First, let me say "Thank You " to our host. Saturday was my 10th Anniversary of my first post here. So, a boatload of posts later, I'm still having fun, mostly.
Thanks, Sarge.
As most of you frequent readers know, the last 6 months or so have been, well...stressful. Mrs J was diagnosed with Cancer back in October and immediately put on Chemo which was then followed by Radiation. Fortunately, we are almost out of that hole. Both Chemo and Radiation have been completed, both Doctors in charge of their section are extremely happy with the results.
As for me, if they're happy, I'm frickin' ecstatic!
We have a Surgeon's appointment this next week, to take the After picture of the cancer cells. Then mid-June, she gets to have surgery and have them excised.
Been a long road, getting from there to here (yes, Beans, I'm quoting the lyrics from a song)
And...Just Because.
Unfortunately, stress, worry, lack of sleep, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, took a toll on me also.
I was at my Doctor's office midweek last for my normal quarterly checkup that the Air Force thankfully pays for. I like my Doctor and his Nurse, they tell it like it is and don't pull punches. So there I am sitting in the Doctor's office. The Nurse walks in and starts the normal pre-flight checklist (gotta involve flying here somehow). She starts with the temperature scan, all normal, reaches for my wrist and checks my pulse.
There's a bit of an eyebrow quiver. Puts the BP wrap on. I know this is going to be commented upon, it's been that way for quite a while. No exception here. She then takes my pulse.
She stands and says "Stay here, I'll be right back".
She isn't kidding, She's back in less than a minute with the Doc in tow. He takes my pulse then listens to my heart. Asks me if I'd noticed anything out of the ordinary with my chest.
Well...I tell him my pectoral muscles seem to be quivering somewhat, just kind of a flutter, no pain. Doc says, "Where's Mrs J?"
"Home"
"Do you want us to call her or would you rather us call an ambulance?"
I may have used the "WTF?" vernacular.
"You are going right now to the ER. Your heart rate is off the charts and irregular. It's called AFib and it can cause a Stroke."
OK, That got my attention. Mrs J came and got me, we went to the ER. They met me at the front door and escorted me back to a treatment room. All sorts of needles and stuff were attached. Medicine was administered.
After a few hours, my numbers were back to normal and I was released. I asked the ER Doc what I should do if this happened again. He said, get a pulse/Ox meter and check your numbers regularly regardless of how you feel. If the Pulse is above 120 come back here immediately.
They've got my attention. I'm going to be a very good patient. Get the machine, (it's about 2"x1"x1") it goes on your index finger. Nice to know numbers displayed in about a minute.
 |
| No Beans, it's not 194, what looks like a 1 is actually a cursor to show it's working. 94 is the |
The next couple of days, the numbers are well below 100. The third day, I wake up and, yep, 144 again.
Mrs. J drives me to the ER. Same Doc is on duty. I get all poked and prodded up. Meds are administered, he comes in and says, we might be admitting you for about 3 days or so, we're calling your cardiologist to see what he says.
Well...Fecal Matter!!!
We stay there for several hours, but things eventually settle out. The ER Doc and the Cardiologist have a telephone chat. The ER Doc says the Cardiologist is prescribing a new medicine for you. We're going to release you. You need to go over to his office and pick up some samples of the meds and we'll send the prescription to your pharmacist.
All proceeds as planned. I get the samples. Supposed to take one every morning and evening. After doing that, if symptoms return take an additional pill, if symptoms still continue, return to the ER.
Thankfully, that hasn't happened so far. My followup with the Cardiologist's Nurse Practitioner went well, my numbers were pretty well normal. She formalized my prescription of the new med and I sent it to my normal pill dispensary for regular refill. Knock on wood, the AFib symptoms haven't returned.
Frankly, I've been in some very stressful, threatening circumstances in my life. None of them concerned me quite as much as this episode.
I'm paying VERY close attention to the Rules of Engagement in dealing with this situation. Should any of you experience similar symptoms, go to a Doctor, the symptoms don't feel as bad as they actually are.
