Since my A-Fib ablation, I still seem to have a social life of medical appointments. It has been 8 months and I still am in sinus rhythm. However, the heart, a living, breathing, self-regulated pump, is an intricate organ.
In fact, I have been even more awed by my Creator's Mind, in my experience with my now aging pump. The human pump has similar functions to a man-created pump. It has valves, mechanism for operating power, etc. I don't profess to understand all the mechanical operations of either pump.
But I digress; I am still in a healing process. Recently I wore an heart event monitor, which is a portable EKG, for a month, to see if the ablation was a success and what else may need attention, as I had a high heart rate (pulse).
The result was the ablation for A-Fib was still successful (perfect sinus rhythm) but I was left with another anomaly known as paroxysmal supra ventricular tachycardia [PSVT].
This anomaly is portrayed in old comedies where upset elderly characters have 'palpitations.'
PSVT not considered dangerous, but will wear the heart out if persistent. Treatment is using a drug class usually contraindicated for asthma patients (me) known as beta blockers. However, since my retirement, newer drugs in this class have been developed which selectively target only heart, not lung beta receptors, at least somewhat better than the older drugs.
Later if drug therapy is not successful, an electrophysiology study (EPS) may be done, where areas may be ablated. I think another name is heart catherization study. All the 'electrical' intricacies which are so finely coordinated in a well-functioning heart are examined.
One welcome result of the month-long annoyance of the heart event monitor--no more blood thinners.
Please excuse the technical stuff.
This week we are trying out the smallest dose of a selective beta blocker drug--brand name, Toprol-XL.
All of this medical social life has really inhibited how I had orginally imagine life would be if I could get the A-Fib fixed. Further I expected to be able to return to my old routines and not tire. Hmmm....I forgot that was at least 3 years ago--I am 3 years older.
I had envisioned being able to enjoy fishing without worry and frustration of all the chores I left undone-NOT! My community and church volunteerism have become more chore than enjoyable, something I really regret and simply must resolve.
My camera has largely been abandoned although I have photos of recent hens and chicks. My plants have lots of peeps. I find it humorous the plants name has no rooster--guess you can say it is built-in.
Somewhere I personally have to find a balance within which I am comfortable.
The last chapter in the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes is an allegorical description of aging. I think I remember the chapter location....no golden years there.
What happened to the GOLDEN YEARS? I supposed the phase depicts our conception of not having to work for income daily. Unfortunately even this may not be the case for the generations following me.
I wish to give a shout to a post by Arkansas Patti entitled RERUN. I hope she archives her many posts for her family. This post so relates to many of my generation in the South even as far as Texas where I grew up in multi-racial culture, including what AP describes in this blog.
We had more Latinos that African Americans. We called them Mexicans which I always interpreted as a person from Mexico, but that has become political incorrect, too. One Latino was in my circle of friends.
In first grade --time frame WWII-- my best friend was a little girl--white--but GERMAN. I was appalled the names my classmates called her, to the point I remember in tears telling my Mother, who urged me to continue my friendship.
Texas has its own ugly racial and cultural history.
Oh yes, there is many types of discrimination and hatred. Some is popping up on the political landscape. That is why I refuse to participate in any discussions along these lines. In fact I do not declare a party to get my absentee ballots mailed to me automatically. I just don't vote in primaries.
My aged near 77 year old memory may fail me, but I believe I declared a party only once in my life and regretted that. My voting is private and may favor one flavor, but I have voted for candidates in both major parties, and once in awhile a lessor party.
By the way how many of you are having problems composing or posting with Internet Explorer 10? Or your posts look crazy in anything but Google Chrome? Even in Google Chrome, if I use large photos, the text overlaps the photos. These problems are only one excuse for my lapse in posting. I cannot solve them and dislike a post that appears to have layout problems. I make enough typing errors.
Well back to the medical/social routines.
Showing posts with label ablation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ablation. Show all posts
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Monday, April 18, 2011
CHECKING IN
I'm checking in before someone sends the sheriff to find me.
Between being in my spring allergy/bronchitis funk, my main notebook computer was also in the hospital. I just got it back today which coincided with a tad better perceived health.
