6 Years Later

I can hardly believe it's been 6 years since I received my miraculous heart transplant!!

I had my biopsy yesterday and received the good results this morning ~ the cardiologist on duty has decided to DECREASE my prednisone by 1mg to 5 so I'm pretty happy about that :o)

Every year, different nurses in the Cath Lab [aka catheterization] ask me questions and yesterday I was sharing with one of them that each year at this time is bittersweet ~ while my family and I are celebrating the day we received the wonderful news that I matched with a heart donor, the donor's family is remembering one of the saddest days of their lives.

May I always carry their memory in my heart and may I always give all the honour and glory to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!!

Blessings,

For Reasons He Alone Knows

I wanted to clarify how I learned the identity of my heart donor's family even though ALL hospitals have strict privacy rules for their transplant programs.

As a Christian, I know the Lord is over all and NOTHING is allowed to happen in my life that He does not allow -- for a reason!

When I received my LVAD [Left Ventricular Assist Device] or mechanical heart pump so that I would live long enough to qualify for the Transplant List, I was only the 3rd person on our side of the country to get such a device and it was something that the hospital wanted to make people aware of.  As a result, I was asked permission to be interviewed shortly after I received it. 

My husband and I talked it over and both of us realized that IF the Lord allowed us to be discovered by the donor's family, it would be because He had a reason.  We were very aware of this possibility and made our decision accordingly.

To make a long story, shorter, the interview wound up not taking place until after my heart transplant 4 months later so it was about that as much as about the story of the pump!

A relative of the donor's family sent them a copy of the newspaper interview that I did -- the article contained ---

• my name
• my age
• my area of residence
• the name of the organ I received

As a recipient, I had not been told anything other than what part of the country the heart came from.

It turns out that the donor's family are given much more information than that -- they were told

• that the heart was received by a woman
• she was age such and such 
• her general area of residence 

The donor's father put 2+2 together and because my name is so unusual, had no trouble finding my actual address to send a card, although he was still unsure whether I was the one.

I mentioned it all to the nurse who runs the clinic that I go to and she told me that their co-ordinator COULD NOT and WOULD NOT tell me anything that might jeopardize the privacy of the family. 

She did encourage me however to use my Thank You letter to the donor's family as a way of mentioning the fact that I had a mechanical pump and if it was the actual family who received my letter through the normal anonymous channels between the 2 hospital co-ordinators, they would say so in a card or something.

Well, I did mention the mechanical heart pump that I had as well as the fact that I was looking forward to becoming a grandmother for the very 1st time that year.

I waited with baited breath for a letter and less than 2 weeks later, I received a telephone call from the donor's father telling me that he had received my Thank You letter in the mail.  I asked him how he could be so sure WHO it was from and he asked me if it was true that I was looking forward to becoming a grandmother for the 1st time that year!!! 

We chatted for quite some time and the donor's father told me that being able to talk about his son to the person who received his heart had finally given him a measure of closure ... something that was echoed by Chris Henry's mother, in my previous post.

The donor's father knows the ages and sexes of the other organ recipients but I'm the only one he's made contact with or knows about . . . some would say it's all because of the interview that one of the surgeons and I did while I know that it's all because the Lord Himself wanted it to take place ... for reasons that He alone knows.

** No one should be nervous about becoming an organ donor because this type of discovery is EXTREMELY RARE - all sorts of privacy measures are in place to provide complete anonymity to both families **

A Legacy Lives On

When a family is faced with the unexpected death of a loved one who has not made their intentions known in advance, they are also faced with the question of whether or not they want to donate their organs.

I just watched this 7 minute video of those whose lives were saved by Chris Henry last December when he died suddenly and tragically in a vehicle accident.

His mother [who made the decision after laying her head on his chest and still hearing his heart beating but getting no response] meets the 4 people who are forever grateful for their 2nd chance at life.

I know that you will be as moved by this story as I was.

Something worth being aware of ~ Even if you sign your DONOR CARD, you must still TELL your family of your decision because ultimately, upon your death, it will be THEIR decision that will stand and they will need to be aware of what YOU want.

I am forever grateful to the father and fiancee of the young man whose heart I received in the spring of 2005.

1st Mammogram Finally!!

Pink Ribbon Buttons from Artzoo

It's going on 6 years since my heart transplant and last year at my annual check up I was reminded how very important it is that I have a mammogram!

Because of the immunosuppressants that I am on for the rest of my life, I am more prone to various types of cancer ~ so, I'm going for my very 1st mammogram tomorrow . . .

