Hallelujah!

Today was my final cardiologist/doctor's appointment before returning to Chicago to finish my senior year! Hallelujah!

In the last week many things have improved and there are many praises:

- my nausea has greatly improved, but still remains from time to time
- Blood work findings have become more clear
- my surgery recovery is going pretty well, quite a bit less soreness and pain
- my immune system has remained relatively healthy!
- sleep has been a bit better
- Doctors have been able to stabilize my cardiac medications for the time being

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- I have pretty bad tendinitis in my left shoulder/armpit area from the ICD surgery, please pray for gradual movement and strength in this area as it is quite painful and immobilizing at times
- Strength for my overall body and spirit (I have lost a lot of previous physical strength, weight and endurance)
- My acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- A positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead out in Chicago

This week I had two doctor's appointments and some more blood work done. After carefully going over the heart transplant blood "workup" my specialists informed us that it looks like I have a "metabolic syndrome" developing (pre-diabetes). We spent some time discussing the different details and options that are involved and decided it would be a good intervention to begin a new medication to lower my triglycerides and cholesterol. My hemoglobin A1C, triglycerides, cholesterol, calcium, bun, and blood sugar have been quite high or very high. Many of these things are related to a development of diabetes and must be monitored closely to best treat any further development. We will let you know about any further information on this additional health "complexity" when we know more!

My next doctor's appointment will be in mid-February to meet with the Heart Failure/Transplant specialist in Chicago. Updates about this visit will follow later in the month of February. No more doctor's appointments...just blood work! Hallelujah!

For now, I am stable and praising God for every minute of it! I truly am looking forward to returning to Chicago to complete the semester and begin my student teaching! Saturday is just upon us! Please pray that God would give me strength to do more things on my own since the surgery, develop more endurance that has been lost, and energy during the long days ahead for my student teaching!

Updates to come again soon!
In Christ,
Heidi

Deuteronomy 10:21

He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Deuteronomy 32:3
I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

A Plan!

Today I was in NYC at a doctor's appointment to see my Heart Failure Specialist for more follow up. I thought I would take a moment to share some plans and developments for the coming weeks and months ahead.

New developments from today's appointment include:

- I have been given the OKAY to RETURN to Trinity Christian College to finish my senior year and begin my Student Teaching! I will return on Sat. Jan. 31st!
- My doctor provided a specialist at the University of Chicago for local needed visits
- Blood work follow ups will occur every two weeks to provide specialists back home with up to date necessary information.
- Heart Transplant preliminary processes will be able to be done in Chicago and long weekends back at home.

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- Blood work findings to become more clear at this coming weeks doctor appointments
- Continued healing of ICD incision site and implant (I am still experiencing a significant amount of pain/soreness
- Strength for my overall body and spirit (I have lost a lot of previous physical strength and endurance)
- A healthy immune system (our family is suffering from bad colds!)
- Nausea to improve
- My acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- Better sleep at night
- A positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead out in Chicago

Some answers to prayer include:

- Doctors have mostly been able to stabilize my cardiac medications accurately
- Date to be able to return to Trinity Christian College to begin my Student Teaching
- Found a Chicago Heart specialist for "backup" out at school
- The many blessings of this blog!

I have truly enjoyed every comment each of you has contributed to this blog AND additional emails, cards, and visits. I am so thankful to have each and EVERY one of you in my life. You are all a gift from God!

More updates to come!
In Christ's Love,
Heidi

Special Needs

I thought I (Whitney) might take some time to journal some of the ways in which God has been teaching me throughout Heidi’s more immediate health journey.

As I have prayed for Heidi over the last several weeks, I have of course been praying for her very life to be preserved, however, much of my focus has been on her speedy return to school so that she can get back to what she’s wanted to do for so long. Heidi’s desire to serve others with special needs is so evident when you speak to her. In fact, her desire to serve others with severe special needs is all the more evident as you get to know her.

Initially, my prayers for Heidi focused on asking God, “Why?” “Why now, God? She’s at the climax of her education and future career! How could this possibly be your timing?”

God has answered my prayers by providing his Holy word for me to read, meditate on, and share with others.

