Early November was the last time I had my cardio checkpoint with my cardiologist. That was six weeks after my incident.
Back then, it was all doom and gloom. To say I was nervous for my four-month check up was an understatement.
In November, the cardio electrophysiologists said that it was 99.5% certain that I would need an ICD/Pacemaker as my heart was suffering from left bundle branch block (LBBB).
The cardio check-up sessions come in two parts;
a) a cardio scan which is very similar to the scan expectant mothers get to see the fetus move
b) cardio consultation with a primary cardiologist, and my pessimistic cardio electrophysiologists to assess ICD/Pacemaker
Cardio scan is a much more specialized skill and shows inner workings of the heart, valves and muscles. It takes about 10-15 minutes and is relaxing.
The technician who carried out the cardio scan was the same who had scanned me when I first was admitted, and she remembered me clearly. My heart rate back then was above 150bpm, but today it was just below 70bpm. A big positive difference.
Afterward, I met with my cardiologists to review the scan and discuss my current prognosis. That was the bit I was most nervous about. Please note I have two cardiologists, as per part b) above.
What if I had digressed? Had I developed new issues? Would I be able to ever heal?
My cardio electrophysiologists, ICD/Pacemaker, and doomsday predictor were up first. Mr. Cheerful as I call him, but he refers to himself as the realist 🙂
To his utter amazement, my left bundle branch block had fully reversed. It is extremely rare, he said. In other words, my heart had healed itself. I would no longer need an ICD/Pacemaker device. Well, he said with a little more pessimism (or realism as he would say) and still need me to complete the MRI and carry a Holter device for 24 hours.
- How awesome was that?!
- Had a miracle happened?
The cardio electrophysiologists were certainly impressed and stated that such a reverse change rarely happens. He has only seen it a few times, but not that soon after an incident. It has only been a little more than 4 months.
My primary cardiologist entered the room and provided me with even more joy. My ejection fraction (EF) percentage had increased from 22-23% in November to 37%. Another massive improvement.
It was originally less than 10% when the incident happened, and in November I told him I would reach close to 40% … and I was right 🙂
A normal EF percentage is around 50-60%, so I’m very close to being at normal levels again. Now it’s just a matter of time to get it back. The cardiologist was optimistic that I would make a full recovery, based on my impressive progress.
They both agreed that my healing and recovery can be attributed to my seriousness when dealing with lifestyle changes. I changed from the minute I was discharged, new diet, resting a lot and working further every day. This gave my body the best odds to do a full recovery.
The actual relief that came across my mind and body was immense. A burden had been lifted. It is so difficult to explain and I cannot express myself. Not sure if this is real or just in my imagination. Super excited about this lease of life and positive news, especially since I had so many dark thoughts throughout.
This is an opportunity to get a normal life back and not worry about “what if“.
It is truly a miracle 🙂
Was someone holding a hand over me? I believe so. Not only my late dad watching over me from heaven, but I also believe that Jesus played an important role in my healing process.
Today I will live.
Today is my new beginning.
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