brother Chad came by and prayed for her and Dulcy did a group prayer in the pre-op room. We are also well stocked with magazines, books, drinks, and snacks thanks to Dulcy who really knows her way around a waiting room.
More info coming later,
Katie

No Tears

Today went great. Lindsay did not cry AT ALL. Despite her fears that today would be the hardest day, she did amazingly well. She is packed, feed, and ready for tomorrow. Good news, she gets to sleep in which we all know is her favorite summer pastime. We will head to the hospital around 11:30. THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of the phone calls, well wishes, and prayers. I will be updating tomorrow as soon as possible. The surgery is not until 2 and it could take 4 to 6 hours so it might be a while before you hear info. I am hoping to get Internet connection, but I'm not that good. Someone will have Lindsay's phone if you are desperate you may call, but I may not answer I'm just figuring out how to work it. For those of you who are planning on visiting, it would probably be best if you call first so that we can tell you where we are, and if it is a good time.
THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY KATIE THE COMMUNICATION MANAGER.

Heart Catheterization

Wednesday, July 23, I had a heart catheterization done. This is where inset a small plastic tube into an artery in my groin. They then use dye to measure how my heart is pumping and how much leaking my valves are experiencing. I was told that I might be awake for this procedure, but I think I slept through most and remember very little. I do remember a warm feeling going from my throat to toes several times. It was weird. I was home by 1:00 the same day. I was sore for a few days and have a huge bruise but feel fine for the most part.



The Dr. said that the test showed what we thought and there were not any surprises.

FAQ&A

Many people have asked me the same types of questions so I thought I would let everyone know details that I know - or think I know.

• I will have a pre-op appointment Tuesday afternoon to get some test done like blood work and chest x-rays.
• My surgery will be at Medical City of Dallas at 2:00 but have to be there around 10AM.
• The actual surgery will last about 4 hours.
• They will be putting in a human valve. We discussed pig and mechanical but my surgeon recommends human for me.
• I will be in ICU for about a day or two.
• I will be in the hospital about 5-6 days.
• I will go home to Allen for maybe about a week or so to have the doctors close for a little while.
• I then plan to go home to Waco so my parents can take care of me while they are at home and so Katie does not hate me.
• I hope to be back and forth so to still be involved with my life in Allen.
• I will be missing about six weeks of school.
• I plan to be back at work around the beginning of October.
• I have been working up at school to be out and there should not be lots of prep for my sub.

All of this is estimated and we will just take it day by day.

The Situation

As many of you know I was born with congenital heart defect and had surgery at age 3 to repair the valves in my heart. Since the surgery I have lived a mostly normal life and have remained active. I see my cardiologist every few years and he has always been very encouraging about my progress. Last time I went, he said I was doing wonderful and that I did not need to come back for four years. This was very encouraging to me and my family.

Early this summer I went for my check up. I was expecting an easy routine check up because last time we got such great news. My doctor said that my heart is still functioning the same as it always has, but it is working very hard and I will get worse before I get better. He then said that I might need a valve replacement in the next few years to help my heart work its best.

My cardiologist then called me a few weeks latter and asked that I meet with the other doctos sooner than planned because I need the surgery THIS SUMMER. This was difficult news to hear, but my friends and family were very supporative and encouraging.

I saw the surgeon Friday. He was very nice and explained all about how the heart works and the process of the valve replacement. He then answered all my questions and made us feel very comfortable. He explained that I would be up and out of bed the first few days. He said that the recovery would be easier than we expected, but should plan not to be back at work full time for about two months. We were able to schedule the surgery for Wednesday, August 6th at Medical City of Dallas.

I also met with a arrhythmia specialist because my cardiologist explained that my heart rhythms are irregular. The Dr. explained how my heart was working and the valve and rhythm problems it was having. He started telling me about the options and started with the worst and moved to the best. Basically, the valve operation should take care of the problems, but I might need a pacemaker or maybe even a defilibalater (sp?). The irregular rhythms are not a big problem now but they could be if we don't take care of it. I will need to go back and see him a month after the surgery to see if I need anything else. He said it is very possible that I may need a pacemaker somewhere down the road if not now.

In about 6 months I hope to feel so much better than I ever have.