The Follow-Up ...

Sorry to keep the good folks out there waiting for my update on the heart situation. It was not intentional, but this is honestly the first time since my follow-up appointment that I have had to sit down and write this.

To say I was nervous was a bit of an understatement. To say I was scared witless is probably more accurate. I was scared that I'm 12 days away from turning 40 and my chest was going to have to be cracked open for a bypass or, at the very least, a stent. These kinds of medical problems only serve to feed my hypochondria and making me wait only enables it more.

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded – well those specific fears were unfounded. I've learned a very important truth. ER personnel stink at communication skills. I was told I had NO right superior vena cava. So imagine my surprise when my doctor told me I had a BLOCKED right superior vena cava. Big difference in saying something is missing versus saying something is blocked. Big difference.

Of course not being well versed in medical speak, I'll let this one slide. Regardless, the issue is that I have a blocked vein to my heart. My doctor told me based on the report from my hospital trip that I shouldn't worry about it. All the scans, tests, ultrasounds and whatever medical poking and prodding they did showed that I'm fine and that my heart has bypassed the vein all on its own.

As for the rest of my symptoms, I've pretty much struck out from anyone admitting that any of them were tied to the heart issue. I think it's a vicious conspiracy perpetrated by the medical community for the purposes of encouraging the hypochondria meaning more doctor's visits and more money for them. OK, I don't actually believe that since I happen to have great doctors. OK, I believe it a little bit, but I don't blame the doctors ... much.

I walked away without so much as an aspirin regimen. The only thing the doctor would even consider being remotely related to my heart was the migraines. He did give me something to take at the onset of one and I need to track them for the next three months to see how frequent they may be. If they are too frequent, then he will give me a daily medication for them. Otherwise, I'll stick with what I got.

I've been cleared to keep exercising and if I so choose I can drink caffeinated beverages. All in all an uneventful, but very relieving visit to the MD.

I am indeed very thankful and grateful for all the well wishes, cards, visits, phone calls, inquiries, prayers and hugs that I have received over the last week and a half. I'm a lucky person and God continues to bless my life.

Without a doubt, in 12 days I will be happy to celebrate the big 4-0. And if that isn't a hint people, I don't know what is! Just sayin'.

 

God bless,

Kat

1 Peter 5:7