Update and Thanks

thank_you

I would like to thank you for your kind messages and your prayers during Big Guy’s recent hospitalization.

The doctors did something called cardioconversion–it’s the thing where they shock the heart to reboot it. Big Guy was disappointed that he didn’t get to hear anyone yell “Clear!”

The mark left from the cardioconversion paddle (placed right over a big scar on his back).
The mark left from the cardioconversion paddle (placed right over a big scar on his back).

The procedure worked beautifully, and he said he felt 100% better as soon as he woke up. They shaved the hair on his chest and back–with no attention to aesthetics at all, of course.

Unfortunately, he required an extra day in the hospital to be sure that some elevated enzyme levels in his blood were a temporary response to the cardioconversion and not an indication of impending kidney failure.

We returned home Monday, and he was back at work the next day–happy and feeling better than he has in a couple months. We suspect that he had been in atrial fibrillation for a while before he noticed any of the symptoms.

He came home with eight new medications to add to three he was already taking. He has appointments with his primary care physician, a cardiac electrophysiologist, a nephrologist, and an endocrinologist. I have had a crash course in medical terminology and heart health.

Big Guy's morning meds
Big Guy’s morning meds

I am grateful to have him back to himself and for me to try to rediscover balance.

So here I am, back to glaring at the dirty dishes that not only did not get washed while I was away but managed to multiply. Our kids were worried about their dad and didn’t seem to care much about housework. Sigh . . . but I get it.

And I am thrilled to be back on a computer instead of posting from my phone.

P.S. If you ever wonder what to get for a woman who’s spending a few days with her husband in the hospital, I’d like to suggest tweezers, a pumice stone, ear plugs, and a gift card for the hospital cafeteria.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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10 Comments on “Update and Thanks”

  1. It’s such a great feeling to ditch the hospital for home for both patient and family. Glad it all worked out well. The meds look like a pain to juggle; w/food, wo/food, 2 x day, 6 x day, 4 x day, not with other meds, not within x hrs of …, and on and on. But, you’re thankful to be home in spite of the juggle. If you ever have another hospital stay, you’ll know to stock up on microwave meals in throwaway containers. Of course, no one will take out the trash either. HA

  2. Glad to hear he’s doing much better. Thanks for the update. I was wondering how he’s doing.

  3. Chris,
    I’m so glad everything worked out. A medical scare is the very thing that bonds you guys closer, I know. You lived through it and are now in a much better place, healthwise. I praise His Holy Name. All glory goes to God. I will continue to pray for Big Guy’s heart. I hear gratefulness in your heart. That’s a good place to be.

  4. I’m also glad to hear that you’re back home and adjusting to a new normal-adding in new meds, while coping w/the old normal-dishes NOT doing themselves. We’ve been praying for your family and I’m really happy that the Lord has given you more time together! Enjoy your day, my friend!

  5. Glad to know he’s doing better! Thanks for the update.

    Oh, and I spent a month in the hospital with a pregnancy. I now bring patients I visit good toilet paper (the stuff they provide isn’t that great) and lotion (it’s always dry with the sanitary air in the hospital).

    1. I was on bedrest for 3 1/2 months with one of my pregnancies, but at least I got to be at home! Now that you mention it, I did use a lot of hand lotion. The toilet paper was better than I expected, fortunately.

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