All I can really say is that "It's about time!"

The snow began falling earlier this afternoon and it's still coming down so I'm hoping that our roads are cleared by the time of my appointment because we don't yet have our snow tires on :o)

Blessings,

All is Well

First of all, I want to THANK everyone who left such caring comments regarding my echo for Friday and my biopsy for yesterday! It's always such a blessing to me that you care enough to take the time out of your busy lives to encourage and strengthen me.

The echo/ultrasound results showed very little change from this past March and the biopsy yesterday morning showed that everything is GREAT!!

I guess I was getting a little winded when doing things because I need to EXERCISE MORE :o)

This past March at my annual check-up, they were NOT able to get a biopsy reading because the samples they took from my heart were fibrous and because of that, I didn't want to push myself when I began feeling winded just in case my body was trying to tell me something ~ now, I have no excuse and know why it's happening :o)

I spent the early part of Friday treasure hunting at my favourite thrift store and came away with 5 childrens' books ~ 4 of them were 69 CENTS each, then you get a 5th one FREE!!

I also spent some time browsing one of our Michaels' craft stores and bought some beautifully coloured cotton yarn that was on sale!

While waiting for my husband to get off work Friday, I managed to almost finish this dish cloth :o)

Yesterday, we had to wake up at 5 AM and I arrived at the hospital catheterization lab about 7:30 AM but they always ask you to be there by that time when you're an outpatient = you walked in on your own steam rather than being brought in by stretcher :o)

Once you're called in, there is prepping with sheets and dyes and such while the nurses and doctor get organized.  The area to be catheterized is frozen and I had a choice this time ~ groin area or jugular vein in my neck ~ with the latter, you are able to leave as soon as the cath tub is removed and your vitals are taken afterwards in the recovery area and you are dressed. 

With the in-groin cath, you have to lay on your back for 1.5 hours afterwards and they check on you a few times once they've removed the cath tube. 

I chose the in-groin method because time was not an issue for me yesterday.  Besides, I've got enough scars on my neck in that exact area from multiple biopsies taken during the 1st year post-transplant as well as others during the 2nd through 4th years!  Not using the neck area also meant no oppressive draping of sheets and multiple covers over my head which is so much more comfortable!

Before the procedure, I had prayed for the Lord's strength and grace ~ that NO MATTER what the news, He would carry me in His everlasting arms because I knew I was not  sufficient --- after I received the phone call telling me the good news [while I was wandering around Michaels' craft store yesterday in the late afternoon], I paused to thank Him for His grace and for the marvellous news!

In treasure-hunting at another thrift store yesterday, I found 2 sets of lovely pillowcases ~ one an ivory with a lacy edge and the other white with a multi-coloured applique edge

During my wait in the clinic earlier in the afternoon, I only had enough time to begin another dishcloth using one of the skeins I purchased on Friday ~ it's not that I did LESS waiting yesterday, but less of it was useable for something like this :o)

Blessings,

A Walk to Remember

Our temps have been up and down over the past weeks but last week there was 1 day where the sun was not only shining, but it was actually quite warm :o)

I took advantage of that afternoon and went for a stroll up our street to the top of the subdivision, then decided to wander in the woods.

The last time I had walked through these woods was 4 years ago, 1 year and the 1st spring after I had received my new heart . . . that was a thrill for me as I hadn't been able to walk and wander as I used to for many years!!

Those woods hold lots of memories for our family!

Our children used to play there, the boys builts forts in in, during the winter we often strolled through it because it was a veritable WINTER WONDERLAND.

During those winters, we would take the dog off her leash and let her run while the children would go sleeding down the big hill and laugh with wonder and joy in the icy cold air.

The last winter I remember not only having enough snow and enough physical ability to enjoy that woods area was when my daughter was about 7 years old and we wandered down so all the young children could slide down the big hill.

She is turning 21 this summer so that tells you that it's been a very long time!

I always pray that the Lord would keep me from taking anything for granted because it is so easy to do that when things are going well ...

Blessings,

If you look closely at the top row, you'll *see* my shadow :o)

Good News

I received word late yesterday afternoon from the Post Transplant Clinic concerning my unreadable biopsy.

Because the cardiac catheterization showed perfect arteries and the echo and chest x-ray were fine, they are content to wait until next year for any repeats :o)

It's been a beautiful day here and I actually had my main door open for most of the morning so the warmth of the sun shone through the glass of the storm door and I just love that!

Before I know it, I'll be able to do that most every day but our weather history here is that we could still get a snowstorm or two yet . . .

