Journal Entry 11: Moving Forward

July 25–31, 2009

This weekend was so much fun! Saturday, Larry and I went to a Chili cook-off that our son, Chad, placed "First Runner-up"! We were so proud of him. On Sunday, we celebrated my Mom's birthday at my sister's house. It was such a beautiful day and I loved being with my family. I feel like my life is starting to move forward and I'm actually enjoying these events and celebrations because I feel good!

Monday, I met with Dr. Jaski, my Cardiologist and Kristi Ortiz, my Heart Transplant Coordinator. They both said I was doing great. However, I'm still having an issue with fluid around my heart. Dr. Jaski thinks my body might be resistant to diuretics because I've taken them for so many years. Dr. Jaski hopes the fluid will eventually go away after time, but they aren't certain. So for now, they're having me take a stronger diuretic several times a week. Hopefully this will help keep my fluid retention down.

On Tuesday, I met with Dr. Saks, my Pulmonary physician. He said the C-T Scan of my lungs looked better, but it showed I still had a small amount of fluid in my lungs. He wants me to continue my antibiotics for several more weeks and he'll see me a month.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week I went to my Cardiac Rehab classes. I've improved a lot on the treadmill and bike, but my "balance" still needs work! I'm loving the fact I can exercise again! You should see my feet move on the treadmill! Sometimes, I feel so happy that I actually cry. "Happy" tears of course!

Thursday night Larry and I attended the "Earth, Wind and Fire" concert at Humphrey's. The crowd was standing up singing and dancing! It was so much fun! Their songs brought back happy memories and made me feel young again!

Well, it looks like another fun weekend ahead ... a birthday/baptism celebration and the "Pageant of the Masters" in Laguna Beach! Follow more of Debbie's heart transplant journey.

For More Information
To learn more about the heart transplant program at Sharp Memorial Hospital, please contact the program directly by calling 858-939-3831, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm.

To learn more or to find a cardiologist affiliated with Sharp, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-824-4277) or go to Find a Doctor.