The NEW New Normal on the Journey March 6, 2014

     This is the occasional guest blogger, Amy, filling in because my mom hated to write this post.  Because we are so thankful for your surrounding love and prayers, here goes…

     On Monday, March 3^rd, my mom was admitted to the hospital and, after many tests and a heart catheterization, she received the news that she is suffering from heart failure.  She did not have a heart attack and has absolutely no blockage in her heart (the good news!).  In fact, she does not fit any of the usual criteria for causes of heart failure (high blood pressure, previous heart attack, smoking, heavy-drinking).  She falls into the rare category of cases with no explanation. This kind of rarity and uniqueness seems to be a theme with my parents’ health lately, huh?

     Heart failure is, put most simply, weakness in the heart that prevents it from functioning fully.  It is a chronic, incurable condition.  In hindsight, Mom realizes she has been experiencing the symptoms of heart failure for the past year – occasional shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat – but they intensified in the last month to the degree that she clearly needed to seek some answers about what was wrong.  The heart failure had caused 11 pounds of fluid to build up in her chest cavity!  This fluid was flushed out of her system so she is breathing much easier now.  After spending two nights in the hospital, she came home on Wednesday afternoon. 

     The way forward, which will improve her heart’s functioning, will be all about learning to manage her condition so that she can live fully and comfortably.  This management includes medication as well as lifestyle changes.  Mom has switched to a very low-sodium diet (she’d much rather have to give up sweets!) and will also be strengthening her heart through exercise.  While the last days have certainly been scary and daunting, Mom is moving forward with her customary courage and strength.  I have full confidence that there are better days ahead.  (And not just because they could hardly get any worse!)

     My mom says she doesn’t want this post to be all about her, so I’m happy to inform you that my dad continues to improve through his therapies and with the independence of being home.  In fact, he was able to stay alone with no problems during my mom’s hospital stay.  The current challenge regarding my dad’s care is finding some alternative transportation to and from therapies, particularly while my mom is unable to do the heavy lifting of the wheelchair. Dad, of course, has surrounded my mom with encouragement and support.  He might even give up salt too J. 

     I’m happy to be here with them (though I hope for better circumstances for my next visit) and am learning a lot about low-sodium meals.  My mom hasn’t been thrilled about my cooking thus far, but she doesn’t take my son, Asher’s approach of greeting the meals with the exclamation, “That looks disgusting!” so I haven’t had to put her in time-out.

     As always, we are all grateful for your cards, calls, and prayers across the miles.