I'm led into the EP study lab by a nurse. This place looks like something out of a sci-fi movie or a tv drama series. One table in the middle with gadgets all over the place. A 6-screen monitor on wheels and nurses turning on some "jamming" music to keep their energy levels up while they work on me. It felt like it was about 55 degrees in there and I was dealing with the paper-thin gown and footie socks. They were terribly inadequate for insulating me from the elements.
I hopped onto the table, which was as wide as a weight bench, and to lay all the way down, I had to lean back while curling around some thing that was suspended over the table. They brought me a couple of warming towels to cover me which was nice but the heat wore off quickly and I had to ask for another set after a couple minutes of prep time. I couldn't shake the cold and I was a little bit nervous too.
They were slapping me with those electrode pads from every angle. They numbed my entire hip area with an iodine, roll-on deodorant looking tube. They strapped my wrists down with velcro cuffs so I wouldn't interfere with their work. The procedure involves putting tiny catheter tubes into the veins in the groin. The veins let them get up to the heart where they map the electrical circuits and try to pinpoint irregularities. To my right was the computer room. A few folks were behind glass where they had computers and other equipment to read my heart's electric map. There were a lot of people involved in this procedure and it's nice to know that they are really good at their jobs. I have no complaints about Cooper Hospital.
The next thing I know, I'm waking up to my two happy prep nurses, counting to three so they can yank me off the table, onto a bed. I guess I'm done. I was rolled away to my room where Kim was waiting. This was around 7:30pm. I don't remember a lot about the next few hours, but my doctors came in and give me their results. They did find Atrial Tachycardia in my heart, but since they started working on me so late in the day, they couldn't do the Ablation procedure. The verdict is... they need to do the EP study again in a month and do the ablation to wipe out the problem, hence my title "Round 1". I need a few weeks to heal up before they can go poking holes in my legs again.
All in all, there was very minimal pain involved. The worse part was on Tuesday morning when I had to rip off all those electrode pads. I got an Echo test and my discharge papers by 11am on Tuesday morning. 25 hours or so and I walked out, slightly hunched over and shuffling along. Nothing really got fixed but at least I know what the deal is with my ticker. Next time, it should get resolved and I can move on.
Choose Wisely
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Round 1-part 1
Monday was a long, long, long day. Kim and I arrived at Cooper just before 10am. First up was the tilt table test. They strapped me to a bed and hooked me up to a heart monitor and a blood pressure thingy. They tilt the bed up to about 80 degrees but it still feels like you're standing up straight. 45 minutes just standing there chatting with the nurse while he records my blood pressure every minute. Next, they put me flat and start pushing adrenaline through the IV. My normal rest rate was in the 60's so they needed it to be above 90 before they could stand me up again, this time for 15 minutes of bp readings. The adrenaline definitely felt funny since I wasn't running around or exercising to build up the rate on my own. But it wasn't too bad, only got up to about 125 bpm, mostly between 100-115. 15 minutes was enough of that though. Thus ended the tilt table test, they laid me back down to relax for a few minutes before I dismounted and headed carefully for a chair (little bit dizzy). This puts us around 12:30
They didn't really learn much from the tilt table, lots of people can pass out from it but I've never had symptoms that lead to passing out or even feeling dizzy. I just have a palpitation and some heart racing issues that aren't normal but aren't too severe either. Anyway, we started chatting with the Doctors about what to do next. Eventually we decided to go ahead with the EP Study and the Ablation procedure if they found something worthwhile. That's what we planned on doing and it didn't seem right to get to that point and just walk away without learning anything new. Now we're up to 2:30pm.
waiting around... waiting around...
4:45 the Fellow for the EP study lab comes in to chat a bit and get more info.
5:00 the nurses arrive and take me away to the lab.
more later...
They didn't really learn much from the tilt table, lots of people can pass out from it but I've never had symptoms that lead to passing out or even feeling dizzy. I just have a palpitation and some heart racing issues that aren't normal but aren't too severe either. Anyway, we started chatting with the Doctors about what to do next. Eventually we decided to go ahead with the EP Study and the Ablation procedure if they found something worthwhile. That's what we planned on doing and it didn't seem right to get to that point and just walk away without learning anything new. Now we're up to 2:30pm.
waiting around... waiting around...
4:45 the Fellow for the EP study lab comes in to chat a bit and get more info.
