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

Friday, October 30, 2020

So proud

 As you know I've been volunteering with the Biden campaign.  I can finally share my exciting news.  A week ago there was a call on the volunteer message system that they were looking for people to share their story about the ACA and why it was important.  I immediately reached out with the short version of my heart story, and they asked to send it to the producer.  A few days later the producer sent me a guide of interview questions, instructions to video myself answering them, and a Box account to upload to.  I taped the videos that night.  The next day they asked if I would be ok sending in some photos from throughout my life, and I happily did.  I was initially told they were going to do a 3 min compilation of stories. 

In the end, they decided to feature just my story, and I am SO PROUD to be in this ad talking about how the Affordable Care Act changed, and saved, lives.  Had my dad and grandpa not paid for my COBRA back then, or if my department had not allowed me to do a third rotation my surgery term, I would have lost coverage and would have had to drop out of grad school, move home, and my life could be very different. 

Heres the link for FB: https://fb.watch/1suqfawgxK/

And for Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CG-v6i6BYB5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

We only have a few days left until the election.  Vote.  Talk to your friend and get them to vote.  Volunteer to phone bank (I'm both phone and text banking this weekend).  

And please, wear your mask.   Covid rates are really high right now, and its the easiest thing to do to reduce the spread. 

at
Labels: ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

One month post transplant!

Wow.  It is almost unbelievable that it has been one month since the transplant.  So much has happened, with two weeks in the hospital, and ...