I'm working on some new butterfly, elephant and heart collages as well as cards and have just finished these hand watercoloured rose ones ~ the collage shows 2 pictures of each ~ 1 just in natural lighting and 1 under lamplight :o)

Blessings to each of you,

Thrifting and 2 Surprises!

I love thrift stores and had high hopes of finding all sorts of treasures when I was in the city ... but, all I found this trip were some some vintage childrens' books that I'm using for a new series of butterfly and elephant collages.

I went to one of the dollar type stores and found some beautiful frames and then to Michaels craft store and got some watercolour paper 40% off, and with my 50% coupons, I purchased 3 craft punches -- a heart, a baby elephant punch that cuts out the ears as well and a 3-in-1 butterfly punch.

I had a really wonderful 2-day visit with our friends while there and discovered that twice weekly in the evenings their church holds English as a Second Language classes where the Bible is used as the teaching aid, so I went along to help out with the treats. I met Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Arabic speaking people who are hearing the wonderful news of the Gospel while learning English and it was a real joy and honour!

One of the foods that I tasted for the very 1st time in my life was avocado! I hear it has a very bland flavour but since I had a dip made out of it, I couldn't say. I don't think I'll be buying it anytime soon though :o)

When I returned home, I had 2 fantastic surprises! The 1st was that our oldest son had made a very short surprise visit for a couple of days which was wonderful and the 2nd was that I sold my very first baby elephant collage that I listed in my etsy shop!!

To update any that might be wondering -- I received a phone call Friday letting me know that pathology was NOT able to get any readings from my biopsy even by doing special stains, so now I'm waiting to hear what the cardiologist's decision is with regard to re-doing the biopsy on its own ... I should find out in the next couple of days and next time, I'm going to ask the person doing the biopsy to please take 2 extra pieces over and above what they usually need in regular cases ~ because, I never seem to be a *regular case* :o)

Blessings,

*The delightful illustration of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh is by Ernest Howard Shepard.

Back Home Again

I was happy to return home late Wednesday night from my jaunt into the city and from all my tests.

The cardiac cath showed perfectly normal arteries and pressures within both sides of the heart and the chest x-ray was fine.

Because of a previous TIA [a tiny mini stroke which passed very quickly] during a previous cardiac cath, I'm usually a little nervous, so I'm grateful to the Lord for helping me to keep my mind on Him during the exam.

The clinic cardiologist won't be back in until Monday to read the echo and unfortunately the biopsy was NOT able to be read by the pathologist, even with special stains, because the pieces were too fibrous which means they were mostly scar tissue from previous biopsy spots :o(

I will find out Monday whether they want me to return in the next couple of weeks for another biopsy or if they are satisfied that all SHOULD be fine, based on the results of the other tests!

I just want to THANK all of my dear blog friends who left me caring and sweet comments while I was away ~ your words and especially any prayer offered on my behalf, were and always are, very much appreciated as if your friendship :o)

Because of some queries, I'll tell the story in a separate post of how I came to know about my donor and his family ... it is VERY unusual to ever know anything but the Lord is over all and over every aspect of my life, so my husband and I left it all in His hands.

Blessings,

My 5th Annual Heart Transplant Check Up

Well, it's that time of year once again -- my annual check up for how I'm doing post transplant.

This year is a milestone because it'll be 5 years on March 3rd that my family and I were given a miracle and I received a donor heart! Although this is something I never forget, anniversaries like this are special times to give thanks to the Lord for His grace and mercy.

It's also a time of sad remembrance for the donor family as their 29 yr old son, a Grade 4 teacher, died on March 1st and was kept alive until his organs could be "harvested" as the father put it. I will remember his family that day and how giving and compassionate they were in the midst of their sorrow and loss.

Very early Monday morning, I'll drive into the city with my husband and be dropped off for a physical exam, an EKG, a chest x-ray, an echo and a treadmill stress test.

Extremely early Tuesday morning, I'll be taken for a cardiac catheterization and heart biopsy.

The cath is the only way they can tell if there is any cholesterol buildup in the arteries because once you receive a transplanted heart, your nerves are severed and rarely grow back ... so hypothetically, you would feel NO pain if you had a heart attack :o(

The biopsy is the only way they know whether there is any rejection of the heart because your immune system has gotten stronger. They go through the arteries for the cardiac cath and through the veins for the biopsy.

I will once again be staying with friends who manage an apartment building that is within walking distance of the hospital so getting there on Tuesday morning will be convenient and I'll have the added bonus of being able to visit with this couple whom I haven't seen since last summer!

