Hi, my name is Junia, and I’m back home…! My procedure went well. There was a focal point at the anastomosis that was narrowed so the doctors used a balloon (versus like a stent). This was probably an ideal intervention. I like to think of it as my artery being a garden hose that was being squeezed and squeezed, so the water pressure was too high. They can’t say how long my artery will be good for, so I have a lot of follow up appointments this month including another EKG (to monitor fluid buildup around my heart), blood draws and levels (they did a scalp draw on me!) and abdominal ultrasounds.

Interestingly enough, I later learned that my hepatic artery was an unexpected finding from my initial CT scan and ultrasound—and that my transplant doctors had been suspecting my portal vein instead. So all that to say, it was fortuitous that I went in when I did! Mama says God has been watching over me.

Please pray for my blood draws. They keep poking me and poking me but still can’t get my blood, so I’m at labs again this morning. Please pray for my upcoming EKG and ultrasound, too. I also have to start my twice a day blood thinning shots again, so bring on the bandages! Oh, and happy happy happy seven months to me…! Being home is always the best present in my book.”