Under Pressure

Well we had the stress test yesterday. They didn't run me to hard. We only went to level three so I was only on the treadmill for about 7 minutes. My legs were starting to burn and I was short of breath but I didn't have any chest pain, dizziness or numbness. However, my cardiologist did see signs of my heart's oxygen demand outstripping the supply I was able to give it. This is due to the increased work my heart has to do to push blood across my aortic valve. So, the stress test provided more evidence that surgery may be necessary in the near future. Not exactly the news we were hoping for, but it wasn't totally unexpected either.

As for pictures, well, I kind of forgot to put the camera in the car, so we didn't get any pictures. Of course there wasn't much to it really. They did shave a couple of spots on my chest where they had to put the little pads for the EKG readings and now they're itching like crazy. Other than that, getting blood drawn was really the only bad part of the day. My arm still hurts a little. Let me tell you, vampires are real and they can come out in the day as long as they're disguised as nurses. I'm kidding, but still, you would think they could come up with a better way of doing things.

It's kind of weird writing the blog at the moment. I haven't actually told many people I know about it yet. I guess I'm waiting for the cath results to know for sure what's going to be happening with me and surgery and everything. I don't want to send anyone into a panic. There's nothing anyone can really do about it. It's something that I've known I was going to face ever since the last surgery and it's not like I'm handicapped or anything. I'm still able to lead a normal life.

I do appreciate all the prayers that have already been said on my behalf and for the prayers said on DeAnne's behalf. I don't think it took but about 3 days for us to land on every baptist prayer list in the county. We really do appreciate and we draw strength from knowing that so many people care and are praying for us.

I want to say thanks to Courtney and Edwin for going out to eat with us last week after we finished up at the cardiologist's. We had a great time and look foward to doing it again under happier circumstances. We were really still shell-shocked from the news and you guys really helped to distract us and get us past the initial fear that had set in. Thank you.

I think that's all I've got for now. When I do start telling people about this blog, at least there will be plenty for them to read. If I don't post again before the cath, I'll see you afterwards. Keep us in your prayers.

Paul