The Heart Gene

Just a Creative Lady with a Surprise Cardiac Hiccup.

[theheartgene]

The Surgery...Part 2

The Surgery…Part 2

“Chelsea? How are you feeling? Surgery is done, you’re in the recovery room.” he said.

I was bleary for a half second before jolted forward and stated with awe, “I’m alive.”

I was so affected by this realization that the nurse had to physically lay their hand on my shoulder, (the no-defib side), and push me back down gently.

“Hey there, you need to rest. Lie down – you’re still in recovery.” He…

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[theheartgene]

The Surgery... Part 1

The Surgery… Part 1

Image above – Photographer: Tanner Berquist, SFX Makeup: Brooke Warrington, Model: Chelsea Alice

~

*Ring Ring*

“Hello?” I answer my phone.

“Hi Chelsea, this is one of your cardiac nurses. I was calling to see if you would be willing to do your surgery a day early? So it would be tomorrow.” She asked.

“Uhhhhh….no.” I stuttered. “Listen, my family are coming with me and they booked the 5th off work…

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[theheartgene]

One Week Until Surgery...

One Week Until Surgery…

  A fabulous photo from my friend Chad Wiseman, who expertly captured my every emotion in this journey so far.

To say that the waiting period has been difficult is actually an understatement. I tried to enjoy being grateful for what I have, what I do, and who I’m with….

But the challenges I’ve faced recently haven’t been related to my heart for the most part….Here’s a quick summary.

~

“Bye Mom &…

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[theheartgene]

Scheduling Surgery...

Scheduling Surgery…

Based on the title it’s assumed what the content of this blog is, but first I would like to address a couple of things.

First, thank you to everyone for reaching out to me. It means so much. I’ve had great conversations with so many of you supporting me and offering help in any way possible. I have such a great support system because of you.

Secondly, I just want to thank the entire team of…

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[theheartgene]

Sudden Changes...

Sudden Changes…

Mom and I walked into the hospital for the first year follow up with my cardiologist. On the inside I was preparing for the worst. On the outside I looked highly optimistic.

For a moment I sat there grateful, because I didn’t have to walk into this appointment alone. Thanks Ma.

~

“Any fainting, dizziness or palpitations?” he asked

“Nothing that doesn’t have a detectable cause. If I get dizzy that…

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[theheartgene]

One Year...

One Year…

May 18 came and went rather uneventfully. Just another day of work, this time with a Diploma attached to my name. I had almost forgotten it was the 1st year anniversary of the test results.

To be quite honest nothing has really changed in my life, not negatively anyway. I moved forward with gusto. I graduated from my program for Costume Cutting & Construction, as well as completeing my first…

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[theheartgene]

Life Goes On...

Life Goes On…

And so it did! Life went on. I started a new job that I love, specializing in what I was trained for in college. My friends and family treat me normally. Sometimes the topic comes up, but not so often it’s suffocating. Just enough to feel supported by a network of people that care about me. Thanks guys. My Defibrillator is heavy on my back sometimes. When I want to just grab my wallet and go…

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[theheartgene]

History Meets Statistics

At this point a lot of people may not understand where all of this came from. The sudden test results and family history seemed to sprout out of a garden that never seemed to hang out in my backyard. There was a reason for that. I only told those closest to me that needed to know. Whether there was an appointment I had to go to instead of an event etc. Even then I hesitated. This disorder is so…

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[theheartgene]

Final Answers

“Chelsea!” Exclaimed Mom over the phone. “Your cardiologist’s secretary called me back, they just had a cancellation and can squeeze you in tomorrow. Can you make it?” *visual of me slaving over an important project due this week* “Tomorrow? That’s so fast! Of course! Send me the info.” I enthusiastically respond. -Hangs Up- *looks at project* *exaggeratedly sighs* #mylife – I clutched my…

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[theheartgene]

Shopping for an Automated External Defibrillator

Shopping for an Automated External Defibrillator

Disclaimer: This is not an ad. This is my personal experience and decision that I’m sharing so it may help others in the same decision making process. “So, it talks me through everything?” “Yes! Just press the power button and it will talk through every detail like cutting the clothes, opening the pad holder etc.” “Awesome.” I responded. Mom and I were at St. John Ambulance, ready to buy the…

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[theheartgene]

A New Normal... 

A New Normal… 

“Mom, is 145 too high of a heart rate?” I only mildly panic… “That seems high to me. Call Alberta Health Link.” *Ring Ring* “Hi, I have a couple of questions…” Insert kind of calm explanation of gene and symptoms here. “Should I be concerned?” “We recommend you head to emergency immediately, in fact, call 911 for an ambulance. Right now.” “Are you serious?” I reply in a dead pan tone. “Yes,…

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[theheartgene]

First Appointment

Tears welled in my eyes as we drove to the hospital. I sniffled them back and tried to hold my composure. Sometimes I feel like I grew up in hospitals. My Dad, the carrier of the gene I received, was constantly getting checked, upgraded, opened up, you name it. The smell of antiseptics weren’t frightening at all. They became comforting over time, safe. My naive youthful mind always wondered if I…

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[theheartgene]

Only a week has passed since I received the news. So much has happened in such a small time, for me it felt like forever. I’m not going to lie. Despite my written optimism I’m completel…

Update and Announcement of sorts.

[theheartgene]

In my Facebook post yesterday I had shared the days plans. Get the call, go from there, move on, be strong. Let me change it to what I was really thinking. Get the call, rejoice for a negative, cel…

This is where the journey begins. I’m making my story public in hopes others may need it.