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

Sunday, February 21, 2021

To Maine

Wednesday morning we got up early, finished packing the car, and got on the road around 930. We had to stop to do a small adjustment to the roof rack, but otherwise it was pretty clear. The drive was smooth though DC, when we hit traffic. We continued on and hit traffic again by NYC. With our few stops to grab food and gas, we got the the Airbnb around 930. It was supposed to be a 9 hour drive, so this was later than expected, but ok. Went through 6 states today, but were in 8 total.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1jR7-OBEZ-k9atFYeQ9pHfRxrNFc0c88W
While driving through NYC, there were signs about snow for today and to avoid travel. When we checked, it liked like it would hit new haven around 7am, and Boston around noon, but north of NH we would be ok. We successfully got on the road by 7am, and we were off! Had an easy drive and got to Patty and Jays Maine house around 2. We love it! Had some time to settle in and a good night. We were in 4 states today, so went through 11 total in the trip (NC, VA, DC, MD, DE, NJ, NY, CT, MA, NH, and ME)

Friday we spent time with Stella in the morning, then picked up Bosun! 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1uSyhyKoOv0bWXmixJrbwb1IFpGGt7alvhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eECgXhNl1SI8K9sx0VTZvla4j0VksDVD

Stella was not quite sure, but interested. Bosun just wanted to play with his new big sister. We kept a close eye all night, and Bosun did ok in his crate but there was some crying. We got up at 330 Saturday when we decided 5 hours for the first night wasn’t bad. Stella was more open to Bosun in the morning, and they have had some sweet moments, like this 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1xaTAYrRd-HVlRQf6J1MRPMkV2iFz3_NP
Bosun played in the snow for the first time and learned to walk on a leash. we have a ton of cute photos and some videos too! We are lucky that he is eating fine and even knows how to use a puppy pad already!
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RhseIeCV3tRe8cZRz8L7zn41QnQGDbqr
This morning Stella and Bosun figured out his to play with each other, and it was adorable. We are in love with this little guy. He did better in his crate last night too!https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cVOKI0lZs_MA5s-srHicRY4aiXSsXBfN
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