Wednesday, July 27, 2011

WHAM!, etc.

So I haven't blogged in a while. It's a long story.

It started at the beginning of July, on Canada Day weekend. I was in a restaurant with my parents, and I'd just walked down a small flight of stairs to the washroom when I felt something explode inside me. I don't know how else to describe it. It happened too fast to be painful. I felt an enormous bang in my chest, my vision went blank,  I felt electricity rush along my limbs and I shouted something obscene at some poor woman who happened to be walking by at the time.

I was so confused I didn't immediately think of my defibrillator. I pointed at the ceiling and babbled about having been electrocuted. I was terrified. When it finally dawned on me that my ICD must have fired, I burst into tears, expecting to feel another shock slam into my chest at any moment. My Mom lowered my to the floor and went to get my Dad, who found me sobbing and hyperventilating outside the door to the ladies' room. Always dignified.

I didn't receive another shock. I calmed down and went back to my parents' house, and then to the hospital the next morning, where I learned that one of my leads - the wires that connect the device to my heart - had fractured.

Not supposed to happen. Definitely not supposed to happen after only three years.

I needed what's called a laser lead extraction. I had it two days ago, and it went well. I lost a lot of blood, so I'm tired and a little woozy, but I get to eat all kinds of yummy things to make up for it and I'm feeling much better than I did yesterday. And, I no longer beep every three hours.

I've got lots more to say, but I'm tired and sore. For now, I am back, and I'm planning to spend some time catching up on your blogs and doing more blogging of my own. As I said, it's a long story, and I've got lots to tell you.

7 comments:

Cathy said...

There you are Helen. You have been missed. But wow, what a story to bring back with you. That is super duper scary. Please take good care of yourself and know that we will be here when you are feeling more energy.

Anonymous said...

Saying a prayer for your recovery and smooth future sailing!
chelsea

mallen said...

Sounds scary! I'm glad you are alright!!

Wren said...

Gods, Helen. I'm SO glad you're all right. What a terrifying experience that must have been! You've been on my mind lately; I'd been wondering if you were okay. Apparently... not. Well, thank goodness you're recovering now and that the device didn't actually do any lasting harm to your heart.

Whew.

Sending lots of warmth, comfort, care and gentle hugs your way. Miss you.

Melissa said...

Holy crap! That must have been scary. I'm glad you're OK!

Laurie Grassi said...

Holy crap indeed! No wonder you were freaked out! I'm so glad they fixed it. I hope you feel better soon. Rest up, let people spoil you, keep eating those yummy things and read lots of good books!! Thinking of you...

:) L

Helen said...

Thanks so much everyone. I am taking it easy and getting lots of rest, and really starting to feel better today. Yes, it was definitely scary. I'm glad it's fixed now and I have a functioning device, and I can focus on getting back to a point where I can just ignore it again. :)