Hi! It’s been a while. I haven’t had a lot to report, which is always good. Now there are a couple of things going on that are easier to explain in a post, so here goes…
As reported in August, I had a vitreous hemorrhage in my left eye last July. Same thing that happened in my right eye in December, 2016. I had a bunch of shots and lasers in the hopes it would resolve without surgery, but while my vision has cleared a lot, it’s now clear (hah!) that it won’t get fixed without a vitrectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous humor gel.
It’s the same surgery I had on the right eye, so I know what to expect. It’s fraught with risk, so having to have it is a bummer, but the prospect of getting my eyesight all the way back is worth it. And the doc I’m seeing (hah again!) is fantastic. The retina specialist I was seeing fired me in essence because I had the gall to ask to be treated with a measure of respect, but it ended up being a good thing because Dr. El-Jabali is aces.
I go in for one more shot on April 2, and the surgery will be scheduled within a couple of weeks after that.
On April 3, I’m having a heart catheterization (coronary angiogram). My last echocardiogram was good and my blood tests are fine, but I’ve been having some symptoms that concern Dr. Mackie. Arterial blockages are twice as common in women who have Type 1 diabetes as they are in the general population, and the symptoms present differently. So whereas a man without diabetes might feel crushing chest pain, women with Type 1 diabetes get just a bit of a twinge in their chest. Also, my risk level is further increased by my cardiomyopathy. So I hit the risk factor jackpot…except the prize is one nobody wants to win.
The symptoms I’ve experienced aren’t drastic–nothing that made me run to the emergency room. Pains in my chest and left leg, but not awful or debilitating ones. My feet get pins and needles all the time. Some other stuff. All of this could be because I’m on a ton of medication or just a function of the conditions I have. An arterial blockage is the worst-case scenario, but one that needs to be ruled out.
As you might recall, I was supposed to have a heart cath in October, 2014. That was before I had health insurance, though, and it was going to cost more than $40,000, so I had a different test instead. Most people with cardiomyopathy have had and do have heart caths, though, so really, I’m overdue.
It’s an invasive procedure and does come with some risk, but it is the only definitive way to identify (and fix) blockages. If Dr. Mackie finds a blockage, I’ll need a stent to fix it. Should this happen, one of the interventional cardiologists in his practice would put it in. Stents are installed through the same tube used for the catheterization.
So. More hospitals on the horizon. I’m trying to focus on being grateful that I have access to fantastic healthcare and doctors I trust implicitly. I’m a little frustrated, if I’m honest, at having to get this stuff done and somewhat anxious, too. But it’ll be fine.
I was thinking the other day about how long it’s been since I started writing these updates and how grateful I am for every single one of you who reads them. I really am. Thank you.
I wouldn’t wish any of the procedures or surgery measures on you, but I am glad that there is something that can be done to get your eye back to normal, and I agree with you that you are overdue a heart cath. I think that the heart cath will give you some peace of mind, and, yes, that is the result you will get. Thanks for the update, as you are daily in my prayers and sometimes it helps to have something specific to pray for. xoxo
Thank you Erin, for being so frank about your health situation and for explaining it so well. I’m sorry that you have to go through any of it. Much love to you and your husband.
Wishing you the very best.
I wish you didn’t need any of this but I am so so glad you have good doctors and are having the heart cath done – better to know what you are dealing with!! Hope hope hoping for continued good news (or something that will be dealt with then and there, if necessary) and always always sending all the love and best wishes for good outcomes!!
Thank you for these updates. You put a very real face on situations many people have been lucky enough to not have to deal with. It creates compassion. I am sorry for all this bullshit you have to face, but grateful for modern medicine to keep you here with us.
Thinking about you…and I’m so sorry that you’ve had to deal with this. take care. Hugs! xoxo
Thank you for keeping us updated. I am praying for you.
Thank you for catching us up! I’m always interested, and I’m sure I am not alone. I will be with you in spirit for every step. I’ll be virtually in waiting rooms hoping for swift and easy procedures with rapid recovery!
You’ll get through this with your usual style and wit. And I’m sending all the love and good mojo I can gather up to you.
At least they have a plan. I know how hard all this is, but you’ll get through it…and probably with shining colors, as my mother used to say. Sending you love, hugs, and healing thoughts to add to your super powers. I’ve been through some of those… I empathize… xoxo
That’s a lot to deal with! Wish I had the perfect words for you, but – since I don’t – know I’ll be thinking of you and wishing for the best!
Those are the perfect words 🙂