Suffice it to say, this is a pretty good excuse for my not commenting here lately as prolifically as usual. With any luck at all, I'll be returning to the verbal foray...soon!
Oh! And I got an early Birthday Present! Mrs. J got me a hat since I don't have much natural sun protection.
Peace out y'all
*E ticket, not an A ticket....Duh!
Been down that road, got both the t-shirt and hat. My cardio doc sent me to a specialist who does cyro ablation that goes into the heart and freezes the area responsible for the erroneous electrical signals. Worked wonders for me. Like you I was making frequent visits to the ER and even had to be shocked back into rhythm twice. Since the procedure, nada. Look up Dr. Rizvi in Denton, he works wonders.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteYeah the ER Doc told me about those other options, hopefully, I won't need them. But thanks for the info/recommendation.
juvat
Happened to me about five years ago, take a med and a blood thinner as a precaution. My potassium was very low and that can be a cause as the other electrolytes, magnesium and salt, low levels of vitamin D can also be a contributing factor. Haven't had an episode since.
ReplyDeleteJames,
DeleteI carry a list of my meds and supplements with me always. I showed him that list, since I don't recognize/remember what they all were for. He said I already was on a couple of blood thinners, which was a good thing preemptively, and wouldn't need more at this pont. Vitamin D is one of those daily pills also.
juvat
Yikes juvat! Prolonged stress can really affect the body, seeing that pulse oximeter reminded me that I had one stuffed away in a drawer, out it came...... aaaand batteries still good, going to keep that baby out for daily readings, thanks for the reminder, sir. Best head protection would be a light-colored hat............ :)
ReplyDeleteNylon, yes it does, in many ways. I've got several light colored hats, just needed this one for when I'm on a Black Hat Bad Guy kinda tear!
Delete;-)
juvat
Best hat would be something with a full circle brim, like a cowboy hat or a boonie cap. Though the tiki bar is rather cool...
DeleteBeans,
DeleteI've got a couple of full brimmed hats. Not my favorites, but they do do the job. Just difficult to drive with them.
juvat
Life it happens while we plan.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, most everything else will progress without your inputs. Glad you have Doctors you trust.
Just a few hours ago I got my bride out of the ER for chest pains. Happily nothing more serious than a delayed effect of a home fall.
Michael,
DeleteYes it does.
I hope and pray that your wife will be OK ASAP
Hang in there!
juvat
Get better soon ya bum. :-) AF Sarg cannot run the joint without your help :-)
DeleteThanks for the kind concern for my bride. Who called this the Golden Years?
Michael,
DeleteComplying completely with the Doctor and the Missus directions. There's a lot more danger if failing at the latter as, I'm sure, you know.
Golden years? Those involved flying fighters.
juvat
Dang! Take care of yourself, listen to the docs, and (most importantly) listen to Mrs. J!
ReplyDeleteHope things continue to improve.
Sarge,
DeleteSorry, didn't see your post when I answered the comment above. No less true now than it was 1 minute ago, though.
Thanks
juvat
The quibble first - I think you mean "E Ticket" not "A Ticket." "A" tickets got you on the horse cars or the King Arthur Carrousel. "E" tickets where the exciting rides, Bobsleds, River Cruise, Haunted Mansion,
ReplyDeleteNOW...
Yikes! Good thing it was caught in the office rather than out and about by having you keel over. Prayers continue for you and yours.
Joe,
DeleteDuh! I knew that, but it's been since the dinosaurs roamed that I've been to Disney Land. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Yeah, that would kinda suck a bit wouldn't it. It's also what the Doctor said when he asked me if I wanted my wife to drive or the ambulance. I knew she'd get to the hospital in any case, so save a little money on the way. It's only a couple of blocks from the Dr's Office to the ER, so not a big time difference in either method.
Thanks
juvat
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"It's only a couple of blocks from the Dr's Office to the ER"
DeleteYou should have told him that you'd just take Shank's Mare!
I used "E-ticket ride" at work a few times and got blank stares from the much younger coworkers. Makes one feel old.
