Post by Amy F. on Jul 7, 2007 12:04:01 GMT -5
you're stuck with me, a while longer! lol ;D For those of you that know me, well enough, this is gonna make sense. (For those that don't, well, go along with it, anyway! lol)
I went for my annual echocardiogram, this past monday, and got a call back from my Dr. on Friday, after they had a chance to review the results of the echo. Now, 2 yrs ago, my ejection fraction (EF) was 20%. That means that, of all the blood volume in the heart, it's supposed to pump out 55-65% of what's in it, out, every time it pumps, but mine was only pumping out 20%. Makes sense, right? Anyway, I needed a heart transplant, was what it came down to. Only thing is, they wouldn't put me on the list. I was close enough to dying, yet, and I really didn't meet the criteria. Whatever. So, they put me on medication, I quit smoking, (2 years ago TODAY, as a matter of fact!!! ;D ) started going to cardiac rehab, and watched my diet, etc., etc. The biggest thing I did, I think, was keep a positive attitude. I've never really been one to give up, easily, although I'm not exactly afraid to die, and I'm ready for it, if it happens. I did decide to live my life to the fullest, though. I think I've been doing that, pretty well, the last year, or so. Anyway, I guess I did something right, 'cause the results of the echo were a shock to everyone, me included, as my EF is now 50%!! I no longer need a heart transplant, and I'm actually, almost (GASP!! Dare I say it?) NORMAL! I'll still need to take 2 big handfuls of pills every day, and need to exercise, watch what I eat, no smoking, (YUCK!! NEVER going back to THAT!!) lose weight, etc, and this thing will probably still catch up with me, eventually, but I'm not going to have to be quite so worried about not seeing my daughter graduate from high school, or college, get married, etc. I might even get the chance to be a grandma! lol OH HELL!!! SOMEBODY SHOOT ME, NOW!!!! j/k Ok, that's my news, for today. Just thought you all might like an update. Take care of yourselves!!!! (AND QUIT SMOKING!!!!!!! )
I went for my annual echocardiogram, this past monday, and got a call back from my Dr. on Friday, after they had a chance to review the results of the echo. Now, 2 yrs ago, my ejection fraction (EF) was 20%. That means that, of all the blood volume in the heart, it's supposed to pump out 55-65% of what's in it, out, every time it pumps, but mine was only pumping out 20%. Makes sense, right? Anyway, I needed a heart transplant, was what it came down to. Only thing is, they wouldn't put me on the list. I was close enough to dying, yet, and I really didn't meet the criteria. Whatever. So, they put me on medication, I quit smoking, (2 years ago TODAY, as a matter of fact!!! ;D ) started going to cardiac rehab, and watched my diet, etc., etc. The biggest thing I did, I think, was keep a positive attitude. I've never really been one to give up, easily, although I'm not exactly afraid to die, and I'm ready for it, if it happens. I did decide to live my life to the fullest, though. I think I've been doing that, pretty well, the last year, or so. Anyway, I guess I did something right, 'cause the results of the echo were a shock to everyone, me included, as my EF is now 50%!! I no longer need a heart transplant, and I'm actually, almost (GASP!! Dare I say it?) NORMAL! I'll still need to take 2 big handfuls of pills every day, and need to exercise, watch what I eat, no smoking, (YUCK!! NEVER going back to THAT!!) lose weight, etc, and this thing will probably still catch up with me, eventually, but I'm not going to have to be quite so worried about not seeing my daughter graduate from high school, or college, get married, etc. I might even get the chance to be a grandma! lol OH HELL!!! SOMEBODY SHOOT ME, NOW!!!! j/k Ok, that's my news, for today. Just thought you all might like an update. Take care of yourselves!!!! (AND QUIT SMOKING!!!!!!! )