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Tristan’s Story

Site created on May 6, 2021

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As I was getting closer to turning 50, I began to go in for several "check ups" with various doctors. I wasn't feeling badly, I just wanted to be proactive and make sure there was nothing I needed to pay attention to. Aside from some "minute clinic" visits for a cold or allergies (Houston!!!), I knew that Tristan hadn't been to the doctor since we had started dating so like any good wife, I began to nag him to go and get a check up too. Then COVID hit and for a long time, we weren't really comfortable going to the doctor. Finally, this spring, he made an appointment with his primary care doc. They discovered he had very high blood pressure and prescribed medicine and also ordered more tests. Stress tests revealed an "abnormality" and he was referred to a cardiologist. His cardiologist ran several more tests and scheduled a heart cath procedure. This revealed serious blockage in several arteries and that led us to where we are today which is preparing for Tristan to have triple bypass surgery on Wednesday, May 12. We feel very fortunate that the blockage was discovered because other than the high blood pressure, TRISTAN HAD NO SYMPTOMS. NONE. NADA. So the moral of this story is "go to the doctor once in a while and let them check you out".
I am certain that God has created us to live in community. It is important that we share both the good and the bad with each other. That is why I am sharing our story. I have also learned that I am an extrovert and I thrive on human interactions, therefore, having the support of our community will help to take care of me while I take care of Tristan for the next several months.
Our family is so resilient and we are surrounded by an amazing community of folks who are praying for us, and feeding us, and loving us. We also live in a city with gifted medical professionals who are the best at what they do. We could not ask for much more!
With love and gratitude, Jen

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jen Hanson — May 27, 2021

Whew...I'm behind in giving updates! It's been a busy couple weeks. Tristan came home on Monday, May 17. We had our follow up appointment with his cardiac surgeon on Monday, May 24. The surgeon was pleased with his healing and we are now back in the care of Tristan's cardiologist. We'll see the cardiologist next week. Tristan is still going for walks every day and is getting stronger. We appreciate your prayers for continued pain management as he weans himself off the "good pain meds" and starts with the OTC ones.

Grace arrived so that I could go into school this week. MDS had our last day with kids on Wednesday and our last staff work day and luncheon was today! I'm so thankful to all of my staff. They finished out the year in good form, allowing me to put "first things first" and support Tristan.

We continue to be amazed at all the TLC and support we're receiving! Wonderful meals, encouraging cards and notes and all of your prayers!!! We feel so loved. Thank you all!

Read More of the journal titled "May 27, 2021"

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