You're so vein...

[nursedarry]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who has left messages. cards and v gifts; it made the last few days go by quicker and kept me smiling.

I've had my trans-oesophogeal echo (which was bloody awful) and an angiogram (which wasn't; it was cool).


Here's the update:

♥ My mitral valve needs repairing/replacing (they'll know which when they get in there).

♥ At least one of my pulmonary veins (the tubes that lead back from the lungs to the heart with oxygenated blood) is connected to my RIGHT atrium, not my left, where it should be. I think the docs were as surprised as I was when they saw that.


Next up, an MRI on my heart to find out exactly how many of my pulmonary veins are connected to my right atrium. Shortly after that, I'll have my endoscopy to see if I do or do not have a hiatus hernia - docs now aren't sure I do, but if I do, I can start treatment for that.

Then it's on to the London Heart Hospital for the operation to fix the valve and move the pulmonary vein(s) to where they should be. This will require two surgeons, so my surgery date will depend on when they're both available.

In the meantime, I'm on a very large cocktail of drugs to keep me from getting too short of breath, keep my fluid levels down, thin my blood, keep my heart in a regular rhythm, and best of all, keep me pain-free.

These are hereditary conditions, so I'm going to send all my notes to my sis and she'll see a cardio asap, and so will my kids. I've managed to make it to 45, carry twins and teach aerobics without this being a problem, so it could very well be masked in them.

I'm barely making it up my stairs these days, and am very tired. But I don't feel particularly frightened, just so much better to finally have a diagnosis.

taradiane, I'll be spamming you.

Comments

[goldylost.livejournal.com]

Get better soon. *HUGS*!!!!!! ♥ ♥

[katelinmr.livejournal.com]

Okay so this is somewhat of an improvement. The surgaries are the same my Uncle had, and he was way older and way weaker than you are. He came through fine, so I'm just going to stay very positive and decide that you'll be perfectly fine in the future, too.

Honey you're amazingly strong. Like you said, 45 and TWINS. how many people can say that? My candle is burning for you, but I'm sure you won't be needing it. Because Iknow you ♥

[skriftlig.livejournal.com]

You are so effing brave. I hope you get dates for surgery soon and that it's only the one rebellious pulmonary vein. (Which by the way...wtf??)

I've got my fingers crossed for good news for your sister and kids.

*hugs*

[being-here.livejournal.com]

God. How have I missed this? I'm sorry you're going through this, but I am really glad they have found the problem and that there is a solution. Do they have any idea how long the surgery will be?

Let me know if there is anything you need.

[marriesue.livejournal.com]

Stay strong and get better! *hugs* And I wish you a very Draco new year.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Good grief, darling woman! Talk about over-achievement! ONE heart issue is usually enough for anyone, you know.

I will email you with a demand for an address so I can knit you something amusing and actually send it to your house rather than filling a box with sweets, forgetting to ask for your address and then eating them. Which has totally never happened.


Certainly not more than once.


LOVE YOU LOTS, GET WELL! STOP OVERACHIEVING AT ILLNESS!

[nenne.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking about you and keeping my fingers crossed for getting the surgery over and done with as soon as possible.

[kittie8571.livejournal.com]

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Get better soon. *squishes you*

[usakiwigirl.livejournal.com]

So glad that you know what the issue is, although that is quite the laundry list. Good for you for making sure family knows exactly what is happening - I have made it a point from a very early age to tell my daughter exactly what was wrong with her and why she had open heart. She needs to know the details, both for her own future, and anybody else's.

Best of luck to you. We'll all be thinking of you.

[dysonrules.livejournal.com]

*LUFFLES AND LUFFLES YOU*

I am trying to drink all of my alcohol and yours, too, so tell them to speed this stuff up before my liver goes.

*TACKLEHUGS FOREVER*

[stellamoon.livejournal.com]

Oh, honey, I'm sorry I've not been around to know what's going on with you. *MASSIVE HUGS*

I'm hoping the very best for you, and it sounds like you're in good hands. Of course, we're all anxious, now, to hear about your surgery dates, so I hope you'll keep us updated. Take care of YOU and remember we all love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dorotea.livejournal.com]

That is quite the list! Sending good thoughts your way and hope you're feeling yourself again soon!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

*gentle hugs*

Get better soon, lovely ♥

[delphipsmith]

Oh my, you are a bundle of interestingness, aren't you? When we took our dog in for emergency surgery a year ago Xmas Eve, the docs opened her up and discovered that internally she was completely reversed -- everything was on the wrong side and going the wrong way. They were quite surprised too :)

I looked at the picture on Wikipedia and it just looks like a big bundle of snakes to me, but I'm SO very glad that you have an accurate diagnosis. (BTW, Spouse says he's jealous because at least you know what it is, unlike his still-unidentified issues LOL!) Good that you're feeling comfortable (i.e. not scared) -- take it VERY VERY easy, really baby yourself. I'm petitioning the gods for an early surgery date for you and if they know what's good for them they better listen >:|
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

[vaysh11.livejournal.com]

You know, sometimes I click on the links you so conveniently provide, and ALWAYS end up in some medical horror scenario. I hope all these doctors know what they are doing. Do take it easy and do take care, Darry! *hugs gently*

[cassie-black12.livejournal.com]

So I guess this means your tickets to the US are going free now??
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
And yes, everyone else, I am kidding. I think it's a 'truth universally acknowledged' that I love the good nurse more than life itself!!

