I'll be going into surgery a couple of days after this gets posted. Doing some research now to better understand why I need the operation (Atrial Fib/Fluctuation this time, my wife says it Fib I think it’s Flux but what do I know? I was unconscious when they did the first one. Anyhow, I have no idea what's going to happen or how long it'll take to recover. Thought some of the readers might know more than I or be in a similar situation.
After my blackout accident,* I had an irregular heart beat in my heart's two atria (the upper chambers of the heart). According to the doctor, one was worse than the other (I think) as he's going to have to use two operations to treat them. I went through the first operation right after I blacked out, ran off the road @75MPH and hit a rock. Wife was OK, not great, just bruises. I was in the hospital for a week or so. I wasn't very coherent at the time.
I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart beat. That operation required immediate surgery, so I'm betting that was the more serious one.
Other possible symptoms of AFib include congestive heart failure symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling. Loss of consciousness can also occur due to a lack of oxygen, and insufficient blood to the brain being pumped to the brain by the heart. (Which I'm pretty positive was the cause of me blacking out and the cause of the accident.). The abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) is sometimes only identified with the onset of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is not uncommon for a person to first become aware of AFib from a routine physical examination or electrocardiogram, as it often does not cause symptoms. Source
That was not the circumstances in my case. Just thought I'd mention that it can sneak up on you quite fast. I doubt is was more than 5 minutes from when I first felt bad and when I blacked out.
How is it treated? Well, glad you asked. I'm going to be going through a process called Cardiac Ablation.
This is what the Mayo Clinic advises and my Doctor performed. I'm not sure what the doctor did when he treated the upper left chamber, I was pretty much out of it when he explained it to me. So, but found this description in the following paragraph on their website
Cardiac ablation often uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart. Heart signals can't pass through the scars. So the treatment can block faulty heart signals that cause AFib. During cardiac ablation, a doctor places a flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel, usually in the groin. The doctor guides the tube to the heart. More than one catheter may be used. Sensors on the tip of the catheter apply the cold or heat energy.
I talked about AFIB which if you look at the chart below, that comparison, in bold type, tells what is the more dangerous of the two. I've been through that one. (Yes, unconcious) and am feeling better. This next one is to treat Atrial Flutter or AFlu to the cognoscenti.
AFIB VS AFLU
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This one, the Atrial Fluctuation (I think) surgery, as seen in the chart above, involves sticking a catheter in my thigh and snaking it into my other atrium. I guess that one was less damaged. I'm not a doctor, nor have I played one on TV, but I've been told they'll zap that bad boy and that should take care of the problem. Please, Lord, guide their hands and let it be so. In any case, peace out, y'all! *For those of you that haven't read details of the accident that almost killed Mrs J and I, they can be found at that link. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source
Lifted in prayer buddy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, much appreciated.
Deletejuvat
Thanks for the update juvat, you'll be in the prayer rotation sir.
ReplyDeleteNylon, My pleasure (well, kinda!). Prayers are definitely much appreciated.
Deletejuvat
I had atrial ablation for atrial flutter in October 2024. Wore a monitor for 30 days. Results were all clear and have stayed that way. May god bless you and give skill to the surgeons who are going to take care of you.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you. My typing is poor, I did not mean to blaspheme.
DeleteAnon,
DeleteYeah, been there done it once, this is the other side. I've got a lotta confidence in the surgery team after the first operation. However, a bit of praying (more than a bit from me) is always good...and appreciated.
juvat
No worries, I think He understands. I've learned He is pretty forgiving
Deletejuvat
Prayers up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarge. I'm looking forward to reading your riveting tales of Vacation Daring Do!
Deletejuvat
First, be sure to ask questions about what you will be allowed to do after the procedure, even before they start. Ya know, while the gal is putting in the IV, etc. They (your cardiology surgical team) should go over all of that BEFORE you sign the "informed" consent form. Be sure you, and Mrs., are informed!!
ReplyDeleteTypically, the docs don't want you lifting "heavy stuff" for a few days afterwards so the clot in your groin can heal and you don't go squirting blood all over...gets messy, freaks folks out, just easier to follow the discharge instructions...but, seriously, ASK!! How much weight, how long not to lift. And be sure ya know the signs/symptoms of infection...and don't be surprised if you have really interesting bruises in tender areas. But redness, swelling, draining neon colored crap are all signs to get on the phone with the doctor's office PDQ.
Best bet is to READ the discharge paperwork. Every single line, front and back. At least once all the way through. It should tell you the official diagnosis, your meds, (did any change?? might have), and any restrictions, like how much NOT to lift, and for how long. Also when your next follow-up post-surgical appointment is...typically within 2 weeks. And when/why to call the surgeon's office sooner. If you develop any of those symptoms, DO NOT WAIT saying "oh, I go see him in 3 days, I will talk with him then", pick up the phone and CALL then!!!
Look at these ablation procedures as sorta like you putting up fences. You are trying to keep the horses going where you want them to go, not where you don't want them so that no trouble is caused. The cardiac surgeon is zapping off cells that are being TOO helpful, instead of funneling the electric signals that cause your heart to beat in the correct order, those extra cells are allowing "shortcuts" for the current flow. And we all know nothing good happens when ya take a shortcut!! So, the surgeon is putting up mini-fences to help direct the electrical flow to go how it is supposed to go. Because strokes, or heart attacks for that matter are not a good thing.
Prayers up!! And let us know how it goes!!
Suz.
Suz, Thank you VERY much! Much of that I know, but a reinforcement of that knowledge by an expert is reassuring. After my first surgery and the visits to the surgeon thereafter, I am comfortable with him and confident in the results. With a bit of asking for help from a higher power of course!
DeleteAgain, thanks
juvat
A friend passed out on a treadmill in the gym. He's a health nut and in great shape. Same diagnose, same surgery. Came thru it with flying colors and back at the gym. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gerry, I’m hoping/ praying for a similar result.
Deletejuvat
I much prefer your Monday reports on how your new home is doing, but we don't always get what we prefer do we?
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and I wish you the best of luck!
We’re getting close. The horse barn starts construction the end of next week. The house foundation wii start by the end of the month.
DeleteYes, there will be photos in those posts, as well as progress photos. Excitement is building on the buildings!
juvat
Prayers Up, Juvat! Like Rob, looking forward to "happier" updates.
ReplyDeleteTHBB,
DeleteThanks, Prayers are always appreciated (and hopefully not needed).
juvat
More prayers up. It is amazing what the medical professionals can do, routinely, and miraculously. Glad you've had a sampler of what is going to happen, which makes you a much better informed patient, and reduce the pre-op anxiety level from OMG! to healthy concern.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the construction updates, along with post op report on how brave you were and so helpful to the docs in whatever magic tricks they were practicing.
Some prayers for Mrs J. too, since she has to put up with all your mental gymnastics about the event, and then be alert to you maybe pushing the "Gee, doc says I cannot do that..." get out of working chit for longer than was intended.
Cheers!
JB
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who did patiently endure the scourging and wounding of Your most holy Body, that You might save the souls and bodies of Your people, look graciously, we beseech You, upon the suffering body of this Your servant and give him (her) strength to endure patiently whatsoever You shall see fit to lay upon him (her). Bless the means employed for the working out of his cure, granting that he may so endure his sufferings in the flesh that the wounding of his body may be to avail for the correcting and salvation of his soul, for Yours it is to show mercy and to save, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up Glory, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All‑Holy, Good and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
ReplyDelete