{matters of the heart} just an update

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog. In my last post, I talked about how I was scheduled to go in that day and have the Optimizer device implanted. This device was supposed to help my heart function increase. The nurse had called that morning as we were walking out the door and cancelled the surgery for that day.

She called back later that day and rescheduled for the following day, so I had my procedure on January 25. The Optimizer device was implanted, but it was discovered at that time that one of my leads from my defibrillator had moved a little, so I had to go home wearing a Life Vest, which is an external defibrillator. I wore it for a few weeks, and then they did a procedure where they put me to sleep and raced my heart up to see if my defibrillator would react. It did, so that meant it was still working despite moving some, so I didn't have to wear the Life Vest anymore. 

As for the Optimizer, I've had nothing but trouble with it. I charge it weekly, and it frequently gives me an error message. The latest error message is that I'm not getting enough therapy from it, so I go back next week to have it checked. I've had to go back quite a few times to have it adjusted. I'm hoping that they can get it all straight soon so I can start feeling better. I have had a little more energy here lately, so I'm grateful for that. 

As far as my heart problems go, my cardiologist had thought that I was probably misdiagnosed with asthma years ago when I was first diagnosed. The asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath can mimic heart failure symptoms. I had a pulmonary function test done last week, and they determined, that I do, in fact, have asthma. My cardiologist said the asthma is working against my heart failure, and vice versa. As he gave me the news, I hung my head in frustration. My sweet, sweet doctor told me to keep my head up and stay positive just like I've been doing. He said I've been through a lot and my fight wasn't over. Trusting in God doesn't mean I still don't get discouraged at times, but it means I just know who to turn my problems over to.

For now, I am going to a pulmonologist next week for a consult. There's a medication that treats both that I might could possibly take in the future, but that's something my doctor and I will discuss another day. 

I don't know what else to say about it...just wanted to give y'all an update. I'm grateful for my health - even if it isn't the best - because there are so many people in worse condition than I am. I go to the cardiologist, and there are always elderly people in the waiting room with worse problems than me, and I just feel grateful. I see children battling cancer and other illnesses, and I'm grateful for my health. I pray for all of those people because I definitely don't have any room to complain. 

I want to thank you all so much for your thoughts, concerns, prayers, monetary donations, and more! It is all so greatly appreciated by me and my family. I feel so blessed and so loved.