Happy 1st Heartiversary

Jodie: My transplant was on a Monday last year. Tuesday is my clinic day, not  because it has to be, but because it’s the day that has worked best for us. When it was time to schedule my 1 year follow up, since the 23rd landed on a Tuesday, I decided it was somewhat appropriate to have the appointment exactly a year later.

Peter: This past year has been a long one. It’s amazing what can happen in a year, and we’re so blessed to have made it to this milestone in Jodie’s recovery. She has been so strong and has improved so much. 

Jodie: We have both been contemplative the last few weeks. Sunday was hard, realizing that if we were going by days of the week, it was one of our hardest days. Yesterday was even tougher, being the actual anniversary of the night before. We both worked, took Bosun to puppy class, and on the way home reflected. Neither of us slept much that night a year ago. I had every worst case scenario running through my mind, and was terrified I’d never wake up. And knew if I did I’d have to be all alone in the hospital.

Peter: Last year today was rough... I had stayed up all night waiting with Jodie before she was taken back to surgery, got a couple hours of fitful sleep in the waiting area, and waited around all day until receiving news. The nurses and staff were kind enough to help us stretch some of the ‘new’ COVID restrictions and rules, since we knew that once she made it through surgery, due to the  restrictions I could not be there when she woke up in with her new heart.

Jodie: With all the memories heavy on our minds, it’s also made the reality of today a little sweeter. We found a pet sitter for Bosun and dropped him off on our way a little after 7am. We parked near the main hospital entrance and walked in, just like last year on March 7th. I thought it made sense to take the same picture going in.

Walking through the halls and getting to clinic, there are so many memories. Once we got to clinic, it turns out that the same doctor who did my first clinic visit post-transplant was there today. We had a good check in, and decided that I have 6 months to try to get my weight more under control before we try anything else. Then I got an X-ray, and we made our way over to the cath lab. On the way this sign caught my eye, with the tag line “a year like no other.” I couldn’t help taking a photo with it.

Peter: After over a year of going back and forth from the hospital for Jodie, I would have hoped some of it would become routine... Instead it feels like I'm regressing, getting flashbacks to days spent fretting and worrying and praying - alone in the waiting rooms. Days where I spent every second waiting for a text or call with an update. Today was especially difficult, feeling refective about a year ago bleeding over to my feelings now. I was so anxious, and felt so overwhelmed. I'm so glad that I have Jodie to keep me levelheaded. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Jodie: If I’m being honest, it wasn’t much easier for me. We got to the cath lab before 10 and I was ready to go back at 11. For the first time, the drs didn’t talk me through what they were doing, and the meds made me so sleepy I didn’t speak up. My anxiety was through the roof. Then after the two hours laying flat post procedure, we still had to go to echo since they hadn’t come to us. I almost said no - I was still keyed up, tired, grumpy, hungry. I relented as it was on the same floor, but really couldn’t wait to get home. We finally left after 4pm. 

We got home and Peter just let me relax. He made dinner, then headed out to get bosun. Peter then surprised me with a red velvet cake. We both had a celebratory piece, and are having a quiet night with sleepy pups and purring cats. Last year I couldn’t picture what a year later would look like. I don’t know what another year will bring either, but I am hopeful.

Peter: It has been a difficult time, but we persevered. We can’t wait to celebrate future heart-birthdays with our family and friends. Thank you all for your prayers and support from afar this year. God bless.