Despite my lack of memory, HP informed me AND sent me photos of moisture/spills inside my unit. I have owned 3 notebooks over 8 years and this is the first to crash because of apparent owner lapses in good judgement, i.e., don't drink or eat near your computer! Yeah, I know, we all do it.
However, I have some ideas to eliminate re-occurence; a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, and/or an overlay for the notebook keyboard. Spilling coffee or whatever in a $9 keyboard, is much easier and less expensive to replace than the motherboard, keyboard, etc. of a notebook computer where liquids on the keyboard mean liquids inside on the main components.
Since I bought an extended warranty, but not accident warranty, I had to pay a hefty figure for repairs. Normally I'd chunked it for another, but this particular unit I custom designed and truly love the features, like streaming TV, etc. and its nearly 18" screen.
We also have hired a man to renovate our flower beds. I heeded his advice to basically start over. He dug up nearly everything and laid felt that is good for 5 years down, then about 3 inches of good soil and same amount of a good chestnut colored mulch. We left 2 forsynthias and a few rose bushes which apparently grow in spite of neglect.
We are not through yet. We have some nandinas we saved to transplant or grow in whiskey barrels for awhile. And we have one area to renovate, but have not decided how yet.
So we have postponed work for a week or two.
Next Tuesday (26th) I go to Little Rock for a consult with a electrophysiologist cardiologist about and a pulmonary ablation, a heart procedure.
The somewhat dangerous medicine is working great, but I'd rather be off it, if possible. We discontinued a stomach medicine called Nexium which blocked full absorption of many foods and medicines. VOILA! Suddenly the medicine was fully preventing the A-Fib attacks, at least to the extent I am not aware of them. It has been wonderful.
Will try to get around to what I have missed, the two weeks I spent in 24 hour paroxysmal coughing, hacking, and, well, I think you get the picture without further adjectives.
Between being in my spring allergy/bronchitis funk, my main notebook computer was also in the hospital. I just got it back today which coincided with a tad better perceived health.
Despite my lack of memory, HP informed me AND sent me photos of moisture/spills inside my unit. I have owned 3 notebooks over 8 years and this is the first to crash because of apparent owner lapses in good judgement, i.e., don't drink or eat near your computer! Yeah, I know, we all do it.
However, I have some ideas to eliminate re-occurence; a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, and/or an overlay for the notebook keyboard. Spilling coffee or whatever in a $9 keyboard, is much easier and less expensive to replace than the motherboard, keyboard, etc. of a notebook computer where liquids on the keyboard mean liquids inside on the main components.
Since I bought an extended warranty, but not accident warranty, I had to pay a hefty figure for repairs. Normally I'd chunked it for another, but this particular unit I custom designed and truly love the features, like streaming TV, etc. and its nearly 18" screen.
We also have hired a man to renovate our flower beds. I heeded his advice to basically start over. He dug up nearly everything and laid felt that is good for 5 years down, then about 3 inches of good soil and same amount of a good chestnut colored mulch. We left 2 forsynthias and a few rose bushes which apparently grow in spite of neglect.
We are not through yet. We have some nandinas we saved to transplant or grow in whiskey barrels for awhile. And we have one area to renovate, but have not decided how yet.
So we have postponed work for a week or two.
Next Tuesday (26th) I go to Little Rock for a consult with a electrophysiologist cardiologist about and a pulmonary ablation, a heart procedure.
The somewhat dangerous medicine is working great, but I'd rather be off it, if possible. We discontinued a stomach medicine called Nexium which blocked full absorption of many foods and medicines. VOILA! Suddenly the medicine was fully preventing the A-Fib attacks, at least to the extent I am not aware of them. It has been wonderful.
Will try to get around to what I have missed, the two weeks I spent in 24 hour paroxysmal coughing, hacking, and, well, I think you get the picture without further adjectives.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
THAT FAT OLE RODENT
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| Hybrid Daffodil |
I have daffodils and crocus in full bloom, and other early spring growth pushing their signature leaves or buds through the still untilled earth, including my infamous Naked Ladies.
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| Naked Lady Leaves We thought we dug this clump of bulbs up 2 years ago. |
My literary efforts are somewhat limited with the medical appointments I and my husband have had recently. Fortunately, thankfully, his are pretty routine.
