Waiting...

Right now, I don't agree with Andy Warhol, waiting is not making this experience more exciting. It has been awhile since I posted last.

Not much has happened, but let me catch you up.

I was on FMLA leave from November 17 – February 8, 2009, after being hospitalized for ten days and diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. After five weeks in New York, my father and I returned to Florida. On January 20, I met with my cardiologist who recommended returning to work part-time. Unfortunately, the City of Jacksonville does not offer benefits for part-time employees. After reviewing my options on January 27 with my supervisor, I applied for Leave without Pay for three months (February 9 – May 1, 2009).

My cardiologist supported this action.

Currently, the medication I am taking has stabilized my blood pressure and heart rate, but I am not able to exert myself without having increased heart rate, weakness, and extreme fatigue. I also have decreased stamina and low endurance for any activity. The medications are also (supposed to be) strengthening my heart, but their effect will not be measured until March (three months from start of treatment).

In order to maximize my recovery, to ensure my return to my full-time position, and most of all, to guarantee my long-term health, I decided to request this additional leave.

I am scheduled for an echo-cardiogram on March 17 and a follow up with my cardiologist on March 24. This test and appointment will determine, for the first time since my hospitalization, if my heart function has improved. The echo-cardiogram is typically administered three months after starting pharmaceutical treatment. It will measure my “ejection fraction” - the amount of blood exiting my heart to the rest of my body. During my hospital stay in November, my ejection fraction was dangerously low at 10%. If my ejection rate does not improve by March 17, I will be referred to a doctor specializing in pacemaker/defibrillators. This, of course, may required heart surgery. Following this additional leave, I hope to return to work full-time.

Meanwhile...

My father stayed with me in Florida until March 18.

Now he is enjoying the snow in New York (haha).

My mother and father will return in March.

My father and I visited Silver Springs, Florida and rode in a glass-bottom boat.

I visited Catsby at 11E - his new mom is taking great care of him.

My father and I enjoyed the Super Bowl with Sandy and her family.

I have been taking a lot of photos of things around me.

My father and I discovered the joy of flea/farmers markets!

The Cultural Council invited me to a Valentines Day Tea Party at Cozy Tea in Five Points.

Most recently, Pops and I explored Timucuan Ecological and History Preserve.

Look for a post following my March 24th appointment.