We are a “sinful nation” (Isaiah 1:4) in need of a gracious savior (Romans 3:23-24). Yes, we are a people with one severe, special need. Although it wasn’t a part of Heidi’s plan to undergo these trials, God is working it out for good.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Our idea of what is “good” is not always in line with God’s idea of Good. God is using Heidi to serve others with special needs in all circumstances-whether she is in the classroom or in the hospital. It is my prayer that no matter where she goes or what she does in life (and I do hope for her return to the classroom), that she would be clay in the potter’s hands (Isaiah 64) in order to become a vessel that first and foremost desires to spread the word about our greatest and most special need.

Heids, with God’s help and strength, you are doing a great job. I praise God for your life and for your circumstances because of the testimony that it has been for so many.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone the Glory),

Whitney

Patience

I thought I would make a post now that I am beginning to feel a bit better.

This past week has required me to have lots of patience. I have been fighting quite a bit of pain, nausea, body ache, loss of appetite, and loss of sleep. It has been difficult to stay positive in conditions like these, so your prayers have been so appreciated and have helped me persevere through this past week. Thank you ALL so Much!

Today (Wednesday, January 21) is the first day I have felt up to writing on the computer and moving around quite a bit more. Doing minor daily activities are a BIG chore for me to complete being that I am still not feeling up to regular speed yet. The pain has begun to improve, but the soreness at the incision site and the implant area will most likely remain for some time yet.

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- soreness/pain at the incision site and implant area to improve
- nausea to improve
- my acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- better sleep at night
- a positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead
- clear direction on the next steps in my health journey
- that the doctors would be able to stabilize my cardiac medications accurately
- for clarity as to a future date to be able to return to Trinity Christian College to complete my Student Teaching
- a healthy immune system (our family is suffering from bad colds!)

I have really enjoyed reading all of your encouraging, supportive, loving, and prayer-filled comments! They are the highlights of my day! Thank you all so much, Heidi

Psalm 40:1-3, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

January 15, 2009

Heidi is home from the hospital 10:30 this morning. Everything post surgery is looking good, her AICD was "interrogated last night, and again this morning, and it is working well and indicates it is "ready" but hopefully not for "action"! She needs to be careful for the next 5 days to keep her left arm quiet so the wires that go from the generator to the heart have a chance to graft and secure themselves. She will follow up with the electrophysiologist in five days. Meanwhile, the site is quite painful and the pain medicines are not her stomach's best friend, so we ask prayers for speedy healing, and that we will figure out the best pain control for her in the mean time. Thank you all for your support and prayers. Kim Gropp

HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH
WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.
I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, "HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS,
MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST." Psalm 91:1-2

Surgery Update

Just wanted to post a quick update on Heidi's status post-op:

She is out of surgery, alert, and seems to be doing well. My parents and Heidi agree that the staff have been wonderful. Heidi is in some pain but is hoping that the pain medications kick in soon.

A more detailed update will follow...

In Christ's Love,

Whitney (Heidi's sister)

Awaiting Surgery-- God's Perfect Timing

Today I woke up and found these verses in an email I opened! They are so perfect! God's timing is so PERFECT (even when I am doubting it at times)!

Proverbs 12:25 ~ An anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up.

I thank you all for kind and encouraging words of support and prayer--they cheer me up!

Philippians 4:13 ~ For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

And just when I am feeling I cannot go through anymore, God re-directs my mind and spirit allowing me to do it ALL in HIS strength!

Thank you all for your continued support and unending prayers!
Heidi

Surgery Date Scheduled

Heidi has received notice of a surgery date- praise the Lord! This news is truly an answer to prayer, as the necessary communication and scheduling happened in such a timely manner after a decision was made to go ahead with the procedure.

This Wednesday, January 14th at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Standard Time) Heidi will be having an AICD implanted at a hospital in Connecticut. Click here for more information about AICD's.

Heidi will need to stay overnight at the hospital after her surgery. In general, recovery time from a surgery like this can vary.

Your prayers, words of encouragement, and support have been greatly appreciated. It is so evident that God is at work and that his perfect will is unfolding just as he planned it long ago (Psalm 139).