Yesterday, his VA male nurse practitioner is going to try to help him get a non-VA certified physician in the same clinic, so he can choose to be treated under private care locally, or, if required, in the VA system which means a trip to Little Rock. So one hurdle for him has been completed, we hope.
Yesterday, his VA male nurse practitioner is going to try to help him get a non-VA certified physician in the same clinic, so he can choose to be treated under private care locally, or, if required, in the VA system which means a trip to Little Rock. So one hurdle for him has been completed, we hope.
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| Nandina Bush This bush never made up its mind this past year when it was supposed to be green or red, so it has been both all winter to date. |
I WOWed the local medical personnel this morning when I appeared well dressed (like for Sunday services) for the above appearance, but needed my allergy shot. I usually go the 4 blocks to the medical building in my scroungy tee shirts and baggy pants.
Tomorrow is THE DAY I have an appointment at the Cardiology Clinic. If I cannot get an appointment set for the ablation procedure, I will be looking another direction.
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| Nandina Berries These berries appeared in late Autumn and are still here although a few are now shedding. |
We would have some of my kin that would help my husband and he gets along well with them.
Either option, we have a sister who is willing to help my husband and I get through this event, which is scary, but not a major crisis, at least not at the moment.
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| Field Daffodils, Wildflowers, Weeds These flowers do not seem to be very particular about growing in a bed of discarded cigarette butts. |
Our parents and, perhaps, grandparents are counted on as long as we have them.
Do you have a sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend, or someone who you especially depend on to "come to rescue" if needed?
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| Field Daffodils These Daffodils are growing among a row of burnt Yuccas which are also regenerating new growth. |
Sunday, January 30, 2011
WHAT AM I DOING?
What am I doing these days as I have neither posted much and visited my favorites little?
1). Playing musical chairs with the computers in the house getting them repaired as much as possible. My immediate previous laptop bought at a BIG BOX store that sold me a useless expensive maintenance contract by contract group known as the GEEK squad. Purposely I was not informed in-home service meant 40 mi. radius of any of their stores. I live in the Ozarks at least 100 mi. from any store. I did take it in once and returned a month later to pick it up. They "found nothing wrong."
It turns out the time period a large number of HP series with NVIDIA Graphic Processors unfortunately were designed not to handle heat problems. Bad choices of paste, so-called heat sinks and variable fan speeds led to all manner of screen failures to outright black/blank screens or screens with all manner of weird artifacts (mine was the latter).
Mine went to HP 3 times (they extended warranties 6 months past my two year contract), but they replaced the defect with the same cr----py parts. The actual remedy was 4 pieces of copper for heat sink,better heat paste and a fixed speed fan (runs all the time). I belatedly found a repair shop and paid to have mine fixed.
The good news is it is fixed; the bad news is the repair shop ran tests on it after repair which indicated it may fail again in one year, especially if I don't turn it off every time I am not using it--no snooze, sleep or hibernate modes.
There are two class action suits near completion with both companies claiming no wrong, but customers may be eligible for new computers or repair costs. I may be able to reclaim my repair costs.
2) My housekeeper had foot surgery the end of December; she returns Feb.1. I became housekeeper and cook. I hate cooking and dusting. I don't mind vacuum for our commercial carpet and Swifter floor washer for vinyl, except I have to take breaks to rest back, shoulder and hip pain. I am proud I got the entire house done once each week she has been gone, but NO dusting, and reluctant cooking.
I am routinely responsible for two rooms; the washroom and the smallest bathroom.
I cannot believe she gets all the house done in approximately 4 hours--worth every dollar to me. I literally fell asleep when I set down in the evenings.
3) We are having the entire ductwork replaced in our manufactured home. Our electric bill kept escalating despite a second insulated roof over, new windows and doors, solar shades, and numerous indoor renovations.
After over 3 years and 2 estimators from the company to which we were loyal, my Husband asked a neighbor employee of the local HVAC co. to take a look. He found a hole the size of a large man's fist in a major section.
They started work the next day. Of course new vents and boots are a part which require inside sawing which makes them square and larger. Mobiles have nothing square or level. So more dust--sawdust.
