Walt's Journey

Last Wednesday I had my checkup at the University of Michigan Hospital to see how my heart is functioning, how my aortic valve is doing and to ask my cardiologist some questions.

The first appointment of the afternoon was getting my blood drawn. It is amazing the technology that they have at U of M. Normally when getting my blood drawn, it will take several days to get the results, but at U of M, I had a piece of paper in my hands to give to my cardiologist within fifteen minutes.

Shortly after having my blood drawn, I received an echocardiogram. This procedure took a little over thirty minutes. I knew that this would be an important test for the day as it would be able to show how my aortic valve is functioning. At my last appointment, the results were not very good. I have been having some issues with shortness of breath and some ongoing mild chest pains, so I was a little nervous as to what the tests would reveal.

Within fifteen minutes of finishing the echocardiogram, I was called back to see my cardiologist. Both Sarah and Gabe were with me, so we all headed back together. Shortly after arriving into the room, doctor Booher arrived. From the first time that I met with Dr. Booher, I was extremely excited to have her as my cardiologist. I told Sarah on the way home that I feel as though you could invite Dr. Booher and her family over for supper as she is so personal and laid back. I enjoy my conversations with her, and am confident that she is the best person that I could have considering my condition.

The blood that I had drawn showed that my cholesterol was a bit high. I was told that this is not abnormal. I was not able to exercise the way that I would like to for several months after the surgery, so I am not in the shape that I was prior to the dissection. My cardiologist is going to give me six months to lower my cholesterol on my own through diet and exercise and if it does not improve I will have to go on additional medication. I do not want to take anymore pills, so I will be working very hard to get the levels down on my own.

The results of the echocardiogram showed that the leaking in my aortic valve was starting to improve. It was very encouraging to hear this good news. As my aorta and heart heals from the surgery, it is possible that my PVC’s and aortic valve leakage could continue to improve.

I asked some questions about exercising and where my heart rate should be while riding my bike, and we then scheduled a CAT scan in eight weeks to check on the additional tear that is still on my aorta.

Overall it was a positive appointment as I was concerned with my leaking valve. The next big step will be the CAT scan which will determine if the tear that still exists on my aorta is stable as well as seeing if the graft that was inserted is holding up the way that it is supposed to.

John 14:27 – I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (NLT)