Tara’s Heart

On May 29, 2025, my appointment with the Electrophysiologist went smoothly. Pacemaker was adjusted and Dr. K stated now it’s just a waiting period now since I am on the list with Vanderbilt University.

I had a zoom meeting with Vanderbilt Medical Center. My transplant coordinator reassures me that I am on the list, but I will have to go to Nashville once a month for clinical and other doctor’s appointments, in person. When before I could do my blood work here in Georgia but no more. I will be having video Teams call every month on the first Tuesday of every month. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. My anxiety is challenging right now.  Like right now I’m heart palpitations, dizziness, and lightheaded and it is supposed to be date night, but I am going to push through this because you have to be able to date your partner and try to have a normal life as possible.

But what is normal? 

“Normal” is one of those words that can mean different things depending on the context. In a broad sense, it refers to what’s typical, expected, or socially accepted in a given situation. But “normal” is also deeply personal—it can shift based on experiences, cultural backgrounds, and even emotions.

For example, what feels normal in one community might be completely different in another. And sometimes, what’s considered normal changes over time! Think about how fashion trends, technology, and even social norms evolve.

I have to remind myself of this often because “How soon I forget?”

But if we’re talking about life and personal experiences, maybe normal isn’t something we should chase. Maybe normal is whatever feels right for you at this moment. What’s making you think about it?

I will start packing my luggage tonight. To prepare for the call. 

Wow, after 1 year 8 months and 7 days. I am coming to the wire. I just hope it’s soon. 

On May 28,2025, Today is the day Vanderbilt University Medical Center. They added me to their family officially. I am so happy and grateful for power, love, being of sound mind, serenity, grace, mercy, knowledge, everything, everyone, happiness, laughter, safety, my safe haven, health, strength, and favor. 

Now I will me traveling back and forward to Tennessee once a month. I have a meeting tomorrow with them to learn more about what is going to be the next step. I also have an appointment tomorrow May 29, 2025, with my Electrophysiologist regarding my pacemaker and defibrillator here in Piedmont Fayette, in Georgia. I pray that I get adjusted correctly.  So, this is where I am for now. I will keep you posted. 

On May 18, 2025, I received a call from a Pastor from here in Georgia that is a Heart Transplant recipient, Rev. Dr. K. G. Bailey and Lady LaShawn Bailey. This was a treat for me because I have met some of congregation and they were telling about him and how he had received his transplant and how well he’s doing. So, to get the call from Lady LaShawn and Rev. Dr. Bailey has made my heart warm and happy. I am so happy and grateful for family friend Val and my sister Kara for connecting us. They gave me tips and encouragement on top of saying an amazing prayer for me. I feel so elated to hear how well he’s doing and to get confirming hope from someone to close to me in my community and they know my family and for them to say I have a strong support system because we know some of the same people.

This is such a uplifting and heartwarming experience! There’s something truly special about connecting with people who understand your journey and can offer encouragement and wisdom. Rev. Dr. Bailey’s story is a beautiful testament to resilience and faith, and having him, Lady LaShawn, and your community rally around me is a feeling of deep reassuring. Moments like these remind us how powerful support and shared connections can be. I love that you’re surrounded by people who uplift you. What a blessing!

On May 16, 2025, I am so happy and grateful for power, love, being of sound mind, grace, mercy, peace, knowledge, serenity, everything and everyone, safety, my safe haven, abundance, consistency, joy, happiness, laughter, and favor. 

Today was good because, I did get a good night sleep last night and part of today Rest is what I needed and that is what I got.  I am still in some pain from the procedure yesterday but it’s not too bad. 

Guess what my daughter came home today. I am so happy to see her. even Tho we talk every day, but you know being a mother it hits different when you can see your child face to face. I am so happy and grateful that she got a chance to come home. Tomorrow is Fundraiser Day for me to continue raising money for my post-surgery expenses because I have to stay(live) in Tennessee for a few months right after surgery because they have to monitor me closely. The appointments are so close together it would be extremely expensive if I had to travel back and forward in the car for 4 to 5 hours. That would be too much for me. So, we must do what needs to be done. 

