Not as Hole-y as I Used to Be

I haven't updated you on my health lately because it has been difficult to know where to start. Many times I've started to write an update only to sit and stare at the screen. Today I am willing myself to get it done, so I better just jump in and skip anymore intro fluff. 

Many of you know that the cardiologist found a PFO (a hole) in my heart that allowed a clot to sneak through and cause the stroke. Skipping over a bunch of details, last Monday (February 25th) I had a procedure done to close the hole.

The procedure usually takes two to three hours, but it only took the doctor 40 minutes to plug the hole. He and his team used a catheter through my femoral vein to reach my heart. He told Chad the catheter went straight to the hole and he didn't have to search for it. We attribute this to all of the prayers being spoken on my behalf. Thank you!

This short animated video will give you an idea of what the doctor did to my heart. 

So now I have a titanium and nickel "device" in my heart that plugs the hole. God made our bodies so extraordinary that my heart will basically incorporate the piece of metal and heal around it. Strange. Can I feel it? Why, yes. Yes, I can. But, I actually can't. I just think I can because I'm weird/hyper-sensitive like that. Each time I "feel" it, I tell myself over and over, "You're fine. You can't feel it. You're just a freak." 

Recovering from this procedure is no stress or strain and rest for a couple of weeks. The doctors said I can return to normal activity in 14 days. So, next Monday I'm going to go out and run stadiums and sprints. Anyone want to join me? 

Just kidding. I'm so not doing that.

Actually, one of the most interesting parts of this health journey I'm on is to continue to learn to listen to my body and balance what each doctor tells me. The cardiologist is only speaking his suggestions for my activity level based on my heart. The neurologist is only speaking his suggestions for my activity level based on my brain. Neither doctor considers other parts of my body that may need rest and/or healing, so it's up to me (and Chad) to combine each doctor's wisdom to decipher what is best for me and our family. 

Even though my heart is on the mend, my brain still has some reconnections to make. The neurologist told me to expect about two years. I've got six months down, just a few more to go. Chad has been more free with me lately in relating ways he sees differences in how I interact with the world. He is so careful in what he shares with me because he knows I can't help the differences. He doesn't want to burden me with things I can't change. I'm grateful for his protection. My stubborn pride often wants to demand the information, but my respect and trust of him allows me to choose to simply believe that it is not the burden for me to bare at this time. Thank you for your continued patience as my brain takes its sweet old time fixing itself. I'm continuing to learn, trust, wait, pray... 

My family and I have been so supported by you in this process. Prayer, gifts, meals, and money are a few of the ways you have supported us. My love for my community continues to grow because of the love you've shown us. Thank you for loving us! We love you, too!

John 13:34-35 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.