BACKGROUND

As many of you know, Jodie was born with congenital heart defects and had surgery at 10 days and 18 months old. She did ok throughout childhood, but had to be on some medications through high school, then another was added in college. Jodie went on to grad school, and unexpectedly required a valve replacement in 2007. It turned out she was in the early stages of heart failure, but only found out after the procedure. She needed to get a pacemaker since her heart stopped beating on its own, and then a few months later upgraded to a pacemaker/ defibrillator due to low heart function. In 2008, Jodie was told that she would eventually need a heart transplant, and that the doctor predicted it to be necessary within the next 5 years.

In the 12+ years since then, Jodie was upgraded to a bi-ventricular pacemaker/defibrillator which helped her feel better but didn't improve her numbers, had it replaced two more times due to the battery almost running out (normal process), was put on a new medication that helped her feel much better but still didn't improve the numbers. Then in April of 2019 things started to get interesting. Jodie went into an atrial flutter and after 3 weeks, had to be cardioverted (think being shocked with paddles, but more controlled and while under anesthesia) to get her rhythm back to normal. Then over the summer she started feeling more and more tired, and having slightly worse symptoms. Jodie had some tests in August that showed things were worse, and the doctor told us in October that we would need to check back in early 2020 to see how things are. After having those tests, its clear that Jodie needs to have a heart transplant.


WHY DID WE START THIS BLOG?

Jodie and Peter decided to keep this blog for a few reasons. First, as a way to keep our friends and family up to date. Second, as a way to share how we are doing and what we are going through (and potentially what we need). Third, as a way to document this journey.

We have learned that we want the people around us, and those who care about us, to know what is going on, but don't always have the energy to talk about it over and over. We will be sharing was is "on our hearts" as we go through this journey. We welcome you to check in as often as you like. Thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. You are always welcome to reach out individually, but please feel free to leave comments on our posts and we will try to respond to everyone when we can. We are also planning to use this platform to share news when we don't have time or energy to send to everyone.

Some of our posts may be more emotional, and some may be about more mundane things. Once we get to step 4, it could take anywhere between 1 day and a year or more to reach step 5. We have no way to know. As we are in that waiting period, we do know that one of the things that will be helpful to us will be to keep busy - board game nights, movies, etc. If you are nearby, please do reach out. While Jodie can't be doing anything too strenuous right now, we still want to connect with people. If things come up that we need or could use help on, we may post it here, or reach out specifically to those who have let us know they want to help.

Thank you for walking with us through this journey as we share what is on our hearts. Please check back for updates. We will add information as it becomes available and as we go through the process ahead.

God bless,
Jodie & Peter Elliott

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Clinic and Convention

Today was a clinic day.  Peter and I arrived at a quarter to 8, and got to clinic early.  After a short wait, I got my labs done, and was taken back to a room.  One of my favorite doctors was on today.  I met with her, and we reviewed how things have been going.  I had a short wait, then I had my clinic biopsy.  They used a TON of lidocaine in my neck, and I barely felt it, which was great. 

I got home, and took a long nap.  After I got up, it was a lazy day.  Overall though, I felt better than I usually do on a clinic day, which is encouraging. Peter and I decided to have lobster bique for dinner again today, and it was delicious. 

Tonight, I decided to watch the Democratic National Convention.  I won't lie, I was really excited in the primary, but my first few picks didn't get through.  I like Biden, but haven't been excited before now.  I was really impressed with how they did the roll call, and found myself with tears in my eyes a few times.  Then there was a bit about healthcare and the ACA - something that could one day literally save my life (as before it, I was uninsurable, and I would be again without it).  Due to Biden and Obama, transplants are no longer considered "elective procedures", and you can't be denied health care insurance coverage. 

I am hopeful.  Many of you know I'm very liberal, and I would ask, that even if you aren't, what is important to you?  Biden/Harris have plans on how to get this pandemic under control, on making sure that people have access to health care, and Biden has experience getting this country out of a recession.  I truly, truly am hopeful that the vote goes to Biden in November, as I worry how things will go in terms of controlling covid and so many other things otherwise.  We need REAL leadership for the USA, for a President and Vice President, in order to get things moving in a direction that will help the majority of people in this country, not just the top 1%.  

I'm not sure how I will support Biden/Harris in the election outside of my vote, but I'm looking into options.  I have never felt called to volunteer for a campaign, but I truly feel like right now it is a life and death issue for me, so I must do something more. 

Please stay safe everyone.  Its scary here in NC - UNC Chapel Hill has outbreak of covid in the 2 weeks since they opened up campus, so they are going to fully online courses.  In one week, there was more than a 10%  increase in positive cases on campus.  I really hope that they get this under control, that all the students and staff who tested positive have mild cases and get better quickly, and that this does not spill over into the greater community. 

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