Up before light this morning for my TCD (transcranial doppler) which was a lot like the bubble echocardiogram. I had an IV put in, a weird contraption strapped to my head, and ultrasound-goo under some kind of doppler sensors on the sides of my head. The tech sent agitated saline solution (salt water, basically) through the IV and we watched what was going through that hole in my heart and reaching my brain. There was a noticable amount at resting, and a hugeamondo “uncountable” amount of bubbles during the Valsalva maneuver (when I’m bearing down). The picture of the doppler screen was taken just after I was hooked up so it doesn’t show anything fun.
They grade these things on a scale of 1 – 5, 5 being the ‘worst’ to see whether or not you’re a good candidate PFO closure. The tech said it was most definitely a 5, which sounds like it is probably a good sized hole. He also said, “Yeah, they’re going to want to fix that.”
I felt horribly dizzy during the Valsalva maneuver, and still feel ‘off,’ but we’re home now and are just waiting to hear from the doctor so we can plan the next step. I’m not sure if he’ll still want me to swallow the tiny camera or if we’ll be able to just go ahead with the procedure to close the hole. I think he’s in surgery this morning so I might have to wait until tomorrow to find out what’s next.
Well, that’s the scoop! I’m going to get some work done while I’ve got the energy to do so.
xo
Well I hate to be morbid but yeah for failing the test! When I was sick for so many years I managed to pass most any test I was given which made figuring out what was wrong and fixing it quite difficult. Sending prayers your way!
Right? It felt really weird to be praying for a big enough hole, but hooray!
Yay for answers! And for getting it fixed! Have you found anything good to watch/read while you’re on bedrest?
Well, I’m re-reading the Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima because the 4th and last book came out (that one is in my sidebar) It’s been so long I thought I’d reread the others first. It’s kind of a fun kingdom / magic / adventure fantasy. Aimed for the YA audience, but I like those.
I watched the Henry IIIV and his six wives series I linked to the other day. Kind of washed out, they glossed over his worst bits, but it was decent. Now I’m taking my sisters & mom through a Downton Abbey marathon!
Thank you for the updates. I’m continuing with the prayers and very glad that you are getting excellent care.
Thanks for reading, I get worried that this stuff is super boring – heck, I get sick of talking about it myself!
xo
Oh my goodness, just read about your ordeal on Tracy’s blog. It sounds like you are being well taken care of. Is there anything I can do to help? Rides for your daughter to ballet? Meals? I would love to be of service somehow! I think you have my email address?
Thanks Vanessa, I think my husband is holding down the fort really well and can get everyone to dance and scouts. If I’m having the hole closed as soon as I think, they’ll probably be heading down to UT this week anyway. But thank you so much! I do have your email and will let you know when we get back…. I’m hoping my recovery will be speedy!
P.S. I hope you’ve found an optimal magnesium dosage. I take Mg partly for “regularity” purposes, and I can imagine that the amount you were taking to relieve your symptoms could have quite a dramatic collateral effect.
I’m still sorting it out, but the oil is working so much better. YAY. I think the Mag I was taking before, Magnesium Oxide? Was not the greatest type for absorption. Ha ha, dramatic INDEED.
I’m too far away (and an internet stranger, LOL) to offer any practical help, but know that I’m praying for your healing, safety, and peace. I’m also praying for your family, especially the kids. Thanks for the updates.
I appreciate it all the same, thank you!
Happy and Healthy best wishes — Liz : )
As always, thank you so much Liz! Have always appreciated your caring presence over the years.
xo
I’m happy that you’re getting answers, and I’m hoping that you can get this fixed quickly. Good luck!
Me too, hooray! Thanks so much :o)
yay for being worst case scenario so you’re a definite candidate for the repair surgery–erm, I hope they can get you in quickly and you have a speedy recovery so that this quickly becomes one of those entertaining stories you tell other people :)
We were joking tonight that I’m the valedictorian of brain bubbles. I can’t wait to add it to my resume. :o)
I know it’s never ideal to have to have a surgery, but it must be a huge relief to know that you’re going to have this fixed soon. Please keep us posted on your surgery date so we can offer up extra prayers that day. xoxo
Well nothing is settled quite yet, so I do have quite a bit of nervousness still. Hoping to hear from the doctor today and have more of a plan in place. I’ll definitely keep you posted, thank you!
that seems like a good test to fail in this case! So glad you’ve got a great doctor who can fix this quickly. giant hugs to you!