I apologize for not updating more often. I know that there are many out there that are holding me up in prayer, and would like to know the latest information on my condition.
When I left off on March 7th, I had an appointment the following day with my electrophysiologist. During this appointment it was determined that the best course of action would be to have the heart ablation procedure. This was not the news that I was hoping for, yet I was desperate for anything that would relieve me of my constant PVC’s. The electrophysiologist informed me that the damaged/scarring area of the heart was most than likely the primary area where the PVC’s were originating from.
This area will be the focus during the ablation. Unfortunately, this is also an area that contains the most electrical workings of the heart so it could be tricky. If the electrophysiologist nicks any of these electrical areas, there is a decent possibility that I could wake up with a pace maker. The electrophysiologist also wanted me to undergo a cardiac MRI and a heart catheterization prior to the ablation in order to provide a road map for the surgery. I was discouraged as I was not looking forward to adding two additional procedures onto my already growing medical file.
I was informed that I would receive a phone call in the next few days to schedule the cardiac MRI, heart catheterization and ablation.
Within days, I was schedule for the cardiac MRI which would take place on March 23rd, and a heart catheterization. The heart cath was scheduled for March 26th. The ablation was tentatively set for April 16th pending the outcome of the MRI and cath procedures.
On March 23rd, I arrived at U of M Hospital for my cardiac MRI. I was not sure what to expect, but after two grueling hours in a tiny confined area, and having to do over one hundred breath holds I walked away exhausted and extremely discouraged. I also knew that within forty-eight hours I would be undergoing my heart catheterization.
The heart cath procedure itself was bearable, but for me the recovery was horrific. A lot of it had to do with the discouragement of going through yet another procedure with very little break in between. It has only been eighteen months since my aortic dissection, but because of all the ongoing complications from the dissection and the non-ending tests, it continues to seem like the open-heart surgery was just recently.
I realize that I fall into a less than five percent category of those that survive what I went through, and I am continually reminded of the miracle that God has accomplished in my life, yet I was unprepared for the reality that although I was spared, the dissection broke many parts and caused a lot of collateral damages that I will have to battle for the rest of my life.
As April 16th continued to draw closer, I was dreading going through another procedure. The week prior to the ablation, I received a call from my electrophysiologist office. The results from the heart cath did not satisfy the assurances that the doctors were looking for in order to safely continue forward with the ablation. My electrophysiologist needs to consult more thoroughly with the heart cath doctors before moving forward with the ablation. As it stands today, I am still waiting for confirmation on whether or not the doctors can safely move forward with the ablation.
While all of the testing and procedures were going on, I had to meet with a neurologist concerning my ongoing battle with migraines. I will be writing in the next couple of days about those appointments and the discouraging results.
I have ended many of my blogs thanking those that continue to reach out to me and encourage me with prayer. I would like to continue that practice as it means more to me that words can express.
Walt,
The Spirit lead me to email you today. The email came back and wasn’t able to be delivered. A couple hours later I receive this update. Don’t you continue to marvel at God’s care in our lives. I am sorry to hear you are continuing to suffer pain and more procedures. I will keep you in prayer. Jeni and I are still in Florida but will leave for Michigan late May. In my email that didn’t make it to you I suggested we have lunch and prayer time the next time I visit my brother-in-law in Flint. Not sure when that will happen…so give me your new email.
Brothers,
Dempsey
Walt,
I will not even think I might know how you feel. You have been disappointed test after test.
The PVC and migraines are unimaginable to me.
As I wonder what to say or how to try to encourage you I am at a loss. I can only share with you that God has used you in our lives, especially since Mike started going to Room Of Grace and that first trip to ER at Genesys and then the flight and surgery at UM Ann Arbor………maybe I am being selfish but personally I am so thankful God has allowed you to minister to us. Just to see you at church or Mike being able to see Gabe in a basketball game have made us love you even more!
We do pray for you and your entire family. We know God is allowing you to go through these trials for some reason that we can’t understand. He will reward you for your faithfulness to Him!
Love,
Veda
Walt,
We can not begin to understand all that you must be feeling right now. The dissappointment from test after test. The waiting! The pain! The uncertainty! It must be nerve racking. We can not understand why God is allowing you to go through this whole experience from that first to the ER right until this time.
All I know is that God is using you! He’s used you in our lives! He continues to use you in our lives. And maybe I’m being selfish but I feel so blest to have you in lives. You have and continue to be an encouragement to us. We know God is going to reward you greatly for your faithfulness to Him. Your dedication and love for your family that shows without you even realizing it. You are a real example of a Godly young man and we are praying God will give you relief from the pain, the PVC, Migraines, the Depression……God continues to use you and you are a real example to others!
Love,
Veda
Thanks for the update. You have been on my heart.
Dempsey
Walt, when I was sitting across the living room from you the other night and you were sharing with me what the nurologist said I was just crumbling inside with heartache for you. It is so difficult as a mom to see the burden that you and Sarah have to carry everyday. I love you and pray for you. My mother instinct wants to “make it all better” because that is the way moms are made. But I know that God is molding you and shaping you into the vessel to be used for his service. No way am I going to interfere with what God is doing and using through your trial. I love you son with all my heart and soul. MOM