Another Update
I had an EP study done today. This is where they put a catheter into the heart through the femoral vein and stimulate it in a controlled setting to see what arrhythmias are generated. There was a tiny bit of hope that maybe I really had SVT (they didn’t think so, but wanted to entirely rule out) which could be ablated. Unfortunately, I had VT again. The cardiologist described it as “easily induced and harder to stop” though they stopped it with a pulse type of electricity called ATP and didn’t have to cardiovert. I was mostly out of it for all of that thank goodness (twilight kind of anesthesia which worked well!).
Because of my likely diagnosis, ablation isn’t a good option (partly bc the issue is more with the epicardium than the inside of the heart I think?) so they stopped the study after that, which was the plan. However, because the arrhythmia was fairly stubborn and not that hard to trigger I need an implanted defibrillator which I am getting tomorrow. It will be an S-ICD for anyone familiar with these things (trust me, I was not) which kind of looks like a box under the armpit.
(I cannot believe I am writing this as someone with a medically very boring life until 5 days ago.)
THEN hopefully home!! Mayyyyybe tomorrow night but more likely Sat am since the surgery is later in the day. My plan is to have a pretty relaxed week next week recovering and then back to work the week after (I have been told I should feel pretty good by then!).
This cath study fits with the working diagnosis of ARVD that I talked about yesterday. I’m hoping to also get an expert consult on all of this at a center that does a lot of it, just to be 100% sure of everything. But the cardiologists were pretty clear that I should not wait to get the defibrillator put in, so that will be step one.
Everyone in my life has been so amazingly kind and the comments here are so so nice. I am already scheming my Pilates and yoga lifestyle (I will need to swap my running shorts for cute yoga sets from Vuori and lulu, right? Obviously).
I definitely am alternating between really sad and just like “WTFFFF?!??!?!” and feeling grateful it was caught and things figured out so quickly. The nurses, doctors (including residents + fellows), everyone have been amazing.
Can’t wait to write the next post from home (imagine I might not post tomorrow bc I think I might be in some pain/out of it post-op so don’t worry if there isn’t one!).
72 Comments
I’ve been looking for updates all day. So sorry you’re going through this but also glad you’re getting the care you need. Sending lots of luck and good vibes your way for tomorrow’s surgery.
Not only should you embrace to yoga sets, I’d also argue it should be joint money and not your allowance since it’s a medically induced necessity 😉 I hope the procedure goes well and you are finally able to go home and rest (because hospitals are anything but restful).
Oh my goodness. This is a lot to process. Continuing to hold you in my thoughts. I’m so glad there’s a plan and I am so sad for you for what this means for your beloved running.
Ahhh. I’m just catching up. I’m so sorry! I am glad they feel confident and can provide you with an immediate solution to help. Praying that your surgery goes well tomorrow. And you absolutely need some new sets!
Long time BOBW listener and blog reader but first time commenter (although I did email once!) – you inspired me to start running at 39, although significantly more slowly, and that led me to my first two marathons last year at 40. I silently cheered you on as you recovered from the car injury and eventually got that BQ. I always have in the back of my mind that I’m one injury away from going back to the Pilates and yoga life. I lived it once and it’s pretty fantastic too, but I also know the grief over running must be significant. You continue to inspire me with your amazing attitude and I am sending all the good vibes and healing energy your way. I’ll keep sending them when you head home and I’m guessing shed more than a few tears over your Asics. Wishing you an easy surgery and recovery and I am looking forward to following your Pilates journey!
My heart is so heavy on your behalf. This is a lot to process. I feel like I would need a lot of therapy to process a life-changing dx like this. You will rock the Pilates and yoga lifestyle but I know that losing the ability to run is going to something to grieve.
I’m sending you all the good thoughts that your procedure goes well tomorrow!! You have a huge community of people thinking of/praying for you!!
I echo the other comments that your perspective is inspiring and my heart is heavy for you knowing how much you love to run. Thinking of you.
I cannot believe that you are writing this as someone with a medically boring life 5 days ago either…but I am just happy that they can get the defib in and that you will be home soon!!!
I don’t know what most of this post means, but I think it means you got some answers (even though not the ones you wanted) and I think it means you have the defibrillator implanted and can go home. Those are good things. The shock of a major event like this must be hard to process. Josh does heart surgery right? Have you been able to leverage his knowledge and connections here? I’m so so so glad you were in a controlled environment when this all first happened. Imagine if you weren’t at a race with trained medical staff? Or weren’t as health conscious and fit as you are? I don’t even want to think about it. In glad you have some answers and I’m be praying for your peace and quick recovery after the procedure.
