Now's a Good Time
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 06:40AM I think that now's a good time to bring you up to speed on something that's on the horizon for me, personally.
If you've picked up a sports page, or watched ESPN over the last couple of days, you'll have heard the story about the Cubs second baseman, Mark DeRosa's heart issues. He has been living with arrhythmias since he was a teenager and last Saturday he had a particularly long run of atrial arrhythmia. Yesterday, he underwent a successful EPS (ElectroPhysiology Study) and a heart ablation. He'll be back at spring training before you know it.
When you're a sports figure or celebrity, the wheels turn very swiftly, but in my case? Not so much. I've known that I would be having the same procedure for about 6 weeks already, but my appointment for my first consultation with the specialist is scheduled for March 11 and who knows when the actual procedure will take place? Could take weeks or months to get it scheduled.
That's OK. I've lived with arrhythmias for so long (my entire life, although they weren't diagnosed until I was in my late 20's) that I can wait. And the fact that I can wait means that, while my skipped beats and galloping heart makes me tired and limits my ability to do physical work and exercise, it's not life threatening.
I can honestly say that I can't WAIT to have this procedure. I can't even imagine what it will be like to go up and down stairs without getting winded or change the sheets on my bed without getting short of breath. The first day I learned about the procedure, I looked out at my snow covered garden and thought about tackling the difficult chore of dividing my hostas--a task that made me tired just to think of it before!
I'll let you know when I go in for the study because I'll be wanting you all to pray! Sometimes when they get in there they find out that, because of underlying conditions, they are unable to do the ablation. I also have degenerative mitral valve prolapse and mitral insufficiency so I'm hoping that won't complicate things.
After all, I've got a grandson coming in June and I'll need to be able to chase a toddler before you know it!
: D
Reader Comments (13)
Thanks for sharing this. I have something they call PACs, or pre-atrial contractions. They say they are not life-threatening, but if I have a day full of them I feel worn-out by the end of it. I'll be praying for you as the procedure approaches.
I have PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) and I know how tired they can make you feel. Do you see a cardiologist regularly? If not, you should probably have a holter every year or so to keep on top of it! Thanks for the prayers!
I'm glad that you let us know too. Thank you for allowing me to return prayers for your medical procedure. Please keep us updated as you feel able.
Thanks for praying, Elle! It's not a risky procedure, so I don't want anyone to worry!
My mom has arrhythmias in addition to her other issues. I understand only too well how tired they must make you, after watching my mom suffer through them. Please, definitely keep us posted, as I would be honored to pray for you.
Thanks for your prayers, Karen, and for bringing me up to date with your mom's health issues via email. I'll be praying for her March 5 appointment
Oh, Kim! I'll keep you in my prayers. Thanks, Beck! Don't worry, though. It's a very safe, effective procedure.
I'm marking March 11th on my calendar, so I don't forget...
Praise God for doctors and the wisdom He has granted them to perform procedures! May you know full heart health!
You know that I am already praying!
I'll be praying for you, too, Kim! My mom has Wolfe-Parkinson-White (which leads to PAT and other "fun" heart quirks), so I can only imagine how weird that must make you feel when it strikes. Rest lots!
Wow, thank for telling us, You can count on me too...
I thought I had commented when I first read this yesterday, but I guess not. Anyway, I'll be praying...and since March 11 is an important date for me it should be easy for me to remember the day of your appt.
Oh, Kim. You're in my prayers! You have such a hopeful spirit--I'm praying for the best for you! XO
I will certainly join the group praying for you. A galloping and flipping heart is no fun, even tho they say it's not life-threatening. Thanks for letting us support and pray for you.
I missed this post. Jamie has been having lots of weird heart stuff too. I wonder if this is it . . .
I so relate the conflict of desiring to work and dreading the weariness. I have episodes of this too - the Doc says asthma, but we are not totally convinced. Any, I do hope your procedure provides some relief.
Best,
Suzanne