My Heart Testimony on my One Year Heartiversary

Day of surgery, July 19, 2016

The News

In April of 2016, just shy of turning the big 3-0, my world turned upside down. While in Florida for a work conference, I experienced some physical symptoms that I'd never had before. My heart was racing as if I'd just sprinted 100 yards, I felt flush and hot. At first, I assumed it had to do with my asthma, but I quickly realized it was something more.

Luckily, I had some "angels" among me. A co-worker's mom happened to be at dinner with us - she jumped in to mom-mode and wouldn't leave my side as I desperately tried to make my heart stop racing. She held my hand as she coached me through breathing exercises. After about 45 minutes and no relief, we had the front desk call the paramedics. In true "me" fashion, I didn't want to make a scene so I had them meet me outside! They ran my vitals which all showed normal. By that time, the rest of my colleagues had joined us outside including my boss and a VP of the company. The question was asked if I should go to the ER anyway. One paramedic said, "if it were my daughter, I'd say yes just to be sure even it's nothing."

Upon arrival at the ER, they hooked me up to an EKG machine. Unbeknownst to me, the EKG showed abnormal activity. Not too long and I was lying in a hospital bed (and gown with my boss right next to me!) awaiting several scans to be run. A brain scan, x-rays and blood work were all normal. The last tests were an Echo-cardiogram (sonogram of the heart) and CT scan.

Nearly 24 hours after arriving, a doctor finally came in to discuss the results. I was certain he would tell me I was merely dehydrated and needed to get some rest. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. A not-so-consoling doctor delivered the news that I actually had a congenital (born with) heart condition called an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) off the left sinus (Anatomy lesson: this means my RCA was formed in the wrong place and constricted proper blood flow to my heart). I was S-T-U-N-N-E-D and honestly thought he was joking for a solid minute. Fortunately, Reece had driven through the night, arriving at 4am. I should also mention that my boss had stayed with me through the night until about 2am. He made sure I was settled in to an observation room and knew Reece wasn't too far away. Before he left, he prayed over me - I will never forget it.

Back to that moment. Of course I went completely numb as the doctor continued speaking by saying, "this condition could cause cardiac arrest, also known as sudden death." I could feel my insides begin to weep while my face remained frozen in fear as I glanced to Reece who had the same expression for a split second. Unlike me, he quickly regained composure and began asking for details. The doctor had such a cold, matter-of-fact demeanor that I'll never be able to shake from memory. He did agree to discharge me with orders to see a cardiologist in the next week or two.
The words to describe that moment: shocked, stunned, numb, fearful, dark.

Upon release, we spent the night in Orlando before driving the 8 hours back to Atlanta. That was the longest 8 hours for both of us. However, being that it was our 4-year anniversary, we stopped in Cordele (Reece's stomping grounds when we met) and had a Chick-Fil-a dinner date :0).

Pre-Surgery Darkness

The next 3 months were a complete mental and living nightmare. I had appointments with Piedmont Heart (Dr. Blanco, Cardiologist and Dr. Brown, Surgeon) and Emory Adult Congenital Heart Center (ACHC) (Dr. Anurag Sahu, Cardiologist and Dr. Brian Kogon, Cardio-thoracic Surgeon). While my secret hope was that the doctor in Orlando would have mixed up my chart with another patient, all doctors verified my condition. Dr. Kogon indicated that the risk of not doing surgery outweighed the risk of doing it and therefore his recommendation was to perform a coronary un-roofing procedure. I ultimately selected Emory and scheduled surgery for July 19, 2016. In the meantime, I wore a heart monitor for 30 days and had a nuclear stress test performed. Both were normal. Yet, my RCA still wasn't in the right place.

After my one meeting with Dr. Kogon, I encountered the grueling waiting game for the next few months. I went into complete mental darkness aka depression. Those two words - sudden death - spoken so matter-of-factly held me captive 24 hours a day. I felt like a ticking time bomb. I began having trouble sleeping which affected going to work. I eventually took an early leave of absence just a day after turning 30. I experienced all of the typical symptoms of depression: lack of appetite (I lost about 20 lbs), trouble sleeping, literally worried myself sick, crying, severe anxiety, etc....I was in a complete fog. During my time off prior to surgery, I chose to focus on my mental health. It was quite a desolate time for me even though I had tremendous support from family and friends. Thoughts of death haunted me even when I'd pray.

