Oh.My.Word! I had a heart transplant!

It has been almost 3 months since my last blog post. During my last post, I started to share my feelings regarding waiting to have a heart transplant. Well, guess what folks? I GOT A NEW HEART on August 12th. 

This journey has been a life changing experience. I plan on sharing with you through a series of blog post my journey during the wait, receiving a new heart, and my new journey of living with a transplanted heart. 

God is so good! Isn't it amazing how HE has plans for our lives? And, even though we may not understand, see the possibility, or put together for ourselves how things will work out, HE already knows. Sometimes we are put in a position in which you have no choice but to depend on and have faith in God. You are in a place physically, emotionally, and spiritually that no one can help you but the Heavenly Father. I have been in that place, shedded tears, and cried out to him so many days and nights and each time God has showed up in my life and provided a comfort that no one else could provide. 

Nothing but God...

I am so thankful to my donor who unselfishly donated their organs so I could have a second chance. Organ donation is so important to give others a second chance at living a long full life. If you are not a registered organ donor please consider signing up. 

This new heart transplant journey has been a challenge. However, I am up for the challenge and ready to fight. 

I still can't believe it. Oh.My.Word. I had a heart transplant. 

DAY 4 - The Wait....but I am thankful!

Have you ever been filled with so many different emotions you felt like you just might explode? Well, that is how I have felt over the last month or so. I have to admit being on this emotional roller coaster has been exhausting.  However, today I want to talk about being filled with love and gratefulness.

I have been amazed with the support I have received from so many people.  Oftentimes, we read, hear, or experience the disappointing, and awful things people do.  But, there are so many people who are good, kind-hearted, loving, supportive and giving.  I have said many times that I am so thankful for my amazing support system.  My support system is made up of so many people including: friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, classmates and even strangers who send me words of encouragement daily. I have also had the opportunity to meet a few heart transplant survivors via phone, Facebook and email. These individuals are extraordinary and have also helped me tremendously through this process. My Aunt always tells me that God will supply ALL your needs and he is doing just that!

I want to introduce you guys to my amazing home health nurse.  She has educated, encouraged, and supported me through this process.  Ladies and Gentlemen meet Angela Martin:

I have not always had a great experience with home health nurses, but Angela has been great and changed my view. Nurses are special people.  And, the nurses that really care about their job and patient care should be celebrated.  I salute you.

I am thankful for the Lord waking me up this morning. I am thankful for my support system.  I am thankful to be able to share my journey with you.  I am so blessed.  God is so good!

Today is day 4 of my wait on the heart transplant list.  Some people have had to wait years for a transplant. And, my brother-in-law (Darius) reminded me that God is in control and he is always on time. I will not rush this process because God is not early or late he is on time. I believe in his power.  I have HOPE in HIM!  Everything will be just fine. 

Hug and Kiss your loved ones daily and please continue to pray for me!  I thank and appreciate all of you!

With Every Beat Love,

Let's Do This! Heart Transplant!

It has been so long since I posted a blog post.  Life has been a whirlwind over the last few months.  I guess the most life-changing news that I received is that it is finally time to discuss more life-saving options related to my congestive heart failure. My cardiologist presented two options to me and my family.  The option to receive a left ventricle assist device known as a LVAD or a heart transplant.

What?!?  Who me?  For real!  This is all too much for a thirty-four year old, mom, wife, sister, friend.  Those are the thoughts that originally went through my mind.  I felt very overwhelmed with this information and experienced all sorts of emotions.  I have felt sad, angry, anxious, confused, and excited.  I didn't know what to do or how I was going to handle this critical decision in my life.  However, all of my family, friends, health care team, and co-workers immediately stepped up to the plate to support me.  My husband reminded me the first thing we needed to do was pray over this decision because at the end of the day God would lead us to the right decision.  Over the last month or so we have attended education classes, looked up information and talked this decision over with several important people in our lives.  And, we have decided to move forward with the heart transplant.  That's right folks, I am getting a new heart.  I was officially placed on the list July 21, 2014.  I am still very nervous, but prayerful that everything will work out fine.

My Aunt has shared several scriptures with me that have helped my mental state so much.  I try my best to meditate on them daily.  I have several favorite scriptures but the one that has catered to my heart recently is:

Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I have so much to share about this journey I am on so stay tuned, and please pray for me and my family daily!


Below is a website that will help my family with my medical expenses and after care.  If your heart leads you to make a donation just know that I appreciate it.  If not, just please pray for me daily!

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/xt15/have-a-heart


With Every Beat Love,

Medication Dedication

I struggle with medication dedication! To put it plain and simple...side effects suck!  The headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, grogginess, drowsiness, and other side effects are just frustrating to deal with everyday.

I love me.  I have a desire to live a long life. I understand I have a family and kids. And, I am NOT trying to harm myself or make my health situation any worse. These are just a few responses I give folks when I am questioned about my struggle. Sometimes, I feel like people are judging me for struggling with what may seem like an easy task to them. It's not an easy task for me! I know this could be a result of my own insecurities and people really aren't judging, however, this bothers me. The side effects that come along with consuming certain medications can hinder me from completing my daily task and make me feel inadequate. I am a wife, mother, student, and have a full-time career.  The responsibilities that come along with each of these roles just don't go on pause.  And, when you place side effects on top of the symptoms that accompany congestive heart failure it can become overwhelming and daily duties can become harder to complete.  I have never wanted to be limited, labeled, or held back in life because of my health condition.  I am such an ambitious and goal oriented person.  Hence, my struggle.

