**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**
My labs came back with all levels at the perfect range. So the doctor is taking me off some meds - putting me on others - he is going to talk the electrophysiologist who implanted my device - to see if there are any "pacer meds" that would help my arrrhythmia. So I don't know much - at this point, just that it won't be the easy fix.
OK - I admit it - a LOT SCARY. My defibrillator has shocked me twice now - in the space of two weeks. I didn't know the first time, until they called me from the pacemaker clinic - after reviewing my regular "interrogation" report. But the second time - I woke up - sitting bolt upright in bed. I couldn't catch my breath. Dave kept asking me, "What's wrong? WHAT'S WRONG??" and I couldn't answer him. After talking about it the next day, he and I both wondered if it had been a shock - and I called the pacemaker clinic. When I got home that night, I interrogated my machine again - and yesterday morning, they called and confirmed that I had, indeed, been shocked again. The doctor was very concerned, and squeezed me in yesterday afternoon.
First of all, he said that both arrhythmias were severe, and without the defibrillator, I most likely would not have survived either of them - THANK GOD for this little machine in my chest. He said that the cause is most likely an electrolyte imbalance (potassium, magnesium, etc.) He had bloodwork done yesterday to determine if this is the problem, and if it is, that is the easiest fix.
If that is NOT the problem - there are other tests they will do - and there are options that should take care of it. Right now, though, the doctor really doesn't want me to drive - the danger of this happening behind the wheel is too great. And if it happens, I could easily pass out, or lose control of the wheel if I were shocked. I understand this totally, and wouldn't want to put myself or anyone else in danger - but I'm not used to being confined...and I'm sort of chafing under it.
Perhaps my biggest concern - besides figuring out what is wrong - is sleeping at night. Right now, I'm having difficulty just going to sleep. Afraid it will happen again...somewhat. Worried that I might feel the next shock - maybe. Wishing I had answers...definitely!
I will keep everyone updated as I find out anything. For now, just pray - and know how much I appreciate you.
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