Leanne's blog
Hi, I am Leanne and I
am a 21 year old congenital heart patient, and over the next couple
of months I will be writing a regular blog about my heart
valve operation that I am currently waiting
for.
These views are Leanne's comments and not neccessarily those of the
BHF.
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July 2011
Status: Leanne is....moving towns
All infections cleared
up and limbs back to full working order and it is the time of year
about 22,000 people in Leeds move house!
I finally get to leave
the student area and shared house life. Me and Leigh moved to a
little town outside of Leeds. Got ourselves a flat in an old manor
house. Its fab. Although we had to be grown ups and buy a washer,
hoover, microwave etc. I don’t mean to sound old but wow the cost
of household items is horrendous!
I still haven’t been
back to the hospital to get the doctor’s thought on my exercise
test but hopefully now I have rung up and changed my address I will
get an appointment soon. I have started to feel exhausted again
like when I first started working. However I think perhaps because
I know I am in bad shape I feel the tiredness again.
Unfortunately I failed
my exams I took when I was poorly so my summer will now involve 3
exams but I guess it was my mistake to sit them when I should have
been resting.
Not much to report for
this month. Just very hectic times with moving house. Hopefully
will be settled in soon. Time to start looking at a holiday. I
think I deserve one.
June 2011
Status: Leanne is.....a walking disaster
That awkward moment you
fall down the stairs at work and end up in hospital. Oh yes that
was me this month. I managed to sprain my left wrist and right
shoulder. Now as you may have realised this left me with no working
limbs! Very awkward. I can see the funny side but I can
assure you I did not at the time. Luckily my shoulder sorted
its self out within a week...I had to wait 4 weeks for my wrist
which meant I was not able to drive. Work are being really helpful
though J
I had my post op
exercise test this month. Well I say post op....it has been 21
months since my heart valve implant. I thought that this would mean
it was nicely settled in. Erm No. I was absolutely gutted to be
told that my results were worse than before my surgery. I feel
FINE! Last time I felt bad the test was good now I feel good the
test is bad. I really need some answers as it makes no sense. The
technician advised me I had gained some weight since my op but I am
not exactly a whale so I thought that was kind of rude! I
haven’t noticed myself getting ill but then again maybe I don’t
give myself time to notice at the minute.
I finally had my wisdom
tooth removed but because of my exercise test they refused to put
me to sleep....boo to Heart Conditions!
I had the most
traumatic tooth extraction of all time. I really really was 120%
terrified. It didn’t come without a fight either. One root is the
norm so of course my tooth had 4 roots! I also couldn’t eat
solid food for a whole week afterwards. There is only so much
mashed banana an adult can cope with!
Unfortunately my
antibiotic cover was overlooked and I ended up with a bad infection
in my mouth afterwards for which I had to go back to hospital
meaning I missed one of my exams.
My face swelled up like
a balloon and was horrifically bruised. It didn’t go well with my
bad arm. I felt like I had 3 heads!
I still sat a couple of
exams in such a state but upon reflection it was a silly idea.
BRING ON JULY
please.
May 2011
Status: Leanne is........ a
bridezilla
Operation Wedding is in
full swing this month! Now i know its next year I may have gone
wedding crazy.
We have been looking at
wedding venues which is very exciting but so difficult. If I could
put certain parts of my favourite venues together I will find my
perfect one! One wedding was so boring and I couldn’t wait to get
us out so I doubt we will be going back there. I might have
already bought my dress too.....I just went to look and came home
with one. Ooops. It needs a bit of work but is the complete
opposite of the ones I picked out of bridal magazines.
Work is keeping me
suitably busy but it’s hard to juggle full time employment and law
school at the moment. I have had some tough exams this month but
hopefully I will have passed. You never can tell, well I certainly
can’t. But you can only do your best.
Health wise I don’t
seem too bad. Caught a couple of flu bugs going around but nothing
out of the ordinary. Although I was practically evicted from my
desk at work to go home to bed. I did lose my eyesight for a
day.
Let me explain......I
was having terrible headaches behind my eyes. I thought it was a
migraine. My GP had a fit and said I had to go straight to the
hospital. They put some drops in my eyes and I couldn’t see after
15 mins, this lasted all day so I couldn’t do anything! Luckily
though I just needed a new prescription and this was a great excuse
to purchase some Prada Glasses.....you have to look the part in
court J
All in all a bit of a
mad month but I am sure it can only improve.
March 2011
March has been exciting. I got to attend
a nurse study day down at Heathrow with the BHF. It was great to
explain to professionals exactly how us young people feel and what
it is we go through during the transition to adult cardiac services
from children’s (well some of you will know what I mean). And the
best part was they actually listened. Unlike a few doctors whose
names shall remain anonymous (not my lovely consultant now).
It appears I have become super human.