Once the procedure is over and assuming that it all goes smoothly without any surprises, I'll be taken back to my day surgery bed and will have to lay flat on my back for 4-6 hours. When the time comes, a responsible adult must pick me up and I have to stay within a certain distance of the hospital in case of bleeding from the site during the next 24 hours!

Then Wed morning, my husband will pick me up on his way into work and I'll drop him off and have the day in the city to fill . . .

Depending what happens, I am hoping to go to the big craft store there as I have 2 - 50% off coupons which I can use for ANY item that I choose!!

I will then eat a light lunch and do some treasure hunting at my favourite Thrift Store; get the grocery items that will survive in the car trunk all day and possibly visit someone else.

I'll pick up my husband when he gets off work and let him rest while I drive us back to home sweet home . . . UNLESS it's snowing or heavily raining . . . then it's safer for both of us if I let him do the driving :o)






The B+W photo shows what doctors see on the screen beside me ~ the little zig-zag things are the staples used to close my ribs-chest during the transplant surgery and the long snake-like thing is the tool they use to pick microscopic pieces of heart muscle to biopsy.

I've linked each odd-sounding procedure to an explanation just in case anyone would like to know more or wants to understand things a little better :o)

Owning Pets After Transplant

In my previous post I mentioned something about pets after an organ transplant and because of the questions that have arisen, want to share what I have been given as advice from our local heart transplant clinic.

CAN I KEEP PETS AFTER MY TRANSPLANT?

"While household pets increase the risk of infection, they also increase quality of life. Fish, reptiles, spiders and small rodents present the lowest risk of infection.

Dogs are okay, especially short haired breeds.

CATS and caged birds should be AVOIDED.

• Avoid contact with excrement. If you cannot get someone to clean a cage or litter tray for you, always use gloves.
• Don't let your pet lick your face or hands. If this happens, wash immediately with soap and water.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Keep your pet's utensils [like feeding bowls] clean, and away from your own.

As you can see, a lot of this is simple common sense.

With the medications that have to be taken for life, the immune system is suppressed and that's why it's so important to AVOID any known infection carriers ~ be it pets or people who are very ill with the flu or other ailment.

A transplant recipient is far less able to fight infections than the general population :o)

Blessings,

Baking and a Yorkie Guest

I've been doing quite a bit of baking recently and with our warmish temps for this time of year, have been blessed to be able to leave the inner door open with the storm door closed to let MORE of the sun in.

We have had a friend staying with us for awhile who has a delightful little Yorkshire terrier --- at first this little dog made me think of our own wonderful dog that we had to put to sleep several years ago and wonder about getting another.

Then I remembered what the Post-Transplant Clinic had/has to say about pets, especially cats ~ if you can live without them, you're better off after a heart transplant, but if you cannot live without them, get a dog and just remember to WASH your hands FREQUENTLY!

Well, between the Swine flu, regular frequent handwashing as per Clinic suggestions and having a dog around the house once again, I might never get away from soap and the sink :o(

So, in my case after these many years being *pet-free*, it's just easier to not start all over again.

Trust your day is special in some way,

A Special Day to Remember

I was contacted by the Heart Transplant Clinic this past week to let me know that a special clinic was in place for the day after Remembrance Day at one of the city's large hospitals specifically for heart, kidney and liver transplant recipients as well as those presently receiving chemotherapy.

All of us would receive the H1N1 vaccination there so that it could be done quickly ~ we all have *depressed immune systems* as a result of the medications we are receiving and according to the medical community, can't afford to wait.

Other than the usual bruising after I receive any needle of any kind at any time, I'm happy to report that I felt no side effects!

At this clinic, all of us learned that for anyone presently receiving immunosuppressive therapy, there is the possibility that our immune systems may NOT respond like a normal person's to the vaccine ---

For me, that is completely in the Lord's hands ...

REMEMBRANCE DAY itself, although a day specifically set aside to remember and honour all those who have fought for our country at various times throughout history, was for me personally, a day of thanksgiving and a flood of memories.

It was 5 years ago this past Thursday that I received my LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assist Device...a mechanical pump that took over the pumping of the left ventricle of my heart ...

This photo was taken of me holding the part of the LVAD that was attached from my heart to the outside of my body on the left side of my abdomen.

It looked somewhat like a transparent, very large YO-YO and you could actually see the blood actually being pumped. It made a constant CLIP CLOP* noise somewhat like a horse prancing down an old cobblestone street.