Here is how you can be praying for the Gropp Family in the coming week:

-For God's protection of Heidi during the surgery
-Guidance for the surgeon's hands as the device is implanted
-Heidi's overall health prior to, during, and after the procedure (restful sleep, free of infections)
-Heidi's anxiety and concerns about the upcoming procedure and her concerns about the cosmetics of the AICD in her chest
-Strength, energy, and comfort for the Gropp Family as they seek to support Heidi through this trying time
-And last, but certainly not least, that God's kingdom purposes would be evident in the midst of Heidi's circumstances

Psalm 139: 13-18,

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

Decisions

The last two days I have felt quite torn in my decision to move forward with having the AICD (defibrillator) surgery. There are many decisions to make regarding who will perform the surgery, how it will be implanted, where it will be placed, at what hospital, and when the surgery will be performed.

The last 48 hours has been a lot of waiting to hear from several different specialists who have tried to help us sift through the decisions and details. We have now heard from a variety of specialists and I feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the options and details. I have sat on my thoughts about the smartest and safest way to have this surgery performed and have contacted a few doctors about setting a date for surgery. The only problem is one is on vacation! So as soon as we are in touch, I will set up a date and will be ready to move forward and have the surgery completed. More updates on surgery date to follow, Thanks again for all of your support and prayers!

Heidi

Difficulties accessing Heidi's Hope?

Dear Friends and Family,

Heidi, myself, and my family have greatly appreciated your prayers over the last few days. Heidi will be having several appointments, consults, and possibly procedures in the future, so updates are likely to be relatively frequent. I have received a few e-mails mentioning difficulties with posting comments or accessing the blog. If you have difficulty accessing the blog or remembering to go to it for updates and you would like to be put on an automatic e-mail list that will forward the text of the blog (and a link) I can try to make this happen. If you are interested in this, please respond to this e-mail with your e-mail address. You can always e-mail me again if you'd like to be taken off.

Other ways to access the blog are through creating a bookmark in your browser, using a "reader" and clicking on the RSS feed, or just going to www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com every once in awhile. For more information about using a "reader" or RSS, click on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(file_format)

Lastly, here are some more detailed instructions on how to leave a comment if you had difficulty leaving one prior:

1. Click on "comments" at the bottom of any post or entry (it should be a blue link)
2. If others have commented, you will be able to read their comments here
3. Once you click on the link, you should see a white box (similar to when you would compose an e-mail)- this is where you can write your text
4. Below the white box, there is a drop down window- click on this to decide your "identity". In other words, if you do not have a "google" account, you should probably click "anonymous" and then feel free to sign your first name at the bottom of the post so we know who has posted.
5. Next, click the button below the drop down window that says "Post Comment"
6. Once you have done this, another window should pop up that will ask you to copy the word you see above (this is to prevent Spam)
7. Once you have copied the word, click submit
8. Now your comment should be posted and you should be able to view it on the comments section

A final note: Although Heidi's Hope is not accessible via search engines, I would recommend using discretion when posting comments (e.g. writing your first name and last initial rather than your full name, not providing contact information directly on the blog, or providing other information that you would not want others to see)

Feel free to click this link to check out the latest post: http://hope4heidi.blogspot.com/2009/01/january.html

Or just go to the blog address to see all of the posts (including the newest): www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com

Thanks for taking the time to read! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Whitney

January 6, 2009

Today started with an evaluation by an electrophysiologist locally who in discussion with Heidi's heart failure specialist at NY Presbyterian Cornell, feels Heidi definitely needs an AICD (automated internal cardiac defibrillator)sooner than later. This device gives your heart a "jump start" if it decides to go into a dangerous rhythm and stop. He also felt we should consult a plastic surgeon regarding the best way to place the device in her smaller frame. Our hope is that we can coordinate this very soon so that Heidi can return to school in Chicago in a timely fashion.
We then went on to see the Cornell doctor, (Dr. Horn) who reviewed the results of the cardiac catheterization with us in more detail. The results indicate that Heidi should start the process for heart transplant. While this can be more fully addressed late spring, it is a long "application process" and a potentially long wait for a donor heart, so she actually had 21 vials of blood drawn today in preparation for further work up. Heidi told the technician she'd like to negotiate $100.00 per vial! Meanwhile, we are happy we didn't have to carry her back to the subway! While the overall readings of the cardiac catheterization are not desirable, the good news is that she does not appear to have any current clinical features that would not allow her to be on the heart transplant list.
Our current prayer concerns are:
*For wisdom in deciding on a "team" for the AICD surgery (cardiac and plastic surgeon) and for it's speedy organization and healing.
*For wisdom, trust and patience as we see God's plan unfold for Heidi finishing her senior year at college.
*For Heidi's general protection of body and spirit in the days ahead.

