Mended Hearts Open Forum

My name is Shannon. I recently returned after being away for over a year. During that time, I was caring for my dad, who became very sick. It began with a sudden emergency that led to him never being able to return home. From that point on, he experienced one medical crisis after another, including frequent ICU stays for almost two years.

Because he lost the ability to advocate for himself, I stayed by his side and took on that role for him. I did everything I could to keep him safe, supported, and cared for. It was emotionally overwhelming and incredibly difficult, but I love my dad deeply and I never gave up on him.

My dad passed away in July of this year. His body was tired, and although losing him has been heartbreaking, I find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering and is at peace with the Lord.

Throughout this journey, I have had to learn many new things under a lot of pressure. I have learning disabilities, and even writing this is a challenge-but I am doing my best. I also became his trustee, which I was not prepared for, and I am still trying to handle all the responsibilities that come with that role.

During this time, I also learned about my own serious heart condition. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, and I now have a large aneurysm in my ascending aorta. I only discovered this and my other medical diagnoses about seven years ago, and I am still learning how to manage them. I'm now having to be seen every 6 months to look at the growth of my aneurysm. I am currently 4.7 cm, and at 5cm I need surgery. I have something called Factor V Leiden, and that also scares me about having OHS.  I'm currently with Kaiser and I have often wondered should I do OHS at Kaiser or Should I go to Loma Linda and if so how does that work with Insurance? I need to learn as much as I can, I sadly dont have family around like parents or older role models. my entire family I grew up around is all passed away from a rare Fatal Disease called Gerstamann Straussler Scheincker. I thankfully was NOT born with so but I do have something called Digeorge Syndrome and this led to my heart Defects.  Thank you kindly for those that respond to me. 

Despite everything, I am doing my best to stay afloat, take care of myself, and move forward one step at a time.

Yep, one step at a time.  . 

Losing those we love is a hard thing.  I lost my first wife to heart failure thirty four years ago but in her final hours, she made me promise to go on and be happy.  I've done my best to do so but the missing has never stopped.

All the best.