Yesterday, I went to the medical center to see yet another cardiologist, as well as an Electro Physiologist (EP). I felt better much after talking to them, than I have thus far in this fickle process. After re-sharing my medical history and any pertenient family medical history, I was educated by the EP about what the next steps are.
I have to wear a heart monitor for a week or two. It's basically a small cell phone with wires that will record my heart beat and hopefully pick up any abnormal arrythmias that might give us a clue as to what is going on with me. I'll be traveling a bit in the next week so I am unable to carry it on-to the airplance because of how sketchy it could look in a carry-on baggage or with me wearing it.
If the heart monitor does pick up some abnormalities, there is a slight chance that we can 'fix' the issue without having an EP study done (the procedure mentioned last blog). If it doesn't or maybe if it does I'll have the EP study done, hopefully, before Christmas.
There is another chance, if the EP study does not allow us to correct whatever issue I might have, that I will have to have a diagnostic device inserted into my chest (for what could be up to 3 years) to monitor my heart beat. This device called an ICM (Insertable Cardiac Monitor) is the size of a thumb drive and would be placed about where a pacemaker would go. Supposedly it's not a big deal and I can even deploy with one.
As of now my deployment for early spring is still on the books. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as we hope that my arrythmia is able to be recorded, thus speeding up the diagnosis and and getting this taken care of.
I was very happy that I was able to lead PT today, although I had to stop in the middle of my class and watch because I became extremely dizzy. I was able to rejoin. It's small steps but it's good to be able to do something to exercise. I am still unable to drive and do too much working out which is driving me crazy and really stressing me out.
Thank you everyone for your care and concern. Hopefully this is just a minor speed bump that will be gone for good very soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment