God Bless My Dear Husband's Heart

Husband and Doctors

My sweet husband and I have been married almost 38 years and I love him dearly. He is one of those men who ab-so-lute-ly hates going to doctors and will tell you he is well or feeling great when he really isn't. Do you know someone like this? Oh my ... it is like pulling teeth to get him to the doctor. It wasn't until his younger brother suddenly needed a quadruple bypass in February that my DH became concerned and decided it was time to have his heart checked. His family has a strong history; both parents having passed away due to heart disease, his dad at the early age of 55.

First Test Scheduled

A cardiac stress test was scheduled for March 16. After the test, we met with the cardiologist who stated his heart 'appears' strong. We were so thankful to hear this great news and thought nothing further would be needed, however, his cardiologist felt differently. Due to his symptoms as well as family history, she felt a cardiac catheterization test was necessary to rule out Coronary Artery Disease. His symptoms included shortness of breath, some chest pain on exertion, along with sweating more than normal - all of which had been going on approximately three months. For these reasons, a Cardiac Caththeterization Test was scheduled March 23 the following week.

Cardiac Catheterization Testing

The day of the cardiac cath test the cardiologist prepared us by stating, if during the catheterization she found any blockage in the arteries, she would immediately change course and take the appropriate action to correct the problem. DH of course signed papers agreeing to whatever the cardiologist deemed necessary as we trust her opinion. We had both been praying about this and had a definite feeling of God's presence the entire time and felt at peace knowing God was in full control.

A Long Wait and Much Prayer

The nurse showed me to the waiting room and told me the Cardiologist would come there after finishing the test to let me know how it went. It was expected to last about one to one-and-a-half hours. I was praying and my faith was strong. I began reading an inspirational book I had brought and sat there praying and reading through the first hour, then two hours passed and I became concerned. I feel this is a normal reaction when the love of your life is having an extremely important health test. Still in my heart I felt totally aware of God's presence. I went into the nurses area and asked if they had heard anything from the doctor regarding my husband. One of the nurses proceeded to ask me if the doctor or her nurse had called me in the waiting room. I stated "no, I had not received any calls". The nurse then stated the only thing she could share was the doctor had found something during the testing, but that was all she knew presently ... and I would need to wait for the doctor to discuss the details. So... off I went to the waiting room again for more time in prayer. During this time I continued to feel strongly God was in complete control.

The Call Finally Came

About an hour later a nurse called the waiting room phone to ask me to come into the recovery area. There I saw my husband already awake, alert, and telling me he felt great. LOL I KNEW he would say that! This is coming from a man who hasn't taken a sick day from work since 2001. God bless him, he loves the work he does; considering it a ministry instead of work.

Doctor Report

Our Cardiologist came in and shared with us her findings. She stated there was an artery behind his heart which was 99% blocked. The blockage was found in the left anterior circumflex artery. She then used a stent procedure with balloon angioplasty. The procedure involves placing a mesh-like metal device into an artery at a site which is narrowed. The stent is mounted on a balloon-tipped catheter, threaded through an artery, and positioned at the point of blockage. The balloon is then inflated, opening the stent. The catheter and deflated balloon are then removed, leaving the stent in place. The opened stent keeps the vessel open and stops the artery from collapsing. His cardiologist used one of the newer stents which are medicated that help keep the artery from closing up again. These are called coated stents or drug-eluting stents. He was admitted to the hospital and was able to go home the following day which was a Saturday. We were so worn out we came home and slept until late that evening. On Sunday morning I wasn't sure he would feel up to church, however, he definitely wanted to go, and we did. He's sore from the cut in his groin and still a bit weak, but doing great otherwise.

Praises to God

There is a Christian song entitled "I Sing Praises to Your Name". The words express our feelings completely. We are filled with so much thankfulness and praises to our Lord. He is always there for us - not only when we have mountaintop experiences but also in the valleys or uncertainties of life. I have to say though, neither of us felt we were experiencing a valley of uncertainty. We felt God's presence so strongly it was awesome. God is so good, and greatly to be praised!

We would enjoy hearing from you through comments, and I'll be sure to share all prayers and good wishes to my husband for his continued good health. Thank you for your time and concern. May God bless YOUR life today with HIS eternal love!

Dear Lord, We give you ALL glory and praise for your constant love, peace, comfort, and joy, not only through this experience, but throughout our daily lives. For YOUR name IS great and greatly to be praised! In Jesus' blessed name, Amen!

Please visit the American Heart Association site to take a simple risk assessment test.

God Bless My Dear Husband's Heart

http://grandparents-life.blogspot.com/2007/03/my-husband-gave-me-big-scare.html