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.