About 2 weeks ago my husband had a Left Ventricular Assist Device installed. In simple terms it is a pump that helps the left side of his heart beat. If you are nerdy like I am you can go to http://www.thoratec.com/medical-professionals/vad-product-information/heartmate-ll-lvad-us-eur.aspx to read more in depth & see photos and videos.
Previous to this surgery he was on oxygen almost all the time and could barely walk more than 5 feet without having to stop and catch his breath. He was diagnosed with heart failure with the best prognosis being regulating his condition with meds. We went home and talked and prayed and then decided to get a second opinion. Thank GOD we did. The second cardiologist suggested the LVAD pump & turns out he was a perfect candidate!! It was a long process to get to the surgery scheduled (many tests) but once we did an incredible weight had been lifted off our shoulders - there was an option to a new life!! With that said there now was a different weight...surviving the surgery. We prayed and cried and prepared for both outcomes. It was an extremely emotional time for both of us....I mean just imagine your husband going thru his belongings and telling you what should go to who...just in case? And from his end imagine knowing that this may be your last 2 weeks on Earth? We did not freak out or cry all the time. We did a lot of praying and thanking God for everything we had been blessed with and truly lived each day as if it were our last together...we took the time to say things we were thinking but never made the time to say, and I realized what is really important. Each other and our love. No longer did I get stressed about the laundry not getting done, or if he did the dishes and left a little piece of food on it....who cares? Our relationship has always been strong but this brought us closer than I ever thought possible. This also completely solidified my faith. Any doubts I had in the Creator was washed away. My husband is a pastor and teaches Native American spirituality so when a Bald Eagle started hanging out in our back yard shortly after we found out about the surgery we were amazed and keenly aware that this was a message that we were being watched over.
No comments:
Post a Comment