I received so much
encouragement

Mom gave me a bracelet. It says
God up high is amazing.

Throughout the months, I tried everything to break out of the depression. I met regularly with a psychologist and two counselors from Grace Ministries. And while I am not an advocate of taking drugs to cope, I did rely on anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications to get me through and help me sleep. I connected with several people who'd had open heart surgery. They helped me so much because they could relate directly to what I was going through and prepared me for what was to come. I kept a solid journal, recording everything from conversations with God to scripture notes and a list of my prayer warriors (that I knew about). My faith grew stronger too. In the deepest pit, my relationship with Christ grew. I felt God's presence so often through Reece. He is my rock. He was my sound mind at doctor's appointments. He tried desperately to calm my nerves. Never once did he crack or show me his fear. His faith in God is admirable.

Ironically, as I looked back through pictures on my phone during that dark 3 months, I realize there was beauty all around me. The sweet time I spent with my parents and Reece, the cuddles I got from youngins, and the majestic beauty of God's Creation. 

Reece & I were able to hit
 Lake Eufala before
my surgery

During my time off, Mom and I spent so much
time together. Here, we are at the
Chattahoochee Coffee Co.

Snuggles with lil Ru since we
were just across the street

Mom & I went over to Bham
so I got many snuggles with
baby girl Harper

Rainbow for good luck right before
surgery.

And then I saw this :-) 

We managed to get through pre-surgery - all of us. It just so happened that at the same time, Reece and I were trying to sell one home and buy another. We had moved out of our house to do some major renovations. We were living with my parents during this time. God has perfect timing and for me, this included the fact that my parents are retired and were with me daily providing comfort and love while Reece was working.

Surgery

Garrett trying to keep Reece
up-beat while I was in surgery

The day of surgery came, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. I remember a surreal feeling - "wow this is really happening." I was briefed the day before of the risks of having open heart surgery which included death, so I certainly had butterflies in my stomach. Reece, Mom, Dad, my mother-in-law Debbie and brother-in-law Garrett were all with me. I was the 1st to be called back. The anesthesiology team began prepping me for IVs and sedation. I recall how friendly they were. Before getting wheeled back to the OR, we had the pleasure of the hospital Chaplain praying over me with my family present.

Thumbs up! I made it through!
I think this was about 12 hours
post-surgery

While the sedation crept in pretty quickly, I do remember wheeling in to the OR and acknowledging the heart/lung Tech to my left and then scooting over to the OR table. The heart/lung machine takes over pumping those organs while surgery is being performed. Pretty crazy to think about. The machines were keeping my body alive! Next thing I remember, I was waking up in ICU to Reece, Debbie and Garrett. I remember giving Garrett a knuckle punch and taking this pic. Mom and Dad arrived shortly after.

Thumbs up became a theme. Not only did I make
it to the chair (with assistance), but I was moving
along with my breathing exercises. During open
heart surgery, they collapse your lungs so I was
working on getting them back in shape and making
sure no fluid collected. 

I made it out of ICU!! Neck IVs out and no oxygen!
Proof that you can make it 
through surgery and keep smiling!  

The Light

I vividly remember waking up in ICU with a smile on my face and experiencing the weight of fear and anxiety having been lifted off of me. Did you hear me?? No more fear. After all that anxiety. Gone, just like that. If you question God's existence, hear my clearly. He answered my prayer. I prayed diligently for that peace. And he gave it to me. When I quit trying to find it myself, he gave it to me.

I did well in ICU and was moved to B499 (4B Unit - Cardiovascular Surgery Floor) just 24 hours after having open heart surgery. I only spent about 5 days in the hospital which is less than expected for someone who just had open heart surgery. My experience in the hospital was actually less frightening than I'd imagined. It was mostly in part to some awesome nurses. Anna was an angel - she seemed more like a friend than "the nurse on shift."

My people! Bless his heart - Reece slept in that
chair every night. And got woken up as often as
I did when the nurses would come in to check
everything and poke me.

Running outta there! Just kidding - I wouldn't
have made it far with a broken sternum and 3 layers
of stitches (holding together a 6" long incision),
but I was certainly excited to be going home!

