Yesterday was a surprising day

[DawnTX]

I met my new cardiologist on Monday and I thought that I liked him. I had a call that afternoon to tell me I was scheduled for an echo cardiogram on Friday morning.

on Thursday they called to confirm and give me those last minute things they tell you about what not to eat etc somehow it came up that it turned out I was having a TEE instead of the cardio gram I had last time. I was a bit stunned and apprehensive about the stuff going down my throat test. As most of you understand, I am just exhausted and cannot longer even think straight. I know I have to get it done because I need help. They wanted to make sure I was clear of blood clots tumors etc. before they did the cardioversion.

Well I’ll cut to the chase. The surprise was if always clear the doctor was going to do my cardioversion following the test 😱 needless to say I wasn’t expecting this and anyone that knows me here knows I was supposed to have this done by the other doctor in September. I have been scared to death although many of you have comforted me and I really liked those who said as soon as you wake up you will know that you feel better.

I could not have had a more lovely staff surrounding me with comfort and caring yesterday. I had seven people that I would like to adopt his family now.

I was put into deep sedation I don’t even remember falling asleep and then I woke up lol. SUCCESS when I checked in my heart rate as it has been since April was 158 my nurse said look at your numbers. I thought I was still sleeping and dreaming because my heart rate was 80.

😊

I had mentioned the other day about sleep apnea and it is not anything to mess around with so if your significant other or anyone tells you about your snoring get right on it. I was barely awake and my doctor was talking to me about it yesterday because when they were trying to suction me my tongue even blocked my airway then. Next stop will be a pulmonary specialist on the 31st who will arrange a sleep test. The doctor said this Hass to get under control fast or I will go back into a fib. If that happens I will have to have another cardioversion obviously.

I am being realistic because so many of you had had cardioversions repeatedly. I know it can change and go right back to a fib. Sometimes they don’t work right now I am grateful that it did and feeling blessed.

to those of you who had supported me and said you knew when you woke up that you were feeling better. I now understand. How can I explain how happy I woke up? No doubt some of it was the fairy juice they slipped me lol but I had a sense of joy that I have not felt in so long. Not just the two years with a fib but before that which tells me I had things going on that I was unaware of. I almost felt like I had the giggles yes probably the med lol but I’m even smiling right here because I have already been out of bed. I was able to walk down my hallway without feeling nauseous and being unable to breathe. What a miracle and I will take it for as long as I can have it.

if I see you someone on here worried about a cardioversion now I can give a supportive statement about one😊

it’s so nice not to be a crybaby today and instead of complaining and whining I get to share something good to give hope to others with a film.

I am also thrilled about my doctor, staff and the hospital. Instead of traveling over two hours I now have a hospital 15 minutes away from my house. A Hospital that people had talked badly of has turned out to be amazingly wonderful. There was such a sense of calm and comfort in the building and also everyone around me. To know this place is so close to home also makes me feel good. I used to worry about having to go there in an emergency. This teaches me again the lesson of don’t listen to others make your own decision. I had reminded myself that the hospital in Florida turned out to be amazing even though people spoke poorly of it. That is why I gave this one a chance 😊😊😊😊😊😊 feeling so blessed and joyful today sending prayers that all of you get a chance to feel the same if even for a day

[dedeottie]

I am so pleased for you Dawn. Onwards and upwards now with your new team 👏

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Dawn

I'm so glad that all went well for you.

I know that happy feeling, after a successful cardioversion. It is truly wonderful and if the team that did mine wanted me to kiss their feet I would happily do it. My feeling of gratitude afterwards is overwhelming.

Now take it easy for a few weeks please and no exerting yourself at all until your heart gains strength, beating in its correct rhythm again.

Stay well.

Jean x

[DawnTX in reply to jeanjeannie50]

thank you Jean yes I couldn’t stop saying thank you and I’m thinking of getting a special basket and meet up with Halloween goodies to send to them just to say thank you. I felt so pampered and cared about.

This feels far different from when I had my ablation. It feels better I don’t know why and when I took my numbers around noon time and saw it’s 82 again I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry it’s just so good to see. I am going to be like you and be honest but make sure people understand how good it can be. I understand it may not hold in fact right now knowing I have sleep apnea and waiting for it to be addressed there is a good chance of slipping back to AFib so yes absolutely what you said to do and not do. Thank you for your support

[Jay10]

Sorry pleased that all went well and fingers crossed that once the sleep problem is addressed your heart will be happier.

Best wishes

Jackie

[DawnTX in reply to Jay10]

Thank you so much that’s all I’m worried about now is slipping back to a fib before it’s addressed

[secondtry]

Don't wait for a sleep test start using Breathright nasal strips asap. It could help. I got tested and have mild sleep apnoea, no treatment but I started on nasal strips (5yrs in) and also a mouth strip (2yrs in) as well having looked into breathing in particular through the nose at night. Much better for me now.

If you want more info on breathing read James Nestor's book 'Breathe' and go on YouTube for him and Patrick Mceown.

[DawnTX in reply to secondtry]

thank you. I know I have severe because I was tested about 10 years ago I think and I blew it off because I don’t like anything on my face. Now they have great stuff even a cannula you can use. It’s not the nose, during my procedure my tongue blocked my airway while they were suctioning me. One good thing is I sleep on my side or stomach usually. I will try the strips but being a mouth breather I don’t know how they can help. Ty again

[secondtry in reply to DawnTX]

Interesting about the cannula, do you have a useful link or should I just Google?

Also what might help.......I sleep (normally on my back) with 3 pillows under the head and 2 on the left side to stop rolling over that way.

You are meant to breathe through your nose (that's why it was invented!). Once you have mastered this at night using nasal & lip strips (assuming you have no comorbidities), it is great waking up as your nose is completely clear & no headaches. To understand this you really need to read James Nestor's book, which is easy & interesting.

[DawnTX in reply to secondtry]

I have always slept with several pillows I have four hotel quality ones I bought from Amazon. They are amazing. Usually I am on my side lately I have been on my back because of the pain in my hip. I have been a mouth breather since I was a kid I remember a dentist talking about it one time when they try to give me laughing gas. I will try the strips it would be nice not to have such a dry mouth all the time although my meds cause that as well.

as far as the cannula, find a place that sells sleep aids. I can’t think of the name of the one I found that is in Hollywood Florida. They have the cannula, they have another one that almost looks like a scuba nose cover just a little triangle. I have had the cannula giving me oxygen even the other day so that does not bother me. I learned of all the new stuff because of my guy who has sleep apnea but he gets his stuff from the VA. If I remember the name of the company I will send it to you.