The newer ones are virtually SILENT and implanted COMPLETELY INSIDE the body, with only a narrow cord showing outside, which attaches to the battery unit carried inside a fanny pack ~ I'm always in awe of all that the Lord enables doctors and medical researcher to discover!

This amazing LVAD kept my weakened heart pumping STRONGLY so that all my organs began receiving oxygen rich blood once again and were healthy for when the Lord blessed me with another miracle, that of having a donor match me in every way necessary so that I was able to receive the Gift of Earthly Life.

Thankfully for me, there was a moment in my life almost 28 years before, when I received the Gift of Eternal Life . . . when finally seeing my my sinful, helpless and lost condition before God, I realized that the Lord Jesus Christ had paid the price for my sin on Calvary's cross and I trusted him as my Saviour and Lord.

Wonderful Words of Life

This afternoon, I had the joy and privilege of sharing with a dying relative why I had peace in my soul while hovering at death's door almost 5 years ago.

I was able to share with him that the only reason I had peace about dying was that many years ago I had realized I was a lost, helpless sinner and that the Lord Jesus Christ had paid the penalty for my sins upon the cross of Calvary and I trusted in His finished work!

He thanked me for sharing my story with him and as his eyes closed, I told him that this was something that he could think about as he lay there and that I would be praying for him and his family.

I pray the Holy Spirit, in the still, quiet moments when he is awake, uses my faltering words to speak to his heart about his own soul ...

His time is very short now as the cancer has spread throughout his body and if the Lord ever brings this post across your heart or mind, prayer for him and his family would be gratefully appreciated.

Blessings to each of you and your dear families,

A Bright, Sunshiny Day

My Front Yard

My spirea is in full bloom, the grass is green and much healthier than last year and my bleeding heart bushes are delightful ... a bright, sunshiny day filled with pleasant errands and a barbeque at supper to top it off :o)

My antibiotics were never changed or added to last week, but I am feeling much better in relation to my infected sinuses ... I can breathe out of both sides of my nose now and after 5 weeks of NOT being able to, that's something I don't think I'll ever take for granted again :o)

I don't believe I ever had impetigo at all but rather cold sores because I also got 2 on my lip. When I noticed that, I decided to put some of my anti-viral ointment around my nose and that's the moment it started to heal . . . no wonder the antibiotics didn't help it at all -- it was not a bacterial infection like the sinus problem!!

I still have a couple more days of the antibiotics and then I should be back to normal once again, whatever that is!!

I was informed by the post-transplant nurse that *sometimes* people in my situation need STRONGER antibiotics for a LONGER TIME than non-transplant people because of our immune systems being suppressed ...

I'm on my way out the door to do a few errands and to buy my mom's early birthday present because she's coming to visit us at the end of July and it will be easier to keep it here for her than sending it across the country!

This morning, I put up a small strawberry hummingbird feeder in my front yard under our big maple tree and how it all came about is really sweet.

We have a couple of *things* hanging from the tree that I can enjoy from my kitchen sink window ~ one is a long red twirler and the other is a small wind chime that my husband repaired by adding a small red butterfly clip on the end of the string that would catch the wind and then help make the chimes tinkle.

As I was washing some dishes last week, I noticed a gorgeous emerald green hummingbird first try the red twirler and then actually try EACH side of the red butterfly clip to get something to eat!

She must have been so disappointed to find neither of them gave anything and I felt so badly that she graced me with her presence and I had nothing out there to offer. They must be attracted to red because she didn't try the other wind chime!??

Hence, the new feeder this morning :o)

Trust you all have a blessed day,

Sinus Infection PLUS :o(

It turns out that I was right all along and when I saw the Dr last Friday, he confirmed that I most definitely had a sinus infection and he prescribed a round of antibiotics ~ I take them 3 times a day for the next 2 weeks.

The sinus infection had in turn caused me to develop that awful childhood skin disease known as impetigo and I'm beginning to wonder if amoxicillin even attacks this kind of infection!

I took my 1st dose Friday evening and have NOT noticed any improvement at all and it's been 4 days already ~ this is not looking good and need I even mention how sore and crusty the right side of my poor nose is :o)

Usually having impetigo isn't all that serious from what I've gathered on the internet, but because of all the immunosuppressants I take as a result of my heart transplant, I'm open for all sorts of complications that could be quite serious.

Because of this, I'm going to phone later this morning for some expert advice directly from the staff at the post-transplant clinic that I frequent every year. They will have more experience dealing with this sort of infection with other heart transplant patients over the years and can tell me which antibiotics are the best to take. If they suggest it, I'll return to my doctor's as well so he can see how things are -- or should I say, *aren't*?!!!

