04/27/2023
An Update & A “Thank You” 💓
The Bad - 4/18/23 - What started as a morning doctor’s visit, ended with a rushed 🚑 ride from St Clair to Detroit. A CAT scan revealed why I felt so exhausted and fatigued. There was fluid built up around my ♥️ and 🫁, and a pulmonary embolism in my ♥️. I moved into Cardiac ICU that afternoon as only 15% of my heart was working to pump 🩸. I was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy; heart failure caused by pregnancy. I’ve never felt the gut wrenching sensation of knowing I might die. It was the scariest day of my life. 💔 Even with family who love me, I felt alone. I remember asking the ER doc if I was going to die - I don’t remember what she said, but the look in her eyes told me she didn’t know. 😔 I kept thinking to myself - I’ll be leaving Jimmy alone to care for our babies… this can’t be real.
The Good - I’m alive. ❤️🩹 Everyone who helped me that day and everyday I was in the hospital 🏥 was amazing. 💓 I’m lucky to have had so many compassionate individuals care for my well being. I’m currently home resting (with my loving family) after a week in the hospital. I wear a Life Vest 24/7 - it will shock my ❤️ if it happens to stop. I‘m on multiple medications and a strict diet. I’m grateful there are technological advances that I’m able to take advantage of.
The Unknown - There are so many aspects that are up in the air. 😓 I hope to be around for years to come, but only time will tell if my heart is able to heal. The docs say I’m unable to work. For at least a year, I have to take it easy, which means we might have to let our family restaurant business go. Jimmy and I have worked so tirelessly for several years keeping our “American Dream” alive. For us to have to possibly let go of our livelihood (after we survived covid) because of my condition is heartbreaking. 💔
🙏 There is no possible way to thank each and every one of you enough for your support, donations, and love. 🥰 I never thought I’d be in the position to have to ask for help. You just never know what life has planned… Special thank you to my Mother-in-law, Mom, & especially my loving life partner for keeping a smile on my face during such a scary time. I love you all. ❤️🩹