Saturday, July 30, 2011

A Matter of the Aortic Valve

As I've mentioned on here before, I went to the annual Turner Syndrome Society of the US conference three weeks ago. It was really an amazing time. Such a great community, and being surrounded my medical professionals who are so caring and knowledgeable about Turner Syndrome. There were professionals speaking over the 3 days. And on the last night, we had a dance party. It was such a blast to have fun, dance and laugh with these girls and ladies that have so much in common.

At the conference, there was a cardiologist who was giving free echocardiograms. This cardiologist had also given a talk about the heart and having Turner Syndrome. I was very impressed. He even had his own staff with him to help with the echocardiograms over the conference. I have an abnormality of my heart where one of my valves is bicuspid, when in actuality it should be tricuspid. And I've never had any problem with it whatsoever. I've had several echocardiograms because of it, but it's only been to monitor it. Anyway, they said that unless there was anything pressing or needing attention, the doctor would get back to us at a later time with our results. On the last day of the conference, literally 30 minutes before I need to take the shuttle to the airport & still have breakfast, the people at the registration table told me the doctor wanted to see me. "Great", I thought. His concerns were that my aortic valve is enlarged. The echocardiogram was very unclear though, so he wanted me to see a cardiologist to follow-up, and get an MRI for a clearer picture. On of the concerns of having an enlarged aorta is that a tearing of on of the layers of muscles can occur. If it occurs, it can be life threatening. So, he referred me to someone at UCLA Medical Center. I've very thankful for this. The two doctors talked to each other. I don't have an appointment until next month, but I will have an MRI done before then.

It was really weird to get this information right before I was ready to leave on a few hour airplane flight. At one point I thought to myself, "what if my aorta is really enlarged and I have a tear in the muscle? And I'm way up in the sky!". But, God also comforted me and reminded me of all the things that the same doctor talked about in his presentation about this condition. Also, even though I haven't had an echocardiogram in a few years, it's never been of a concern. For all I know I may not actually have an enlarged aorta. The extremely cool thing is that I have been prayerful about it, and other people have as well on my behalf. If you could be praying for me too, I'd appreciate it. Let's see if God can continue to protect me and care for me, and show through the MRI that my heart is in tip-top shape!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Two Opposing Forces Working At The Same Time

It's interesting for me to write this post...for many reasons. One of those reasons is because I definitely haven't gathered all my thoughts. Another reason is because I also feel the need to hold back, and not disclose everything in my life. I tend to be more reserved and not talk about everything (even on my blog). But I don't want any fig leaves. Meaning, I don't want to keep things completely hidden or be ashamed of them. And because I am trying to be real at the same time as being an agent of truth. There have been some things that have happened lately, and while they were in the thick of happening they felt like (and were) this HUGE spiritual attack. Spiritually, I felt literally knocked down and beat up in battle. It was a time too when I felt like some lies were being thrown at me, and they were being disguised as truths. But praise God, He helped me regain my balance and get back on my feet. And He helped me know the lies for what they are...falsities from the pitt of darkness. Coming out of it all, I am still maintaining my balance. Still seeking guidance, wisdom & healing from God. And can I just say, I don't like how horrible situations here on earth can make us see the worst of the human condition & can potentially bring out the worst of us. I am still also learning about forgiveness too. And loving those who feel unloveable to me. All while still trying to fight for what is right, true & good.

At the same time, I am focusing on the blessings, grace & mercy in my life. Because despite one good size thing happening in my life, there is certainly a heck of a lot of wonderful things going on too. (Which, ironically makes this all the more interesting for me to go through. It shows me God knows what I can handle, and that He is there.) I am thankful for the friends I call my close and dear. And my family. Also, I had an amazing time at the Turner Syndrome conference 2 weekends ago. Work is going well for me; and in the 10 months I've been at this job, I received my 2nd raise this week. I am even more sure that God has me right where he wants me, and I am on a path paved out by Him. I am even more passionate about nursing and graduate school. And it looks like I should be getting into some more pre-req's this Fall.

I know that this post is a bit scatter brained. I hope that it makes sense to you (my few readers out there) :)

I know that in darkness, light is so easy to shine through! And that God wants to use all of me to draw closer to Him, and to minister to others. So if you could be praying for me, as well as those I love I'd appreciate it. I would just love to be covered in prayer.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

To Post or Not To Post

I wrote a blog post yesterday. It's one where I wrote about something going on in my life, and shared a little more. I am still wondering if I should disclose or not. What say you?




Thursday, July 7, 2011

Gate 58A

I'm getting ready to board a plane. I feel like a total jetsetter, even though this is not typical at all for me to be traveling SO much. This trip is extremely exciting for me, because I am going to a Turner Syndrome conference. It's my first conference! I am going to be re-united with friends I haven't physically seen in 7 years since I went to a camp for girls with Turner Syndrome! It's not everyday I meet someone with Turner Syndrome, let alone a whole hotel full. Also, a lot of medical professionals who specialize in Turner Syndrome will be speaking. And, I will get to visit Niagara Falls! I am so excited. And I feel so blessed to be able to go, and that God has provided and enabled me to go.