Update on my health (originally published 16 April 2019)


Today I went to the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic for my bi-weekly visit.  This was a special appointment for me as I expected to get the report from my recent MUGA scan.  I have been feeling better, stronger over the past month or so and was hoping to hear that my heart function had improved now that my fluid level was being well managed and the pulmonary embolisms had been treated.

Unfortunately it was not the news I’d hoped for.


The scan revealed that the flow rate in my heart is only at 23%. This means that I’m a candidate for advanced congestive heart failure treatment and will be scheduled for a implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) in the near future.  I’ll also be scheduled for updated diagnostic procedures necessary to reboot the referral process to the Ottawa Cardiac Team.


Over the coming weeks, I expect to be busy with the afore-mentioned appointments.  I will continue sticking to the sodium reduced diet I’ve been on since last fall and working on my physical activity (within reasonable limits of course).  


The good news is that I am stronger now than I was at the beginning of the year.  I’m almost 45 pounds lighter than I was this time last year and am much better prepared physically and emotionally to face any necessary travel, treatment or surgical procedures.  


Thanks again to all of you who have sent along messages of support.  It means a lot.  <3  

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