Tuesday was the day we waited for; it seemed like January 19 took FOREVER to get here. Everyone we trusted was praying and I was certain that my husband's Echocardiogram would show at least 40% ejection fraction, but I really wanted 55% and told God that. Many, many people agreed with us in prayer that this would be the case. The 9 different medications and the rest he was getting, along with the prayer and fasting by our friends, just HAD to "work", right? I was sooooo ready for things to be normal again; for my handsome, strong husband to get back to his job and just be healthy. We have a life to live; things to do, people to see, places to go, etc. etc. etc.
About an hour after the echo, the advanced heart failure specialist came in to see us. She is a pretty blonde haired lady, soft spoken and so very kind. The ejection fraction was read by another doctor at just 25%. Her words, "he reads low". I didn't know what that meant so she explained that the "machine" read 41% but the doctor has the final say. She also said that we should probably return in 6 weeks and try another test, a MUGA scan. This test is more accurate for ejection fraction readings. She asked my husband if he was willing to wear the "Lifevest" for 6 more weeks (he is so anxious to get rid of it) instead of going ahead with the ICD now, which he may not need after all. The cost of the rental is very high and he was concerned about the bill we are racking up. I told him it was his decision and not to make health decisions based on $$; do what you feel is best for you. He decided to wait the 6 weeks out. When we left the office I told my husband, "so, we're still in a waiting pattern". I remember that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." But waiting is so dang hard...
Just this morning God brought to mind a book that I had read over a year ago by Laura Story, "When God doesn't fix it". I got it out and read a little; I highly recommend it to you who are struggling, like I am, with waiting.
As far as my own dilated cardiomyopathy, I am having my ICD checkup next month. It may be time for a new battery; it's been 10 years now. Our medical bills are piling up and my husband is now on unpaid leave. But, as my friend Cathi Campfield used to say, "there is always, always something to be thankful for." I have a great job that pays well and we have insurance and an HSA account. And my husband is actually much, much better! He is gaining strength daily. So we continue on, in faith, that this is just a season of our lives and we will learn some valuable things during this time of waiting. After all, we've already seen and experienced the evidence of HIS goodness...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCqBV2vIx8U&list=RDLCqBV2vIx8U&start_radio=1&t=0