Oh, man. Fond memories of people on base passing unused tickets to the next group going to D-Land. You could exchange a certain number of lower value tickets for a higher value ticket. But the exchange rate was rather severe.
DeleteJoe (2),
DeleteI'll confess, I had to research "Shank's Mare". Hadn't heard that. I don't think the Doctors on either end of that walk would have been especially happy with me. Especially my GP who wouldn't even let me drive those couple of blocks under the circumstances.
Thanks
juvat
Beans,
DeleteYeah, we went there for the first time in '65 I think. Tickets were in vogue then. I was 10, my siblings were 8,7,& 6. (Yes, Dad's job required a lot of TDY if you must know). In any case, I was old enough for the E Ticket Rides, they weren't. Suffice it to say, I had a blast. They got to ride the horses on the carousel...Bwaa-ha-ha!
juvat
"I had to research "Shank's Mare". Hadn't heard that. I don't think the Doctors on either end of that walk would have been especially happy with me."
DeleteI wasn't saying to actually do it...but the look on your doctor's face would have been priceless!
Surprised that you didn't know "Shank's Mare." It's been around since Hector was a pup and Christ was a corporal, but I'll admit to not hearing it in a coon's age. Getting as rare as hen's teeth.
I don't recall an especially high premium on the ticket exchange rate. There was a dollar value (or cents value) on the tickets, so you could combine the value of the lesser tickets to get to an E-ticket.
Joe,
DeleteThird paragraph was priceless, well done!
juvat
My dad, the mighty fighter pilot, got motion sick on the carousel. He could do rollercoasters, the spinning teacups, all sorts of things. But the lowly rollercoaster would cause him to vomit. Go figure.
DeleteBeans,
DeleteThat is interesting. Was there some time period after flying that it would have incurred? Or was it just the Carousel not having flown recently. I could see it if he'd flown before or after the ride, fluids in the ear still moving back to normal or something. But, fluid in the ear and flying is always, well, exciting.
juvat
All I can say is best wishes and get well soon. Having a similar problem but the issue is plumbing and not electronics. Was kind of low for a day or two but then I had a talk with the old man up stairs and realized we were on pretty good terms and I ceased worrying about it. I am pretty certain that fretting about the whole thing will kill me faster than anything else. So smile, don't worry and and keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteDP226,
DeleteThanks,
Yeah, I spent a bit of time looking up at the ceiling in the ER conversing mentally with the Big Guy. Brought my BP down quite a bit, although the Big Guy may have used the meds to answer my prayer.
Agreed about fretting, not easy not to, but getting better at it.
juvat
Yikes, indeed! Hurrahs for observant Nurse, Ooctor, care team. Prayers for you and Mrs. This growing older thing is not for sissies.
ReplyDeleteHTom,
DeleteNo, it's not for sissies. Thanks,
juvat
Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteWill do, Rob, thanks.
Deletejuvat
Take care of yourself! Fellow woodworkers are hard to replace!
ReplyDeleteStB,
DeleteWill do. Actually got out into the shop this morning. Had to finish MBD's birthday present. Not surprisingly, my numbers went down quite a bit. Magic, right?
juvat
Working with your paws is a calming activity. I would spend my days doing it, if I could.
DeleteMiLady has been living with it for 12+ years. Take your meds as directed everyday. You've been discipline trained long enough to do that, no problem. Prayers up for your new life as it has been introduced to you. Better to find out in a scheduled visit than other ways which could have drastic results. I had one of those. One second I'm standing, next thing I know I come to in lying in the door way in my #3 daughter's arms. For me it was signal loss between brain and heart. Pacemaker fixed that. So far, so good. I'll tell ya, growing old aint for the weak. Hang tough my friend.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteThe ER Doc told me that one of the key advantages I had in the situation was that I was already on blood thinners. That made the possibility of a Stroke go way down, so...got that going for me.
No, it ain't for the weak. Will do!
juvat
Juvat, sorry to hear you've had that issue dropped on your plate too. In response, you've been relocated on the "Prayers Up" classification list.
ReplyDeleteCletus
Cletus,
DeleteThanks, prayers are much appreciated...Always!
juvat
So....very good news for Mrs. J. (Not that we stop for her, of course).