Psalm 73:28
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

We are thankful for the outpouring of God's kindness through our friends and family.
Kim Gropp

Cardiac Catheterization

Tuesday, December 23^rd arrived, and I was scared, nervous, and very anxious about my cardiac catheterization. I entered a pre-operation room that looked like a zoo of people also having the same procedure. However, there was one big difference between myself and the others- I was the ONLY young one there! The nurses told me I was the youngest they had seen in years!

After having an IV put in and several other procedural tasks completed, I was finally wheeled into one of the hospital's “brand new” Cardiac Catheterization Labs (similar to a smaller Operating Room). I was under the understanding that I would be sedated or put into “Twilight” for my procedure….well, that never happened! This made me very scared and nervous. Shortly into the procedure, the newly installed and brand new machine that was being used for my procedure lost power! A few minutes later, the surgeon was able to get it working again- Praise the Lord! After about an hour or so of different catheterization wires being placed inside my groin which led up to my heart, various induced palpitations, chemical contrasts, and medications inserted through my IV- the procedure was finally finished!

The Cardiac Catheterization was an exploratory procedure in order to help my doctor's better understand what might be best for the health of my heart in the future. The procedure confirmed some information that was already known and revealed other information as well (more to follow in future posts).

Following the procedure, I was wheeled into a loud recovery room where I had to lay flat for four hours without moving so that the bleeding would begin to stop and the wound site would begin to heal. After a long wait, my parents and I were able to go home later that evening- Praise God!

The next few days were very painful and sore at the incision site near my groin (not an easy location to avoid when walking, sitting, etc.)! I was not allowed to take pain medications, so it took four days or so to begin feeling better. However, the joy of being with family and meditating on Christ's birth nearly 2,000 years ago certainly helped me to get into the spirit of the season.

January 1^st was the first day I truly began to feel like myself again- Praise God! I have learned to take every day one step at a time-Literally!

For more information about Cardiac Catheterizations,click here

My family and I greatly appreciate your prayers during these uncertain times- we praise God for such an incredible support system of family, friends, and the church.

December 2008

On December 14^th I returned to Connecticut and had a consultation with Dr. Horn, a Cardiac Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension specialist at NY Colombia Presbyterian/ Cornell Hospital (in NYC) the following day.

Prior to my consultation, I had a Cardiac MRI (very different from a regular MRI) which provided more information and concrete numbers on my heart function. Following the MRI, my parents and I met with Dr. Horn for three hours in order to discuss the future steps necessary to protect my heart. My doctor recommended a Cardiac Catheterization as the first step.

The Cardiac Catheterization was planned for that same week (Thursday the 18^th). However, my body had other plans, and I found myself in the Emergency Room late in the evening after my Cardiac MRI secondary to a fever of 102, chills, sweats, and diminished lung sounds. My white blood count was alarmingly high -19,000 (Regular white blood count is usually 10,000)! No one knows for sure, but speculations were made that I might have had an infection from the contrast or at the IV site during the MRI. After more IVs, blood work, blood cultures, and doctor's visits, my white blood count came back down to 10,000.

Thankfully, by Friday the 19^th, I was able to re-schedule my Cardiac Catheterization for Tuesday, December 23^rd.

See this post for information about my cardiac catheterization.

Thanksgiving Break

Over my Thanksgiving break, I came home to Connecticut from Chicago (Trinity) for ten days to go to some follow-up appointments at the GI, Pulmonologist, and local Cardiologist (and oh yea, have some Turkey with my family!)

I had been experiencing some significant changes in my health, since the summer, mainly regarding my lung and chronic cardiac issues. After additional testing, my Ejection Fraction appeared to be at 34% and I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

My local cardiologist informed us that we needed to begin some more intensive interventions (other than increasing my current medications and doing more local tests). My cardiologist recommended that I have a Cardiac Catheterization on both the left and right sides of my heart.

My cardiologist allowed me to return to Trinity in order to finish the last eight school days of my semester before I needed to return back to have this procedure. I was sent back to Chicago with a Cardiac Event monitor (which has been used before on other occasions to document cardiac episodes).

It was difficult to return to Chicago and concentrate on my studies, but God was faithful and protected my mind and my health during this trying time.