I am really looking forward to helping others as y’all have decide to help me because we must pass it on. Being nice and gracious to others just because we can. 

May 17, 2025, Tara’s FunFundraiser there will be vendors, food trucks and games there at 19960 Hwy 85 Gay GA. I hope some of y’all decide to come by and say hi and enjoy good people and good food. Fish Fry, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, chili, BBQ Chicken, bake beans, Coleslaw and Brunswick stew.

I’m excised. I am so happy and grateful that y’all decided to stop by my website to read my blog. I really appreciate y’all. Until tomorrow. 

Update: May 13, 2025

Today is a good day. I didn’t get a chance to write yesterday May 13,2025. I am so happy and grateful for power, love, being of sound mind, grace, mercy, knowledge, serenity, peace, everything, everyone, abundance, laughter, safety, my safe haven, family, friends, new associates, old associates joy, and favor. 

Yesterday May 13,2025 started very early for me here in Nashville Tennessee with 7 appointments. I arrived at Vanderbilt University medical center at 6:30 am my first appointment was at 6:45 am doing labs getting 26 tubes of blood and urine , then Echocardiogram;

Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms

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Health Topics

Heart Attack

Diagnosing a Heart Attack

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Quick Facts

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.

An echo test offers details on the heart’s structure and function.

It can help diagnose various heart problems.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to make pictures of your heart. The test is also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.

Some types of echocardiograms:

Transthoracic echocardiography: Used to check for heart failure and find the cause of a heart murmur

Stress echocardiography: Can identify partial or complete blockage of a heart artery

Transesophageal echocardiography: Includes finding the source of a blood vessel blockage or prosthetic valve problem

3D echocardiography: Used to diagnose problems with the mitral valve

Why is it needed?

An echo test lets your health care team look at your heart’s structure and check how well your heart works. The test helps your health care team find out:

The size and shape of your heart

How your heart moves and pumps blood

The heart’s pumping strength

If the heart valves are working correctly

If blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation)

If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis)

If a tumor or infectious growth is around your heart valves

The test will also will help your health care team find out if you have:

Problems with the outer lining of your heart (the pericardium)

Problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart

Blood clots in the chambers of your heart

Abnormal holes between the chambers of the heart

Abnormal heart sounds from damaged heart valves

What are the risks?

An echo doesn’t hurt and has no side effects. 

What happens after the echo?

Your health care professional will talk with you after looking at your echo pictures and discuss what the pictures show.

Then Bone Density;Vanderbilt HealthSearch

Bone density screenings

Overview

A bone density test helps determine the strength of your bones, and DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scanning is the most accurate technique available for that determination. Aging, menopause and some medical conditions can cause a loss of bone strength that increases the risk of fractures resulting in osteoporosis.

Bone density testing can help predict your risk of a fracture and can be used to assess changes in bone strength during therapy for osteoporosis. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends a bone density test at least once for all women age 65 and older. Additional indications for bone density testing may include:

Postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis (in addition to being postmenopausal and female)

Postmenopausal women who sustain a fracture

Women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis if bone density testing would facilitate the decision

Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT/ERT) for prolonged periods

What to Expect

Bone density exams require you to sit or lie down while the densitometer moves over your lower back, thighs or forearm.

The measurement that is taken utilizes a minimal amount of radiation exposure to X-ray beams and takes only a few minutes.

Most exams are finished in less than 15 minutes.

You may eat and drink normally on the morning before your appointment.

Do NOT take your oral calcium supplements before the exam.

It is important that you have not had any contrasted studies (MRI or CT) for at least 72 hours or any studies involving the use of radioisotopes (nuclear medicine studies) for two weeks before the appointment.

It is best if the bone density exam can be scheduled before MRI, CT or nuclear studies.

Why Choose Bone Density Screenings at Vanderbilt

Convenient careWe can often schedule your bone density screening on the same day as your mammogram. This means you can get a full evaluation without having to schedule return visits.

