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

Thursday, November 12, 2020

So many unknowns

Peter and I have been working from Columbus the last two days. We had a nice, masked (with kn95's) short visit with Catherine and Travis yesterday night, went on a walk during lunch with Sarah and the kids today (also masked), and then Patty and Jay came over tonight to chat around a firepit outside (and masked!). Its really nice to see everyone, but also nerve wracking seeing how bad the covid numbers are right now. We are being really cautious, keeping distance and limiting time of visits, but it is somewhat disconcerting having to treat everyone as if they have the virus in order to keep yourself (and them) safe. 

 This afternoon Chicago announced a travel advisory, and given the timing of it, I'm questioning if Peter and I will be able to come in for Shaun and Melanies wedding, if the restuarant will still even be allowed to be open for them to have it, and even if we are allowed in (NC is currently in the orange zone), if that is too much of a risk. While Columbus right now has a high rate, Chicago's is even higher. I think this trip has been a good indicator for us in some ways, but there are a lot of issues I'm not sure we can overcome to make December work - one of which is that if NC's rates go into the red zone, we would be required to quartine 14 days once we get into Chicago - and we know we can't be there that long. I suppose we will have to re-adjust as we go forward. I have a clinic visit on Tuesday, once we get back to NC, and we can get some updated information then.

 But seriously. Please, please, please be careful. ICU's are running out of beds. We know more now, but if there aren't enough beds and equipment (and the administration still has not put into effect the act that would allow a ramp us, although Biden has a plan to do so day one), then it affects everyone, not just the covid patients. Wear a mask. Even though its getting cold out, still try to be outside. Socially distance. If you have to be inside with others, wear a mask. If you have to be inside, try to be somewhere that is well ventilated. If you are wearing a mask inside, the better your mask seals, the safer it is. Not all KN95s are FDA approved, but those that are (look online for brand guidance) should work just like our N95s - and offer the most protection. The statistics are showing that most of the new cases popping up are now happening in smaller gatherings of friends and family as things move indoors. I know this sucks. But Biden/Harris have a plan and this will go away eventually. Unfortunately, it will probably get worse before it gets better. But we can all do our parts.
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