ReplyDeleteCompletely glad you were at the doctor's office when this happened. My BIL (much younger than you) had AFib and said is was terrifying. So do all the things.
Prayers Up.
THBB,
DeleteThanks (for both of us).
I was very impressed with the Doctors, Nurses and various other medical staff folks. They told me what I needed to know and kept the really bad stuff hidden until I was out of immediate danger. Your BIL must have gotten much deeper into the problem as I spent a lot of time thinking it wasn't that big of a deal.
Until they told me.
juvat
Juvat, it was largely the same with him. It was after he went in that they let him know how serious it was.
DeleteI have a couple of those in strategic locations. Always need to know the O2 level when I'm struggling for consciousness!!! My need to know is O2. Pulse isn't an issue..... yet.
ReplyDeleteHas to be a tech nerd comment in here, so here I go: The oximeter is INACCURATE if the pulse rate isn't correct. Since O2 is the number I want, pulse has to be correct. Sort of like a bug in the pitot tube. Can't fly the plane if you don't have good data. I did the six minute walk a while back and the pulse rate showed 40 bpm. I knew I was at a 100 or so. Resting is about 70 +/-. Told the doc the numbers were bogus in the chart, and that's when he told me about pulse setting the accuracy of the O2 reading.
Do they still make the Buford T. Justice Pulse Alarm?? You might consider finding one of those, even if it is 70's technology.
STxAR,
DeleteThanks for the good info. They want me to keep a record of BP, Pulse Rate and O2, 2 or 3 times a day and bring that to my Cardiologist when I have my follow up in a couple of weeks. The BP cuff not only takes my BP but displays my Pulse Rate also. So far, the two have matched up with in a couple of digits, but still that's a good thing to know.
Gonna have to do a bit of research on the Buford T. Justice Pulse Alarm. I remember the character, not the alarm.
juvat
Also, for a smoker or one breathing exhaust fumes, I believe the oximeter does not distinguish between O2 and CO (carbon monoxide) in the blood and can give a spuriously high O2 reading.
DeleteDon,
DeleteInteresting, but I'm not in either one of those categories. so, hopefully...
juvat
Had an episode (blacking out) about two years ago. Ended up with a pacemaker/defibrillator implant. Good since then. Will have to have my batteries changed in nine years. The implant was outpatient and pretty painless.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Steve,
DeleteGlad things worked out for the better for you.
Batteries that last 11 years? Heck, I can't even find one that'll hold a charge for a day.
juvat
Ain't that the vicious cycle- stress causing AFIB, which in turn causes you more stress, causing more AFIB... I'm glad there are meds to help. You are firmly entrenched in one decade, and I hope that helps as well.
ReplyDeleteTuna,
DeleteThanks, it is a vicious circle ain't it.
Prayers always help. Thanks
juvat
it's the stress that'll kill y' every time ("If the right one don't get you then the left one will").
ReplyDelete'bout ten years ago, my GP in the northwet essentially told I was walking dead; I moved down to a little spot on the western side of that dingle-dangle called Florida, found me a real good cardiologist who got me to the right people who implanted a pacemaker and cracked my sternum to replace a valve (cow, not pig - not that I keep kosher anyhoo).
Hey, Doc: can I play tennis now?
Don't see why not.
Funny, I never could before.
BTW: some guys (like Tom Selleck) look really good in a BB cap; I look like the south end of a horse going north.
Got me instead a cowboy straw to protect (and keep cool) the top of old baldy (from incipient squamous cell ca)
keep well and keep 'em comin'
and G-d Blessand keep Mrs. J
Boron,
DeleteGlad things worked out for you. For a small town, we've got some pretty spectacular medical personnel. My GP Doc is a very nice guy, but doesn't pull punches when the situation dictates (as described above). Same with my Cardiologist. Very happy with the treatment.
I've got the same problem with tennis also.
