If you've been pondering my whereabouts for the past few days, I'll tell you where I was: In a bed at Trinity Hospital. Here's what happened.
On Wednesday morning at about 4:30, I awoke with a nagging pain in my chest. I diagnosed a case of indigestion and got up to get a soothing drink of water--which didn't help. My chest pain continued. And I was also becoming aware of a weird feeling in my chest, sort of like a little bird fluttering to get out. And I was light headed. Better take my blood pressure, thought I.
So I got out my blood pressure monitor. At first I wasn't able to get any BP at all. Just an "error" message. I thought the machine wasn't working so I looked for new batteries, but couldn't find any. Meanwhile, the chest pains and the fluttery little bird continued, and the light-headedness was getting worse. I tried the BP monitor one last time and this time got a reading--in the stratosphere.
I called 911--the first time in my life I've called them for me.
You would not believe the show of local emergency power that descended on The Yellow House. Ambulances, fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and enough paramedics to fill my living room and spill over into the dining room. Scared the pants off Skipper and pissed Sophie off.
At first, the paramedic guy wasn't able to get a BP either. Had to go to one of those many trucks and get a different monitor--which showed the same thing I had found--a BP and pulse rate in the higher realms.
I was strongly advised, in not so many words, to get my butt into one of those waiting vehicles and let them transport me to the hospital; and I did, albeit reluctantly. Daughter Andy met me there.
In the emergency room, where my symptoms continued, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition, I'm told, in which the heart's atria begin the fibrillate. Yeah, I know. I didn't know what it was either. But it seems that the electrical impulses to the heart get all askew and the heart doesn't so much beat as it flutters, sometimes very fast and irregularly.
I was given an injection of blood thinner in my tummy (didn't hurt but scared me) and hooked up to an IV of corti-something--cortison maybe, or cortisol. I didn't quite catch that. In a half hour or so, my heart rate had settle down to nearly normal and my blood pressure too. And I was admitted to the hospital.
All day Wednesday, I was kept hooked up the corti-something drip and a heart monitor, stabbed with various hypodermic needles collecting my blood, and denied food and drink. Andy stayed with me, although I tried to get her to go to work. Nothing doing. She finally left in the evening when it became evident that I was lots better and no doctor was going to show up to talk to us.
The next day, the fun began. I had an echocardiagram and nuclear stress test, and I gave up vials and vials of blood from my circulatory system--and was finally given food. By darktime, I gave up hope that I was going to get to go home. But surprised, surprise! Dr. B. showed up at about 6:00 p.m. with an excellent report. He told me that all the tests showed that I had a strong, normal heart. No heart attack, no damage at all--and he just couldn't say what had brought on the afib attack. He said it might never happen again--but then it might. If it does, he'll think about putting me on blood thinners, but not now, thank goodness. He did increase my blood pressure medicine (doubled it actually) and put me on aspirin.
And let me go home.
Sophie and Skipper were just too too happy to see my. Sophie actually cried, I think. Skipper ran and got Blue Toy and played me a tune. Ramey came and brought me a card (see photo above). That's Raylan Givens from the tv show "Justified." We watch that show together every Tuesday night. Raylan is very good-looking but tends to be on the non-compassionate, extremely violent side. We're considering whether or not watching Raylan in action brought on my attack.
So there you are. I'm here with what may or may not be a heart condition. I have decided that I will just go about my life as usual and cross that bridge if and when it becomes apparent. I choose for now to think that what I suffered was a one-time event that will never happen again.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 02/10/2012, Wendy said ...
Yayyyyy! You're back. Take good care. Each day is a blessing.
On 02/10/2012, RUTH said ...
So glad that you are home again and feeling better. Sounds like a rather scary adventure.
Sophie and Skipper must have been worried about where those big noisy trucks had taken you.
Have a great day at home with your doggies.
Hugs Ruth
On 02/10/2012, Linda Ladner said ...
I have been wondering where you were - I thought maybe that fibro-monster had knocked you down. Glad to know you didn't get some creepy diagnosis, but I'm sorry you had such a scare. Glad you're back!
On 02/10/2012, Linda Volz said ...
Hi Susan -
Same exact thing happened to my sister about 2 years ago. She went to hospital, went thru all the stuff you mentioned and it has not happened again since. She doesn't know what set it off either or if it will ever happen again. We keep our fingers crossed it won't. Glad you are feeling better now.
Wishing you blessings,
Linda
On 02/10/2012, Nicole said ...
Oh dear, what a scare! So glad you are home and feeling better.
On 02/10/2012, Linda K. Smith said ...
Sorry to hear about your scare and glad you're back home. Take care and try not to worry about this happening again!
On 02/10/2012, Cam said ...
I was going to express my concern in a comment today anyway. I'm so glad you are alright, you had a lot of people concerned about you.