5:00 the nurses arrive and take me away to the lab.
more later...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Electrical problems
I wanted to put a quick note out there because I haven't blogged about some health issues I've been going through for the last few months. When I was sick with flu-type stuff around Christmas and visiting my doctor, I made a casual reference about feeling some heart palpitations, or "blips" or whatever you want to call them. Things sort of snowballed from there... cardiologist visits, stress tests, heart monitors. This all leads up to tomorrow.
In the morning I'll be going to Cooper Hospital to get some tests and/or procedures done to try and fix my problems. As far as I understand, and in completely non-technical terms, I have some miscommunication between the different electrical nodes in my heart. Sometimes I have a "blip", where my heart speeds up for a few seconds, and sometimes my heart races and I don't know it's happening. That's about the best I can break it down for you. I'll be getting a tilt table test and probably the EP Study. I'm sure I'll understand it a little better once I talk to the doctors who actually do these things. I'll try to report on more of the details when I can make sense out of them.
I'd be lying if I said I'm totally relaxed about this stuff. Mostly, I have tried not to think about it too much, which only works sometimes. I like to think I'm not a worrier and I can handle all the stress that is built up by this issue, not to mention my job stress, which has snuck up on me quite a bit lately. But at this point, it's not just stress that's got my ticker all messed up. I need to get these things done and put it behind me.
My appointment is at 10am on 3/16. I'll do my best to send an update ASAP. I might have to stay over 1 night but I won't know that until it's done.
Choose Wisely
In the morning I'll be going to Cooper Hospital to get some tests and/or procedures done to try and fix my problems. As far as I understand, and in completely non-technical terms, I have some miscommunication between the different electrical nodes in my heart. Sometimes I have a "blip", where my heart speeds up for a few seconds, and sometimes my heart races and I don't know it's happening. That's about the best I can break it down for you. I'll be getting a tilt table test and probably the EP Study. I'm sure I'll understand it a little better once I talk to the doctors who actually do these things. I'll try to report on more of the details when I can make sense out of them.
I'd be lying if I said I'm totally relaxed about this stuff. Mostly, I have tried not to think about it too much, which only works sometimes. I like to think I'm not a worrier and I can handle all the stress that is built up by this issue, not to mention my job stress, which has snuck up on me quite a bit lately. But at this point, it's not just stress that's got my ticker all messed up. I need to get these things done and put it behind me.
My appointment is at 10am on 3/16. I'll do my best to send an update ASAP. I might have to stay over 1 night but I won't know that until it's done.
Choose Wisely
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
USA, USA, USA!!!
Already back from the voting booth. Kim and I got there for 6am, when the doors opened. There were about 150 people waiting outside. It was surreal, driving up and seeing the line from the door of the church go all the way to the road. The sun wasn't even up yet, so I couldn't take a picture. I've never seen anything like that before. It felt like going to a concert. I just wanted to say, I'm proud of our country today. One way or another, God's in control, and people are doing their best to make things better around here. Maybe that's naive, but I don't care. I'm thankful that I have the freedom to vote and I'm satisfied with that.
Choose Wisely
Choose Wisely
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Knuckle Ball
That's what I'm about to throw at you. This virtual knuckler will unveil my choice for November 4, 2008. It's a knuckle ball because I plan to give you no spin at all. That's right, my pick with no digs on candidates and no advice for swaying you, the reader. Let's get to it.
I will vote for John McCain. The #1 reason for me is I believe in his philosophy on economic growth. I think that in these times of global economic development, the US must make it a priority to retain employers. These days, companies and their employees are more capable than ever before of picking up and moving to friendlier circumstances. It is important to reward entrepreneurship and hard work, promote growth and give incentives for production.
Secondary reasons include abortion, balance of party power at the federal level, experience (mostly consideration of military), trustworthiness, and dedication to national interests.
You can check out my brother's opinion here. There are some excellent comments there as well.
I hope you all will be voting on Tuesday. Who's name will you check?
Now more than ever, please Choose Wisely.
I will vote for John McCain. The #1 reason for me is I believe in his philosophy on economic growth. I think that in these times of global economic development, the US must make it a priority to retain employers. These days, companies and their employees are more capable than ever before of picking up and moving to friendlier circumstances. It is important to reward entrepreneurship and hard work, promote growth and give incentives for production.
Secondary reasons include abortion, balance of party power at the federal level, experience (mostly consideration of military), trustworthiness, and dedication to national interests.
You can check out my brother's opinion here. There are some excellent comments there as well.
I hope you all will be voting on Tuesday. Who's name will you check?
Now more than ever, please Choose Wisely.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Townies Unite!
9:05-First question-economic crisis? Obama starts by reestablishing his stance on new regulations for Wall St. McCain brings up his platform of energy independence and cuts for government spending. He also lays out a plan to reevaluate mortgage values.