I look forward to possibly feeling like myself again :o)

The painting is by Susan Mink Colclough from *allposters*

Pearls Slipping Off a String

I can't believe the past week has flown by :o)

I've been busy with the basics by keeping care of our family and our home and keeping things running as smoothly as I can; with the addition of a car oil change; doctors' appointments; grocery shopping, etc ...

"... the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but those that bring simple little pleasures, following one after another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." ~ from ANNE of AVONLEA by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I've been working on my daughter's afghan which is especially beneficial to me when it's a chilly day or evening since it's getting long enough now to keep me warm as I'm crocheting!

I've made several new cards and purchased some more acrylic stamps as well as card stock. I've got a few items for my Wish List now including a 2.5 - 3 inch scalloped circle punch as well as either a 2 inch scalloped or plain round circle punch so I can experiment making my own card embellishments.

When in the city last week for my annual post transplant check-up, I was able to stay with friends. They had recently moved there to be resident managers of a large apartment complex and the bonus for me was that the hospital was only a 10 minute walk . . . especially welcome by me because of not wanting to inconvenience them to drive me there for 6:30AM :o)

Once the hospital tests were completed, we were able to spend time visiting and one of the things that I was able to enjoy with them was the music of Jeff and Sheri Easter, a Christian couple that, believe it or not, I'd never heard of before [you'd almost think I hadn't lived on planet Earth the past several years or something!!!].

Many of their songs really touched my heart and one of them was *She Loved*, a song that I think Sheri wrote with her own mother in mind. She also says that this is how she'd like to be remembered after the Lord calls her home to Him.

I'm sure it's very familiar to most of you, but here are the beautiful words and Sheri singing for you to enjoy once again :o)



This is another song I heard for the 1st time called *He's Alive* and I found a version of it being sung by Dolly Parton ... her emotive voice is beautiful in this song ~ I'm sending this link to my daughter because she has just recently finished reading about Peter's experience in the Gospel of Luke and I told her this song will really make her understand what Peter may have felt!



Blessings,

Wonderful News and Thanks to All

I want to thank everyone who left me a sweet comment while I was away ~ each of you has touched my heart with your care, concern and love!

I got home from my 2 days of tests at the hospital in the city on Wednesday morning and then had lots of grocery shopping to do!

I received a phone call letting me know that my biopsy results were perfect ~ a Grade Zero which means NO REJECTION :o)

Even so, they are going to leave my meds as they are now so that I can look forward to my trip in April without having to worry about another biopsy. Once I return in May, they *may* consider decreasing the prednisone to 5mg daily and then 4-6 weeks later, doing another biopsy.

When in the hospital, I had an EKG, a chest X-ray, an echo [ultrasound of the heart] and a stress test the 1st day!

They didn't ask me what I did for exercise so I had no opportunity to let them know that I jump to conclusions or reach for the sky or run up and down the stairs when I do laundry :o)

Early in the morning on the 2nd day, I had the biopsy and catheterization [dye test] and for the very 1st time, this annual event was UNeventful and for that, I am very thankful.

I must admit that as I lay there waiting for them to call my name to be taken down, I began to wonder whether I might have the same doctor as before and I started to get a little nervous. I took the fear to the Lord in prayer and asked Him for strength and help to lean on Him if that turned out to be the case.

I was thrilled and thankful that I had a new-to-me doctor and no young residents standing by to practice on me! This new doctor was great ~ he had such an aura of confidence about him and he kept letting me know what to expect and communicated with me throughout the entire procedure.

About a week before this check-up, I had had some unusual pain in my lower back which then travelled over to my left side and down a bit before stopping ... during my congestive heart failure years, I had several kidney stones that had to be crushed during a procedure known as lithotripsy and it felt very similar.

Once the contrast dye that is injected into my arteries had reached my kidneys, this doctor was actually able to check with the same camera that was used to see my heart and he noted that there was no blockage in the left kidney so next week I'll be seeing my family doctor to get that checked out. I really would rather NOT have a kidney stone attack while I'm on my trip across the country in April or more specifically, NOT the day I'm supposed to fly there and back :o)

Thursday morning, I travelled to the city again but this time it was to visit a couple of craft stores to buy some card making supplies and to visit my favourite thrift store where I found all sorts of wonderful goodies :o)

I'm happy to be back and to begin visiting all of you once again!

Blessings,