10/12/2026
Well, apparently my heart has decided that a 200-joule jump-start and a two-valve tune-up weren’t going to be quite enough.
As I shared in my last update, the cardioversion worked and the blood clot was gone. Unfortunately, the A-fib has returned, my ejection fraction (EF) is still sitting at 20%, and two of my heart’s four valves are severely leaking.
On September 30, I met with a cardiothoracic surgeon expecting to discuss heart surgery. Turns out, there’s a bit of a plot twist. My heart is currently so weak that repairing the valves could actually make things worse. Essentially, the valves are a problem, but the heart muscle itself is the bigger concern.
So, instead of heading straight into surgery, the focus has shifted to figuring out how to strengthen my heart and determine the best treatment options. Those conversations now include being placed on the transplant list in case I need a heart transplant. Not exactly something I expected to be discussing at 52 years old, but here we are.
Tomorrow, I have my first appointment at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. From what I understand, the typical wait to get in can be up to 8 weeks, but thanks to Angela’s team, I was able to get an appointment in less than a week. Their willingness to step in and help means more than they probably realize, and I’m incredibly grateful.
And speaking of Angela, I cannot begin to express what a blessing this woman is in my life. She’s doing everything she possibly can to take care of me, keep things together, and make sure I have the best care available. Through all the uncertainty, appointments, and unexpected turns, she’s been right there beside me. I couldn’t ask for a better partner, advocate, or best friend.
I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t a lot to process, but worrying about what I can’t control isn’t going to change anything. What I can control is my attitude, my outlook, and doing everything possible to get through this.
Apparently, the mechanic took one look under the hood and decided we need to work on the engine before fixing the valves. And now we’re discussing whether I might eventually need an entirely new engine.
Still here. Still smiling. Still me.