Defibrillated

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Yesterday, I went back to the doctor to see if my heart was still fibrillating after I completed the medications program I was on for three weeks. Here’s what happened.

 

 

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Defibrillated

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As soon as I got to the hospital, they stuck probes all over me and ran an EKG test. They told me I was still fibrillating so they started preparing me for the shock treatment to stop my heart and restart it in sync. They brought in this shock machine with these large paddles like they use to revive people on television doctor shows after they have died. Then they stuck these huge pads on my chest and side. I asked the nurse how they knew the precise moment to shock me so my heart would restart properly. She told me the device was fitted with a computer that would deliver the shock at the right time. They shot something into the IV line and I started fading out. I then saw these bright lights with angels in the back ground. (Just kidding). I really didn’t see, hear or feel a thing until I woke up. They told me the shock treatment worked and my heart was now beating correctly. However, my heart rate was only 45 bpm dropping down to 40 on a regular basis. So they put a monitor on me and sent me home telling me if I pass out to head for the ER. Since I’ve been home, my heart rate has increased to the 50 to 60 bpm rate and I haven’t passed out yet. After the shock, my muscles in the chest area were a little sore and stinging like it does when you have a sunburn.

 

 

The portable Defibrillator similar to the unit they used on me to stop my fibrillation.

 

 

 

 

 

Well at least I’m not fibrillating any more. Seems like if it’s not one thing it’s something else. They told me to take it easy for a few days and I told them I always take it easy. I do feel better without the erratic heart palpitations, but now I’ve got another problem to worry about. As an engineer, it seems logical that the heart rate would go down when you get the whole pump working instead of just half of it? The doctor left me with the parting message that they may have to fit me with a pace maker in the future. This old age stuff is for the birds.

 

 

This is where they placed the pads for the Defibrillator paddles on me. Notice my trim stomach and pecks.

 

 

 

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Thanks for reading Defibrillated,
Bill