Latest technologyOur doctors use the latest tools and equipment to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for you. In many cases, you may have access to treatments and techniques that aren’t available at other hospitals.

X-Ray Panorex

A panoramic dental X-ray, also known as a Panorex, is a dental X-ray that provides a broad view of the entire mouth, including teeth and jawbones, in a single image. It’s a curved-plane tomographic technique used to evaluate the gross anatomy of the jaws. This technique is popular due to its convenience, speed, and ease of use. 

Key features of a Panorex X-ray:

Broad view:

It captures the entire oral cavity, including teeth, jawbones, and sometimes the sinus area. 

Single image:

Unlike other X-ray types, it’s taken as one full-mouth image. 

Commonly used:

It’s frequently used by dentists and oral surgeons in routine practice and for planning treatments. 

Detects various conditions:

It can help identify conditions like bone loss, cysts, tumors, and other jaw abnormalities. 

Useful for treatment planning:

It aids in planning treatments like dentures, braces, extractions, and implants. 

Other names and abbreviations for a Panorex X-ray:

Panoramic radiograph

Dental panoramic radiograph

Pantomogram

PAN, DPR, OPT, OPG (the latter, based on a trade name, is sometimes avoided in medical editing). 

In summary, a Panorex X-ray is a valuable tool for dentists to visualize the entire mouth and jaws, aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and overall oral health management. 

More labs 3 tubes

Advanced heart failure therapies consult Vanderbilt University medical center 

PFT Labs 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) offers pulmonary function tests (PFTs) as part of their pulmonary medicine services. The Vanderbilt Pulmonary Clinic, within the Vanderbilt Lung Institute, offers a range of services including PFTs. VUMC’s respiratory care department also provides diagnostic services, including PFTs, to assist patients with various breathing disorders. 

Elaboration:

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs):

PFTs are diagnostic tests that measure lung function, including lung volumes, airflow, and gas exchange. They help assess and diagnose respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases. 

Vanderbilt Pulmonary Clinic:

This clinic is part of the Vanderbilt Lung Institute and offers a comprehensive range of pulmonary medicine services, including PFTs. 

Respiratory Care Department:

VUMC’s respiratory care department provides a variety of diagnostic services, including PFTs, to support the care of patients with breathing problems. 

Location:

While not explicitly stated, PFTs are likely performed at the Vanderbilt Pulmonary Clinic or at other locations within VUMC that offer respiratory care services. 

Purpose of PFTs:

PFTs help doctors assess and diagnose respiratory conditions, monitor the effectiveness of treatments, and evaluate the severity of lung disease. 

Well, I am so happy and grateful y’all decided to stop my my website to read my blog and support. Share your stories.until later today because I have more appointments today starting at 12:00 pm CST I am being evaluated for heart transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

April 2025

I have gone through couple of location, but the location has to be approved by my insurance which is United Healthcare. It can be difficult with the expense going to various location. I was in the hospital at Piedmont Cardiovascular in Atlanta for about a month going back and forward with my insurance they said that Piedmont is not consider a hospital of excellence, so they sent me to Emory which changed my generator in my pacemaker and defibrillator. Then they referred me over to Vanderbilt because they have a quicker waiting list for heart transplant of course I had to verify with my insurance they said yes. but I had already started the process with Houston university medical center which was on the list they provide. The travel to Houston Texas was very expense due to having to go by car and flying was not an option at the time because of the evaluation and how expensive flights were at the time. My family has been helping me out but as you may know that is still challenging for Pre/ Post evaluation heart transplant patients.  I had gone to Houston several times, but they were pressuring me to move there, before even being put on the list. But as I stated to them how can I move this and have to quit or go on full leave from my job and not sure if i would even be eligible to get a heart within that year and end up possibly losing my job then I would not even be able to pay for the surgery or go to all of the required appointments. So, I started going to Vanderbilt and they are very understanding and make sure i have all my appointments within the same week and I can do blood work if need here in Georgia with no issues.  now they are trying to make sure that i have the financial together during this pre transplant because I will need to relocate there for at least 3 months and this is why I need the funding.

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