After pushing my appointment back a month due to our crazy schedules, I finally made it to Iowa City earlier this week, for my angioplasty. On the drive down Tim said it seemed like forever since we had been there, “yet not long enough,” I replied. It had been ten months since my last procedure, which is longer than usual, but not as long as I’d like. I was starting to feel symptoms, especially when exercising, and since I had already pushed it back a month, I figured I would not put it off any longer.

I was happy to be greeted by the majority of my “usual” team and the new doctors and nurses I had were great too! The doctor introduced himself by saying Luke had mentioned to him that I wrote a book and I couldn’t help but smile! Luke was one of the medical students way back from when I first started coming to Iowa City so it’s always comforting for some reason when I hear familiar names are still around!

I was taken back to the operating room where I was prepped and then they opened my stents. Once back in recovery, I ran in to a few hiccups I have not experienced before. I always wear oxygen during my procedure but this was the first time my oxygen continued to drop in recovery. I was still pretty sleepy and remember the machine beeping a few different times which then resorted to my nurse putting me back on oxygen. The oxygen eventually came off and I was finally told it was time for me to go home, yeyyy!

As I stood up, Tim had a look of concern on his face and told me to sit back down. I wasn’t really comprehending what he was telling me until I looked down and saw a lot of blood all over my pants and the floor. My insertion site had burst open so he sat me back down on the bed and got a nurse. Fresh bandages were applied along with about 20 minutes of pressure by the nurse and then she placed a “sand bag” on the incision, for more pressure, resulting in a longer recovery time.

As we discussed my discharge instructions, it was decided that we would try to schedule my next appointment for a full year out this time! Of course I was instructed to call sooner if symptoms persist but regardless, I was excited to set my goal again of reaching that one year mark with no angioplasty!

The whole incident kind of freaked us out so this time I did not refuse the wheelchair once I was released and Tim happily wheeled me down to the car. On the way back home we joked how we truly never have the same experience when we go to Iowa City, except the fact that I can always get my Culver’s down haha!

Once home, I made my way up to bed and crashed! I remember Tim coming in and out of the room periodically throughout the days but I continued to sleep and after 36 hours (yikes haha), I am finally moving around again!

I am still pretty sore and extremely tired but have been listening to this song for the past few weeks, and even more so after my angioplasty. Overall, the procedure went well and I am so thankful for the medical team the Lord has brought in to my life. I do believe He has given them a great amount of wisdom and skill on how to treat me the best way possible and I do believe He can provide them the wisdom needed to cure this disease but no matter what, the Lord will heal me one day whether it be through my doctors on this side of heaven or when He brings me home!

We are beyond grateful for the support we continue to receive from so many of you whether it be meals, helping with kids and especially praying for us! I am hopeful that I will be able to make that one year mark of no angioplasty this time but regardless…”I’ll praise Him in the waiting and my faith will stay strong!”

Always find something to smile about💕

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BbS3B5Lr1fc&pp=ygUec3RheSBzdHJvbmcgZGFubnkgZ29rZXkgbHlyaWNz