I do hope Rayland didn't have anything to do with your attack. I'm bothered by his killing too, so Ijust think in the end that he's saving innocent lives by getting rid of scum. That plus I'm reminded that it's not real. Althought my heart flutters (maybe it's a actually a swoon)a bit when he's on, it's because he's so good looking.
Here's hoping you stay healthy and never have another attack.
Cam
On 02/10/2012, Niki said ...
Oh, Susan, I'm so glad you're back and on the mend. My mother has the same condition and she has learned not to become overly tired. Just don't push yourself, okay?
On 02/10/2012, A Facebook User said ...
It's an unsettling thing to have to call 911. You did good with fast response from medical. Thank goodness for Andy. Take it easy and try not to keep looking over your shoulder for another incident.
On 02/10/2012, Dot in NE Georgia said ...
Glad you are home and do hope that this will be the one and only time for you. Take care.
On 02/10/2012, judyt said ...
My heart did a little flutter (well, maybe more than a little) flutter when I saw that picture too. I had no idea who he was but flutter I did. Then when I read your story I was aghast at what happened to you. Glad to read you are better and the doggies are now happy with you back. I hope it was just a one-time event for you.
P.S. Are the paramedics/firemen in your area as cute as they are in CA? Recently when I had to call 911 I was so flustered when they got to my house, I could hardly tell them what was wrong.
On 02/10/2012, Dot in NE Georgia said ...
Glad you are home. Hope today will be a better day.
On 02/10/2012, Beverly said ...
I'm so glad you're home - and sounding just like our Susan.♥
On 02/10/2012, Jean said ...
So sorry to hear that news. I hope you will feel better soon. My husband lived with it his whole life - though he only knew that he had A-Fib the last three years of his life. I agree with Ruth - those doggies must have been really wondering when all those noisy trucks came and then you left with them. They will surely stick by your side for the next while. Enjoy your day, enjoy snuggling with the dogs and if it is sunny enjoy the sunshine as well as the Son shine.
On 02/10/2012, Linda said ...
Susan,
I enjoy reading your blog because it is so real! You are so straight forward with all - just how we all feel sometimes!
So glad you are ok. Thank goodness for emergency services when we need them. Take care and take it easy, a reader, Linda
On 02/10/2012, Barbara Anne said ...
Holy Heartrate, BatGirl! You don't do things by halves, do you?? How scary but I applaud the chain of actions you took when you were having the symptoms. Well done!! We'll hope and pray this was a happen-so that won't be repeated. Hugs!
A couple of years ago, AMIL started having weird symptoms, none as dramatic and sudden as yours, and hers was also A-fib as it's referred to in medical circles. She's now 81 so was much older than you at onset, but hers did not go away. A few weeks later, she had a cardioversion that didn't "convert" her to a normal rhythm (done under sedation at the hospital; not scary) so had a pacemaker put in a month after the failed cardioversion. The pacemaker and meds keep her symptoms at bay and she feels great. She cannot feel that she still has controlled A-fib. Fret not! It is manageable if it should return to stay. Please call your doctor if you're concerned at all about anything.
Hope you have some special treats on hand to give Sophie and Skipper. They've had a weird week, too. I'm so glad their mommy is back home again.
Be good to you. Wish I could bring you a covered dish of some yummy sort.
More hugs!
On 02/10/2012, terry cortez said ...
So sorry to hear about your scare.... but soooooo glad you're okay. Take care of yourself and don't over do it. Enjoy those doggies.
Terry
On 02/10/2012, Trudy Abernathy Neill said ...
Hope you are getting some rest and feeling much better soon. Those doggies need their mommy at home!
On 02/10/2012, Gretchen said ...
Very scary situation. I am so relieved to hear you are well and that you had excellent care from everyone. I bet Sophie and Skipper were beside themselves wondering what had happened to you. Take care and rest. Sending best wishes from GA.
On 02/10/2012, Quilty Jen said ...
So glad everything came out good and you didn't have a heart attack or anything like that. I bet that was scary. We are glad to have you back too. Relax and have a good day with your doggies. I'm sending you good thoughts :)
On 02/10/2012, Melinda said ...
I am so glad you are OK and back home. I will be praying that the change in blood pressure medicine takes care of any potential problems.
On 02/10/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...
Well......here to age!! Same thing happend here before Christmas. Was tested in every way and my heart is wonderful. I guess we need a wake up call every once in a while to remind us we are not super human.
I am glad you are feeling better and I hope you do not have anymore episodes.
On 02/10/2012, Ramey said ...
So glad you're back! Raylan may be just too much of a good (or bad) thing!
On 02/10/2012, Julie in WA said ...
Oh my goodness! Here I was all happy that I have a new post for the Little Green Quilter Friday Updates, and I was shocked to read your post this morning. What a scare for you. My MIL has a condition much the same as you described and it exhausts her for days after an attack. I certainly hope this is a once in a lifetime experience for you. And I am thankful that you are well and home and take it easy and relax and all that jazz...
On 02/10/2012, Marydon said ...
