Friday, April 26, 2013

Update on Suzy

Some of you folks have asked how Suzy is doing.

On the weight program, she's doing great! She lost 136 pounds, and has kept that weight off for some time now. She wants to drop another 14 pounds, but the surgeon says that may take months more. And it's no problem. She eats what she wants, but she currently guides what she wants so as to get the required amount of protein, then some vegetables, maybe some fruit.

All of her recent surgeries have been successful (the bariatric surgery, the knee replacement, the bowel resection), and none of them was due to a complication of any other.

However, another section has been heard from, and here's a summary of that, taken from an email we sent to our immediate family:

Sunday a week ago, Suzy had a major Atrial Fibrillation episode which ended in several hours in the Emergency Room. Part-way through that episode, during which her heart rate was running anywhere from 100 to 163, she suddenly felt the heart return to normal, all by itself. The hospital had done nothing but provide a saline solution by IV and a potassium supplement. The hospital staff confirmed that this was a "spontaneous conversion." They did advise contacting our own primary physician and our cardiologist. We went directly to the cardiologist, because our regular doctor needs a couple of weeks notice for an appointment.

The cardiologist, Dr. Gladding, learned through the interview that Suzy had a history of Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib), even though she was unaware of it. He scheduled her for an ultrasound, or echocardiogram, which she got a couple of days ago. Today we had an appointment again with Dr. Gladding to learn the news.

The News:

The report was not good. It showed the "worst possible situation" for A-Fib: her heart has a four-chamber dilation (which means all four chambers of the heart were enlarged, particularly the right chambers). This was due largely to pulmonary hypertension. At some time, something had done damage to her lungs (Who knows what? There's no way to find out.) The lungs are hardened so that the right ventricle of the heart has a harder time pushing the blood through to oxygenate it before it returns to the left side of the heart to be pumped back through the miles of arteries, veins, etc.

The pulmonary hypertension caused the right side of the heart to dilate, stretching out to try to pump the blood, but weakening the muscle in the process. Add to that the A-Fib, which weakens the pumping of the ventricles, and she has a problem.

What can be done? Nothing at present. If things get worse, perhaps some form of catheter ablation may help. Another possibility (stand back, guys) would be Viagra! After all, the big blue pill was designed to work on plumbing problems!

For now, we are to go on living our life, don't cancel our summer trip. No one can speculate whether or when another A-Fib episode could occur. Suzy at least is quite aware of what A-Fib is, what it feels like, and what to do if it occurs: get to an ER FAST. She is in no worse condition today than she was two weeks ago before the major episode, but she is better informed at this point.

Suzy is feeling overloaded at the present time, and I am just a bit overwhelmed as well. But we know that we have been together forever, and we will always be together. Whatever happens to one happens to both, and we are a damn strong factor together!

And that's the way it is today, in ... Our Life on Wheels.

19 comments:

  1. I am stunned to hear of the A-Fib - in the picture of Suzy just before the part about A-Fib she looks absolutely fantastic and healthy. I have to smile at the thought of Viagra - just hope you can handle it! My thoughts are with you both.

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  2. It doesn't seem quite fair that after all the surgeries and hard work, now Suzy gets diagnosed with A-Fib. But I know that the two of you will handle the news as best you can. I am praying for both of you!

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  3. Sorry to hear of her problem with A-Fib. It seems I'm hearing about it from quite a few people lately. Out of curiosity, I went online to learn about the causes and how to prevent it. The article mentioned eliminating caffeine and alcohol, and limiting salt. It also mentioned getting enough foods rich in potassium.

    Hope she doesn't have any more episodes.

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  4. Tell Suzy we are praying for her and that she need an utmost positive attitude, after two heart episodes with Donna , that seems to work the best, Suzy looks great, We have the opposite problem after her last heart procedure Donna was down to 95 lbs, in two months she is back to about 110lbs, We have to slowly fatten her up. Keep a stiff upper lip. as the British say. Sam & Donna...

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  5. It seems that just when Suzy's weight loss success was something she could enjoy, her body hit her with another problem. Sometimes life's not fair. But with your help, it's great that she can continue to enjoy life. Prayers and thoughts are with you both.

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  6. First of all...Suzy, you look great. You have transform before our very eyes.

    Secondly, I will be praying for your health. You two have been through so much that I know you are both stronger for it.

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  7. So sorry to hear of this additional challenge. Your sound like you are ready to face it head on. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

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  8. As always, I'm sending positive thoughts your way.

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  9. After getting to know you guys, I have no doubt that the two of you with the Lord's help will continue to enjoy every minute. We aren't offered any guarantees as I've learned with all of Jim's issues, so we love and live and I know that's what you're going to do. And being better informed is a good thing. Hopefully there's never another episode. Prayers and hugs.

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  10. Thanks for the update. We are still planning to meet you both this year! Come on to Oregon...the sun is shiny right now...but of course, you know how that goes here...take it while you can. Oregonians have a finely tuned appreciation for sunshine and blue skies...because we know we can never take them for granted. Life is good and we learn to savor every moment!

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  11. So sorry both of you have to go through all this, especially with such positive things happening for both of you. Keep your spirits up and we will, as always, send positive thoughts your way.

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  12. As my dad used to say, just keep on keeping on. I know you both have a positive attitude and that's probably one of your most important assets. Glad to hear you will be following your dreams this summer. Know that I will be adding my prayers to the others for both of you. See you soon!!

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  13. It just is not fun getting older! You do know that it is not for sissies and you two are not sissies. Prayers for strength and peace as you continue with your plans.

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  14. As they say, "Plans are something that's made until life gets in the way"..Sending good karma for Suzy..she looks fantastic!

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  15. Suzy looks terrific! Sorry to hear about the A-Fib but I hope the doctor's can do something to manage it so that you're both able to travel this summer. I'm sure the positive attitude you both have will be a big help.

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  16. Suzy looks great! Wish the news matched. Sorry it wasn't a better diagnosis, but you two are strong and will get through this, too. Enjoy the trip this summer and continue to keep your positive attitudes. Sending good wishes with you.

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  17. Jerry, what a detailed write-up! I have had Afib events as well, so I know what Suzy has been going thru. It is scary. Suzy, hoping & praying for you to get well and hopefully no more "episodes". Remember our short time together at Lone Pine a couple years ago?
    Joe & Nancy, RVing Beach Bums

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  18. I so sorry both of you had to go thru this troubling time but glad you know what going on with Suzy's health.
    I like your stick together, get tough attitude- it will serve you well.
    My thoughts and prayers remain with you both.

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  19. So sorry to hear of this latest issues - just keep a positive attitude and stay in an area with an ER. Being informed is a large part of the solution, as well as staying positive, good luck and lots of prayers and good thoughts, which you guys have for sure from all your family and friends and followers.

    Suzy, you look fabulous! :)

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