I kept up the positive attitude my entire stay at the hospital, reflecting often on what others had advised, "recovery depends heavily on outlook" and "you'll have wires attached to you from every angle, but remember they're there to help you. They'll be removed slowly but surely." Every time one IV came out, I'd give Reece or the nurse a high five. My thought specifically in ICU was, "God performed a miracle. I have no reason to complain." My recovery was speedy. The body is really amazing at healing. but ultimately God is the Master Physician.

Below, I was greeted with sweet welcome home notes and kisses from the best dog in the world, Belle.

Inspiration and Tips

Journal Entry - I learned this technique from
Grace Ministries: write your thoughts in black
and then meditate on what God is saying
in response. Write that in red.

Worship music really speaks truth. I would
often write down lyrics and reflect on them.
This one stuck with me so much that I repeated
it as I went under anesthesia. 

Prayer is so powerful. Sometimes, I'd write
my prayers down on paper.

Scripture was shared with me throughout my
journey. 

I loved coming across simple verses
like Isaiah 41:10.

My scar is more than a scar. It tells a story. I know
I am here for a reason and my hope is that my
experience with make an impact on someone else. 

Tips for others facing surgery.

Home Renovation - 4 years in the making

Today was monumental. For nearly 4 years, Reece and I have been renovating our charming cottage in Marietta. A few months ago, we decided in order to do it right, we were going to do something drastic - move everything in our home, including us, out and in to storage (no, we aren't living in a storage unit...we have amazing family that has been hosting us).

After clearing the house, we scheduled some pretty major work to be done - drywall repairs throughout, fresh paint in every nook and cranny, hardwood floors refinished, a (near complete) kitchen remodel and a brand new deck...to name a few projects. And that's just in the last few months. Prior projects while we were living there included: a major French drain system around the perimeter of the house (which involved heavy equipment operated by my jack-of-all-trades husband), new HVAC, new plumbing, bathroom renovation, addition of a laundry closet, numerous yard projects including a new fence and front rail and and and...the list could go on for days. Most of it we've done ourselves, but some of it we subbed out - we just plain ran out of time.

Today we met our deadline - the listing agent scheduled our professional photographs to be taken today so that means within the next 48 hours, our little house will be on the market.

Below are before and after photos. It's come a long way and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I can't write this post though without thanking our incredible support system - family and friends who've donated time and furniture to get us to this day. And disclaimer, we don't magically have a small child - it's just a staging trick ;0)

Before - 2011

After - 2016 - new shutters, fresh painted foundation, new front path, 2 trees removed, misc. yard improvements

Hallway before - looking toward bedrooms (wood paneling on walls and small closet at end of hall)

Hallway after - no wood paneling and expanded the closet about 6" to accommodate washer/dryer. Major project as we expanded the closet wall to the right by 6" which impacted the bedroom...meaning we didn't just expand the closet, but the entire wall which runs the length of the back bedroom (hence the built-ins you'll see later on).

Old deck and backyard

New, larger , safe deck, fresh pine straw and debris clean up, new patio around swing

Back bedroom before the built-ins

Back bedroom - mid-renovation

Back bedroom after - Reece built the built-ins when we created the hallway laundry closet.

Front/master bedroom before

Front/master after

Bath before

Bath - mid-renovation

Bath after - new tile floor, refinished wall tile and bathtub, major drywall repair, new vanity, fresh paint

Kitchen before

Kitchen after - new tile floor, paint throughout, granite counter top, tile back splash, new appliances

Dining before

Dining/kitchen after

Front bedroom - formerly the laundry room. Where the yellow bench sits, used to be the washer/dryer unit and next to it sat a work table. The whole room was lined with wire coat racks at the ceiling. The floor in this room had not been refinished with the rest of the house so it was in pretty bad shape. We also had to replace a corner of the flooring as it was rotten perhaps from a washing machine leak. Now we've made it an office. 

Living Room - mid-drywall repair. Gives you a good idea of the amount of drywall repair. All walls were mudded where there were any imperfections and then sanded down.

Living Room - after - pretty much just paint and floors (and a new front door)

Get lean with the green!

