Author Archives: Nicole

Call for PFO closure!

I received the call today that I will be having my PFO closure on 3/11/2024. It is really hard to describe my emotions surrounding that date now that there is one. I am very nervous and freaking out. I know and people keep telling me that it is a procedure that the Structural Heart CardiologistContinue reading “Call for PFO closure!”

Repeat EKG with Bubble Study – 2/2/2024

The structural Cardiologist I saw at VCU wanted me to have a repeat EKG with Bubble Study done though Riverside (not really sure why VCU didn’t do it, but it is okay because Riverside is a lot closer) because the results of my first one when the stroke initially occurred and the TEE with bubbleContinue reading “Repeat EKG with Bubble Study – 2/2/2024”

TPMG Neurology – 8/30/2023

I have been waiting to see a Neurologist since my aborted stroke and today is the first Neurology appointment. I have 2 scheduled because I want a few opinions. My appointment with VCU Neurology is coming up in about a month. Today I saw Dr. Maria Guina. When the appointment was made with the Neurologist,Continue reading “TPMG Neurology – 8/30/2023”

VCU Neurology – 10/24/2023

Today is the day I finally get to see the Neurologist with VCU. One thing about VCU that is always fantastic, is you typically don’t have to wait long to be seen. They are very punctual, and this is so appreciated.  The nurse brought me back and took my vitals and let me know that the NeurologistContinue reading “VCU Neurology – 10/24/2023”

Impromptu mountain day trip – 9/30/2023

Taylor woke up begging to go to Busch today. Blake and I went last night for howl-o-scream (very disappointing) so we were not inclined to go today. We decided to head towards the mountains and see where the day took us. Blake knows I like going to Carter Mountain Orchard and joked about going. HeContinue reading “Impromptu mountain day trip – 9/30/2023”

14 Day Event Monitor – 8/10/2023

I went to the Cardiologist to begin my 14 day event monitor. The original monitor that my Cardiologist wanted me to wear that did 24/7 monitoring and would alert both myself and my doctor with any cardiac issues that arise, was of course not approved by my insurance. Thanks Anthem! Anthem through the State ofContinue reading “14 Day Event Monitor – 8/10/2023”

McWay Falls – Big Sur, CA – 8/16/2023

Blake and I made our way to the trailhead of McWay falls. Unfortunately, you cannot complete the full trail due to sections being closed. It is also illegal to go to the base of the falls. The weather during our trip was not the best and the views lacked their beauty but what we wereContinue reading “McWay Falls – Big Sur, CA – 8/16/2023”

Hypercoagulable Workup (Hematology Lab work)

I saw Dr. DeRidder with Riverside Hematology/Oncology 7/19/2023. During the appointment, I had 12 vials of blood drawn to check for multiple Hypercoagulable conditions. Per Dr. DeRidder, if the testing comes back showing that I have an underlying hypercoagulable state, then it would be discussed to add Eliquis to my medications in an effort toContinue reading “Hypercoagulable Workup (Hematology Lab work)”

TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiography) – 8/3/2023

Today is the day! My 2nd attempt at having the TEE procedure done. I received a call the night before to confirm the appointment and to inform me that my appointment time changed. I needed to arrive at 11:00 am vs 10:30 am (2 hours before the procedure). I did call first thing in theContinue reading “TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiography) – 8/3/2023”