Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
It started differently.
The day was going to be pretty, with temperatures in the mid-70s and a small breeze. But when I arose, I was having a difficult time breathing, and it was difficult to walk. Mary got up a little bit after me and was concerned about my condition.
Using her medical skills, she felt my hand and could tell I was getting Afib. Afib is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow. The heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles). This condition may have no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatments include drugs, electrical shock (cardioversion), and minimally invasive surgery (ablation).
She suggested (hinted, implied, insinuated, intimated, demanded, ordered, etc.) that we go to the ER, and I think she was surprised when I agreed with her.
Note to self: Get new earplugs!
This out-of-breath has been going on for several days and I was getting concerned.
We jumped in the car and drove to Providence St Joseph’s in Orange, which is about six miles away. We chose that hospital because my cardiac and pulmonary doctors are associated with it, and it is an excellent facility.
St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA, is generally considered a good hospital with a strong reputation and accolades. It’s recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Regional Hospital in Los Angeles and has earned various recognitions for specific specialties and procedures.
We walked right in like we owned the place!
As we entered the ER, I saw R2D2 entering the elevator, so I knew I was in the right place.
We were unsure what R2D2 was going to the ER for, but it was him. I beeped “Hello”!
The monitoring machine above my head sprang into action and sounded like a calliope from the circus with all those beeps, bloops, hummed, quacks, whistles, and other strange sounds. The little graph was jumping around like a kid with an etch-a-sketch!
After a while I learned how to position my body and other organs just right and made the machine play “It’s A Small World”; I guess I am just talented!
Lying down, getting poked and prodded in all my radiant glory!
I saw people walk by and point in my direction. I wondered what they were saying, and then it dawned on me!
Clearly!!
Mary took GREAT care of me. Going to the cafeteria for brunch and lunch was not easy; finding healthy food in a hospital was not easy; I ended up with a hamburger.
The X-ray revealed water in my lungs, and Dr. Ash was outstanding in explaining what that was and what we would do about it. They gave me a shot of Lasix. Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic (water pill) that makes you urinate more. It works in the kidneys to remove extra water and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), which helps ease swelling and lowers blood pressure.
The shot worked rather well and I was doing the 20 yard dash in a flash. I would say “Mary, NOW!!” and she would jump up, disconnect me from the machines, and run behind me with my hospital gown flailing in the wind warning people not to look or they could be turned into stone.
She waitied outside the facilities to guard the door just in case I had a problem. I went inside and sang three chorus of “Splish, Splash (I Was Taking a Bath) Along About Saturday Night”…. Thank you Bobby Darin for the memories.
This reminded me of the book, “Yellow River” by I. P. Freely!
By 4:00 pm and four runs to the privy, I felt a lot better, and the shortness of breath had disappeared. The doctor decided to send me home, but I had to see the heart sawbones on Monday to determine a course of action.
While all of this was going on Bob Z came by to visit, Joe and Colleen kept the telephone lines warm and even Connor called after we returned home to see how I was doing. (It’s wonderful to have so many care about you… I felt pretty special!)
Robin came over this evening, and the three of us had a nice dinner that Mary fixed. Asparagus and lasagna with homemade salad from the garden were perfect.
The three of us stayed up until 11:00 pm watching 1923. Then we all crashed!