[sassy-cissa.livejournal.com]

she has 3 months to recover....I fully expect to see her in April. ♥

[sassy-cissa.livejournal.com]

♥

Take care bb! Glad you have a diagnosis and that it's curable *smooches and gentle hugs*

[megyal]

All my best wishes and prayers are coming your way!

[femmequixotic]

Oh, hon. You're in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie. I'm glad they found out what's going on -- I know that having a diagnosis really does help a lot. Do know that you've got a hell of a lot of people backing you here. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[setos-puppy.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you finally have a diagnosis. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

[yggdrasilian.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you finally have a diagnosis!
Best wishes~ *gentle hug*

[celestlyn.livejournal.com]

OMG! Darling, what a shock! That's a long way from gallstones! Such an intense diagnosis, but you're right, at least you know what you're dealing with. I am thinking of you and sending all sorts of healing energy your way!

[noeon.livejournal.com]

I'm just so glad they know what it is, even if it is fairly exciting (I'm imagining the look on everyone's faces when they saw the pulmonary vein out of place).

And yes, you've made it SO FAR and you are doing so well. And now you are in proper care and will receive the best treatment. *hugs and hugs*

Take VERY good care and please use this opportunity shamelessly to tell us all what you would like during your convalescence!!! *more hugs*

[queenie-mab.livejournal.com]

Yikes! That's crazy scary. I'm sending all sorts of positive energy your way. Well wishes!

[enchanted-jae.livejournal.com]

Good to hear you've got a diagnosis and are moving forward with surgery and resulting treatment. Best of luck with it all; I'll be keeping you in prayers.

[besamislabios]

You are in my thoughts. Get well soon, querida. ♥

[dark0feenix.livejournal.com]

You sound so very professional about this but it must be tough in any case. Hope you'll get the surgery soon. *hugs*

[faithwood.livejournal.com]

*all the gentle hugs in the world*

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

*squishes you*

Glad you have the diagnosis and a course of treatment laid out. Here's hoping surgery can happen soon and you can start on the road to recovery.

♥

And YES for you telling your sis about it.

[geneva2010.livejournal.com]

Love and Kisses!!!!!! You are so brave, I'm glad you are staying calm, that must be a big help to your condition to keep your stress levels as low as possible. Pulling for you - thank you SO MUCH for keeping us posted.

[rubytuesday5681]

*big hugs*
I hope you get to feeling better soon! All my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[fireflavored.livejournal.com]

Oh, darling...I'm so sorry to hear all this. I wish there was a way I could give you a big trans-Atlantic hug. ♥

[veritas03.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad they have figured out what needs to be done! I know that's a huge relief for you. You are in my thoughts. Take care of you! ♥

[uniquepov.livejournal.com]

I'm glad they know what's up, finally. Hoping the MRI shows no more surprises and will be holding a good thought for successful, complication-free surgery. <3 <3 <3

Also - will be hanging out in your neck of the woods in late March/early April. Perhaps we'll be able to meet up, assuming you're feeling up for it!

[melusinahp.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of you, Darry. Your strong, positive attitude in the face of this is amazing. ♥

[ldydark1.livejournal.com]

(luvs you up and huggles you many)
I was thinking about you today, and am glad
you left this update. Your achievements are
outstanding, you have such a love of life.
I continue to send you good thoughts your
way.

[mayfly-78.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I hope they manage to get you sorted as fast as possible!

My thoughts are with you!

[lijahlover.livejournal.com]

*hugs you super close*

[bryoneybrynn.livejournal.com]

Oh honey! I've been mostly gone and so have missed most of this. I'm so glad you found some answers. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that all the tests and surgeries go well. *HUGS YOU TIGHT*

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

Oh, honey - I always knew you were special!

It's so hard to get good plumbing done these days - but I'm wishing a speeding schedule and resolution for you. If they manage to get the hoses plugged into the correct spots, you might not know yourself!

*hugs and love*

Bring on ALL THE DRUGS!

[ariannagray.livejournal.com]

Oh bb, I just read your last entries today. Glad though you now have a diagnosis and something can be done about it. Sending all the positive thoughts I have your way. *HUGS*

[leela-cat.livejournal.com]

*hugs you tight* Feel better soon.

[tigersilver.livejournal.com]

Luffs*luffs*luffs you to bits!
Hope this surgery happens very soon...for all our sakes. We are worried, lady, but it's damned good to know and then to also know next-steps.
LUFFS! Tiger

[demicus.livejournal.com]

Thank goodness you have a definitive diagnosis! My fingers are crossed for you to get a surgery date soon, & mend quickly. I'm keeping you in my thoughts & prayers. ❤
I hope your sister & your children are well & remain so.

[brissygirl.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you have a diagnosis at last, even if it is scary as all hell.
I hope you get it sorted soon! *gentle hugs*

[silentauror.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the heart!