A long time friend messaged me several days ago to ask how was I doing and if she could pray for anything in particular. It was the beginning of the afib episodes and while I was thinking surely my heart would settle down soon enough, I told her about the symptoms and the experience of the whole thing. A friend here checked in on me most mornings and while I had some good days, the bad experiences in the evenings were a bit concerning. Told her I was going to call the cardio office and she said, I will check in with you to make sure you did. Well, I called, left a message, ran errands, came home and decided the cardiologist office wasn't going to call me back. But they did, on the house phone. She asked if I could come in for an appointment the next day and I in total shock said, why yes, that would be fine. I truly believe the prayer of my long time friend got me in so soon, because God is in the details. While the appointment was being made, she told me, oh it's good you're getting in now because you'd officially go off our records on October 31st. It would be starting all over to see a specialist. Wow! I am so glad to have a friend here who threw down the ultimatum to call the doctor office. Wednesday night was a tough one, awake for most of the night, the lumbering thunder of afib keeping me awake and one can always imagine the worst. It is a constant battle to fight the fear. The ifs start popping into your thinking...then the when follows but thankfully I remembered in John 11 that Mary and Martha had some ifs and Jesus told them, if you believe in Me. Whose ifs are you going to believe, yours or Jesus'? That is how those if fears were conquered late Wednesday into Thursday morning. There is also that practical side of me and I thought maybe I should prepare in case they transfer me to the hospital. Even on that first encounter with this stuff in September 2008, 10% of my heart working, they sent me home with meds. So, in case of a hospital visit, I brought a book and some paper with me. Two things I would need. My Bible was in the car, so I'd just grab it as well. Long ago first thing would have been a makeup bag, not so much anymore. Then in the spirit of, well I better clean up the house a bit, just in case, you know, the hospital thing, got that done as well. Well, as well as I am going to do.
The time came to leave for the appointment. Always have to leave extra time to give treats to any of the Feral Fam hanging about as well as making sure the gate closes correctly. This week that has been a hit and miss exchange. I also left a little time for some fun. Several weeks ago when I was at a checkup at the dentist office, the dental hygienist told me that a group of them in the office sat outside under the trees at lunch time. Most of the trees are on islands in the parking lot and she told stories of people who park right next to them or sit in their car with the motor running in the space next to their chairs. So, I thought, I'll go see if I can find them and park next to their chairs. Found them, parked next to them and wow, I got some dirty looks. Cindy was getting out of her chair to come talk with me and I opened the window and said, surprise! Can I park here? That's when three of them recognized me and started laughing. I had told one of the ladies that works at the front desk I was going to do this one day. We all had a good laugh and it was just the thing I needed to send me into the cardiology building with a smile.
Got into the Dr office and surprisingly, everything was running on time. I like the new Dr that took Dr Smelly's position. Listens and has a good bedside or chairside manner. Answered my questions and even told me a couple of times, those are some good well thought out questions. EKG confirmed afib and he sat with me to tell me my options after getting some tests run. I do not like any of the options, truthfully. Some involve hospital stays and I doubt you get any good drugs that knock you out while there. I told him my situation and that the hospital option would be one for further down the road if that is possible. They scheduled me for a stress test and an echocardiogram.
On the way home, exhausted, I felt different The afib had stopped. I came in and grabbed the little blood pressure cuff/machine that also will indicate afib on the screen. Numbers were almost back to normal. Earlier, before the appointment, I pulled out the machine. I didn't remember quite how to use it and when the first reading was 293/185, I thought oh my goodness, I am dying. But then I had the cuff backwards which once corrected gave me better numbers.
This morning I am not experiencing that lumbering thunder inside my chest that sometimes comes with afib. So welcomed. Still good numbers this afternoon as well.
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A happy Saturday morning, well maybe except for Boston. I tried to stay up and watch the whole game but the eastern time zone thing is hard at times. When I went to bed it was 2-0 and it felt like the Astros would win even with leaving men on base. I woke up around 3:00 am to find out the final score 5-0 sends the Astros to the World Series.
I am grateful for those who have been praying for me. The afib came out of the blue but I have to think it is a result of letting so many things from the summer build up inside.
Just took my blood pressure reading and it really is a happy Saturday morning. So, let's see what can I do today that is restful and not stressful? I'm sure I will get that figured out.
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