There are loads of bugs going around the firm I work at and for the
first time in my life I seem to have avoided them! I normally catch
everything, including hayfever. Perhaps I am starting to lead a
normal life, or I am just so stressed I don't notice the difference
haha.
I have made some grown up choices now. Me
and Leigh have signed up for our first grown up professional flat
in the suburbs. I will miss city life but can't wait for some peace
and quiet in summer....no footballs hitting my car! Its very
retro and I cannot wait to get down to Ikea to fill it with lots of
rubbish I don't need. We have also made the firm decision to get
married next year, so that gives me 12 months to lose all the
weight I have gained from hiding chocolate in my desk drawers lol.
However it does mean I have a lot of clothes to take down to my
local BHF shop. Wonder if they will recognise me :)
So far this year is turning out pretty
good on all fronts. Here's hoping the health stays in good shape
for once!
February 2011
So I started February by heading down to
the BHF Head Offices to collect a Heart Hero Award!! It was such a
great day, I met up with the other blogs, we had to have lots of
cheesy photos! I took my mum along too, she had never been to
London before so was quite nervous. I think she enjoyed herself by
the end of it though :)
I was quite nervous about getting my
award as I didn't expect such a large audience. And the questions I
had practiced answers to never got asked. It was great to listen to
what everyone else has done to help the BHF, it makes my
contribution seem like nothing!
I have started full time work now in the
Law Firm. So far I am managing that and Law School without too many
difficulties. Maybe once the novelty has worn off the stress will
kick in. Luckily February is the one month I don't have an exam.
But the work doesn't ease off!
I had to speak in front of a Judge for
the first time. This was definitely not good for my heart, the
nerves were horrible. I best get used to it though as its the
career I have chosen and worked hard for the last 6 years for!
So far I still recommend ignoring the
doubting doctors and going for what you want. I can't promise this
won't change 6 months down the line when I am doing 50 hours weeks
haha.
Christmas Message 2010
I just wanted to say thanks for everyone
that has been reading my blog this year. I hope in some way it has
been of use to those that needed it.
Keep warm over the festive period, I wear
5 layers as standard these days....I can recommend it, its very
comfy. I also love the adult onzies....Soooo not cool but very very
cosy!
Speak to you all in 2011 which will be a
much better health year :)
July 2010
Status: Leanne......has
to be a grown up
Before I tell you about my fabulous
graduation I shall update you on that annoying arm of mine! My
cardiologist got me sent to a neurologist as the plastic surgeon I
was seeing is far too difficult to get an appointment with and I
need answers....and answers I got. So I have an extra rib making
the space for all my arteries and nerves in my shoulder to my arm
quite small. It even has a special name....so I am adding a
syndrome to my long list of medical history. Well I will be when
tests confirm it....I have to be electrocuted first :s
Luckily my work place is very understanding of all my hospital
appointments lately!
I finally found a lovely graduation
dress, and shoes that I could happily walk up and down stairs in
without tripping! I had 11 people coming to my graduation and
considering I was only allowed 2 tickets I was quite stressed about
making sure everyone could see it. Luckily my university provided a
lecture theatre with a video link so everyone but my parents went
in there. The gowns were rather warm but it was raining so at
least I didn’t get soaked. The lime green hood however was not very
fashionable!!! But on the plus side I did not trip up, but it
is very obvious on the webcast that I am concentrating on those
stairs as I am not smiling!!
My biggest surprise of the day however
was my boyfriend’s proposal!! I am now engaged and a graduate....it
was a very big day for me!! Both our families are pleased for
us which is a relief.
I am now back on the job hunt....not
because I don’t have a job....I need to find what is called a
Training Contract to become a fully qualified solicitor after law
school, and these jobs are very few and far between thanks to the
recession and unfortunately they prefer applicants with 2:1
degrees. I won’t give up though!!
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments.
June 2010
Status: Leanne.....LLB
(Hons)
Well after 3 long years, a lot of stress
and illness I finally have my degree results! I got a very
high 2:2....ideally a 2:1 will get me my dream job.....but I am
extremely happy. It turns out that even after having heart surgery
at the start of the year I got my best grades yet this year, and it
was only because I was so unwell last year that I did not achieve
those extra few marks to reach the 2:1. And the exams I cried in
were my best marks in the summer exams...it cannot be right. I can
be excited about graduation now....this will involve more
shopping!
Some people have given me sympathetic
looks at my result but I just tell them I was told I would never
get a law degree with my health no matter what the result I have.
It is one of the hardest degrees and a second class is very good
given all my circumstances. I am quite glad the doctor
doubted me when I was younger as it made me determined to prove him
wrong. If only he was still my cardiologist!
