For the Health of it… Health Update 02.19.13 {Heart}

 

Later today, it is back to the hospital (Ochsner Main Campus} after fasting since last night for more work on this heart of mine. I much rather shopping, decorating, eating, and drinking posts, but here it goes. This too is part of my life. Many of you have inquired, and I appreciate it greatly.

Bringing you up-to-date…

Over a week ago, I had a four hour procedure known as a Pharmalogical Nuclear Stress Test. Under monitoring, a drug (Regadenonson) was given to increase blood flow to the heart. A radiopharmaceutical agent was given and pictures of its distribution in the heart were taken by a special camera. The information will help the doctor determine whether a blockage is present in vesels of the heart. Needless to say, I was able to grade lots of papers and plan my lessons during the down time while the drugs were dispersed through the body.

I also had a number of blood tests done. I have not received my results to date as my cardiologist has been out of town. I always believe in "no news is good news". I hope! I will see Dr. Khatib on Tuesday.

I am asking for your prayers today. I will be out all day having two procedures that I had in the hospital back on January 5. I will be at Ochsner Main Campus having a TEE and a cardioversion.
”A TEE, a transesophageal echocardiogram, is an alternative way to perform an echocardiogram. A specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer at its tip is passed into the patient's esophagus. This allows image and Doppler evaluation which can be recorded.” The numbing agent of the throat is to me the worse part. It tastes disgusting.

I will also be having a Cardioversion, a procedure to restore the heart's normal rhythm. “During the procedure, I will be given medication to keep me free of pain. The doctor then gives a brief electric shock. Hopefully, this will enable my heart to go back into a normal rhythm again. (Small pads are placed on the chest, and IV line is placed in the arm for sedation meds, oxygen is given through a soft plastic tube in the nose, pads are placed on the chest and back & a very brief shock is given, and the heartbeat is watched to make sure the normal rhythm has been restored.)”

After a couple hours of monitoring, I will be sent home. J will be with me throughout the entire procedure and to drive me home.
I again thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers as well as patience as I go through all of these procedures. I am only hoping that my heart will get back into its normal rhythm and that the muscle continues to get healthier.
In the near future, I do have a sleep consultation and testing appointment. More info. on this to come.
My doctors tell me to remain as "stress-free" as possible. Didn't I inform him I'm a teacher? LOL. I will do my best in the coming weeks to keep as "stress-free" as possible. Thanks for your help. Rest is in order, of course.

I will keep you further posted as other procedures are performed.

Thanks again for your thoughts and your prayers.

Heart Health Procedures, y’all!