Saturday, April 6, 2013

Glitches

Michael has been experiencing a few glitches the past couple of weeks.  The last one put him back in the hospital.

On Tuesday morning, when I went in to give him his meds and do pump readings, Michael said his heart was racing and he didn't feel like getting up.  After I finished, I turned the light off and just let him try to rest.  My sister called him and wanted to take him to look at her new house and he was going to give it an honest effort and try to go.  When he came out of the bathroom, he looked deathly.  I slapped the cuff on him to see if we could get a reading.  His pressures were low, but his heart rate was HIGH.  We notified the LVAD coordinator and she said our readings were probably inaccurate and for him to drink some water, which he did.  Since he goes to clinic on Wednesdays, he knew he would be going the next day and didn't want to make an extra trip.

The heart rate continued to be high the entire time, until he went to clinic on Wednesday morning.  Mind you... HE WALKED THE ENTIRE WAY, and it's a LONG WALK from the parking garage to the clinic and he did it without the walker, even in the condition he was in.

When he got to clinic, they did the usual blood work (and more blood work) and hooked him up to their equipment for detailed  readings, etc.  They tried to tell him his heart rate was 60 and he said he saw 160.  They said it wasn't.  He said he begged to differ with them.  The doctor told him the best way for them to get an accurate reading, was to do an EKG, so they did.  At the time they did it, his rate was 156, which was the last reading I had gotten!  The doctor said his rate had probably been higher the day before, (when I was getting 199) and that if he didn't have the pump, he would more than likely be seriously down, or dead.  There was a flurry of activity, with a crowd of doctors and they sent him straight to ICU, for a cardioversion. (shock)  He had been in V Tach for over 24 hours!!!

They have him scheduled for a catheter ablation on Monday, to remove some scar tissue around the pump cannula that they think is causing the problem.  He is also testing positive for HITT (heparin antibodies), again, but they said they will work around it.  While doing the ablation, they will decide if he will need to have a defibrillator implanted.  If so, he will probably have that done on Tuesday.

In case you've missed my visits to your blogs, this is why I haven't been around.  We are hoping to have him out of the hospital and back in recovery mode, soon. 



41 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

oh my word! this just makes me hurt for you and him...

Liz Mays said...

This isn't how it was supposed to go at all, was it? Here's hoping this time does the trick and he'll be recovering for good.

troutbirder said...

Praying for your son. I did have an ablation procedure for my AFib some month ago now and it was very successful....

Betsy Banks Adams said...

OH My... I am so very very sorry. Bless his heart. I know he is SO ready to feel better. And I know that this is all hard on you too.

God Bless all of you.
Hugs and Prayers,
Betsy

Nellie said...

I continue to send my thoughts and prayers for the recovery of your son, Ms. A. Hugs to you, Nellie

Outcast said...

I think it's great that you're viewing this as more of a setback than anything that'll be too major and heartbreaking and I sincerely hope that he'll be back as soon as possible. This is just a glitch like you say and he will get better but I wish him all the best!

Sally said...

My goodness gracious MsA. I'm so sorry to hear this! Hopefully, they'll get him well enough now to recover.

Thinking of you, and praying for Mike and all of the family.

((hugs))

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So sorry to hear this! Praying for you all! Hope Monday will really help Michael get better!
Take care...
Blessings,
Cindy

#1Nana said...

Wow, the roller coaster continues . I'm sending positive energy your way. Hang in there.

mamahasspoken said...

Sorry, but this sucks!
Really, hate reading about him being back in there and having trouble.... Prayers are being said for him and you.

lotta joy said...

Prior to surgery, the nurse said "Good! Your pulse is 60." I said "You missed half of them." And she disagreed. Of course. That's the one thing they don't mess around with: disagreeing.

My resting pulse is 120. If I sneeze, A-fib shoots it to 190. But who am I to disagree with professionals.

I'm glad he was able to hang in there until someone paid attention.

I was scheduled for a heart ablation, but my area is at the back of the heart and is a 'no go'.

Ask the doctor for some surgical grade tape before you go home!!!!

Momma Fargo said...

Poor guy. Lots of hug, love, and prayers sent your way and his!

Unknown said...

The last thing you need to be worrying about is visiting my blog woman. Take care of your baby....and yourself. hugs and prayers.
Jen

ancient one said...

Praying that all goes well...

Deborah said...

I will be thinking about you and your son.

Chatty Crone said...

I am sorry he had some flair ups - but he is okay and he is going to be okay - right? sandie

middle child said...

You are exactly where you need to be Sending love and prayers.

Linda said...

Wow! Shows that you have to really insist that medical folks check you out! Saying prayers for you.

Saara said...

You really are having tough times there! You have been and You are in my thoughts. Sending strength for You all!

Gigi said...

Don't worry about us - you have your priorities in order.

Sending lots of love and prayers.

Help! Mama Remote... said...

Oh No! Sending prayers and hugs your way.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I sure hope they get him to a healthier, more stable place with this next procedure. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way -

Powdered Toast Man said...

We miss you but taking care of your family is more important.

Marie said...

I can't believe this! It seemed like he was doing so well. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs to you from me,
Marie

So. Cal. Gal said...

The poor guy! Just when you think it's going to be okay. Hope he's on the mend SOON!

Lynn Proctor said...

awww so sorry ms a---i hope and pray he is all better soon <3

Furry Bottoms said...

Wow, what an ordeal! I really hope he gets better quick. The heart is a scary thing. I am so glad he begged to differ. If he didn't then they would never have known all this!

Jenny said...

oH.

Man.

This is terrible.

I'm sorry things aren't going better.

I will add this brave fella to my daily prayer list!

Choleesa said...

Ill keep your family in my prayers

Connie in Hartwood said...

Good thoughts coming your way, for you and for your son!

NCmountainwoman said...

So sorry to hear about yet another complication. Still keeping all of you in our prayers.

Vicky said...

Oh shoot- I'm so sorry! Vtach for a whole day - totally scary, down right frightening. I pray they've identified the cause and can rectify it quickly. Prayers for endurance and strength on your part so that you can continue on! Much love to all of you.

Vicki Lane said...

Poor Michael! You all hang in there.

Betty said...

I don't get around to reading blogs much and just saw this tonight. My goodness...you have all been through a lot. Any serious illness is an up and down emotional journey. I was just amazed reading all the medical terminology you've learned in such a short time. Just believe that this is a little bump in the road and a smoother ride is just ahead. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

CiCi said...

I know it must be a big disappointment for your son to be back in the hospital. And unnerving for the entire family. My thoughts are with you all and I am sending huge hugs to you to keep up your strength.

Ms. G said...

How did I miss this? I can't get used to not having my google reader. I'm sorry! This was terrifying. I would have been a basket case of worry. Continuing in my thoughts an prayers for all of you!

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Oh Cora I am so sorry for all of you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope things level out for your son soon. That he will be stable enough to go home and be able to live in a stable environment.

Take Care my friend. Don't forget to take care of yourself too. You can't help everyone if you don't take care of yourself remember that!

((Hugs!!))

Unknown said...

I hope Micheal will get well soon.

Stand tough. Smile. And hugs all around.

Katherines Corner said...

Wow! hugs and prayers too xo

Betty Manousos said...

my goodness gracious! i am so very, very sad to hear that...
praying for michael. sending lots of love and hugs your way and his!

hang in there.
take care of yourself, my friend.

(((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart (and his!) I feel so bad for not checking in with you. But you've both been in my prayers and will continue to be. Please keep us posted!