The job is going well, but the long hours
are taking their toll on me. I thought, given my revision hours, a
full time job sat down in a bank would be simple. I could not be
more wrong! I must still be catching up on all my sleep during
exams as I come home from work and I am ready for bed before
9....it makes me feel old!
It’s not all work though. I had an
amazing photo shoot at ASOS for the BHF annual review....make sure
you get a copy! Being a model is hard work, it is very difficult to
think about how you are posing but it was still lots of fun.
I now need to get myself organised for
the house moving week. This year I am not moving for once but some
of my good friends from university are moving out and away from
Leeds which is sad but at the same time some of my other friends
and my boyfriend are moving in.
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments.
June 2010
Status: Leanne....has
pushed herself to her limits.
Exams are stressful. I don’t think I have
slept properly for 3 months though with my dissertation and
revision. I have been putting in 12 hour days revising.
I have found myself a job for the summer
which is great! But I started the day before last 2 exams began. I
chose a sit down job as I still don’t have great fitness levels.
But my first day involved standing up for 7 hours.
I had the worst panic attack before one
of my exams, I had convinced myself that I had not learnt enough
and really didn’t want to sit the exam. Luckily my boyfriend was on
hand to talk me round and drive me to the exam as I was in no fit
state to make the 20 minute walk after struggling to breathe for
the previous hour.
It is all over now though. I only have 3
weeks to wait for my results. Which does not sound long but I
just know it will drag. In the meantime I am going to enjoy
myself at the Summer Ball and throw myself into my new
job.
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments.
May 2010
Status: Leanne
is......mountain climbing.....no seriously.
I have been taking a mid revision break. I
went to Llandudno in Wales for the weekend. And surprisingly it was
sunny and almost warm. Me and my family all went as it’s
where my mum and her family had gone on holiday for 16 years when
they were younger. We did all the touristy things they used to do
as kids. This included walking around the Great Orme (a big Welsh
mountain to you and me). This is certainly something I would never
have attempted before my operation. I did just about manage it, I
felt exhausted afterwards but then again I was not the only one so
perhaps the heart is not to blame! I became a snap happy
tourist wherever we went, and saw a lot of North Wales in the 2
days. It was well needed break. Although my 2-pence coin collection
took a hit on the pier...those machines are addictive.
I helped with the medical school exams here
at uni. It was quite exciting and especially as being on the ECG
station I already had some good knowledge of the procedure! I was
not the patient thank fully but I have seen the doctors of the
future and they are not too bad!
I am quite stressed at the moment so I feel
tired constantly no matter how much I sleep. But in reality this is
what the world of work shall be like for the next 40 years so I
just need to adjust. It doesn’t help that my arm is still a
problem, now the pain is in my shoulder and occasionally crushes my
chest :) But I shall plough on with revision whilst
occasionally looking for the perfect dress for my summer
ball....
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments.
May 2010
Status: Leanne is....not
housewife material
Well the dissertation is finally
done! A good deal of effort and sanity went into it so I hope
it gets a good mark. To celebrate I went on a lovely spa day in
Huddersfield. It was an absolute nightmare trying to find the
place; my poor car couldn’t cope with all the last minute turning
decisions. But when I finally made it I had a lovely time, I got to
wear a robe and slippers all day, even for lunch! After a morning
of experiencing hot and cold I decided the crushed ice room needed
a break so I opted for a body brush. This was exactly that, I don’t
know what i expected but it certainly was not to be brushed by an
actual brush!
Me and my housemates did our own version
of Come Dine With Me. And surprisingly for a group of people
who live on pasta bakes and pizza it was a very good week. I
have some scrummy new recipes and most of them healthy.
Unfortunately the yellow icing cupcakes came out flat and chewy,
and I hadn’t made enough to feed everyone! So I concluded my career
in law was definitely still my best bet.
Now all my work and cooking is out the
way it’s revision time. Oh joy! Only a month left now. Three years
is definitely not long enough. Well time to really get my
head in a book. I must find that library people speak
of......
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments.
April 2010
Status: Leanne
is.....calculating herself in numbers
It has now been 6 months since my operation,
I have 8 weeks left of my degree,
7000 words left to write on my dissertation, and
my arm has been weird for 2 months now. I had
my 6 month check up, and was told everything looks
great which seems like great news. However for some reason
I never got my echo (the heart scan) which I thought nothing of as
the waiting room was so busy and I just wanted out of there! But
once I really considered it I called up the cardiac liaison nurses
and explained the situation, so I have to go back for the
scan :( Fingers crossed it still says I am doing
well! With regards to the whole "degree
ending" thing....I am going insane! There is
no time for exams, I looked at a practice paper and realised I may
need to stock up on brain food in the very near
future. It doesn’t help that my dissertation has turned
out to be my arch enemy. But hopefully
it will all be worth it, if my health withstands
the next 8 weeks of madness.