Furthermore, ducts were constructed of the same cr----py particle board as the floor; get it wet and it is a goner. The insulation was inside the duct which meant we have been inhaling the particles for 30+ years. No wonder my asthma/allergies/bronchitis/COPD hate living here!
We are hoping for completion Monday as they work despite rain. Tuesday does not look like its going to be a fun day.
4) We are still considering the course of treatment for my A-Fib. By the way, the website, AFIBSTROKE, com sis pretty good but don't believe everything in the forums. This heart irregularity is rather common and seem to have a mild case somewhat complicated by vagal nerve intervention like when I eat too much, or need a BM--perhaps other events.
April is set for decision. Apparently my case is nothing compared to one lady who has 42 hour long episodes or those in permanent A-Fib.
It seems when you start with a clinic it is hard to change but it looks like we'll have an ablation, which I would just as soon skip and go straight to a pacemaker, which is a later step.
SO THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING!!!
1). Playing musical chairs with the computers in the house getting them repaired as much as possible. My immediate previous laptop bought at a BIG BOX store that sold me a useless expensive maintenance contract by contract group known as the GEEK squad. Purposely I was not informed in-home service meant 40 mi. radius of any of their stores. I live in the Ozarks at least 100 mi. from any store. I did take it in once and returned a month later to pick it up. They "found nothing wrong."
It turns out the time period a large number of HP series with NVIDIA Graphic Processors unfortunately were designed not to handle heat problems. Bad choices of paste, so-called heat sinks and variable fan speeds led to all manner of screen failures to outright black/blank screens or screens with all manner of weird artifacts (mine was the latter).
Mine went to HP 3 times (they extended warranties 6 months past my two year contract), but they replaced the defect with the same cr----py parts. The actual remedy was 4 pieces of copper for heat sink,better heat paste and a fixed speed fan (runs all the time). I belatedly found a repair shop and paid to have mine fixed.
The good news is it is fixed; the bad news is the repair shop ran tests on it after repair which indicated it may fail again in one year, especially if I don't turn it off every time I am not using it--no snooze, sleep or hibernate modes.
There are two class action suits near completion with both companies claiming no wrong, but customers may be eligible for new computers or repair costs. I may be able to reclaim my repair costs.
2) My housekeeper had foot surgery the end of December; she returns Feb.1. I became housekeeper and cook. I hate cooking and dusting. I don't mind vacuum for our commercial carpet and Swifter floor washer for vinyl, except I have to take breaks to rest back, shoulder and hip pain. I am proud I got the entire house done once each week she has been gone, but NO dusting, and reluctant cooking.
I am routinely responsible for two rooms; the washroom and the smallest bathroom.
I cannot believe she gets all the house done in approximately 4 hours--worth every dollar to me. I literally fell asleep when I set down in the evenings.
3) We are having the entire ductwork replaced in our manufactured home. Our electric bill kept escalating despite a second insulated roof over, new windows and doors, solar shades, and numerous indoor renovations.
After over 3 years and 2 estimators from the company to which we were loyal, my Husband asked a neighbor employee of the local HVAC co. to take a look. He found a hole the size of a large man's fist in a major section.
They started work the next day. Of course new vents and boots are a part which require inside sawing which makes them square and larger. Mobiles have nothing square or level. So more dust--sawdust.
Furthermore, ducts were constructed of the same cr----py particle board as the floor; get it wet and it is a goner. The insulation was inside the duct which meant we have been inhaling the particles for 30+ years. No wonder my asthma/allergies/bronchitis/COPD hate living here!
We are hoping for completion Monday as they work despite rain. Tuesday does not look like its going to be a fun day.
4) We are still considering the course of treatment for my A-Fib. By the way, the website, AFIBSTROKE, com sis pretty good but don't believe everything in the forums. This heart irregularity is rather common and seem to have a mild case somewhat complicated by vagal nerve intervention like when I eat too much, or need a BM--perhaps other events.
April is set for decision. Apparently my case is nothing compared to one lady who has 42 hour long episodes or those in permanent A-Fib.
It seems when you start with a clinic it is hard to change but it looks like we'll have an ablation, which I would just as soon skip and go straight to a pacemaker, which is a later step.
SO THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING!!!
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