Well, a small controversy has arisen at Sarah's bedside related to this blogger's references in a previous post to the "teddy bear" that Sarah made for her sister, Eliza, about 14 years ago. Turns out that most people think it is a dog, and Seddon calls it a bunny - but no one seems to see any evidence of "teddy bear." It has also been renamed Barry for some reason.
Unfortunately, there are other questions of more importance looming one of which may be resolved at least temporarily tomorrow. Since her surgery, Sarah has required a pacemaker to assure coordinated and rapid enough heart beats. Her small upper heart chambers (atria) were showing regular contractions (Lub), but her larger lower chambers (ventricles) (Dub) were not responding at all. She had a Lub without the Dub. The assumption on Saturday was that Sarah would need a permanent pacemaker. The EP (electrophysiologist) cardiologist came around to explain this to us. However, on Sunday (today) an experiment that involved slowing down the sensitivity of Sarah's temporary pacemaker demonstrated that she had a new "junctional rhythm" (now more Dub than Lub) at about 60 beats a minute. This was sufficient to maintain Sarah's blood pressure and oxygen levels for much of the afternoon without the benefit of the pacemaker. That may mean that the electrical system in her heart is starting to wake up and go to work. If that continues, she may not need the permanent pacemaker after all. However, some of the doctors feel she should have it anyway. Sarah and we are mostly concerned about the safest solution, but also want to avoid yet another surgical procedure if we can. We'll see what tomorrow brings...
Meanwhile, Sarah had a day of more ups than downs. The highlight was a visit from her husband, Levi, in the afternoon. He brought Sarah a wonderful mix of their favorite tunes as well as a slide show of photos that he personally prepared (with music). He also gave her a sweet silver necklace. They were able to spend several wonderful hours together. Love heals...
Sarah also has taken four or five progressively longer hikes and by evening completed the loop around the unit in record time. Her diuretic therapy is keeping her busy at times, but has resulted in visible loss of fluid and weight. She was joined in her late afternoon nap by Eliza and Seddon. As the three of them found the space to sleep together in her hospital bed, the blogger was able to watch about as much as he could stand of the Patriots game. (Sarah considers football "too barbarican" for her taste and she usually controls the TV remote when awake, reminding us that "I am the patient here.") I have decided not to post my iPhone photo of the three sleeping beauties.
Tonight I'm on the rack, I mean cot, in Sarah's room so had better begin the search for an orthopedically safe and feasible position.
Unfortunately, there are other questions of more importance looming one of which may be resolved at least temporarily tomorrow. Since her surgery, Sarah has required a pacemaker to assure coordinated and rapid enough heart beats. Her small upper heart chambers (atria) were showing regular contractions (Lub), but her larger lower chambers (ventricles) (Dub) were not responding at all. She had a Lub without the Dub. The assumption on Saturday was that Sarah would need a permanent pacemaker. The EP (electrophysiologist) cardiologist came around to explain this to us. However, on Sunday (today) an experiment that involved slowing down the sensitivity of Sarah's temporary pacemaker demonstrated that she had a new "junctional rhythm" (now more Dub than Lub) at about 60 beats a minute. This was sufficient to maintain Sarah's blood pressure and oxygen levels for much of the afternoon without the benefit of the pacemaker. That may mean that the electrical system in her heart is starting to wake up and go to work. If that continues, she may not need the permanent pacemaker after all. However, some of the doctors feel she should have it anyway. Sarah and we are mostly concerned about the safest solution, but also want to avoid yet another surgical procedure if we can. We'll see what tomorrow brings...
Meanwhile, Sarah had a day of more ups than downs. The highlight was a visit from her husband, Levi, in the afternoon. He brought Sarah a wonderful mix of their favorite tunes as well as a slide show of photos that he personally prepared (with music). He also gave her a sweet silver necklace. They were able to spend several wonderful hours together. Love heals...
Sarah also has taken four or five progressively longer hikes and by evening completed the loop around the unit in record time. Her diuretic therapy is keeping her busy at times, but has resulted in visible loss of fluid and weight. She was joined in her late afternoon nap by Eliza and Seddon. As the three of them found the space to sleep together in her hospital bed, the blogger was able to watch about as much as he could stand of the Patriots game. (Sarah considers football "too barbarican" for her taste and she usually controls the TV remote when awake, reminding us that "I am the patient here.") I have decided not to post my iPhone photo of the three sleeping beauties.
Tonight I'm on the rack, I mean cot, in Sarah's room so had better begin the search for an orthopedically safe and feasible position.
Wow Carl, What amazing news, a heart rate of 60 is impressive!! I bet Sarah feels better getting that extra fluid off.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the Patriots, that was painful!
Love to to all of you!!
Mary
PS Joey left flew back to California this a.m. but he will stay in touch.
So glad he got to see all of you!
Best wishes from Maine to Sarah, Seddon and family!
ReplyDeletehi pretty it me Your hot man Levi i love you
ReplyDelete