Since my last report to the bluegrassers and music fans, lots have happened. As you know, I have been preparing for a heart transplant and the workup on my body has turned out to be very good. All my organs are in great condition. The enlarged heart has possibly come from a virus in past years.
At first, we had a hard time finding an insurance company to cover the expenses involved in a transplant procedure, but we found one. It was recommended by the St. Lukes Heart Institute and it is a great plan. It is a Medicare replacement. It only works with 5 of the most horriffic diseases, heart disease being one of them. It is geared for taking care of all our needs and I have found it to be the one for me. It is Care Improvement Plus. They also offer preventative care for the whole body. Anyway, after that was placed in force, I was able to get on the heart transplant list on the 28th of December.
I am praying and I know that lots of you are too, I want my miracle, whether it be a transplanted heart or my own renewed, I am ready for whatever God has for me. I thank Him every day that I feel good and have my strength to undergo the procedures. Just today, January 30, I had another doctor's appointment and one more delay.....I was told on January 18th that my antibodies are at 71% and that that could be a factor in getting a match. Yes, it has been. They have rejected 3 hearts already. So, when they reject two, I have to be hospitalized in order for the transplant team to take the antibodies out of my blood in order to find a more perfect match. The antibodies are not really important as they are the ones a woman's body makes during pregnancy. And if there is anything foreign in our bodies, these antibodies are out to destroy it. So.....in order for my body not to reject the transplanted heart.....I need them gone and that is with medications. I will be in the hospital for 7 days. I am to go in this next Monday, February 4th. I am OK with this. My prayers are for the outcome to be beneficial and that a new heart is soon to be in place.
I have been here in Kansas City since August 2nd and I am so ready to go home all well. I did get to go home for Christmas and it was very joyous with the kids. My daughter-in-law, Crystal has been a great help for me. She and my two grandbabies have been with me all this time. I really enjoy the kids. Tyler is 4 years old and Austin is 6 months. We are having a lot of fun. Of course, Scott comes for a visit often and we are able to go out to eat. I am getting around great. I can shop, get my hair done, go to the park, and other things. Praise God.
The picture above is the kids in the grocery cart last week. We have leased a two bedroom, two bath condo really close to the hospital and we will not have far to go when it is needed. We are enjoying the extra room.
Just wanted to let you know as several have asked, that the Bank of Freeburg has a medical expense account set up for me for anyone wanting to donate to the excessive medical fees that are involved. Scott and I really appreciate the benefit that was held in October at the park. It has been a great help. The savings account number is 26229. Just make out your check or whatever to Bessie Reeder and mark for "medical fund". Mail to Bank of Freeburg, P. O. Box 38, Freeburg, MO 65035. Our sincere thanks and May God bless you abundantly. He is an awsome God!
Scott and I are really looking forward to the festsivals we have scheduled for this year. The work is slow because I am here and he is there, but we are doing our best to get the information out there to the bands and fans. Please bare with us. Please visit our website for all updates and schedulels at www.bluegrasspickintime.com The website is being updated weekly. Just want you to know that you are very special to us and we will look forward to seeing you at the festivals.
