Overcoming Congestive Heart Failure: My Journey

On By D.A. Roberts - AuthorIn Health Update, Ramblings, Uncategorized, Writer's Ramblings

Hey y’all,

It’s been a while since I updated the blog or talked about my journey. I need to do better about all of my writing projects. I’m in the process of adding a few folks to the mix who will help keep things updated and projects going smoothly. It’s been mostly me, on my own, doing all of this and it’s taxing. Especially since I’ve had some pretty serious health issues.

Back in November, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and they were pretty concerned. I was hospitalized for about a week while they sorted through some things and ran tests. Turns out, while I do have CHF, there was ZERO underlying heart disease. No blockages in any of my arteries and no major damage to the heart, itself. Then the head scratching began. They weren’t quite sure why I had CHF.

Then they began looking at something I’ve had for years. It’s called a “Left Side Bundle Branch Blockage.” Yeah, I know, it sounds like a mouthful, but it’s really not that bad. It just means that the left side of my heart has an electrical imbalance causing it to not fire properly. They decided that had to be the issue and are now planning on placing an internal defibrillator in my chest. Not only will it prevent me from going into AFIB, it’ll also correct that bundle branch blockage.

The good news is, the surgeon believes this will correct the issues and in time, I’ll return to normal. The not so great part is the surgery and the recovery time. I don’t know how it will effect my writing or even how I live my life. I know, long-term, it’s for the best. In the interim, it’s gonna kinda suck. But, for those of you familiar with my writing, you know I’m gonna pull a Margolin and just “Embrace the Suck.” That’s all I can do.

So, that’s where I’m at in a nutshell. Still struggling with the weight but that should get easier once I recover. Having that in place should help with the other issues I’ve been struggling with. That and eating better along with regular exercise. I know, I need to focus up and get this done. My family is counting on me and a lot of folks are looking forward to more books. I’ll keep them coming as long as the good Lord lets me. I’m a writer, after all. That’ll never change.

So, if y’all are inclined on or around the 19th of this month, I’d sure appreciate the prayers and good vibes or whatever positive energy you want to send my way. Yeah, I’m a bit nervous… but we’ll get through it. I just have to keep reminding myself to “Embrace the Suck.”

Thank you all and bless each and every one of you. You’re the best.

DA

17 thoughts on “Overcoming Congestive Heart Failure: My Journey”

  2. Daniel Boyd's avatar Daniel Boyd

    D.A. I had no idea. My man prayers for you and your family for sure. I tried texting you after my phone quit . Lots of the saved numbers are not associated with the correct people any longer. So, I chalked the no response up to that. For that I apologize. My number is the same. Call or text me. I’d love to visit with you sometime soon. If not. Then maybe after your recovery. But please text me so I can grab your number. If I can do anything please don’t hesitate to ask. You are a friend. I believe you always had my back brother. I don’t have many. You are one of the few.

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  3. Grace Hamilton's avatar Grace Hamilton

    My daughter has right side same as you.she’s had it over thirty years now and a hole in the heart a small one only time she got ill was catching covid ,so you will be ok.Get well soon

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  4. gregory allen hannah's avatar gregory allen hannah

    DA, we are all pulling for you. I will say a prayer for you. Hopefully, you will be better than ever. Best wishes and Enjoy Independence Day.

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  5. Janie's avatar Janie

    Good morning sir! Prayers and love to you and your family. You stay positive keep your faith that GOD is with you and stay strong. Please keep us informed on your progress. I will keep you in my thoughts!

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  9. Doctr07's avatar Doctr07

    D.A.,

    I had a defibrillator implanted about 6 months ago. The surgery was not bad at all and recovery was fairly quick. I have had no problems with it and (Knock on wood) have not had it go off and shock me yet. I am one who likes to work out, split wood and do other work out doors and I am having no problems doing all the active things I like to do. The biggest problem I had was behaving myself while I was healing so as not to dislocate the lead to my heart.

    I will keep you in my prayers and hope your experience is similar to mine. If you have other questions feel free to reach out to me, I’m happy to help.

    Tim Fine

    timfine@msn.com

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