Third time is a charm

I have a huge amount of anxiety going to Houston this time. I keep trying to identify why, and I think it is because I am hoping that this procedure is a solution to all or at least some of my symptoms. Here is why I decided to go ahead and get the procedure done to close the PFO.

The theory is that tiny micro embolisms are going through my PFO (hole in the upper chambers of my heart) and going straight up to my brain. This is possibly the cause of the migraines, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision etc. It feels eerily similar to a TIA or small stroke for whatever reason, just one on top of another at times. There are also doctors who have said that serotonin is usually broken down and processed out of your blood when it goes the right way through your lungs. But because my blood is not doing that correctly and going through the hole to the wrong side there is too much serotonin getting through to the brain which also causes it to go haywire, thus intractable migraines. Unfortunately there are lesions in my brain which show the impact of the migraines as well. 

The latest combo of drugs is helping a lot. I was able to participate in my brothers wedding, travel with my family, walk longer distances, help out at tball practice and so on. All of this feels like a huge win because before this I was pretty much bedridden. These medications are specifically targeting the issues with the PFO which is why I think they are working. One medication is working to make the blood less sticky this dissolving a lot of those micro embolisms. The other is working to block the serotonin receptors so that all that serotonin is not being absorbed. The third is a GI med that is helping to heal the lesions in my stomach. Diet and exercise have been paramount in helping me to function better. Even a trace of gluten and I have a migraine for days. Interesting how the brain and gut are so connected. I think it has something to do with minimizing inflammation in the body. But that's just my theory. So I try to keep from being "glutened" as my friend Sara calls it and it makes a huge difference. My diet is a bit crazy at the moment and I am still figuring it all out. 

The other piece to this puzzle is the POTS diagnosis. And this one has been puzzling. I tested positive for PoTs after a tilt table test. I bet you are wondering what the heck is POTS sounds like some sort of random diagnosis. Postural orthostatic tacicardia syndrome is an issue with the autonomic nervous system. This system controls all sorts of things in your body like....sweating, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, pupils, digestion, body temperature regulation. 

There is no cure for POTS and it seems to still be fairly new in the medical field. 

It basically means that when I am sitting or laying down my blood pools in my legs or pelvis. When I stand my heart starts racing trying to work super hard to pull that blood up so I don't pass out. The problem is my heart is working too hard. So they put me on a beta blocker which opens up all the veins and arteries and slows down my heart. Once I started on a beta blocker to help slow down my heart I noticed a huge improvement in my energy and the vertigo lessened significantly. Thank the Lord for relief from the vertigo.  Since there isn't a cure for POTS I have to be super aware of how much I water I am drinking and I take salt pills. I also have to exercise even when my heart is crazy all over the place. All these things help to alleviate the intensity of POTs. I am thankful I have not been one of the people who passes out from POTS but it is very common. I stumble a lot and feel close to passing out but I haven't yet. 

So the question is will this heart repair help to alleviate the symptoms of POTS?  The doctors say the two aren't connected. But who knows. 

Maybe if we plug the leak my heart will be more efficient and won't have to work so hard. 

I have been waking up daily with the most blinding throbbing migraine. Once I am up and moving it lessens but every day I have to press through the pain and start the day regardless. One foot in front of the other. 

So here we go. Back to Houston for a third time to close the PFO. In an attempt to lessen or stop all those bad things from getting through the hole and to the brain. Eventually getting me off some of these medications. We are hoping beyond hope that this procedure goes smoothly, with no complications, and on the other side of it that there is some improvement. Even if there is no change by getting the procedure done I significantly reduce my risk of stroke. Win win. 

People ask me a lot how I am doing. I usually shrug and smile and say ok. But the truth is I am thankful to be able to be out and about more. I am excited to have been able to drive for the first time in months. I am relieved to have had a break from the vertigo. I am grateful to know what to feed my body to help it to be the strongest it can be.  This has all been such a crazy journey and there are certainly days when I am so fricken pissed at the weakness and frailty I feel. But if any of you know me you know I am one stubborn lady and as long as there is something left for me to do to try to improve I will keep fighting and working towards that. 

So here we go...I'll see ya on the other side.