Thursday, April 12, 2012

heart journey

(Colt and I before his heart appointment in 2009.)

I've written a little bit before about Colt's heart journey.

(He's going to hate that I wrote "heart journey," but what else do I call it?)

Yesterday morning, he had his annual check-up in Houston.  Although I've gone with him to this appointment for the past several years, we decided it'd be best for me to stay behind with Duke this time.  It would've been an added stress to have to pull over, feed, and let Duke sit in the carseat, drowning in his own spit up the whole ride.  So Colt went solo.

His appointment always starts with an ECHO.  The lady rolls a deal over his chest and you hear gurgling noises as you watch the colors go in and out of his heart on the screen.  (I know, my medical knowledge and vocabulary is impressive.)  It's not too comfortable for Colt, as he has to lay in odd positions and stay very still for long periods of time.  I'll never forget the first time I went to one of these appointments.  My heart was pounding out of my chest as I watched the screen, hoping his leaky aortic valve wasn't leaking.  Each year I'm on edge as I listen and watch.

Once that part is over, we visit with his doctor.  We really like him.  And he looks like Barack Obama.  So when he walks in and talks, I feel tongue-tied and like his words are worth millions of dollars.  Yesterday morning, his words were good news.  Colt's heart rate was great, his aorta and aortic valve looked great, and there were no red flags or "you may need surgery in __ years" kinds of comments.

(By the way, all of that information came from Colt.  One reason I was so nervous about not going with him was because I usually sit there like a sponge, soaking in every word from the doctor.  When my interpretation is full of details, Colt's is, "Everything is great."  So, I congratulated Colt on his detailed account. :))

It's been a little over 4 years since his aortic valve replacement and I feel like I've won the lottery each year we get a good report.

When you're young, you don't ever plan on things like this.  Gosh, I really hope I date someone who will ungergo 2 heart surgeries in our pre-married life.  I can't wait for the emotional rollercoaster that will be.  Of course, things could always be worse.  And I'm not saying I have a hard life, but this has most definitely been a speed bump.  A speed bump that has tested me and caused me to trust God when I don't feel like it.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.  All of these details make up who Colt is and I feel honored to be the one chosen to be by his side for all of it.  So, today, I'm thankful for a healthy husband.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the report!!! I kept wondering about it yesterday! So thankful for a healthy friend and positive response from his doc'Obama! :-)

    ReplyDelete

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