Also yes to Pilates yoga and whatever else you can do!! Pickleball maybe?! You will find a new passion but allow yourself to grieve. Running is a healthy addiction but maybe you can pivot one of your typical run days into a walk day with your friends. I’m sure they would do it! And if not Amanda is always game for long walks 🙂
Very true!! 😉
I’m so sorry this happened to you and I’m so glad you are ok. My heart has been heavy for you since you shared the news. It must be a lot to process and it sounds like you’re taking in one day at a time and listening to what you need. Know that this community is sending you all the healing thoughts and prayers and that we’re cheering you on as you figure out what this means for you.
Hey Sarah, prayers and best wishes for your surgery. Please focus on your recovery next week. We all want you to get better fast so don’t feel the pressure to keep writing until you have the strength.. everyone will understand if you don’t for few days. Right now your family needs you… and moreover YOU NEED YOU!
TC
I’m am sorry you didn’t get better news today. I hope the surgery goes well and you are home soon. Cute yoga clothes can cure so many things!
Long time reader. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but also very happy you immediately sought medical attention, got treatment and survived. A friend passed away about a year ago during a race from a heart event (undiagnosed, out of nowhere) and it has been devastating for his family. Wishing you all the best as you progress and I can see you loving yoga!
Usha Tedrow (BWH) is my electrophysiologist and is wonderful. It’s far away but just to put it out there I’m happy to reach out. I am very sorry that you are going through this and wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery.
I’m so glad that you are able to get some answers on this, what a scary few days! As someone who designs ICDs for a living, it is always interesting to read people’s experiences. Thank you for sharing your story.
Also – amazingly perfect pop culture happy hour – terrible but bingeable tv. Maybe just what the doctor ordered? I thought of you when I saw it.
I wondered if there was a box in your future. I could talk yoga all day. Hang in there. If you ever need to commiserate over the running breakup, I can relate. Hoping for quick healing and a soon discharge.
Sending best wishes for tomorrow and recovery.
I’m so glad that you are able to get some answers on this, what a scary few days! As someone who designs ICDs for a living, it is always interesting to read people’s experiences. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sarah, wishing you well tomorrow with minimal pain and a speedy return home. You are in my thoughts. Sarah
Sending so much love and prayers that tomorrow goes smoothly and you get to go home!
Hang in there. So happy to hear there’s something to be done about the situation even before 100% diagnosis. Refuah Shlema bi’mhera, wishing you a full and speedy recovery, in both body and mind, because going through such an experience all of the sudden is tough on both aspects.
Sending you best wishes for your surgery and recovery. ❤️🩹
I reckon you’ll also be able to do some lifting too!
I’m so sorry but also so glad they caught it early.
I think an investment in Lulu lemon leggings (and matching sets) should be part of the post-op plan. Something buttery soft while you’re recovering physically and emotionally. Thinking of you!
I cannot believe you are writing this either! So sorry you are going through this. Sending lots of love and best wishes. Hope all goes well and you’ll be home soon. Xx
Thanks for sharing with us sarah the update. You know I have you in mind all the time these days. You are handling it with grace elegance and humor. I like that you can see the other side of the coin, that you caught it on time and got help. that’s the way to go! Maybe in 5-10 years, you’ll see this moment a pivotal one for your and the family for good reasons. That’s what I always try to do when faced unexpected situations.
Sarah, I hope everything goes well with the surgery and that you get to finally go home.
Take your time to rest, process and adjust.
An upside of yoga and pilates is that they’re done barefoot, do it will free up your running shoes budget.
But really take your time, it’s hard when your favourite activity is taken from you.
Wishing you good health ❤️🩹
Just want you to know you and your family continue to be in my thoughts; I’m sending all the positive wishes for an easy surgery and recovery today. I ABSOLUTELY think you need all the cute pilates / yoga sets AND a new planner; definitely time for fresh slate to the new year (in addition to allowing yourself lots of space & therapy to grieve). As another commenter said – I second that this should not come from your personal allowance – lol.
It’s just nuts how things can change so quickly in life. I can’t imagine having to process what all of this means for the rest of your life especially – of course – running. Although, on the plus side, it sounds like you now have a permanent out for roller coasters 😉 And I’ll add a three cheers for modern medicine. It’s absolutely amazing what we can do to help people continue to live healthy lives even with very serious conditions.
Best wishes to you on the surgery and recovery.
Sara- I echo the wishes for a successful procedure and quick recovery. Also, how considerate of you to update us (who consider you a friend but don’t actually know you!). Others might just retreat. Thank you.
I am glad to hear that at least you will be headed home soon. It is much easier to rest and recover at home. I hope your ICD placement goes smoothly.
My first job out of college was in pharmaceutical and device PR and one of my clients was an ICD manufacturer. I saw one recently and was amazed by how tiny they have gotten!
So many good wishes for the surgery!