Thanks
juvat
Sorry to hear your heart problems. Lucky you caught it in time.Ten years ago I got a pacemaker. The problem was bradycardio, low heart beat causing too little blood flow to the brain. Only happens once a month or so. Two years ago AFib started. Again, only happens every six weeks or so (the pacemaker has a memory that can be read). Now, blood thinner twice a day. Side effect? Wounds don't clot. Septic sticks and band aids become real necessities. The point I'm trying to make is your life can go on as usual with some minor inconveniences.
ReplyDeleteWSF,
DeleteGlad to hear some good news from someone who's "Been There, Done That". Been on blood thinners for quite a while and can confirm the "failure to clot" issue. Got a bathroom drawer that's solely for bandaids and other bleeding wound problem solvers. Given that Mrs J and I have similar blood issues, we have to replenish it frequently.
Thanks, I appreciate the "It ain't over, til it's over" reminder.
juvat
You do have a first aid kit with clotting powder in your woodshed, right?
DeleteYep, someone, who shall remain nameless even if he does refer to himself as a legume, told me I needed that after I tried to sever a thumb.
Deletejuvat
I did not choose to be the legume. That was foisted on me by some other people. But, as is tradition, I took it gladly, fearing what worse nom-de-plum I could be labeled with...
DeleteGlad you took my advice.
Wouldn't be a bad idea to carry a fanny pack or belt pack with basic stuffs in it when working on your property. And have one in your truck just in case also. When bleeding like a stuck pig, even 500 feet is a far walk.
Beans,
DeleteYeah, a couple of close in "Aw, feces! " bags could be quite important. I will endeavour to construct that option.
Thanks
juvat
Well, THAT's exciting.
ReplyDeleteLess excitement, please.
Cheers for Mrs J. You have done a great job for her, and the results should help lower stress levels and improve your condition.
Prayers up for all.
JB
Thanks, JB, much appreciated.
Deletejuvat
When Mrs. Andrew popped her gourd many moons ago, the doc in charge asked what her schedule was like. And then he asked me what my schedule was like and about the stresses in my life. And then he asked why wasn't I the one being treated.
ReplyDeleteAh, Stress, my friend. It'll kill you.
Too many doctors don't ask the caretakers how they are doing. And it's not unusual for the cartake-ee to pull out of the medical maneuvers and then the caretaker is the one that crashes.
So, yeah, take care of yourself.
Thanks, Beans, seems to be my case.
Deletejuvat
As my good surgeon was extracting my gall bladder last year, he noticed the AFIB thing. I think it alarmed him more than me (after I was awakened). He said he was going to take me to the ER, but it was a Friday and he thought I'd rather be home over the week-end (actual words). I went to the cardiologist's place the next week sometime and sure enough, it was still AFIBbing. So now, after three goings-on under a general anesthesia, I have a pace maker (about the size of a third of a wooden number two pencil), installed inside my heart, through the groin area. It is set at fifty-one minimum BPM. I was doing forty (typical for old FPs). I feel great and you will too, Juvat, my digital friend. My O2 is good and the BP is what it is - all over the place.
ReplyDeleteHere at the beach, we're thankful that you and yours are doing OK. Don't let them fool you about meds and adult beverages. They just want to be mean. Maybe it's just rum (a vegan product, ya know), not evil scotch, but I seem to keep up on my old, bad habits (learned from VX).
Check six, they're really out there now. All 34 of them.
LtFuzz,
DeleteI think it was more he would rather be home for the weekend, but I might be wrong. I don't recall a pace maker coming up in the conversation. I could have missed it. What really scared me was the discussion about stopping my heart to get it from fibrillating. That discussion came after the Cardio and the ER Docs came up with the plan they used. When the ER Doc mentioned the stopping the heart thing, I asked if that was what happened when you die. Followed by a "No thanks."
Glad to hear you're doing well.
