Heart Surgery March 2017

Well I think it's time I write down some of what has been going on. After I was sick after Christmas I started getting really short of breath. I called my cardiologist and they did another echocardiogram. It showed I was moderate/severe. They put me on some meds and told me it was time to start talking to a surgeon. He suggested Dr. Goff at McKayDee Hospital. I met with him, and after a couple more tests, my heart showed it was severe. It was time for another surgery, and they set it up for March 14th. He said there was a little greater than 50 percent change he would be able to repair it, but we needed to figure out what kind of valve we wanted in case. This all happened really fast. We went to the temple and I got a couple of blessings. At the temple I felt like we should say mechanical valve, because that way it lasts longer and I have greater chance of being healthy for my kids longer. However, Mike and I both got the impression that we shouldn't say for sure that kids are off the table. So, we were confused, and just prayed that things would work out.
Sunday, March 12th my parents came up and stayed the night. I got a blessing, and it was so amazing. My mom stayed the night and the rest of the week. Monday I had tests done, and Tuesday morning at 5:15 we left for the hospital. Austin had been sick but he woke up and gave me a great hug. Brooklyn woke up and she was so sweet. She understands what is going on and it is so sweet. She said a prayer and in it blessed that I would be safe at the hospital. Melted my heart. Off I went. I was pretty scared. Kids change things a lot. I wrote this the night before the surgery: Tomorrow I am having heart surgery. Last time I felt a lot more calm. Having kids sure changes things. I feel so loved, and have a strong testimony and faith, but I am so scared. I want to be with my kids. I want to be with them all of this week and forever. I'm also scared about if I need a valve replacement what to get. It's hard to make a decision. 

I am so thankful for this surgery though. It made it so I can have kids, and now will make it so I can stay with them. I am thankful for all of the love and support I have received.

I know that Heavenly Father loves me and through him miracles happen. I love my family. Mike has been so amazing, and my kids mean absolutely everything to me. The love I have for them is more love than I ever thought possible. Brooklyn and Austin, I love you. I am so proud of the kids you are. You have such sweet spirits. I am so incredibly thankful that we are sealed for eternity. Brooklyn you are a beautiful, strong girl. I love you. Austin you are so happy and sweet. I love you. You both along with mike are my best friends. I love you with all of my being. 

I'm scared for the recovery process but I hope after everything I will be stronger. Here we go... I love you all!

So, Tuesday morning came and Mike and I were off to the hospital. After getting prepped I said goodbye to him and went to the surgery room. I woke up to a breathing tube down my throat. It was awful! They wouldn't take it out! Finally, they did and I saw my Dad, Mom, and Mike all in the room with me. Mike told me the surgery went well- my valve had been repaired!! It is not perfectly repaired, but it is a mild, and the surgeon did a great job. He is very confident in the work he did. He put a ring in it that was a full circle, and the last one I had was a U shape and it had moved or something. We were all SO thankful. I loved having my family there. My mom had taken a bus there and apparently this couple helped her all the way to the hospital and she said they were her miracle. That morning she had also dropped Brooklyn off at preschool and taken Austin to the temple and put my name on the prayer roll. I love my family!

So that night I spent at the ICU, I'm not going to lie it was awful. They weren't on top of my pain meds, they had to pull out chest tubes, and I was miserable. The next day I got moved out of ICU and things started getting better. There were hard times with throwing up, and not getting pain meds in time, but overall it was ok. My kids came to visit me a couple of times and that was my favorite! I got lots of flowers, Allie, Dakota and Emma, my parents, Lana, Lisa, Colleen, Lisa Mumford, and Steve all stopped by the hospital. Mike stayed with me every night and during the day went with the kids for a bit. I am SO thankful for all of the love and support I got. 

On Saturday, I came home. I have been very sore of course, but overall being home has been amazing and I am improving quickly. Sunni has been here all of this first week at hime which has been amazing. Allie was here for a couple days, and my mom last week, and I have lots of support set up for the future because I can't lift my kids for 3 months!

Overall, I am SO thankful that I was able to have a successful surgery. I hope it lasts forever. I have my beautiful kids I get to stay with and may possibly get to have more. I am thankful for my amazing family, especially my husband and kids. I know angels have been helping as well. Because of my family and my testimony, I can get through. I love my family!