I can see a few trips to the GP coming up as for the past 2 years I
have either been plagued with illness or needed operations at exam
time! I am excited about picking a graduation dress though....even
if it is covered by a gown!
My arm still has no reason for being weak but I am
getting quite annoyed of dropping things...luckily nothing hot or
sharp yet! But on the plus side my cardiologist has now got
involved so I may finally get some answers quicker, but
don’t worry it is not heart related. But still no cardiac rehab
allowed so my fitness is taking a rapid decline :(
Well I am going to get back to
writing my dissertation!
Until next time!
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments
April 2010
Status: Leanne… is bored
of hospitals and waiting
So I am still waiting to hear what is wrong with my arm....it has
been nearly 2 months since it started now
so I would like an answer soon.
I did see a specialist and there are a few possibilities but
nothing has been confirmed and I need more tests. It is
beginning to get to me especially as I cannot drive,
nor can I go to my cardiac rehab
:(
It seems like nothing has gone right since my operation. So I
have given up on fitness and I am concentrating on my work
again....only another 7,000 words to go on my
dissertation. Oh Dear.
It is not all doom and gloom however; I did go to
see the Stereophonics live which was great! Well apart from
the fact I turned up with earache and left with a migraine
haha.
My final exam timetable was advertised at
uni and I know I have approx 12 weeks left of my uni
life. It has absolutely flown by! Who would have thought 3
years was no time at all.
I am staying here in my uni house though as I am off to law school
and I don’t know how I would cope not living in a big house of
7.
Something I have been meaning to do for a while is say
thank you to all of you that read my blog, your
positive feedback means a lot and I hope you get something out of
what I write and I hope I can continue to keep you
interested now I do nothing but study! I would in particular
like to thank the team at Buyagift.com who offered me a lovely spa
day which was a very generous gift which I am extremely touched by
and cannot wait to go on.
Until next time!
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email
yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments
March 2010
Status: Leanne is a
medical confusion....again
It was all going so well. I was finally on top of my work
and I had made a good start at cardiac rehab. Then of course
why be simple...my left arm has randomly stopped working on
me! Yes it is exactly how it sounds.
I was leaning on my sofa when my arm gave way. I thought nothing of
it till my arm became painful and swollen the next day. I didn’t
think I had broken it so just went to see my GP who told me to how
it went. After 2 days it still wasn’t right so I got
sent to A & E :(
This was 12 hours well spent...not! After a few
tests to make sure it was not related to my heart (which luckily it
wasn’t) I was left on a ward to wait for a doctor....and when
he turned up 7 hours later he couldn’t help me.
I was sent home and now I am waiting to see a specialist.
It is very strange not being able to use my left
hand, it is surprising how you don’t realise how much you
use something till you can’t...even cutting food is a
problem.
I am still managing to keep up with my uni work, but having to
explain to people that you don’t know why you are in a sling is
annoying, as people look at me like i am stupid for not
knowing.
Oh well i guess I shall just have to wait and see as
per usual.....
On a more exciting note there was a feature on me
and my heart condition in a national magazine for the BHF and
Red For Heart Month! It was a very nice
article and it was nice to have a chance to put my story out to
even more people, and make them aware that heart conditions
do not stop you doing what you want :)
Until next time!
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group!Feel free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk - we really
appreciate all the comments
February 2010
I finally finished all my
work. However I can guarantee that the way to do loads of
work is not to stay awake for two days to get it in on time.
After living on coffee and junk food I ended up being quite
ill and made the chest infection I had ten times
worse. So lesson learnt is to try and get work done a
few days in advance in future and definitely do not follow my
example.
I have started cardiac
rehabilitation classes at a local gym. And oh how I don’t
fit in. I am the youngest one there by a good 20 years and also the
only female. I also made the mistake of wearing an Everton
shirt which didn’t go down too well with the men also on
the programme. I have only been a couple of times so I am not
feeling the benefit just yet, if anything it is making me feel
worse. I am ready to go to sleep after the warm up, but I am
ploughing on in the hope that the exhaustion will
pass. It is not just an exercise class, I am also learning
about my diet; how to eat healthily for my heart etc and we have
other educational sessions about how to manage stress, and other
heart related issues.
Now all the essays are out the way I have
signed myself up for another year of stress. I was accepted
into a Law School in Leeds to train to become a solicitor.
It is exciting, however it means not only to work hard for the
next five months to achieve the grades, but I will be over
loaded with work next year too. So here is hoping my new valve is
prepared for some long days. But I guess that is the price
you pay for getting the job you want.
Until next time!
Thanks to all
those who sent in feedback to last week's blog - you can see our
feedback to the story on the Yheart Facebook Group!Feel free to
leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk - we really
appreciate all the comments
December 09 - January 2010
My stress levels and workload
have doubled in the past weeks so this blog is a
combination of a few blogs I was writing before Christmas and into
the New Year.