Check Six...Aye. And all the other directions also. The bastiges are definitely out there!
juvat
Ok, so I thought it was just me that the month of May felt like the kits just kept coming!! My dryer died (do you know ya can't just go to Lowes or HP and buy an umbrella clothesline any more, it has to be ordered in?) took the guy $250+ to figure out that the problem was a cracked $10 plastic part, then the chimney guy cancels, but then re-scheduled the next week, so that was ok, (said I didn't need to be there while they were doing their thing, I had taken the week off to be home when they were supposed to be there.) Then I take my car in on Saturday for a routine oil change and find out I need a new radiator, then it's a new water pump, I get a loaner, and get the car back on Tuesday, the next day I'm getting ALL sorts of red alerts/blinky lights, so I call the service guy and say "ummm", he has it towed back in and says the seal on the thermostat wasn't put on correctly, so that gets fixed and I escape with only $1700+ damage to the "oh crap" fund, and a free oil change next time one is due for the total damages. Then Sunday, when I go to the store and do the shopping for Dad and for me, I'm checking out, chatting with the cashier and realized I am having difficulty talking....so I get out to the car, look in the mirror and the right side of my face looks kinda melted...think Raiders of the Lost Ark kinda melted..."Well, hell, this can't be good"...but...I can walk and move everything else ok, and I have a car full of groceries...so I go to Dad's, drop off his stuff, and go home. Went to the previously scheduled cardiology appt the next day, he walks in takes one look at me and says "You're going to the ER!! Now!! By ambulance!!" But I drove here! "NO!!" So off I go to the big Medical Center, where, thank goodness, they rule out a stroke and turn me loose about 12 hours later. So I have Bell's palsy instead of a stroke, which is not much fun, but certainly better than a stroke as the drooping, speech slurring and lack of blinking on the right eye are supposed to improve, given time, and rest. And I am a bit better, until I try to do very much...
ReplyDeleteThen just to add insult to injury, on Memorial Day, we had a GUSTY morning, which brought down a tree onto my power line from the street to the house, and ripped the line right off my house, and then poured rain all over everything. So now the line from the peak of the house down to the meter and inside to the circuit breaker box all need to be replaced. For $5300+ bucks. So I called my insurance dude. The appraiser is supposed to come out Wednesday to let me know how much of that I will need to pony up. Needless to say the "Oh crap" fund if looking very crappy. Especially since I have now been off work for going on 4 weeks, and I don't get any sick time...thinking it's time to retire.
Continued fingers-crossed for Mrs J. And, yes, take your meds. Afib tends to occur when stressed, and when it gets very hot, so try to stay cool. The meds usually work, but if not the ablation normally does a great job. My daughter in law, and one of my neices both have had the surgery--usually pretty minor. Scary, but definitely better than having a stroke, or heart attack for sure!!
Suz
Suz, Thanks for the advice. I will endeavor to comply. I sincerely hope your health/property issues come back under control. This getting older stuff kinda sucks doesn't it? Of course, the other option sucks worse. Hang in there. You're on my prayer list.
Deletejuvat
Oh, no! Prayers in the air, Juvat. I'm a cardiac patient, too, diagnosed with "Heart Failure". I take my meds, keep my weight down, and exercise somewhat regularly. Listen to your Doctors, and follow their ROE on this. We're ALL stressed these days, so try and cut out some time for yourself to just disconnect, relax, and keep rested.
ReplyDeleteDr J, thanks. I appreciate the “been there, done that” but mostly that you got through. Think I’m doing ok. Got another Dr visit this next week. We’ll see what they say. And what any new instructions contain.
DeleteStop that Juvat!!!
ReplyDeleteWell...I'm certainly trying!
Deletejuvat
Going through something similar right now. Saw the Cardiologist yesterday. My Aortic valve is Calcifying and needs replaced. It's not closing the whole way and is reducing blood flow. I have to see the Cardiac Surgeon and then he'll set up the valve replacement. Fortunately it's the easy one. They can go through the artery in the leg. He said get admitted Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Do the procedure on Thursday and cut me loose Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Stay down for a week, get the stitches checked and then light duty for a week. He said about a month after the surgery I should be a new person. Other than the valve, I'm in good health for my age and size.
ReplyDeleteJimC,
DeleteI hope all goes well for you. It's pretty scary isn't it. Doesn't feel too bad, but the Doc's are working at near light speed. Will be adding you to our prayer list.
juvat