So glad you caught yourself in time, my friend. I have Atrial Fibrillation also, & cardiac heart failure. Scare the living tar out of one for sure. Take care & enjoy those little fellas.
Have a fab weekend, my friend!!
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
On 02/10/2012, Lynn said ...
My goodness! Glad you are okay now!
On 02/10/2012, Missy said ...
I'm glad to see you back. I was getting worried. You are so reliable and always tell us when you won't be here! I hope you rest well and feel better.
On 02/10/2012, sillysally said ...
Wow, how scary! Glad that you were able to get a fast response from 911 and that all the tests came back negative for all the bad things. You take care now and rest up from being in the hospital. Sophie and Skipper - you take good care of your Mama SuSu now, ya hear?
On 02/10/2012, Joanne said ...
So glad you're home! Even gladder that you're my sis, and I love you this much!
On 02/10/2012, Debby Messner said ...
Oh goodness. Glad you got all checked out. I hope the change in meds help. Those blood thinners require alot of monitoring and diet changes. (ex. spinach can cause problems) I am glad that you didn't have to go on them. Wonder if your fibro can influence this. I have heard of it. So glad tht you called the squad and went to the hospital. Now, feel better and rest.
On 02/10/2012, Suzanne said ...
So glad your home and okay. I missed you!!
On 02/10/2012, sharon bull said ...
Susan, Glad you are doing better and spent those days getting checked out.. Feel better and prayers your way.
On 02/10/2012, Diane W said ...
Oh my! I knew something was wrong when you didn't post for a couple of days. You have to be ok, where else will I get my daily dose of laughter (most days any way) I so enjoy your doggie stories, quilting stories and very day mishaps. I was beginning to think those things only happened in my life. Sorry you had such a scare and My sister has the fibro junk too so I know some of what you go through. Glad to hear you are ok and glad you are back.
On 02/10/2012, Donna said ...
Susan,
So glad all is well and it never happens again. I saw on FB last night that you were going home from the hospital and I wondered what had happened. I know your "babies" were so glad to see you!
Take care and Hugs,
Donna
On 02/10/2012, Kathleen said ...
Scary stuff at that hour of the morning good for you to ring 911 and not to lie there thinking it would go away.
Stay safe and well!
On 02/10/2012, Denise Copeland said ...
Susan,
What an incredible experience! I am sending you positive thoughts your way! So glad that you are home with Sophie and Skipper!
On 02/10/2012, Betty Lou said ...
Good for you for calling 911. Take care of yourself, Afib is nothing to fool around with. Hugs
On 02/10/2012, Jan said ...
So, so glad to hear it ended well for you, Susan. When you didn't post for a few days, I wondered if you were alright. Take care of yourself and we're all thinking the good thoughts for you tonight!
On 02/11/2012, Sandra Clarke said ...
GLAD you are better. My husband had a heart cath, done today, so far he is doing well but they did keep him overnight. Heart problems do scare you, but thank goodness for so many new techniques. Take care, keep quilting!!!!
On 02/11/2012, Deb said ...
Good Morning, Susan ~ I was gone all yesterday and didn't check in. So this morning I was quite shocked to hear about all your experiences. It all sounds quite familiar with my mom living with us...she has afib, and we've gone through the exact same thing! I can identify exactly with what you were going through. I do hope you continue to recover and that it truly was once in a blue moon experience. Get well soon!
On 02/11/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Oh Susan, sorry to hear about your drama - but I'm so glad you are actually fine. I had the same thing happen about a month ago - BP suddenly through the roof, heart beating like never before - and a dreadful headache to boot - at the hospital they finally (after a million tests) said the same thing - everything is fine - but with me the probable cause was a reaction to the painkillers i was taking for my injured knee. The good thing with all this is that you have been thoroughly tested and know that your heart is OK. Thinking of you, take care my friend, Helen xx
On 02/11/2012, Vickie Limberger said ...
Glad you are ok. I guess you never can tell what the day will bring!
On 02/11/2012, Pat said ...
Susan, so glad you're home & doing well. You did the right thing. And this is Heart Month. We missed you!!
On 02/11/2012, Kai said ...
Susan, my JAW hurts now from HANGING after reading all this! Poor thing!!! For all your humor in telling it, I know that had to scare the daylights out of you! Shoot, it scared MY daylights! I know that, thankfully, you have Andy & Ramey nearby to check on you! But TRULY - should you need me, don't you DARE fail to let me know. I'll GET to Alabama (tho' I doubt I'll have a banjo on my knee) & do any housework, etc. that needs doing while YOU REST! I'm 100% SERIOUS! LOVE YOU, my friend! FEEL BETTER!
On 02/11/2012, Sophie said ...
What a scare ... So glad you are OK. I hope that was a once in a lifetime experience for you.
On 02/11/2012, Sandra Hutchins said ...
Oh dear! It sounds like you had quite a scare. So glad that you went to the hospital and that your heart is going to all right now. Bless you dear sweet lady! Sandy Gail
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