Surgery Update

I just wanted to post and let you all know that Wednesday August 6th is when I have my surgery consultation. My did is going with me so I don't forget to ask any questions, as well as for the moral support. Dad's are great for that. ;-)

I picked a new primary care doctor a few weeks ago and had the chance to meet with her this past Monday. She said that she thinks that the surgical procedure I will have is called Cardiac Ablation. If she's correct, essenially what will happen is the doctors insert a catheter into the main atery in the groin and run it up to the heart. When there, the tip of the catheter gathers data and a variety of electrical measurements . The data pinpoints the location of the faulty electrical site. Once the damaged site is confirmed, energy is used to destroy a small amount of tissue, ending the disturbance of electrical flow through the heart and restoring a healthy heart rhythm.

So, at this point, I really don't know much else. I will post an update next Wednesday when I know more about the procedure and the date it will happen. Hopefully soon ~ I want to move on.

Thanks for the continued prayers.

Prayers Needed PLEASE

As I mentioned in a previous posting, I had an Echocardiogram on July 11. I received a call on Tuesday night from the cardiologist. The results were not what I was expecting. He told me I have 3 things:

1). Ventricular Premature Beats (VPB): This I already knew
2). A reduced left ventricle
3). Irregular Sinus Tachycardia - aka: Super Fast Heart Beat

What does all this mean? I'm still trying to figure this all out, but essentially, I need to have some kind of surgery to fix the problem. If I don't have surgery, these things are potentially life threatening. The Cardiologist says I have an electrical problem in my heart which is causing the fast heart beats. There are several different types of surgeries that may fix this problem, however I need to have a consultation with an Electrophyisist (sp?) to determine exactly what needs to happen. Someone is supposed to call to schedule this appointment sometime soon. The sooner the better in my opinion. After nearly 8 months of drug therapy that hasn't worked, this is logically the next step.

I'm really scared and could really use all the prayers I can get. Your heart is something you can't do without and although the margin of error is relatively low, I'm still frightened. I have a 3 year old that needs me to be here for her. I would really appreciate the few extra prayers over the course of the next few months as I go through this rough time. I also ask for prayers for my family as they will need the strength to not only take care of my daughter, but also take care of me not only while I'm waiting but after the procedure. I am an emotional wreck right now, but at the same time, need to keep my stress levels to a minimum. All prayers are appreciated.

Look for future updates as I get more info ~ hopefully soon.

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Health Update - July

I finally finished my personal training sessions that I signed up for in January on Thursday. Here are the results. I have lost 29.3 pounds of fat. I have gained 8.8 pounds of muscle. I have lowered by body age from 45 to 36. I have increased my strength from 54 pounds to 110 pounds. Considering all of my obstacles so far this year, I guess this isn't all that bad. I wish it was better, but I think all the meds I'm on are making it difficult for me to loose weight.

I went to the cardiologist on Friday for an Echocardiogram. The tech that did the ultrasound said she didn't see anything abnormal, but that my cardiologist would have to review to be sure. He should be getting back to me by the middle of next week with the final results. When I was at the cardiologist about 6 weeks ago, they diagnosed me with VPB. That stands for Ventricular Premature Beats. Essentially, that means that I have an irregular heart beat and sometimes I get double or triple beats. The doc said by themselves, VPB is not life threating, but if there is something functionally or structureally wrong with my heart, they will have to look at different treatment. The Echo will determine if I need anything else. If he gives me the ok, I'm going to join a 12 week program at the gym called Team Weight Loss. They meet 3 times a week for an hour for 12 weeks. There isn't much strength training, but they work a lot on nutrition and weight loss via zone training. Essentially, everyone has their own zone that are customized for them and you train within those zones. For some it might be walking, for some it might be running. I need to take the "zone test" to determine mine, but I'm wiating for the cartiologist first. Hopefully I'll know something soon.

My blood pressure seems to be down thanks to meds. Yesterday it was the best it's been in a long time. It was 130/76. Since things are looking up, hopefully the doc can figure out how to lower my heart rate ~ part of the reason it's high is the VPB.

It's been a long 2008 so far with everything that's been going on. I'm ready for this to be over so I can resume living a normal life without having to worry everytime my heart beats a little too fast.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome of the results as soon as I get them.

Our Newest Addition ~ Shiloh!

This is our newest additon. This is Shiloh. She is a Maltipoo. I guess they are called "designer puppies"?.? She is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. The most important thing is that she is hypoallergenic ~ Hopefully neither Makenna or I will end up allergic to her but I guess time will tell. So far so good. She is a creamish-white color and had a long nose and big eyes. Very cute. She is very active and loves to chase Makenna around the yard. Actually, it's more like hopping than running at this point. She is currently about 2 1/2 pounds and will end up between 5 & 7 when full grown. She is 9 weeks old. Here are a few pictures.

Shiloh - 9 Weeks Old

4th of July Festivities

We hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July weekend. The Dinkins' clan enjoyed lunch and games and mom and dad's this year. Dad of course maybe a ymmy BBQ and mom made all the fixin's. The kids played in the pool (or the "cooling one" as Makenna calls it) and on the slide and ran around to burn off energy. Candi said it all when she said going to mom and dad's is like going to a carnaval. They had darts, and beanbag games, bubbles and other things set up for kids of all ages.Dad made HOMEMADE ICE CREAM! What a treat. I don't think I have had that in years and it was yummy. Especially on a 100 degree day. It was so much fun. Maybe the 4th of July BBQs will become a family tradition.

Matthew playing with bubbles

Kyra resting after playing in the pool

After we left mom and dad's, Makenna and I came home. We had a few sparklers that we lit. Makenna was not amumssed to say the least. She was so happy when the "fire workings" were over.

Need I say more? This picture says
everything about the attidude

Not much better. Better luck next year.