The Chronic Chronicles: Health Update #3

Originally written 1/24/23

Hi friends,

Just wanted to share an update on how I’ve been doing. The Lord has been good to me and has sustained me during this time. In my last update, I mentioned the mass found in my right lung. I have since gotten some pulmonary testing done but have not yet received the results to see how well my lungs are functioning. As soon as I get the results I’ll update you.

I’m not sure if I mentioned my heart last time but all of my EKGs were coming back abnormal. I got some testing done on my heart (an echocardiogram) and it turns out I have a heart valve disease. 3 out of 4 of my heart valves have trace regurgitation meaning blood that is only supposed to flow out is finding itself back in and it’s causing issues. I will know more about this when I meet with my cardiologist on Feb 3rd.

With those symptoms, I have also been dealing with pre-syncope and syncope (feeling faint and fainting). It wasn’t until I had an episode a few days ago where I found myself shaking/jerking that we became aware/worried about possible seizures. I went to the ER yesterday at my primary doctor's request to get a CT of my head. Thankfully, that came back normal. I also had blood work done and presented with neutropenia (I’ve had this for years), leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. I will be following up with my doctor about those blood results.

I left the ER with some meds (turned out I had a UTI and didn’t know it) and a referral to a neurologist and firm instructions not to drive or do anything strenuous until I see the neurologist.

So that’s my update!

I spend 99% of my time in bed. I still struggle to stand or walk for long periods of time and I’m still struggling with tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate) all of the time. They consider a normal resting heart rate to be between 50-100bpm. Anything above 100 is considered fast or tachycardia. Mine is normally anywhere between 120-140 at rest and goes through the roof when I walk even short distances. This is something we’re looking into as doctors are usually alarmed when they see how high my heart rate is. I just chuckle a little because it’s so normal to me but it’s definitely not normal lol.

Thank you to everyone who’s been praying for me during this time. It’s nice to finally be getting some answers and to be seeing the right doctors to help it all make sense.