Outpatient Heart Procedure - Update Sunday June 3rd

[mrspunkysmom]

Wishing you good results. I don't think I'd like the idea of them trying for a heart attack. That sounds pretty darn scary to me.

It is pretty darn scary. They are afraid that might heart might speed up and then quit causing sudden death. The scarring and electrical issues make this likely since my heart has already sped up several times. Sounds scary. I don't know why they just can't put in a pacemaker or defibrillator in without trying to kill me.

But I am trying to keep my spirits up and stay positive.

[mrspunkysmom]

It is pretty darn scary. They are afraid that might heart might speed up and then quit causing sudden death. The scarring and electrical issues make this likely since my heart has already sped up several times. Sounds scary. I don't know why they just can't put in a pacemaker or defibrillator in without trying to kill me.

But I am trying to keep my spirits up and stay positive.

I'm wondering if this has more to do with insurance. My heart's already erratic. Why not just put a defibrillator in? Insurance has to justify it?

I'm taking two days off before the procedure. I have things to do..

[Bengalz]

Good thoughts and best wishes for you Anne. This is clearly a frightening procedure but a necessary one. Try to stay calm (if that's possible...). Hugs, Betty

[mrspunkysmom]

And another update! 9:53 PM I'm allergic to the blood thinner. The outrageously, drop a small fortune on the medicine, blood thinner. Developed subcutaneous hives aka mild anaphylactic shock. No fear. I have an EPI pen but didn't have to use it. Called the doctor's emergency line and spoke to the on call doctor.

Take a benadryl and he said they'll get back to me on other courses of action since my stroke is NOT that much higher than the lowest risk for A-FIB.

I'm allergic to aspirin too. i knew I was screwed years ago when I had a reaction to Ibuprofen.

[Alysser]

I am glad you got through the procedure fine! I don't have much time to read the entire thread, but I will attempt to tomorrow!! GOOD luck!

[Catty1]

OH man - I hope you can get SOME kind of refund on that medication!

Glad you are ok for now.

[Karen]

And another update! 9:53 PM I'm allergic to the blood thinner. The outrageously, drop a small fortune on the medicine, blood thinner. Developed subcutaneous hives aka mild anaphylactic shock. No fear. I have an EPI pen but didn't have to use it. Called the doctor's emergency line and spoke to the on call doctor.

Take a benadryl and he said they'll get back to me on other courses of action since my stroke is NOT that much higher than the lowest risk for A-FIB.

I'm allergic to aspirin too. i knew I was screwed years ago when I had a reaction to Ibuprofen.

So sorry to hear that. At least you didn't need to use the Epi pen, as many folks don't realize that also means you then have to immediately get to a hospital, so they can monitor heart rate and blood pressure, as the adrenaline in the dpi pen does save your life, but it's nothing to be taken casually!

And ooooooh how I hate hives! You so WANT to itch, know you shouldn't, but MAN is it maddening!

[mrspunkysmom]

So sorry to hear that. At least you didn't need to use the Epi pen, as many folks don't realize that also means you then have to immediately get to a hospital, so they can monitor heart rate and blood pressure, as the adrenaline in the dpi pen does save your life, but it's nothing to be taken casually!

And ooooooh how I hate hives! You so WANT to itch, know you shouldn't, but MAN is it maddening!

I'm thankful, too. I was on the phone, talking with a friend, monitoring my reaction to the drug, when I realized it was not an adjustment phase, but an allergic reaction. I thought about waiting to call the next day, but my friend said I should let them know immediately.

I knew you had to go to the hospital if the epi pen is used, but I thought it was to monitor the allergic reaction and get the right medicine. I didn't realize it was also for the effect epinephrine has on the body. Thanks for the info.

Subcutaneous hives usually don't cause an itch, at least not for me. Think of this as a mild case of shock. Airways (nasal passages) are constricted, lips swollen, eyes swollen, and skin is tight, tingly, and a little warm. After 3 benadryl, they are still somewhat swollen, but the drug is a 24 hour drug, so I will probably react for 36 hours.

Time to go back to sleep. The 3rd Benadryl is kicking in.

[mrspunkysmom]

Thank you Catty1 and Phesina for those kind thoughts. I already have an appt with a diabetic consultant next Wednesday. I hope the new cardiologist calls tomorrow.

[cassiesmom]

insurance has to justify it?..

We do, but for the most part it is very straightforward. Implanted defibrillators are so small and so smart now. It is clearly a life-saving treatment.

[mrspunkysmom]

We do, but for the most part it is very straightforward. Implanted defibrillators are so small and so smart now. It is clearly a life-saving treatment.

Just so I'm clear, I was talking about the whole procedure. I can't get the defibrillator unless the docs can get my heart to go into sudden death. Why not just give me the thing? grrrrrr

Sorry to sound so rude, but D-Day is approaching and I'm a little worried. Especially since my insurance is about to run out and if I do need it later, I might not be able to get one.

[Alysser]

Sorry I'm a bit late on commenting on this!! I know how scary anything heart-related can be from experience, you'll be in my thoughts for sure!!