Missing In Action: Thoracic Surgery

Many have asked where I have been this summer, so I thought I would give an update on my journey through thoracic surgery.

Finding a Diagnosis

At the beginning of 2021, I began having fainting episodes. These were occasional at first, but by the end of the summer, I was fainting weekly. Embarrassingly, some were in public, like taking out a whole pharmacy aisle in Target (sorry to those who had to clean that up!). Needless to say, I wanted to know what was going on asap! I lost track of how many specialists I saw. Those with experience in the medical world know that these appointments and tests take months to schedule and complete. I could not drive or live alone in case an episode occurred and it was a hard adjustment to lose that much independence. I can't thank my mom and coworkers enough for graciously being my chauffeurs and support system!

Due to some cardiac abnormalities, I had multiple procedures that doctors thought would fix the issue. I quickly returned to work, thinking I was on the road to recovery. Sadly, all of my symptoms returned within days. By the second half of 2021, I was diagnosed with Neurogenic and Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. It is very rare, not even mentioned on Grey's Anatomy! Of course, I had both types, and mine was severe. I completed months of physical therapy, but my symptoms worsened. My body had already been through 14 surgeries and I desperately wanted to avoid another one. It took four months to see one of the top thoracic surgeons in the state, but it was worth the wait. In April of 2022, after more tests and procedures, he confirmed that surgery was my only option.

Surgery

I was scheduled for surgery at the end of June to remove my first rib and the anterior and middle scalene muscles. The universe had other plans as I tested positive for COVID (for the first time) right before my surgery. As the saying goes, "when you make plans, God laughs." Fortunately, I recovered from COVID quickly, and my surgery was rescheduled for mid-July. I stayed in the hospital for five days (including my birthday), but the fantastic nurses and doctors as well as visits from friends and family made it easier.

Recovery was extensive and tested my patience as I underestimated how challenging it would be. I am the type who likes to keep busy, so resting in bed 24/7 was not easy. My right hand and arm were out of commission, and needing help to do everything was a humbling experience. My left-handed skills are severely lacking! I knew I had lost a lot of strength, but I even had trouble holding my head up for more than an hour. Quickly my brain was ready to go back to work, but my body was not. I'm used to pushing past pain, but this was on another level. A huge thank you to everyone who visited me and sent thoughtful cards, messages, and gifts to lift my spirits! After five weeks, the pain was less intense, and I could slowly improve my stamina. I was on house arrest for six long weeks, the longest I had ever been away from the rink since I was 7!

Back in Action

I can't remember when I was this happy to walk into a rink! After a few weeks of physical therapy, I will finally feel the ice under my feet again. I haven't driven since Feb 2021, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel again. This whole experience has been a whirlwind and tested me in ways I couldn't imagine. I persevered with the incredible support of my family, friends, and medical team! I cherish every day at the rink and am blessed to be back doing what I love.