What do I remember?

Happy 8th Birthday to my niece Catherine Rose. I love you so much ! 💕🤟 💕

I had the cat scan of my brain this morning. Results are pending. My symptoms are a little worse today than the were yesterday so I'm just trying to relax.

I have been thinking a lot about my heart transplant journey from the beginning. I remember when they came to get me for surgery it was 4:30pm on May 21, 2023. I was transported on a stretcher and I had to say goodbye to David in the elevator. He was not allowed to come to preop with me. I remember that I cried because I was overwhelmed, a little scared but very hopeful. The anesthesiologist and nurse in preop were really informative and helped me relax a bit more. I was wheeled into the OR at 5:30pm and then I was asleep. My surgery was completed at 3:30am for a total of approximately 10 hours. The next thing I remember I was awake with a tube in my throat. I could see the nurse, David and my Surgeon. I remember waving at my surgeon ( at least I think I did ) lol. The nurse was asking me to follow commands such as squeeze her hand and move my feet. I was able to do these things indicating that I did not suffer any neurological deficits during surgery. I felt very panicked because the endotracheal tube was choking me. I tried biting on it to stop the sensation but it didn't help. I could feel my stomach curl and I began to regurgitate. I was so scared because I knew that the vomit would go into my lungs so I tried to roll on my side but all I could do was turn my head. I was connected to multiple machines and IV lines. The nurse reacted very quickly and suctioned my tube. Thankfully! I don't remember much after that I'm pretty sure they sedated me. The next time I woke up I was extubated, the tube had been removed. I was so much more comfortable and in awe that I was alive!!

I'm hoping everyone has a comfortable day.

Each 💔 Beat Matters

KellyAnn