A "Where I'm At" Update
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 09:24AM A week or so ago, I let you know that I had been referred to a specialist for an EP study (electrophysiology study) The EP study is done the same way as a heart cath, only they attach electrodes on the inside of the heart and then record the electrical pathways of the heart cycle in order to identify the location where the arrhythmias originate. If they can find the spot, they can cauterize it and 98 percent of the time it totally eliminates the arrhythmias. (that’s called a heart ablation)
Yesterday, I had my first consultation appointment with the arrhythmia specialist. He explained everything to us; the procedure, the benefits, the risks, the hospital stay, etc.
The appointment went well. We both like the doctor a lot.
After all the talking, he did an extended EKG, hoping to be able to isolate some of the arrhythmias and identify whether they originate on the right or left side of the heart.
My heart was very cooperative when they did the EKG in the office and they saw all sorts of arrhythmias, so that was good, but the bad thing is that all of my rhythm problems originate on the left side of the heart, which is less common and more difficult to treat. The EKG showed multiple types of arrhythmias—at least 4, probably more—so the doctor isn’t as hopeful that we can lick the problem with an ablation. Just too much going on. But he thinks he might be able to eliminate the most prominent problem (PVC’s—premature ventricular contractions) by ablation and then treat the rest with anti-arrhythmic drugs. The bad mitral valve makes it more difficult and apparently, when you work over on the left side of the heart it requires blood thinners and more monitoring so, rather than an overnight stay, it’ll be a minimum of 3 days.
So, it’s not going to be the “silver bullet” I was hoping for, but even if he gets in there and isn’t able to do the ablation part, the electrophysiology study will still give them the best information they can get to help decide how to treat with the anti-arrhythmic drugs. One way or another, I should get some improvement. So that’s good.
I felt a little disappointed at first but then I reminded myself it just “is what it is.” They’ve got to work with what they have. I can accept that!
He also thinks that if we can get the arrhythmias under control it may go a long way toward treating my chronic insomnia. (Yippee!)
The EP study is scheduled for noon on April 4. That’s a Friday, which works out really well. I’m really looking forward to getting this done. I’ve been so exhausted for so long. Even though it doesn’t look like they will be able to eliminate the arrhythmias as I had hoped, I should still experience improvement, so that’s good.
Reader Comments (12)
Hi, Kim: Sorry the news wasn't better but at least there are things they can do for the arrhythmias. I will keep you on my prayer list - let me know how you're doing!!
You all are in my thoughts and prayers Kim! Thanks for keeping us updated ... I marked April 4th in my calendar, my computer, my phone, my ipod, my ... welll your number one that day girlfriend!
I'm glad that you updated us. You're still in my prayers. When I hit the "it is what it is" wall, I actually began to know a truer peace because the Biblical foundation that brought me there was, "My grace is sufficient." I had wanted my sufficient to be sufficient. It never is.
I'll be praying that you remain encouraged and sheltered by His sovereign hand as you take the next steps.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I read, but also a quiet thought: God knows. I'm so thankful for the certainty of His sovereignty, and will be praying, like Elle, "that you will remain encouraged and sheltered by His sovereign hand."
Kim,
I've got you marked on my calendar and I even set an alarm on my phone for April 4th. I'll be praying daily for you - I know this isn't exactly what you were hoping for, but it's so great that you have such a positive attitude about it. :) Thanks for your prayers about my mom, too. I posted on it today. :)
Got you in my prayers, Kim.
I'm very sorry to hear that things can't be completely cleared up, but I hope that there is SIGNIFIGANT improvement. That would be such a blessing, wouldn't it?
Whoa! I'll have to have Lana read this. she's had ablation therapy.
That's good to get an up-date, will be remembering you.
Love you, Kim!! Praying for you!!
Will be thinking of you!
THANK YOU for passing along these links; now I'm caught up, in large part, anyway. Your attitude and outlook are how I hope I'd be in similar circumstance. Hopefully your quality of live will improve greatly and you'll have the stamina and strength you've been longing for for a lot of years.
The beauty is God IS in the midst and His desire is for you to see Him as such; I think you do. And as you testify to His hand in and through people and procedure, what a life-affirming way to glorify Him!
:) Praying for you, friend....