Before the workload got too much I managed to fit in a
relaxing weekend break a fancy 5* hotel and spa. It was my
21st present off my boyfriend. The place was lovely, it was on the
outskirts of Leeds, yet it felt as though it was in the middle of
nowhere. As part of the weekend I was treated to an
aromatherapy massage. Because of this, I had to discuss my
heart condition, luckily the therapist assured me that the
oils she used were safe for me to use, as sometimes oils that soak
into the skin can cause problems with people with long term health
problems. I was a bit naughty and ignored the warning on the
Jacuzzi about people with heart conditions not using it
though...whoops.
I was finally referred to cardiac rehabilitation after many
phone calls. I had a home visit to discuss my options. It
isn’t usual for someone of my age or with a congenital heart
condition to be referred to the team dealing with me. The nurse who
came to see me was very helpful, she provided me with lots of
advice, but told me the swimming I have been doing isn’t
appropriate. So for now I am trying to do 30 minutes of walking per
day and getting my five a day too.....which is pretty difficult as
my sweet tooth seems to take over , the walking however is easy
though if I spend a few hours shopping I think that’s a
couple of days walking at once!
I went for my 2 month check up with my consultant. It was one of
the quickest appointments I have ever had; all in all it took an
hour with tests, which I think is a personal best, definitely an
improvement on the 4 hours last time. It wasn’t the best
appointment though. I had a few questions, and only a few were
answered. All I know now is that my heart works a little
bit better, which is annoying when I was told it was great, and now
he can’t tell me how long it will last. As for my side effects that
I am still getting, he just brushed them off as nothing to do with
my new valve, so it’s back to the GP for
answers.
I went back home for the month
long uni Christmas break, and spent most of my time stuck
inside thanks to lovely weather and attempting to do my suggested
30 minutes walking proved difficult. Luckily I got a fitness pack
for my games console for Christmas so exercising is now more fun,
although I get told off by the computer as it knows when I stop or
I am not doing it properly! Front room Yoga is not for
me. I may have found a new job shovelling snow
though, I cleared the driveway quite well....just
a shame that the car couldn’t get out of the street.
The essays are proving more difficult than first thought so it’s
back to the books for now......
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group! Feel free to leave a
message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk
- we really appreciate all the comments
December 2009
So, I have had a busy time
recently…
Have been trying to exercise for
the first time in 5 years as well as juggling Uni work. My
idea of going swimming wasn't my greatest. I arrived optimistic,
and without realising jumped on in right at the deep end, well the
fast lane. I didn't realise there were different lanes for
different speeds and abilities, so was confused with the
funny looks I got as I spluttered around like a drowning idiot as I
quite obviously wasn't able to get straight back into it as I
hoped, but my housemates found it just as hard as me at first and
they are meant to be strong healthy boys! But I am since
improving doubling my lengths each time I go :)
Due to my side effects still causing me
problems I managed to get an emergency appointment at the Heart
Centre. I was seen quite quickly to have my tests: scans, bloods
etc. However my doctor got caught up in something so I had
to wait around for 4 hours. The good news is my heart is
doing great, the bad news is it doesn't give me any answers as to
why I am getting strange side effects. If it doesn't ease off soon
like my doctor hopes it will then I am going to have to try
steroids :(
I finally tested out my doctor’s theory
that I would be clubbing after a week.....5 weeks later, I
went out with my friends to the local sports bar. I knew
it was a big un-crowded place so I could give my chest room to
breathe. I got slightly adventurous and went the on
mechanical surf board, despite my friend worrying it was
bad for me! She probably had a point........ I felt fine so she was
obviously worrying about nothing. I have been staying in with my
law books far too much over the recent weeks. It was nice
to get back to doing normal 21 year old stuff.
The work is now piling high, and I
have essays coming out my ears, so time to see how
I deal with stress now the hearts normal, well normal as it can be,
again. And even though I am still getting those hot flushes I
actually find it useful with the current British
weather....every cloud and all that....
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the Yheart
Facebook Group! Feel free to leave a
message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk
- we really appreciate all the comments
My recovery so far has been
rather quick. However I have noticed some strange side
effects. At first feeling warm was a blessing, but now I
get hot flushes and have since had an allergic reaction to
my contraceptive injection, which makes me wonder about the tongue
swelling a few days after my operation. Have I suddenly become more
sensitive and allergic to things I have never had a problem with?
It concerned me slightly but I know I will be going back to
clinic soon so I can discuss my concerns
then.