Good luck with the surgery. Wow, this is so much, I can’t imagine how you are processing all of this all at once. The yoga world will be happy to welcome you, that’s for sure. And yes, lulu has a lot of adorable yoga outfits. Not that this is the point. But sometimes a cute outfit is just nice.
Sarah sending you healing thoughts and wishes for a successful, smooth procedure and a very easy and quick recovery, and for you to be home soon! I absolutely support getting a new yoga/pilates wardrobe.
Oh my goodness, Sarah. I have been reading your blog for many years and don’t comment often but wanted to offer my good wishes. You are having a heck of a week, but I am so glad to hear you have gotten fast and thorough care. As someone who has been through some extremely intense, life threatening, life altering medical experiences, let me put a plug in for therapy (when you’re feeling up for it and if that is your jam). This is all so much to process and sometimes those “holy ****” feelings can hit a little later, even (especially) when you are feeling extremely grateful to just…be alive.
Thinking all of the positive thoughts for your procedure today and hoping you are sleeping in your own bed very soon!
Yes, you’ve got a lot to process right now. I mean- a week ago you were getting ready to run a race and had absolutely no idea anything was wrong, which seems so, so crazy. Good luck with the surgery today, and I hope you can go home tomorrow!!!
Moving forward… I know it’s going to take a while. I know you’ll be grieving the loss of running. Just like any other loss- you don’t get over it, but you get used to it. You were already living a very full life- so subtracting one thing, even one that you love, won’t wreck it. And- it’s a big world. Lots of new things to explore, and lots of new yoga clothes to buy ; )
This is all so hard and you are handling it with so much grace. Please know that you make a difference to so many lives. I look forward to the weekdays (2-3 times week) when I am able to pull up your posts and enjoy them with a snack – it is like a ray of sunshine in my workday. Take care and all the very best for the procedure and recovery.
Wow, Sarah, this is A LOT. Thank goodness for medical technology and a great health team. Your posts sound so positive and matter of fact, and I admire you so much for getting through this with so much grace and courage. Sending you continued strength and love from my corner of the internet.
Best wishes for the surgery! You are handling it with a ton of grace!
I’m also a long term reader and infrequent commenter (although I’m in the BOBW Patreon, and I recall emailing back and forth about our college RA experiences :). Sending you good thoughts for a successful and pain-free surgery and recovery, with time to heal and process all of this thereafter. I’m sure it’s helpful to have your strong medical background to communicate with your care team, but it is also in a different speciality (with SO MANY acronyms). When my husband had some cardiac issues several years back, we did a virtual consult with the Cleveland Clinic that was worth every out of pocket cent that we paid them. At times like this, it is important to let life whizz by for a while to focus on getting better. Rest up and let us know how you are feeling when you feel up to it. Beth C.
Sarah! I just popped on to reference show notes from this week and saw your blog posts. My gosh I had no idea. Sending healing thoughts your way!!
~(long time listener) Gina
Sara, we are thinking of you and sending you big love. Hoping you get all the answers and have complete healing.
Good luck in surgery and sending you healing vibes Sarah! It’s been surreal to read your updates this week after following your blog for so long – I hope you get answers and good care and are on the road to recovery!
Good luck with surgery today and with all the next steps to come. So much gratitude for you sharing with us, all your best internet pals :), I always learn a lot from your thoughtful daily perspective on life and things.
Sarah – I’m so sorry you’re going through this but so grateful that it was caught in time and that when you had your emergency there were professionals there who could help you. It really seems like a miracle. I know running is a part of your identity and that giving it up will be extremely difficult, but you are all about reinvention – your entire non-medical career is about finding and developing parts of yourself that you didn’t know could produce this much excitement and fulfillment. You are flexible and inventive and generally wonderful and I’m excited to see what you come up with (which I’m sure will inspire others, like you have with all your other adventures).
Sarah, thinking of you and sending you & your family all the love as you’re navigating this. Echoing everyone else when I say your attitude and outlook are inspiring – really appreciate you sharing with us.
Sending all the love and prayers and wishes your way.
If indeed your running days are behind you — well, you are a runner who BQed! I second the idea of therapy down the road to try to process things, if at some point in the future you feel like it could be helpful. I triple (quadruple?) the idea that all yoga/pilates classes and outfits costs should come from family money rather than allowance: medical necessity!
Most of all, I just want to chime in on the gratitude that you are still alive. Between that car accident two Decembers ago and this incident, it’s just so clear that our lives can change at any moment. We’re lucky to be here, all of us, and I am so, so grateful for you!
Just like everything else you do, you got this!!! Already thinking about Pilates and yoga- you are amazing! Prayers from CT – love, Kate
You are loved and you are probably realizing that during these times. Sarah, I know you will be able to carry out your routines as graciously as you have so far. With or without runs as part of your daily routine, you’ll find ways to stay active and I’m sure you will fall in love with whatever other activity you pick if running is not recommended for now.
