That was the week that was...
About a week ago Tim took me to URGENT CARE .I'd had a rapid heartbeat for a day or 2 and now was experiencing shortness of breath now and then. The URGENT CARE folks explained they didn't deal with cardiac issues and sent us on to Bay State Noble Hospital Emergency Room.
With that it was time to say good-bye to Tim, my rock, as only patients were allowed through the front door. Tears rolled down my cheek as i watched him walk back to the car to await any news. I was given the usual battery of entry tests and told that they'd like to keep me overnight. Off went Tim. There wasn't even a chance to wave goodbye.
On went the tests including a CT Scan and the next morning, an echocardiogram.There was also a steady stream of EKGgs, blood pressure and oxygen monitoring and temperature taking. and a variety of new pills
The next morning,just after I'd felt a strange flutter a cardiologist came in and gave me a diagnosis. I have AFib - 'Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by the rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart. It often begins as short periods of abnormal beating, which become longer or continuous over time. It may also start as other forms of arrhythmia such as atrial flutter that then transform into AF.
I was told that my heart had electrical problems but still had a good strong beat. I was also told my heart had stopped beating altogether twice for 3 or 4 seconds. I experienced a 6 second stop the following morning. Frightening! It was at this time that a Pacemaker was mentioned. It was installed on St Patrick's Day.
All went well and Tim brought me home yesterday afternoon to a flower-filled house.
My left arm will be in a sling which helps to guard the Pacemaker for another week or so, I'm still a bit tired. The hospital staff was wonderful, kind and caring. Thanks to all.
And for what it's worth, it's pretty hard to function using only one hand.
With that it was time to say good-bye to Tim, my rock, as only patients were allowed through the front door. Tears rolled down my cheek as i watched him walk back to the car to await any news. I was given the usual battery of entry tests and told that they'd like to keep me overnight. Off went Tim. There wasn't even a chance to wave goodbye.
On went the tests including a CT Scan and the next morning, an echocardiogram.There was also a steady stream of EKGgs, blood pressure and oxygen monitoring and temperature taking. and a variety of new pills
The next morning,just after I'd felt a strange flutter a cardiologist came in and gave me a diagnosis. I have AFib - 'Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by the rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart. It often begins as short periods of abnormal beating, which become longer or continuous over time. It may also start as other forms of arrhythmia such as atrial flutter that then transform into AF.
I was told that my heart had electrical problems but still had a good strong beat. I was also told my heart had stopped beating altogether twice for 3 or 4 seconds. I experienced a 6 second stop the following morning. Frightening! It was at this time that a Pacemaker was mentioned. It was installed on St Patrick's Day.
All went well and Tim brought me home yesterday afternoon to a flower-filled house.
My left arm will be in a sling which helps to guard the Pacemaker for another week or so, I'm still a bit tired. The hospital staff was wonderful, kind and caring. Thanks to all.
And for what it's worth, it's pretty hard to function using only one hand.