My first day back at Uni started
well. I was disappointed that I was still breathless when
I got there, but then again I hadn't been on a long walk since my
op, nor is my fitness that great anyway, and it was before
lunchtime.....I had a lot of lie ins after my op so two 9 o clock's
in a day was a strange concept :) I had managed to catch up
during my time off and so I didn't feel totally confused in my
lectures which made me feel much better, but I knew I could ask for
help if I needed it. However it was during this day I
suffered my allergic reaction so it put a dampener on the
afternoon and made me feel quite ill the rest of the
evening but i got through it and didn't feel too terrible the next
day.
I turned 21!! I made it to 21 and
I was well enough to celebrate. I arranged to go out for a
very civilised and grown up meal to one of my favourite Chinese
restaurants followed by some drinks in a city centre bar. I started
my day with a lovely cooked breakfast and a little glass of
champers. I got some great gifts, and my boyfriend
surprised me with a 5* spa break weekend which I am going on next
month, and after all the stresses lately it is just what i
need!
Now the operation is out of the way, and
despite the random side effects, I am starting to think
about exercise, I have even run for a bus, let alone gone
to a gym in my life so I think it is a good time to start
exercising and even attempted healthy eating (till i realised it
doubled my food bill!!). I aim to take up swimming next
week, I used to be a great swimmer, even swimming a mile
for charity (many years ago, actually about 10 years now) so it is
something I really want to get back into, so I shall how far I get
this time around.
Thanks to all those who sent in feedback to last
week's blog - you can see our feedback to the story on the
Yheart
Facebook Group! Feel free to leave a
message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk
- we really appreciate all the comments
So its finally arrived. My heart
valve operation. I barely slept the night before. My dad
picked me and my mum up just after 5:30am, I wasn’t allowed to eat
or drink after midnight but just my luck I wasn’t hungry the night
before but felt sick with hunger that morning....or maybe it was
nerves.
I arrived bright and early just after 7am
at the hospital, and went through all the admissions procedures, I
was a bit concerned because the nurse didn’t seem to
know what I was there for and told me I would go home that
night which I knew I wouldn’t. This concerned me
greatly, however due to a shift change I did not see this
particular nurse again, and the rest of the staff were amazing,
they were so rushed off their feet but still provided me
with the care I needed. I then met the anaesthetist and
then spoke with my doctor, both of whom explained everything to me
and answered my hundreds of questions which put my mind at ease and
scared me silly at the same time.
After waiting around in the not so
attractive hospital gown I finally got walked to theatre, it was at
this point that I changed my mind for a split second and wanted to
say no, but the 20 or so people in theatre staring at me made me
realise I was there for a good reason and a lot of
time and effort had been put in already so I could have such an
amazing procedure.
Obviously I don’t know the specifics of
the operation as I was asleep (which I am glad about) but as far as
I was told it went fine. There were some lengthy discussions during
it as my body had changed since they last took measurements, and I
now know that my old valve was in a worse state than my
doctor first anticipated from the echo.
When I woke I was not a happy
lady, apparently I threatened to sue anyone and everyone
around me (including a poor student nurse who had no idea
what she had done wrong) but I blame that on the lawyer in
me, I must have been dreaming about my degree (which is a
bit sad). I remember being very cold and very confused as to why I
had so many drips in me (neck, arm and leg).
Once back on the ward I was fine, I was
responsive straightaway, much to the shock of my parents as I
normally sleep for hours after surgery. I think I was the only
person under 50 on the ward which made me feel out of place. The
food wasn’t amazing, but I was a bit naughty and sent my dad out to
get me a cheeseburger.
My tests the next day showed the
surgery was a success and I was allowed home that
afternoon with my prescription for daily aspirin (which is long
term) and a chest worth a fair few thousand pounds (I had platinum
stents as well as a new pigs valve). I was being treated like a
china doll at home, which was nice but at the same time I
was very much out of my comfort zone having not lived with my
parents properly for 2 years. My house ended up looking
like a cross between Interflora, Clintons and Thornton’s....which
is actually not a bad thing :).
Unfortunately I took a turn for
the worse and had to be rushed to A & E at my local
hospital when my tongue and face became swollen. Even more unlucky
for me my local hospital seemed to have no idea what on earth my
operation was, and seemed to struggle with the concept of me having
a congenital heart disorder. However the doctor treating me
admitted they didn’t understand, and rang around the hospital to
find someone who did. After numerous tests it was concluded my
wisdom tooth was infected, and there was a risk to my heart I was
given some strong antibiotics but sent home. Luckily the
problem cleared up soon after.
A week after my operation I went
shopping. And for the first time I wasn’t tired, I wasn’t
going blue, and in fact i was roasting.....I have been so warm
since the new valve went it that I am wearing t-shirts when
everyone else is wearing jumpers. I even climbed a flight
of stairs without getting breathless, I was so happy.
Things can only get better from here. Back to uni next
week.....
