Some hope?

[WATD]

I actually have a lot. We've had a lot. I posted before - my husband had aortic valve replacement surgery on May 15. Since that time, we've been home for all of 5 days. Lots of arrhythmia troubles - afib, heart block - all resolved - then sinus rhythm. Then back to afib. Two cardioversions - one worked, one failed, and so we're back in the hospital, trying to find a drug therapy that will work to keep him in sinus rhythm until his heart has a chance to settle down. Tikosyn was great - minus the 26 beats of ventricular tachycardia. So - he's off of that. Today has been exciting. PACs to afib to really slow sinus rhythm. Back on amiodarone. For now. All the doctors think it will resolve itself in time, but getting through it is not fun. I've read lots of accounts of similar things happening - but this just feels like so much. I know many have it rougher, and some easier. He's been at some great institutions, and the doctors have been good - excellent, in fact. But just...wow. Talk of ablation today if he has long-term afib. For all the patients here - may your courage be honored. I am in awe.

Even as I type this - he's been in afib and back into sinus rhythm and about of about 45BPM (that's not too abnormal - his resting was 47 before surgery).

 

[bluefields409]

Whether experience is fraught with crisis or drama, or the quiet wonder of if/when the proverbial other shoe may drop, the mental and physical stresses we and our loved ones face throughout are all unique. Am pretty sure we all reach the point of "ok ..that IS enough".

This forum is a great place to reach out and voice the struggles, ask the questions and take comfort in the stories shared. Hope can give a sense of breathing room to regroup but ultimately determination provides the strength to get through whatever comes our way.

 

[joanpieroni]

I had AVR and was ok for a week and went into tachycardia and my HR went up to 162 it was crazy! I ended back in the ER 3 times before they kept me did the ablation, that was the ticket! I have been in perfect sinus rhythm ever since, riding my bike 2 - 3 miles every day & feeling good. I am so glad the stress on my family is over.

 

[WATD]

Whether experience is fraught with crisis or drama, or the quiet wonder of if/when the proverbial other shoe may drop, the mental and physical stresses we and our loved ones face throughout are all unique. Am pretty sure we all reach the point of "ok ..that IS enough".

This forum is a great place to reach out and voice the struggles, ask the questions and take comfort in the stories shared. Hope can give a sense of breathing room to regroup but ultimately determination provides the strength to get through whatever comes our way.

Indeed, this is true. Thank you for your kind words. What a challenging journey. Hoping for good news and smoother waters. Pretty please.

 

[WATD]

I had AVR and was ok for a week and went into tachycardia and my HR went up to 162 it was crazy! I ended back in the ER 3 times before they kept me did the ablation, that was the ticket! I have been in perfect sinus rhythm ever since, riding my bike 2 - 3 miles every day & feeling good. I am so glad the stress on my family is over.

So good to hear you are doing well. We made two trips to the hospital post a 2-week original stay. This last one, he was admitted. We'll see what the plan is tomorrow. My husband's afib has been quite vigorous - anywhere from 150-190. The rate is a bit better with the drugs. But it's far from better. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[epstns]

I know what your husband is going through -- and then some. I had similar heart rate and rhythm issues post op, but I also added the excitement of occasional long pauses between beats. I mean long. . . like up to 20 second pauses. We tried medication in the hospital for a couple of days, but it became evident that mine would be a long journey, one with uncertain end point. So, I was asked what I thought about a pacemaker. Since my mother had one for years, I was aware of what they are and what they do, etc. My response was something like "What are you waiting for?" I've had my pacemaker for the past 3 years, with little to no issues. (It doesn't like vigorous mountain biking, but that's another story. . . )

I'm fairly sure your husband's issues will settle out with time, but if they do not, and if a pacemaker is offered, have no fear. I'm still in the gym 5 days a week, and last weekend I loaded and unloaded about 1,500 lbs of bagged rock chips with only "normal" muscle soreness. Life WILL be good again. Just give it time.