Health Scare–Part 5-Resolution

     Many of you already know that I have been through some health scares which resulted in the need for a heart procedure to close the ‘holes in my heart.’  It is amazing what can be done with the latest medical technology.  A tiny camera traveled up one vein while a catheter containing a helix closure device traveled up the other vein.  My brother told me to think of it as a race to see which one got there first.  He figured if I focused on the ‘race’ I would not be anxious.  Three cardiologists performed the procedure.  I was under mild sedation and awake.  I saw my heart and the device (or the shadow of the device) in the monitor.  The device has a circle on one side that covers the aneurism and holes and then a circle on the other side.  They fit together so that the aneurism and holes are trapped between them (which closes off the holes and ‘squashes’ the aneurism).  You can see how it works below. 

     My doctors chose this device because it does not have exposed nickel and I am likely allergic to nickel as I cannot wear non-hypoallergenic earrings (or I will have a reaction).  This device also has some nickel but it is covered in Gore-Tex so the body does not recognize it as nickel.  I had some bleeding after the procedure which required two different people to place pressure on the place where the catheter had been for twenty minutes each.  I was able to go home a mere twelve hours after I arrived and sleep in my own bed!  Tissue should grow over the device soon so that it becomes part of my heart.  I no longer have an aneurism or a PFO, nor a high risk of stroke.  It is a nice feeling to have this taken care of and no longer hanging over my head.  The Sugar Snaps were pleased that the holes in my heart were fixed.  Grayson has decided he wants to be a doctor that fixes the holes in people’s hearts. We told him that he would need to be a cardiologist to do that.  He nodded his head in agreement with a serious expression as if he already knew that. 

      The Sugar Snaps were thrilled when Uncle David (my brother) sent a get well fruit arrangement.  They were so excited that they could eat pineapple flowers and other types of fruit on skewers.  We decided we may need to occasionally put fruit on skewers because it makes it so exciting for them!  I agree that fruit looks even more inviting when served in this way.  I have been tired since the procedure, but should be back to normal (or better!) very soon.  It has been nice to share that doctors  help people with the Sugar Snaps who all want to various types of doctors:  Grayson (cardiologist). Capri (family practitioner), Ryder (veterinarian) and Xayden (veterinarian).  I imagine they will change their future professions many times, but it makes me happy that they want to help others.