$71,000 Inside My Body

Highlights from my Dual-Chamber Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) procedure this week

This week, I had a dual-chamber ICD implanted into my chest. An ICD is a dual-chamber device that monitors your heart's electrical activity and shocks it back into rhythm if necessary. In other words, if my heart starts beating irregularly, there's a good chance the ICD will kick in and shock it back into normal rhythm. Ideally, the device only has to be used once—it stops my heart from fluttering around or fibrillating altogether, and then I can continue living without problems.

It’s the latest procedure in my heart health saga after surviving a COVID-pneumonia-induced sudden cardiac arrest. The doctors were able to revive me, but not without some damage to my heart. This is the current operating theory for why I had a sudden cardiac arrest resulting in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

I’m happy to report that everything went smoothly, and I am recovering well! I’ll even be able to go through airport security, have MRIs, and listen to music with wireless headphones. The ICD sure beats the six-pound Zoll Livest I wore for seven months.

The device was implanted under my left clavicle in my chest cavity, just above where my heart is located. The procedure took about 90 minutes, and I was home by 4 p.m., with everything looking good on the surface.

The recovery process will take about three weeks (not counting time spent in pre-op workup), during which I need to be careful not to move too much or lift anything more than 10 pounds. This is because wires are running from the device into my heart that could potentially be damaged if they were pulled out of place or stretched too far beyond their original length.

Me Power Book Update

Front and back covers and spine finalized? ✅

Layout complete? ✅

Marketing language drafted? ✅

I am taking most of this week and next week off for recovery. If I work, it will be to finalize the press release, media kit, and website re-design. Thankful to be working with CoLab on the website, New Degree Press for the book launch, SwagHer for PR, and my team at Edlinguist to keep business afloat.

The in-person book launch party is happening on November 5, 2022!

Three ⚡️ in 31 Seconds

⚡️ “Dying is easy, living is harder.” - Hamilton

⚡️ When we look at ourselves, we often see things that feel fixed. We think we were born with certain traits or that others have shaped us in immutable ways. But this isn't true. Instead, it's more accurate to say that our identity is constantly changing based on what happens around us—and how we choose to react to it. While some think we are a product of our experiences, it’s essential to understand that we are also capable of changing those experiences in the future, and in turn, changing who we are in the world. 

⚡️ Regular Reflection Helps You Learn-Unlearn-Relearn. What are you unlearning these days?