2023 in review

Looking back at all that has happened this past year.

2023 was A LOT.

Through it all, though, we were blessed in many ways - healing, progress toward "normal", meals and gift cards provided, help from friends, and new friendships developed.

We are very grateful, even if we are glad 2023 is in the rearview mirror.

October 2022 - my Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) flared which also caused eye inflammation and increased steroid usage, changes in medications to treat my TAK, frequent visits to the Eye Center at Rush, medical testing, frequent blood work, steroid tapering, and having to quit my job.

December 25th, 2022 - found out that I would need to have my aortic valve surgically repaired

January 10th, 2023- initial visit with the cardio-thoracic surgery team and was told I wouldn't be a candidate for valve replacement until my steroid dose was at 5mg of prednisone.

January 19th - angiogram

July 14th - sinus surgery for epistaxis

July 25th - open heart surgery, which resulted in re-intubation, tracheotomy, multiple attempts at a feeding tube, severe anxiety, and a paralyzed vocal chord

August 28th -discharged from the ICU and transferred to an acute care/respiratory hospital

September 19th -transferred to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

October 8th -discharged from Inpatient Rehab to HOME!

October 10th - started Day Rehab (PT, OT, Speech, Psychology, Vocational Rehab and Nurse/Nurse Practioner)

November 8th - vocal cord injection

December 8th - tested positive for COVID

December 12th - received my return-to-drive order

December 22nd -discharged, or as I prefer to say "graduated", from Day Rehab

(also, this was the last day for my fabulous Family Nurse Practioner - she was such a kind, smart, caring individual who was an invaluable part of my medical team. I will start seeing a new Primary Care Doctor next week).

Things that have been resolved:

• fully functional tissue heart valve

• physical rehab

• ventilator weaning

• tracheotomy removed

• G/J tube removed

• wound healing

• received phycology services for anxiety, and now feel back to normal

• increased stamina

• ability to walk on my own

• increased ability to vocalize

Residual effects of surgery and being bedridden that we are still working to resolve:

• slightly enlarged left ventricle of my heart

• decreased physical strength and stamina - I am not using any devices in the house, and use a single point cane when I leave home

• residual GI issues

• minor pulmonary issues, including implementing a CPAP machine

• missing fingernails

• thinned out hair

• vertigo

• catching up on missed "normal"/preventative care: colonoscopy, mammogram, vaccines, etc.

• impaired voice/vocal production from the paralyzed vocal cord. The Nov. 8th vocal cord injection is temporary and will be re-evaluated in the coming months.

• follow up appointments with a variety of specialists