I'm going into hospital again
The long wait for my heart operation is over.
I’ve suffered with an irregular heartbeat and valve flutter for years now. I was due to have an operation to right it but then my cancer diagnosis put a stop to that.
But now after almost a year on the waiting list I’m going in for an ablation on 11 September and hopefully my heart issues will be over.
Now, I’m a bit anxious. Not about the operation, after all with everything I’ve been through a small heart op isn’t going to worry me. No, I’m worried about having to spend 48 hours in hospital. Every time I went in when my myeloma was being treated I ended up catching something serious often leading to what was meant to be an overnight stay turning into 2 months spent on a ward!
This time though I’m going into a small private hospital for the procedure. I wouldn’t normally be able to afford such a stay, however due to growing waiting lists the NHS is contracting out these procedures to the private health care sector. Anyway, you won’t find me complaining.
Unless that is I have to spend longer there than anticipated.
I'm sorry to hear this, Nick (or am I glad you're going to have it taken care of) either way, sending you good vibes from across the pond! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy friend, just seeing this note today, 9/6/18...you have brought me good counsel and reassurances during previous email exchanges related to our similar physical maladies, so I’m happy to be able to maybe provide you with the same today.
ReplyDeleteIn 2008 I was diagnosed with an atrial flutter, and after a few months of trying to control it with medication and a few failed cardio versions, we decided to go with a cardiac ablation in 2009. I was pretty terrified...but as it turned out, it was a relatively painless affair. I was awake during the procedure (twilight sedation they called it) and I was talking with the cardiologist about the musical artist playing in the background. Felt a very slight burning sensation but it was short lived. The worst part of the procedure is the need to have a doctor apply continuous pressure to the wound in the groin area that was the insertion point of the catheter they insert to work it’s way up to the heart. The pressure needs to be applied until it begins to clot.
I was kept in the hospital overnight and was just not able to go dancing for a few days(kidding- not a dancer!) You just have to keep an eye on the groin wound for a few days. I have been in sinus rhythm now ever since.
Strangely enough, my 89year old father was just diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and they implanted a defibrillator device in his clavicle area.
It will go just fine my friend. No worries! It’s a common procedure nowadays. Godspeed to you. Look forward to seeing you on YouTube soon.
Lou in Jersey(the Other Jersey, Stateside)
Lfonolleras@outlook.com