The Symptom I Ignored

I had my last heart check up and echocardiogram in September and all looked great post-partum. I got back to racing and heavy exercise that I had missed so much during pregnancy and recovery. I lost all of my baby weight and then some. My energy has been higher than ever, my performance level in running and weights at an all time high and best. I've never felt stronger or better or performed this well. Eating right as always.....and yes...I eat PLENTY! This girl loves to eat. Food is a love language, I swear.

However, I noticed in October ish I would stand up and begin to black out, get dizzy and fuzzy. Tunnel vision...little black dots closing in on my vision. My head light and heavy at the same time. I would have to hold a wall, a counter, a railing. I even had one event I came down to a knee I got so off kilter. Give it a few seconds, all would be normal again. This happens almost at least once a day if not more; it is more often than anyone would find normal. Never does this happen when I run or hike or am vigorous in my activity. It has only been happening when getting up from sitting a while, or when bending over picking up and cleaning up toys. It has been happening almost every day at least once a day since October-ish.

I figured then, "Hmm...maybe I need to really be chugging water? Get up slower?" I have been conscientious to keep track of these things at this time. No variable I change has given me a new result. I figured I would mention it to my cardiologist the next time I saw her but felt no immediate need to call about it. (Forgetting and taking for granted that she always tells me to call if something changes). However, I have been bothered, as of late, it has been happening so frequently despite what I do to try and help it. Blood sugar, possibly? Who knows? Honestly, it did not really concern me. I didn't make it a priority of concern.

I then gave a speech as a guest speaker recently with another CHD friend. I told her about what has been going on because she and I are fairly similar with our defects. She has already had a valve replacement and when it was time for her surgery, she basically presented asymptomatic, and was in surgery like 9 days later after meeting with our doctor. She had just had her second child not that long before this event took place. She was 30. So, I confided in her as we have a literal heart and soul connection, after hearing these details from her. She encouraged me to call our doctor before my next visit which was due to be on March 7th. Speaking with her reminded me that no matter how small, any abnormal physical symptom needs to be addressed. Especially in our case, but really for all people. It is so important to keep in check with our bodies and the signals they send us. I preach it, and I too, need to do it!

The thing about having the blessing of living an unrestricted, perfectly normal, healthy, happy lifestyle even with my conditions, is that I tend to forget I am a heart patient. My healthy lifestyle is very normal for me, it is not something I have to try for or remind myself to do. It is natural. So I just don't really think much about it. I forget that I am a heart patient and therefore that one day, eventually, in likely the near-ish future, I will need to have what looks to be another open heart surgery for a biological valve at MUSC. I forget that while I am stable, I am not fixed. I forget that I am slowly wearing out. It is so subtle...you just don't notice! Therefore, I forget that I need to pay extra attention to these little abnormalities. Let this be a lesson to all, CHD or not. We all need to pay attention to our body signals, no matter how subtle. This has been a good reminder to me, too. It is vital to keep in check with your doctors and their knowledge and care. They obtained their education and knowledge and insight with a purpose and we need to lean on their skills, knowledge, and compassion as we care for our bodies. We need to respect our bodies and our specialists instructions and guidelines for care.

I called my cardiologist and she did want to see me before the time we had initially scheduled. So, Monday, I went to her office and paid her a visit. Eric met me there, both of us praying this abnormal symptom was something as low key as my blood sugar being low and not an indicator for surgery.

Up until this visit, as I began remembering who I am, a heart patient, I found my weak place and I cried and let my mind wander to places it does no good to dwell in. I then picked myself up, called on Jesus, called on friends who had a clear mind to talk to Jesus, and I told Him my feelings. And I told Him I trusted Him. I prayed for Him to calm me down so I can focus on being present for Ellie. And He has. He has calmed me. I am currently at peace. I always have peace when I call on Him, even through tears, in knowing He is my savior. Spiritually and physically, and it is His name and purpose I serve on this earth. I serve Him in many ways but I believe my heart is His biggest vessel to others on this earth.

With those raw emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and reminders about heart health (and health in general) here is what we found out Monday. It seems .......drumroll please......"I am getting healthier and stronger." Y'all I smiled so big when she told me this. What?! Because of this, my blood pressure has gotten even lower...I have always had a slightly lower BP as it is. And because my BP is too low this is what causes me to get woozy and start blacking out when I stand up. She told me easily how to fix this. Super simple solution. What a blessing to hear this was the problem. Stronger and Healthier. God did this. My doctor did this. And my self-discipline and healthy lifestyle did this. This makes me so happy to see that there is truly purpose in the lifestyle I live, caring for my heart and body. Results. I get results. Positive results. I just need to make sure I stay well hydrated and get my BP up a bit to meet the demands of my physical activities! God is so good and I don't know how He could bless me so well when I so don't deserve it.

But listen guys, I wrote this with the point being.....please remember to listen to your body signals no matter how small and insignificant they seem. They may be nothing, but they may also be something. You are putting your family first by taking care of your health first.

God bless!