I’ve had better weeks. 🙂 I’ve had an elevated heart rate since Monday, 105 to 119 beats per minute. I saw the cardiologist’s PA on Wednesday, where they did an EKG and diagnosed me with atrial flutter. He said it wasn’t uncommon after an ablation for atrial fibrillation, which I had eight years ago.
The first step for treatment is to increase a medicine I am already on for a few days. If that doesn’t work, they’ll try a new one–but I’ll have to be off the old one for three days first. because they can’t both be in my system at the same time. So it might get worse before it gets better. If the new medicine doesn’t work, the next step is to go into the hospital to have my heart “shocked.” And if that doesn’t work, I’ll probably have to have another ablation.
My hope is the first option will work, though it doesn’t seem to be having an effect so far. Prayers are appreciated! (Update: Just heard from my doctor. They want to go ahead and do the cardioversion, shocking my heart back into the right rhythm, rather than trying the new medication. Someone is supposed to call me next week to schedule it.)
In the meantime, even with this new complication, there have been bright spots along the way. I’m sharing them with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story.
1. The cardiologist’s physician’s assistant. I had never seen him before, and he’s very young, but he was great at explaining what was going on and what the options are. Jim took me to the doctor since we felt I probably shouldn’t drive, and he was able to ask some questions to help understand some of what happened with my heart in the past.
2. No cooking except heating up leftovers. Mittu sent dinner over a couple of nights. Timothy made cookies. We’ve gotten take-out a couple of nights and Jim made dinner last night. I always appreciate a night off in the kitchen. 🙂
3. Understanding family. We were supposed to watch Timothy while Jason and Mittu went to a meeting Monday night. I think we probably could have, but Jason and Mittu felt it would be better not to in case things escalated. Then the guys had planned to go camping the latter half of this week, but canceled it. I felt bad, but they were good sports.
4. Going through more old boxes from the shed and finding more old treasures. One was a sock monkey I’d had since childhood and lost track of. I thought it had been lost or tossed ages ago. He’s got patches and holes and has kind of an icky feel to him. I’m going to try soaking and washing him out to see what happens. I may end up having to throw him out anyway, but I figure I’ll give him a chance. Another was an invitation to a Valentine banquet from Jim when we were dating. It was done in the style of a knight to a lady, lettered on parchment paper and stained. Fun!
5. Goldfinches. I rarely see them at the bird feeder, but they like the wildflowers. They usually come as a couple.
How was your week?
Stray Thoughts 
I’m putting you on my prayer list this morning, Barbara. I pray God will guide you to the proper fix and that the Lord will give your doctors wisdom and of course that God will completely heal you!
It’s wonderful when family steps in and/or understands when situations arise and plans need to change. A true blessing…and how fun to receive cookies from your grandson.
I love seeing the birds at the feeders. We haven’t seen goldfinches yet this summer though. Not sure why. We used to always see them!
How special to go through old treasures. I hope sock monkey can be rescued.
Praying you feel better soon and the new medicine helps. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Thanks so much!
Barbara, I will be praying that the medicine works and nothing else needs to be done! What a wonderful family you have to help and be so understanding. Hope you rest this weekend and let your family take care of things! 🙂
Gosh! I’m praying that things get better. So sorry the camping trip was cancelled but I know everyone is concerned. I didn’t realize it had been 8 years since the ablation.
I’m glad that Jason and Mittu and Jim made sure dinner was supplied. You needed to rest.
I’m glad that the cardiologist PA was so good explaining everything to you and to Jim. That is so important for doctors to communicate things these days.
Sounds like a trip down memory lane! What treasures. A lot of mine are gone but I still have some things. I love to go through them once in a while.
Get well, my friend. Let me know if you need anything.
I’m praying! I’m sorry it was a rough week. My mom just reported to me that her heart rate was high based on a heart monitor she wore the past week. So, she may be facing some of the things you mentioned. I will pray that yours can be remedied by an “easier”/less invasive fix. I love the goldfinch photo! And how fun about your childhood sock monkey. Hopefully you can put him into a laundry bag and a run through the wash will perk him right up. I love the phrasing that you “gave him a chance” 🙂
Barbara, my prayers continue for your health issues right now. I’ve continued to pray that the increase of the medication that you are already on will be the answer.
Your family is so thoughtful and extends grace so beautifully. It’s so kind of Jason and Mittu, Timothy and Jim to take care of meals this week for you. What a blessing.
Thank you for including the picture of the Goldfinches on the wildflowers. We see them in the winter when there’s seed in the bird feeders, but once that is gone for the summer, we seldom see them around. I enjoyed yours. 🙂
I will include you in my prayers and hope that you will be feeling better and the procedure will work for you. I love goldfinches!
Oh Barbara, I’m so sorry about the heart issues and prayers for this shocking-heart procedure. Certainly you will be in my prayers. It’s lovely that your family are such compassionate supporters as you await next steps.
So sorry to hear about the new complications with your heart. I will pray for you to have blessings of health and healing. It’s great that you have a supportive family. I love the picture of the goldfinches at the end of this post. Rest up and have a good weekend. See you again soon.
Thanks so much, Deborah.
As I’m scrolling down reading everyone’s comments, I am struck by all the prayers for you. I’ll be praying, too. I love how our blog buddies become part of our lives. The afib issue is a scary one but at least they PA was understanding, helpful and knowledgeable and that they are doing their best for you.
Family nearby is a huge help. What a blessing!
I am seeing so many more goldfinches this year. I even mentioned them in my FFF this week.
I hope you have a good recovery! Willow
I’m blessed that people who don’t even know me in person would pray for me.
I am sorry to hear that you have such heart troubles, and that they find the best solution for you. It’s like my lung disease, which is better now that I have to inhale a liquid each morning. It’s nice that you have help and you don’t have to cook. I am glad that I am in my castle where I have nothing to do, anyway I couldn’t. Wish you all the best !