Thanks
to all those who sent in feedback to last week's blog - you can see
our feedback to the story on the BHF Facebook
group Feel free to leave a message there
or email yheart@bhf.org.uk
- we really appreciate all the comments
October 2009
So fresher’s week confirmed I am no
longer “fresh”. The partying was very limited and I have resorted
to afternoon naps on a very regular basis. I did
however enjoy seeing all my friends again.
Starting back at uni was actually less
traumatising that I thought, as I seem to have made
excellent choices of modules that require me to
attend only on Mondays, and they are less based around law, more
legal philosophy. Third year is dissertation year, my
choice? Medical Law of course, I feel most qualified in writing on
this subject, and will be reading such books in hospital,
which may ensure me some top rate care :)
I got my date for my op finally
too (and the envelope wasn’t brown!). As I write this I am
currently preparing for my admission. I haven’t gotten upset or
even worried about it. People think I am crazy not to, but why add
that extra stress and pressure when regardless of how I feel it
needs doing, and it is not like I am going to be awake during it,
as far as I am concerned it will be a lovely long nap followed by
some well earned rest in a rather nice hospital, which I refer to
as the hotel.
A lot of exciting things have happened
recently. Not only did I get an operation date I got a new
car! Using a Motability scheme I got a gorgeous
new VW Golf (I only had to wait 14 weeks for it to be
made!) I was like a kid at Christmas and managed to take a
good 50 photos of the car! I hadn’t driven in 10
months since a bad car accident so everyone was nervous (mainly my
mum) about my getting back behind a wheel, but its just like riding
a bike, you never forget. Well apart from the fact I did forget how
to ride a bike once, rather embarrassingly…
With 10 days notice of my hospital
admission there wasn’t much time to organise my busy life, but
luckily I got great support from my university, and my
friends willing to take notes in my missed
lectures. I did however manage to throw together a
little party with all my friends to well celebrate finally getting
a date, and hopefully getting better health. It may sound like a
weird thing to do, but I guess if I can then why
not?!
So next time you hear from me I
will have a new working heart valve (I hope...I hate
statistics but I’m usually that unlucky one) I am currently
deciding what treats I can get away with sneaking in my hospital
bag. So far I have packed chocolate and a large fluffy
dressing gown....if I could get away with taking my own bed I think
I would....
Until next time…
Thanks to all those
who sent in feedback to last week's blog - you can see our feedback
to the story on the BHF Facebook group Feel free to leave a message there or
email yheart@bhf.org.uk - we really appreciate all the
comments!
September 2009
Finally my tooth has stopped
aching...which is a good thing as I never did find time to get to
the dentist. I wish I could say it’s because I had a jam packed
week of exciting things to do. In reality I have been
ill again!
I can honestly say I have been to see my
GP more than i have been back to hometown
recently. I think they are getting sick of seeing me every
week, I get this feeling as he just stared at me as I listed my
ailments, he didn’t even comment, and looked rather bored. 20
minutes later I left with a prescription for pills that I have no
idea why I am taking. I am blaming my housemate for giving me
his bad cough which then me being me always seems to make the
slightest illness ten times worse.
With all my exams over and Uni still 3
weeks away I am spending most of my days in the same spot on the
sofa. Daytime TV is becoming like a religion, and I am wondering
whether 60 minute makeover would like to come to my house just to
make my days more interesting. Although I did however discover a
hate for a well known computer games console when it tried to tell
me that my fitness age is 76....doesn’t give me much hope!!
I passed all my exams,
even the one I cried through, so that was a big relief. But now I
have to go to my 3rd year, and to be honest I can’t believe how
fast it has gone and I would very much like to return to my 1st
year...perhaps a 2nd degree is in order to pro long my Uni
experience.
You’re probably wondering why I haven’t
mentioned my operation yet? Well that would be because you
know as much about the date as I do. Once again I am being
messed around. I know I shouldn’t be bitter about it, and I
understand that the appropriate team and procedures have to be in
place before I can have it done but it really is getting beyond a
joke. I just want to get it over and done with
now.
Either way my first few weeks at
Uni are going to be a total write off and I am behind
before I have even started. Not what I wanted but not much can be
done now. I am not blaming anyone. And on reflection having been
told I could have an operation soon every year for the last 5 years
I guess it is a good thing I have been left till this new keyhole
surgery is available.
Next week is fresher’s week so I have
illness (despite being old I still get fresher’s flu every year)
and some tiring nights out to look forward too....if I can last! I
am determined to squeeze every last bit of energy out and enjoy it.
Hopeful my next blog shall be me preparing to go into
hospital and not just waiting for the little brown
envelope with a date inside.
Thanks to all
those who sent in feedback to last week's blog - you can see our
feedback to the story on the BHF Facebook
group - Feel free to leave a message there or
email yheart@bhf.org.uk -
we really appreciate all the comments!
