Bonus Days

Hi, I haven't posted in a while because I've had a lot going on in my head and I've needed some time to process it. I'm still feeling my usual symptoms of fatigue, headaches, body aches, chills, tremors stomachaches, nausea and feet and ankle pain but I'm making the best of it on a daily basis.

I had the cardiac PET scan on Monday 3/11 as a follow up due to the abnormal results of my cardiopulmonary stress test. The PET scan showed the following...

Findings: Coronary flow reserve diffusely reduced.

I dont really understand what these findings mean other than what the providers explained to me. They are concerning for possible blockages in my new heart. In order to figure out what is happening they will be moving up the tests that I would have had on my anniversary in May to the near future. These studies include an echocardiogram, angiogram and biopsy. In addition the heart transplant team is ordering a Cardiac MRI. I could fill a photo album with all the different images of my beautiful new heart ! I'm also showing my age... who has photo albums anymore!!

A Coronary angiogram is performed with cardiac catheterization. This is a procedure that measures pressures in the heart chambers. Before the test starts, you are given a mild sedative to help you relax.

An area of your body (the arm or groin) is cleaned and numbed with a local numbing medicine (anesthetic). The cardiologist passes a thin hollow tube, called a catheter, through an artery and carefully moves it up into the heart. X-ray images help the doctor position the catheter. Once the catheter is in place, dye (contrast material) is injected into the catheter. X-ray images are taken to see how the dye moves through the artery. The dye helps highlight any blockages in blood flow. I will have my heart biopsy done at the same time. 2 for 1 😂

This is a lot of information to process and I'm feeling very anxious and overwhelmed, as you can imagine, but I know that I will get through the testing and do whatever it takes to get better.

I'm trying to focus my thoughts on the Charity Golf Tournament on May 5th. If you like to golf -sign up for a fun day and a great cause!. If you don't golf you can come for the dinner. Tickets are $35 a person. It will be a fun evening of food, drinks and raffle prizes. If you'd like to donate you can sponsor a hole or make a raffle baskets!! Every little bit helps! We've received some generous donations. We've also been selling our sweatshirts. Many of Elizabeth's office members have been purchasing them and the staff at my cardiac rehabilitation are placing orders this week! I want to thank everyone for your generosity and support! I'm grateful for this miraculous gift of life and for all the supportive that I'm surrounded by. Everyday is a Bonus!

Each 💔 Beat Matters

KellyAnn