I know this struggle is something that I must conquer and not let it conquer me.  I have to try start being dedicated - bottom line. I have been praying that God gives me the strength and courage to overcome my struggle with medication dedication. My prayers are being answered daily. And, over the last month I've been committed to this challenge in my life. It has not been easy, but I will continue to conquer medication dedication.

Pray for me.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Until Next Time...

With Every Beat - Love,

New Blog Design

I am so excited about my new blog design.  Chris Stanfield also known as Hubby Jack used his talents to redesign my little ol' space in the blogging world.  I appreciate his time and creativity.  Now, it is time for me to get to work and share new content with my faithful followers.

I wanted to redesign the "look and feel" of my blog to make sure it represented me and my message.  I have always been told that first impressions are important.  I think the redesign is perfect.

Well, this is a short and sweet post to introduce the brand new blog.  Do you love it?


Until Next Time.

With Every Beat - Love,

All Is Well!

As most of you know by now, the "big day" was on January 9th.  I finally had my defibrillator replaced.  Everything went well, and I am very thankful.  I am not completely healed, the incision site is still very sore/sensitive, and it itches like crazy. Also, I have some fluid build up around the site. However, I am so glad that this is over. Now, it is time to get back in the swing of the day to day craziness. Thanks to everyone who prayed for me!  A special shout out to my hubby and family for their support!  Here are a few pictures that I wanted to share:



 Curt (the hubby) and I clowning around.  He wanted everyone to know how sleepy he was getting up at 4:45 a.m.

 Uh-Oh!  This is where my nerves started to get to me.  The tears started to form.

REALITY! I GOT THIS!

This is the nice "itchy" patch that was over my incision when I got out of surgery!

Here is a picture of my warrior wound (the scar)!

Look at the pretty flowers my friends and co-workers sent to me.

I am blessed!

Until Next Time,

With Every Beat - Love

Frustration, Freaking Out, And Then Reality (Faith) Pre-Surgery Post

This is a "Pre-Surgery" post that I never got around to posting and wanted to share!

I have a few confessions.  Over the last couple of weeks, I have been frustrated and freaking out inside.  I am not good at waiting, and when it comes to anything pertaining to my medical situation, I don't handle change very well.

Waiting for the beep.  The last time I had an interrogation of my defibrillator, I was informed that my battery was starting to run low. So, every month since September I have had to download information from my defibrillator with my Carelink Monitor and send it to the doctor's office.  My defibrillator is programmed to sound an alert once the battery is too low and it has reached a replacement level.  Initially, I was told it would only take a few weeks before I heard the alert.  It has been three months!  The last time I completed a download the nurse who interpreted the information stated that my battery voltage is at 2.62 which is replacement level; however, the defibrillator has not recognized the replacement level.  In a nutshell, when I asked what this means I was informed we have to wait on the beep. This totally frustrated me.  I am totally dependent on my Defibrillator, my battery is low, but I have to wait on a beep before my device is replaced. Why do I have to wait on the beep?  Insurance purposes.  Yep, this was the explanation I was given.  This leads me to my first confession, I am not a patient person and I get really frustrated when explanations are not logical to me.  However, I guess I will continue to wait on the beep!

Freaking Out!  Approximately two weeks ago, I was informed that my electrophysiologist was leaving and moving to Odessa! What?!?!?!  He has been my doctor for 18 years!  He has been the only physician that I have seen regarding my prolonged QT syndrome and defibrillator.  He is one of the best physicians in the Dallas area and he is leaving!  This may sound crazy but I cried (actually I had a panic attack).  It's funny how you can get attached to your doctor. I think it is because he is an exceptional physician and GREAT doctors are hard to find.  My second confession, I am not good with change from a medical perspective.

Reality.  Relax, Relate, Release and Remember...God is in control.  One of my favorite scriptures that I cited in my last post is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  That being said, I have faith in My God and I know everything will be fine.

Until Next Time,
With Every Beat - Love Fran

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of my followers!  I am so blessed to see a new year.  I know that 2014 will be a great year.  One of my favorite scriptures in the bible (and one that I need to repeat to myself often):

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I am not really into the trend of making new year's resolutions.  However, one thing I have committed to in the new year and going forward in general is praying more.  We are commanded to pray all the time about EVERYTHING!  I want to pray continually for my spiritual health, my physical health, forgiveness of sins, my family, our world leaders, people in general, and that my light shines so bright that I can bring others to Christ. Oftentimes, when someone ask us to pray for them we agree quickly and go about our day.  The next thing you know life has gotten in the way and we forget the prayer request and our commitment to pray for that person or their situation.  I am guilty.  I want to do better, let's all do better!

I Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing


Again...Happy New Year from me to you!  And, I pray that you will have many blessings in the New Year!

 

That's it for today...Short and Sweet!  Love you guys!

Until Next Time...

With Every Beat - Love Fran