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.