Lynda Neuhausen My Journey of the Heart

My heart journey first began about 16 years ago leading to diagnosis of my genetic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It took me through various treatments, two open heart surgeries, and massive changes to the life I had led up to that point. About three years ago, the impact of the disease on my heart changed as I started to experience heart failure. My heart function began to decline, and in December 2020, my cardiologists referred me to a heart failure team. After evaluation, they told me that I was in end stage heart failure and that my only course of treatment was heart transplant. After further evaluation and extensive testing in January 2021, I was listed for a new heart on February 9, 2021. I am now waiting for the heart match that will save my life. This path to a new heart has not just been a physical journey but a mental, emotional and spiritual one as well. I have experienced obstacles, setbacks and victories, but most importantly, I have grown in beautiful ways, and as I wake up each morning, I am grateful that my heart is beating, I am breathing, and I am surrounded by wonderful family and friends who love and support me.  I decided to start this journal as a way to keep family and friends updated. In addition, as I begin to chronicle my experience, it is my intention to go back to some of the stories that got me to today and to share my thoughts and feelings as I move forward. It is my hope that through this journal, I will gain strength and support for myself on my journey and also provide strength and support for others on their own journeys.