Faith, Family and Friends
By Kimberly A. Goodloe, AHA Heart Valve Ambassador
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an Outcast saying, ‘This is Zion, who no man seeketh after.’ — Jeremiah 30:17
I was born with an abnormal heart valve. We were told I would need a replacement. Two weeks before my first surgery, Feb. 12, 2009, I experienced shortness of breath; I knew something didn’t feel right. I made an appointment with the doctor, a test was ordered, and my surgery date was scheduled. I contacted my family and friends and began to pray and focus on what was about to happen in my life.
A blockage occurred after the first surgery. Then I received a pacemaker during my second surgery, Feb. 16, 2009. My third surgery, pacemaker revision (outpatient procedure), took place June 23, 2010. My fourth (outpatient procedure) was Dec. 21, 2015, when I received new batteries in my pacemaker.
Before my first surgery, I contacted my family members, pastor and church family, employer, co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc. My strong support system provided prayers, phone calls, flowers, books, beautiful cards, hospital visits, home visits and meals. It was important to have support for my husband and children. While my husband and I discussed the surgical procedure with our children, it was necessary to continue providing a secure and stable environment. The door is always open anytime for the kids to come to us with any questions or concerns.
The valve replacement surgery was successful — then I developed the blockage. The doctors notified my husband that I would need a pacemaker to help my heart function. The second procedure took place four days after the first. We prayed with the chaplain before the heart valve procedure. I also received visits from the chaplain, at my request, while I was hospitalized for 11 days.
My faith in God and support from others continue to play a major role in my healing process. I know that God loves me and promised never to leave me alone. He helped me get through this test.
Acceptance is also crucial during the recovery stage. Not living in denial but accepting the daily challenges occurring inside my body: Coping with breathing issues daily, living with a pacemaker, taking warfarin for the rest of my life, dealing with the discomfort in my chest, etc., empowered me to move forward. Where does my help come from? Believing and trusting God with my life. I know without a doubt that God is a healer.
My relationship with my husband is even stronger. We were married in 1993 and promised to love each other unconditionally. He continues to provide emotional, physical, mental and spiritual support. While I was recovering, he helped the kids with their homework, made daily trips to the grocery store, ironed the kids’ clothes, worked hard every day and spent quality time with me. I thank God for my soulmate.
When I returned home from the hospital on Feb. 23, 2009, my 10-year-old son quietly walked in my bedroom and prayed by my side every night. It was very important for him to thank God for healing his mother. When my 7-year-old daughter saw the scar on my chest, which was the incision from heart surgery, it made her very uncomfortable. She thought I was in pain. I spoke to the school counselor about the issue. My daughter touched the scar and saw that I wasn’t in pain. I’m happy to say my daughter is now comfortable with the scar.
We continue to keep the lines of communication open in our home. It’s very important for our children to express their feelings. I continue to pray for my husband and children. We are determined to face any obstacles together with God’s guidance.
Through faith, family and friends, I’m able to face each day and know within my heart that God continues to bless me and my family. Every day is a gift from God.
O Give Thanks unto the Lord for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. — Psalm 107:1