I hope you got to sleep in your own bed last night! I’m taking the dog for a long walk this morning and then planning to do some yoga, reading, and work on my grant. I know you will be able to find joy in things like that too. Thinking about you! You are an inspiration!
My goodness – I get behind on my blogs and wow! I’m so glad that this happened at a race and that you have gotten a diagnosis and treatment. I know there will be a lot of grief about running but it’s so good that they discovered this and have an effective treatment plan. Best wishes and speedy recovery!
Sending love your way. What a roller coaster of a week! I hope you’ve made it home. I trust you have what you need in any case and I’m sure your family will take good care of you as you recover!
Wow, Sarah, what a turn of events in your life, I am so sorry you’re dealing with all this. Does this mean you shouldn’t run anymore? Oof. That’s some news to process… but I like your positive attitude and I am very thankful you’ve got a diagnosis and path forward so quickly. I wish you all the best for the surgery!
Thinking of you and wishing you all the best as you recover. You may want to take some extra time to recoup rather than jumping back into busy life. SO glad this happened at a race and you were proactive about seeking medical care. Hoping that you are feeling as good as possible post op.
Thinking of you and sending the best wishes for a smooth day tomorrow!!!
Wow, this experience must be a lot, and it sounds like you’re handling it with impressive fortitude and grace. Best wishes in your recovery from surgery and adjusting to whatever changes lie ahead.
Man, it’s been a couple of weeks since I checked the blog and was so surprised to see all this! I’m so glad you had access to good care right away and you’ve been able to get answers quickly. I imagine it’s a lot to take in. I hope you can get home soon!
Nurse Practitioner here–sent over by Jenny to check in on you, lol. And how scary your whole journey has been! Because we medical folks aren’t’ supposed to get sick! It sounds like the defibrillator will be a good option; hopefully provide you with some reassurance. I’m so glad that you have answers; not glad that you have an arrhythmia.
Wow, what an incredible experience to go through, and talk about life-changing. I’m so, so glad your condition was caught and can be treated–you are such a treasure to us as well as your family. I know your head must be spinning, but I hope that you’ll be able to tackle the coming changes with your typical positive attitude. And YES to cute new clothes to suit your new fitness lifestyle!
Still thinking of you Sarah – I hope the ICD placement went well. I’m also glad that you’ve been getting good care in the hospital. Obviously no one wants an ICD, but I’m sure it will be reassuring to know that you’ll be protected in the case of going into VT again. No matter what this looks like for your exercise routine in the future I know you’ll make the most of whatever options you have!
Haven’t listening to the pod in a few weeks but thought I’d check in on the blog on this rainy Sunday morning. Holy moly, what a shock to see that you’re in the hospital! Your experience at the race sounds very unnerving, and I’m glad you were able to get immediate medical attention. I’m hoping you’ll get a firm diagnosis and get discharged soon. ❤️ I appreciate that the content you put out is consistently real, factual and positive, so thank you.
I don’t think I’ve ever commented before but I am a longtime listener (and I found your blog through your podcast), so I feel such a connection to you in a way that I realize is entirely one-sided and parasocial. I was shocked to read about your recent medical event and I am so glad that as a physician you realized something was wrong and quickly received medical attention!! What a terrifying experience you’ve been through – it must be overwhelming. I am so glad you are OK, and that there is a plan in place. I will be praying for your continued recovery!!
Hoping all went well with surgery on Friday and that you got to go home and recovering well. So much to process and a long way ahead, but I’ve got no doubt your resilience will get you through. You’re an inspiration to so many of us. Thinking of you
Maybe you overdo it when it comes to exercise and that put added strain on your heart? It happens often to people who seem to be in the best shape. I’m surprised you immediately are concerned with what will replace it. And having to stop to get pregnant seems like a sign, too. Do just rest let your body heal. Thanks for sharing; it’s a wake up call for anyone really.
Dear Sarah,
I am a silent reader from Munich since many years. I was in shock reading your posts. I think of you and send you love. I hope that our messages lift your spirit at least a little.
Gema
oh my golly gosh, I had to google most of that post but it sounds serious and I’m glad they are able to treat you with the ICD 🙂 Wishing you a steady recovery and good rest.
So sorry you are going through this! SO grateful you were somewhere where you could get medical attention right away! Praying for you and LOVE BLS ❤️ As someone who feel in love with running in her 20s I know the pain of the loss you feel from this identity shift but you will channel that energy somewhere new!
[…] when I was thinking about SHU so much and all that she’s been through with her very real health crisis), but now I’m pretty sure it was something […]