About Me (In My Own Words)
My story, as with probably most, is long, but happened very quickly. For over a year I kept telling my PCP that I couldnt breathe. She first said it was asthma, which I had never had. Then she would say it was anxiety. Grant it i am a very hyper type and have even had panic attacks, but never did this cause a struggle with my breathing. However, after 36 yrs of smoking, I quit in 2010, even though she would say my lungs sounded good i figured i had COPD and would soon be on oxygen. Then last July i went to her with pain in my lower left side, again she could not find a reason; I was just happy it wasn't kidney stones. In August I found myself back at my doctor and trust me when I say I dont like doctors. I told her something was wrong with me. It was as if I had stopped taking my hormone pills, which I hadn't, but I was in terrible shape. She got aggravated and ordered all sorts of tests and blood work, one of which, thank the Lord, was an Echo. With my PCP group at that time I could see all of my test results online, the Echo showed Severe Stenosis of Aortic Valve. Boy was that a shock for me. A week or so after I saw my report her Receptionist called me with the report. No "come back in" or see a Cardiologist. Fortunately a few months before one of my co-workers said if I ever needed a Cardiologist she had a good one, Dr. Gomez. I got his number and one week later was sitting in his office. Before examining me he asked if he could pray over me; I knew I was in good hands. As soon as he listened to my heart he said "Oh Sister you need heart surgery"; my next big shock. Of course the heart cath was next, then on for a bit more testing. During this time I saw 3 Cardiologists in this group and each one said I was a prime candidate for the TAVR. They then made arrangements for me to go to my surgeon, Dr. Accola on Nov. 26. You cannot even imagine what I went through when he said " Oh no we will need to do this surgically", or maybe you can. I went there thinking I was getting by easy with TAVR, 3-4 weeks out of work and good as gold. Plus my Sister and I had made arrangements the previous Feb. to fly first class to Israel in Jan, 2020, with surgery no way was that happening. Honestly though that was the least of my concerns. I have major trust issues, especially with doctors and here sat this man telling me he could perform this horrific surgery on me either Dec.3, 13 or 17. I know what it is to lose a loved one to death, that numb out of body shock and that was me the day I left his office. He told me I really needed to pick the date soon. I dont even know how I got home; wound around on various roads. My husband and I discussed what had to be done, I then later that day called and scheduled for December 17. The next night I started reading the book they gave me and the details of what would happen, I made the decision at that point I was NOT having this surgery. When I told my husband he responded with you have to or you will die. My response was I didnt care absent from the body present with the Lord. At least I wouldn't have all the misery of this surgery. Keeping in mind I did not know Dr. Accola and certainly did not trust him. The next morning in the early quiet I fell on my knees and begged Jesus to show me the way. I talk to my Lird just as I talk to my friend and I told Him he knew my trust issues and frankly I would love to know I could trust this doctor. That day it all fell in place and being the good Shepard that he is Jesus spoke to me and gave me my answer. A dear lady who I knew worked for a Cardio group had heard about my surgery, she emailed me and said not only did she know of him but she had worked for him for over 20 yrs and I could not be in better hands. I felt like the Lord had spoken to me through that email, He had given me what I asked for...the surgery was on. I had it on Tues., Dec 17 around 4 pm. The next day it became apparent I couldnt tolerate the pain medicine so they took me off and put me on extra strength tylenol. About mid afternoon I was moved to my room. By Thurs. morning I was showering, later that walking by myself and all on extra strength tylenol!!! By Sat. I was home. I have done my share of grumbling but I know in my heart I have done great. I work 32 hrs a week, went back to work on Feb. 1 easing in at first, but am back to my regular hours now. My only concern is my BP, which has always been normal to low; now it is not as regular as I would like. And the pounding!!!! I know what I have read on here, but would prefer to hear it from a doctor. After all it had been 12 weeks. God has been with me every step of this journey, as He always has been. I just need to live this pounding in His hands. Right now they have me on a two week heart monitor. I think this is what makes me uneasy my doctors not saying it is normal. Keep me in your prayers I will learn an answer and find peace.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
My surgery date is: December 17, 2019
