Hello, friends! I realize it has been quite some time since I've contributed to my blog. Part of me wishes that I were here to report that my absence is an indicator of a lack of eventful moments to write about. However, as many of you know, that's just not how I roll. At the moment, I am joining you from my en suite at University of Kentucky Hospital. Here, I have access to an attentive staff and my very own team of Heart Avengers to guide me through my heart journey.
As some of you may have noticed, I've been kind of M.I.A for the last week or so. I had been feeling a little "wonky", for a lack of a better term, for a couple of weeks--just generally not feeling like the me I like to be. I had a clinic appointment coming up on January 10th, so I preemptively packed a bag knowing I would likely be admitted for another flair up of my driveline infection.
My prediction was substantiated and I've been admitted since January 10th. In that time, my cardiac surgeon completed an exploratory Irrigation and Debridement (I&D) procedure on a cyst that I've had since early-October of last year. During the procedure, my surgeon confirmed what we all hoped would not be true: the cyst was essentially a symptom of infection having had reached my LVAD pump. My team and I sighed a collective "Well, shit." and began planning our next step.
The current plan is as goes:
- I will finish out the weekend at UK and be sent home on Monday with a wound vac to address the aftermath of the I&D surgery in addition to a continuation of the ass-kicking antibiotics I've been receiving via PICC line. My lovely home health nurse will be by my side to assist with this transition.
- In a couple of weeks, I will come back to UK to prepare for a LVAD pump exchange. They will spend two or three days getting my blood thinner adjusted so that it is conducive to surgery and then I will undergo an open heart pump exchange.
- After a week or so of inpatient recovery, I plan to transition to Mom's house to get some more recovery time under my belt before completely rejoining the adult world.
So, now you're all caught up and you know as much as I know. I want to thank you all, from the depths of my soul, for all of the prayers and help offered throughout the duration of my illness. I also want to extend my gratitude in advance for continued prayers and love you've sent to my family and care-giving team. Please continue to send love and light our way and feel free to stay in touch! I will try to keep everyone updated as I am able. ❤❤❤❤