September 2009
So the exams are over,
they all went reasonably well apart from the last one which started
and ended in tears as I was having a bad day and feeling unwell.
Less than two weeks to wait for results to find out if I have
managed to scrape a pass into my 3rd year, but I am really
beginning to despise Law, probably because it stole my
summer.
As an end of exams treat I went off to
Leeds Festival. What a bad idea that turned out to
be. I arrived loaded up with bags, and discovered my lovely friends
couldn’t have camped any further away without
actually being in the next county!
Most of the weekend was fun and
the bands were great but it was so exhausting. All the
walking and constant standing were not doing me any good, and in
the end I had to wimp out a bit and go home for a day, luckily I
live only 45mins away from the festival. This did not
impress my friends, and I was a little gutted when one
mate commented on how he expected me to be “hardcore” and I was
nothing like my old partying self. He does have a point, I
definitely don’t have the energy to be how I was when I started uni
2 years ago.
I think I have gone from 6 nights
a week of going out having fun to lasting 6 hours before I
need a nap and that’s without a night out or a day at uni. Either
way I knew it was for the best to head home as my health
was slightly more important that seeing Radiohead. And I
needed to get over the traumatic experience of being crushed
against a burger van by about 100 bored festival goers.
My boyfriend recently moved up to
Leeds, he now lives 2 minutes away which is much better
than the 100 miles it was before. He still needs a bit
of house training though. Knowing how tired I get these
days he decided that he would do my housework while I was away at
the festival, which sounds lovely but it did end up costing
me a Hoover and an iron when he managed to destroy both in the same
accident!
It is good to have him around though as I
feel unwell more now than I have in the past, and
chest pains are more of a regular occurrence which sometimes is a
bit scary and at least I know there is someone around if there was
an emergency (not that I worry much!).
I have been given another
provisional date for my operation but I shall not
be holding my breath till I receive written confirmation, well I
probably won’t believe they won’t cancel it till I am heading down
to theatre. The only downside is it more than likely going to mean
I still won’t feeling my best on my 21st
birthday, as the operation is possibly 12 days before it.
I have however made it very clear if they change it to my actual
birthday I will be having a party on the ward!
How many people can say they got
a heart valve for their 21st.....I am guessing not many,
although I would prefer something like designer shoes with
a matching handbag.
I think I need to concentrate on staying
as healthy as possible the next few weeks now so I think my next
adventure should probably be the dentist for a check up as it
appears even at my age teething can be painful! I hate
infected wisdom teeth :(
Thanks to all
those who sent in feedback to last week's blog - you can see our
feedback to the story on the BHF Facebook group - Feel
free to leave a message there or email yheart@bhf.org.uk - we really
appreciate all the comments!
August 2009
Today I went to see my cardiologist at
the “local” heart centre. I knew that I was going to discuss
my pending operation so i had a mixture of nerves and excitement.
But I was prepared with a list of questions.
I took my mum for
support as sometimes clinic visits do upset me. I had the
usual ECG and ECHO on arrival and I must say I was very proud of
myself for behaving in a grown up manner when I had male
technicians doing the tests.
I always had a problem with male
technicians and often have kicked up a fuss (even though the
technicians have always been professional) which I guess being
a girl is usual. However today I realised my health is more
important and they only want to do their job. It has only
taken about 7 years of being difficult to come to this
conclusion!
Some things however never change. Waiting
times! I arrived 30 minutes early to my appointment, in the
hope I would be out quickly, unfortunately my doctor was
called to an emergency in theatre so I was in for a long
wait.
When I eventually got to see my
doctor I felt all my questions had vanished from my mind
so I am glad I had written them down. He took time to explain
the procedure, including risks and benefits. It is a new
kind of valve replacement through key hole surgery, I feel
there is no guarantee of its effectiveness which does make me
nervous but also I feel I am helping test out new procedures to
help advance medical science in a way being only the 8th
person in the North West to have it done.
He did upset me slightly
when he admitted the date he had promised was double booked, so all
my planning was out the window as my operation is being postponed.
It now means I will have to take time out of
university, but the recovery on this new operation is
approximately a week so it doesn’t inconvenience me as much as a
bad heart does in reality.
In a weird way I am
looking forward to the operation now, but as it is a few weeks away
I need to concentrate on my pending exams that I am taking. I have
to do my exams in summer as I had an operation during the usual
exam time. Annoying but again my health comes first.
Perhaps I don’t even have time to stress
over the operation at the minute. But I know if I do worry the
nurse there today is only a phone call away.
It has been a long, but eventually
successful day, but now it is back to the books for
me.
Do remember to check back next
week for part 2 of Leanne's blog, when she went to the Leeds
Festival.
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Leanne's blog? Email yheart@bhf.org.uk and let us know
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