Surgery went well despite a couple of issues...

Thought I'd update everyone finally on my surgery.  I'm starting to gain more strength in my arm.  Some if y'all have wondered how I hurt my arm while in Boston.  I had some nerve damage in my right shoulder/arm from the procedure.  See they make you hold your hands up over you head during the Catheterization.  They strap them down of course because you are out the hole time.  When I came too I thought they had cut my arm off.  It was a scary feeling.  I couldn't feel my mom touching my arm.  She literally had to pick my arm up and show it too me.  When she let go of it my arm just dropped to the side like a wet noodle (the best way I can describe it).  It took me several days to get some feeling back into my arm.  It still feels numb from my elbow to my thumb and pointer finger.  I am scheduled next week to start some physical therapy at Waterman.


During my recovery my right lung (the good one) started to diminish, and I was very weak, and didn't want to walk when everyone was pushing me to do so.  I kept saying I didn't feel well.  They finally took an x ray, and did an open MRI, and saw that my right lung was not looking good.  They moved me to ICU, they wound up putting me on a CPAP mask to see if that would help get air flowing to my lung a little better.  After 2 days it seemed to work, and I was able to use a regular oxygen mask.


I also, had pain on my left back side from having to sleep on that side while I was in ICU.  They didn't want me sleeping on my right side, because my breathing would slow down.  That was no fun!! So with my right arm getting some feeling back and in pain most days, and my left back side hurting I was miserable in bed the last few days at the hospital.  Once I was feeling better I of course was like I'm ready to get out of here, but they had me stay 2 more nights before I was able to go back to the hotel.
I was able to go home that Saturday.


Since I've been home I've been getting better day by day.  I went on a walk for the first time last week and felt great walking.  I plan to slowly get back into that at the gym this week.  Also, getting back to my normal self except my arm.  I'm looking forward to the physical therapy, and helping getting my arm more mobile again and see what we can do to get feeling back.


Some of y'all don't know, but I have to go back up to Boston for Part 2 of my Catheterization.  They are going to check and make sure things are working properly.  I'm not looking forward to it, but gotta do what I gotta do.  I'm probably going to be going in 5-6 months for that.

Till then I'm taking things one day at a time & getting excited about some summer vacations coming up with the family!!

Cheers!!

Big Red Bus Blood Drive details!!

Hello Everyone, As you know I am having surgery in Boston to replace a valve I received when I was 12. This will be my 6th heart surgery and will require me to be on the heart lung machine and using many pints of blood. Many people have asked if there was something they could do to help out. We especially need prayers and we would like to let you know there will be a blood drive in my name and in my... honor to replenish the supply I may be using. Amy Bolt at First National Bank in Mt. Dora has coordinated bringing the Big Red Bus to the parking lot at FNB from 9A.M.-2P.M. where you can donate in her name on Tuesday, June 12. This is especially significant because that is the day I am scheduled for my surgery at Boston's Children's Hospital. I will post the flyer from Florida's Blood Centers when I get it. If you would like to do this you NEED to give the people at the blood center: the drive for Megan Ward and the group number is A118. If you give blood at their regular centers you can give them my name and the number and it will go in my name. 

Also, We are praying for a miracle during the cath. the day before surgery. They do such incredible things at these hospitals! Boston Children's program for adult survivors of congenital heart surgery is one of the best.

I greatly appreciate & am over whelmed by all of your emails, calls and texts!! Thank you

So I decided to keep a journal during the next and hopefully final open heart surgery I'm not going to bore you all with a lot of details of what happened with the past.  Just note that the valve they replaced back in 1989 needs to be replaced, and that is what they will be doing this time around.  Also, a fun face about me....I mainly function off of one lung!! Awesome isn't it!!


So after my surgery it is going to the doctors say a week to 13 days to recover up at the hospital in Boston.  When I get home I should be slowly getting back to normal.  The hard part for me will be once I get home.  I won't be able to drive myself, or pick anything up heavier then 10lbs.  So, I'll need my friends support for that part.  I can't drive or hold babies say what?? lol  I'll be staying with my parents, and tho I love them you know I'll be itching to get out of the house.  You know to do anything.  Even if it's go to your house!! lol


Once I get to Boston, I plan to update you before and after my surgery as much as possible.  For my facebook friends/family, my mom will be in charge of posting on my status to let you all know how things are progressing. Don't worry I am going to give her lessons from my phone before we go! :)  I've also told her she can take pictures.  Even if I'm in ICU.  Brave of me I know.  I know some of you will be praying hard core, and be keeping a close eye on how I'm doing.  Therefore, I don't mind sharing this part of my life with y'all.  :) 

Tomorrow I'm talking to the doctors and going to ask them a few questions.  As you know they've said not to do any crazy exercising and that walking is fine, but I've even been putting that off.  I want to know if I can do a little Yoga, and I think that would be good for me.  I did it once before with my friend of mine, and had a great time.  I'd love to see if I can work with an instructor tho instead of a class.  I need to do something I have gained 5lbs since not working out and I'm not a happy camper.

Anyway please feel free to add my blog page to your bookmarks!! I will update you as soon as I can!!
Meg :)