Super Green Smoothies

Tropical Dreamin' Smoothie

I am going to be brutally honest. I have been unhappy with my body over the last few years. Plain and simple. I am pretty sure most college grads would agree that once you've graduated and get stuck behind a desk all day, those pounds seem to come out of no where! Growing up, I was fit....or at least I was constantly exercising with soccer practice after school and other activities. I pretty much ate whatever I wanted to, but the fateful time has come which my mother warned me about saying, "All that junk food is going to catch up with you one of these days!" Ok Mom, you were right. It done caught up! And being married to a 'meat n' potatoes' kind of guy isn't exactly pleasing for the figure either. Not complaining, but I definitely feel challenged! 

I have posted before about healthy alternatives for 'work lunches,' but I admit I have still struggled. If I didn't pack my lunch the night before out of laziness, then I found myself starved at about Noon the next day and sneaking in to the snack cabinet at work or heading down the street to grab a sandwich or Chick-Fil-A. That all changed after the first of the year (and not because I made a new year's resolution....that was just coincidental!). My co-worker, Tina, has been my inspiration for my green smoothie kick. She is super healthy and I have often seen (and heard) her making a smoothie for lunch. She has shared some great tips with me! I am now in my 3rd week of lunch smoothies and at least am feeling better about myself :0) 

My biggest piece of advice and the reason I have stuck with this smoothie kick....investing in an individual blender. The kind where you make the smoothie in the same cup you drink out of. So convenient. I also buy my smoothie ingredients and store them in the fridge at work instead of having to pack them each day. 

Below are some ingredients I have included in my smoothies (feel free to experiment which is what I do daily!). Note, I put spinach in every smoothie, and before you make that 'icky' face, you can't even taste it! Oh, and I just made up the names so you can call it whatever you want~!

Green Monster Smoothie:

-Spinach / Kale / whey protein powder / peanut butter / almond milk / apple (cubed)

-Spinach / Kale / whey protein powder / peanut butter / almond milk / banana (cubed)

-I also combined the two above and put apple and banana together

-Instead of apple or banana, add frozen fruit: blueberries, raspberries, peaches

Tropical Dreamin' Smoothie:

Spinach / Chia seeds / carrots (cut up) / pineapple chunks / orange pieces / banana pieces / coconut milk

Chicken n' Waffles

Not sure where this itch to make Chicken and Waffles came from, but I sure am glad I decided to give it a whirl! While the dish may sound a little odd, it's actually the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It's a savory dish that qualifies as breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Oven-fried chicken

Ingredients:

Buttermilk

2 Egg whites

Chicken tenders (or breasts)

All purpose flour (white lily) about a cup 

Self rising cornmeal (white lily) about 1/2 cup

Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, "Slap Ya Mama" Cajun spice :-)

Preheat oven 425 degrees. 

Step 1: combine buttermilk and egg whites. 

Step 2: Add several pieces of chicken and let soak in fridge Atleast 30 minutes (I used Springer Mountain frozen chicken tenders, thawed, of course). 

Step 3: Meanwhile, combine flour, cornmeal, and spices in gallon ziplock bag. 

Step 4: dredge Chicken in flour mix, one piece at a time, and toss until coated well. 

Step 5: line baking sheet with foil and spray generously with cooking spray. Step 6: Place chicken on pan and lightly coat top with cooking spray. 

Step 7: Bake 30 minutes then flip chicken and bake another 20 minutes. 

Step 8: to crisp the chicken, set oven to broil during the last minute or 2 of baking, flipping chicken once to get even crisp on both sides. 

While you let the chicken bake, you will make the maple gravy AND (if you are "all that and a bag of chips"), the waffles (however, I totally cheated and used frozen waffles!) 

Maple Gravy 

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp Gold Medal Wondra quick mixing flour (this was new to me, but I think it really makes a difference! It dissolves much better than all-purpose)

1 3/4 c chicken stock (not broth)

Salt, pepper

1/2 c pure dark maple syrup 

Cinnamon and sugar, pinch of each

Step 1: heat butter over med high heat in cast iron pan. 

Step 2: add Wondra flour and stir constantly, about 2 minutes, until golden brown. 

Step 3: slowly whisk in stock. Bring to boil over med high heat stirring constantly for about 10 minutes. 

Step 4: reduce hear to simmer and add salt, pepper, syrup, cinnamon, sugar. Mix well. 

Assembly

Toast up that waffle(s), add chicken tenders atop, drizzle with maple gravy. Savor every last bite :-)