Simple Christmas

Simple: not complicated; not demanding; manageable.

I can say, with a grateful heart, that my Christmas this year was simple. Simple in the ways listed above. On this side of heaven it will never be “simple” in the way of easy; painless; or absent of grief. I will always long for that first Christmas morning with my own little girl. And all the other times I will continue to grieve this side of heaven.

However, her name, Lucy, was spoken. Her name was written on packages, in the “From” and “To” spots along with mine. Her ornaments were hung along with all the others. She was remembered and held close. I could not ask for more.

Christmas this year was small and simple. My brother and his family, my parents, and me. A Very, Very good Christmas Indeed!

As I sit down to write today, my nephew is in the other room snacking and playing, after an impromptu sleepover last night. This feels my heart with joy!

I personally have had quite an eventful two weeks health wise.

This time of year has always brought its own stock pile of Clorox and distancing measures, well before Covid hit the US. In our house, our motto is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, because if we do get sick then the motto is the best place is home to recover! (Especially when there is a IV Fluid shortage!!!!) We have had our ER visits though, and they are needful when nothing else is working! Thank you to all medical workers!!!!

Going back two weeks though… I have two blood disorders, keeping it short for today, the most basic thing I have to keep watch on every 12 weeks is my ferritin. Well it likes to take a dive well below 50 every so often (about once a year), and when it does it dives quick. Iron oral supplements no longer work, so IV ferritin it is. These take about four to five hours depending on what my heart rate/blood pressure are in the mood for that day. This day, they decided they would just take a ride on the high side and scare everybody- not cool. So had to wait it out to slow down.

Fortunately, the next day, where had I been referred to? A cardiologist. Let me preface this with I have always had a rapid heart rate, it comes with a lot of asthma nebulizer/inhaler medications. So I haven’t really ever noticed how fast my heart is beating- although I get a really weird looks from many nurses when I say this. However, I am about to turn 37, so it’s a valid referral for my primary care doctor to place. So off to the cardiologist. Who was absolutely wonderful and I walked out with very happy tears, because he heard and listened and was AWESOME! (if you need a recommendation – let me know!)

I have multiple diagnosis’ and the all effect one another, for the most part more cons than pros. Same with the medications that manage each diagnosis. Every time a new medication is prescribed, or even over the counter, it has to be monitored and it’s key that someone else monitors it with me (aka my mom and dad). So my new cardiologist orders an ECHO and prescribed a low dose medication to help with the high heart rate.

Now, let me preface this paragraph with this note: I should have considered I had gotten a pretty large amount of ferritin by IV the day before, and should have maybe waited a few days to let that soak in before beginning something new. Actually, I absolutely should have waited. So let this be a lesson – always follow your doctor’s lead!!!! And ask questions!!!! Because I almost had a scare that could have been bad- BUT I knew what was happening and my mom was close by! I got really weak and didn’t end up passing out like I thought I was going to- but got close. Life lesson #1 – Know the signs of any symptoms! For years I have known the symptoms of high and low heart rate, high and low blood pressure- for myself, my family, my paw-paw especially because he had multiple heart diagnosis. Life lesson #2 – if your doctors use MyChart or any type of digital charts/email, learn how to use it! I sent a message as soon as this happened and his nurse send me a message right back- actually messaged me multiple times that day! Now I am back on track – adjusting to the medicine – and feeling pretty good. It’s actually a kind of funny feeling to have a slower heart beat when I have always known a fast one😊.

Then this past Monday, I had my ECHO. What a gift to hear the movement and interworking of a heart, during the season of Advent.

I am really hoping all of you who are reading this, had a lot or even a little of a simple Christmas this year. Glimpses of the extraordinary in the ordinary!

Write you next year!

Life Book of the Week: Hurry, Hurry, Have you Heard?, by Laura Melmed