9:08-Who will be your Secretary of Treasury? McCain names Meg Whitman and Warren Buffett as “types” of people who are qualified. Obama also names Buffett but then goes into more details of his economic plan.
9:11-Bailout concerns? M points out that he stopped campaigning so that he could investigate the bailout plans. Fannie and Freddie are the biggest culprits. O says deregulation was the biggest culprit.
9:16-Worse before better? O says no. M says it’s possible if certain action doesn’t take place. Not exactly a great answer but a bit more effective than O’s.
9:18-How can we trust the parties? O compares the federal spending budget to the average family budget and the basic principles that don’t seem to apply to the government. Then he goes off on his negative dredging of history, but redeems with some details of his plan. M talks about non-partisan work and its importance. Points out O’s potential spending increases.
9:23-Priorities? Health, energy, SS & Medicare-M wants to tackle all at the same time. Rattles off some details that we’ve heard before. O puts energy at the top and compares his resolve to Kennedy’s goal to put a man on the moon. If Americans decide to go for it, it will happen.
9:28-What sacrifices will Americans have to make? M says some programs may be cut. Defense spending, earmarks, spending freeze. O hints that people need to make small adjustments to energy use. Also, double the Peace Corps.
9:33-Too much personal debt? O says government has set a bad example for Americans. O says CEO’s will get 700k in tax cuts under M’s plan and does not think that’s fair for sharing the burden. M does some attacking on O’s tax plan.
9:37-Score 1 for Mr. Brokaw, no O, we’re moving on.
9:38-SS & Medicare? O says these programs are tied to tax plans and proceeds to give his plan’s details. M says SS is easy to fix-just gotta work across the aisle to get it done. Medicare needs a commission of smart Americans to come up with a plan.
9:43-What would you do in the first 2 years to deal with climate issues? M claims nuclear power is the key to making progress. O wants to invest in new technologies.
9:48-What do we do to develop the technologies? M defends his voting record on rejecting certain alternative energy bills because they were loaded with pork.
9:49-Is healthcare a commodity? O says people will be able to keep their current plans if they want to. Others can buy into the same plan as Senators. Then he takes a few shots at M’s plan. M gives a few ideas on efficiency minded changes. He also takes a few shots at his opponent’s plan. Then he explains the opportunity to open cross-state benefit plans.
9:55-Is healthcare a right? M doesn’t like that wording. O thinks it is a right.
10:00-O no! Time for foreign affairs again. I don’t know how much more I can take of this. M says we are challenged to be peace makers but need to be smart about the choices we make in getting involved. O rants about M’s poor judgment and lays out all the money we spend on war activities and how we need that money here at home.
10:04-Use of Force? O says we have a moral obligation to be involved where things are bad. Need to mobilize the international community better. M rehashes O’s position on Iraq and how wrong he was. Some other details that I’m not going to summarize here.
10:08-Pakistan? A pretty long back and forth about the situation and how to get Bin Laden. I think these guys are going to really polarize their supporters with this debate.
10:19-Pressure Russia? M-Putin is hooking up with KGB and doing bad things but getting away with it. It is unacceptable behavior. No Cold War coming. O declares our need to support threatened countries with economic support. I wonder how that sounds to America considering our economic status. Also, do a better job anticipating the actions of Russia and other threats. Also, energy is key in the same battles.
10:23-Is Russia an Evil Empire? O says their actions are evil. M says maybe.
10:24-Defense of Israel? M would not wait for UN before taking action if Israel was attacked by Iran. O says we cannot allow Iran to build up nuclear weapons. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to avoid conflict. Reduce energy use, increase sanctions, direct conversations with friends & enemies.
10:29-What don’t you know and how will you learn it? O-big, unexpected challenges ahead. Then we hear about how tough his life was and how he overcame it all. M-doesn’t know what’s going to happen at home & abroad. Unexpected times. Then we get his story of tough times and how he wants to continue to serve America.
One more debate to go next week. I’ll see you then.
Choose Wisely
9:08-Who will be your Secretary of Treasury? McCain names Meg Whitman and Warren Buffett as “types” of people who are qualified. Obama also names Buffett but then goes into more details of his economic plan.
9:11-Bailout concerns? M points out that he stopped campaigning so that he could investigate the bailout plans. Fannie and Freddie are the biggest culprits. O says deregulation was the biggest culprit.
9:16-Worse before better? O says no. M says it’s possible if certain action doesn’t take place. Not exactly a great answer but a bit more effective than O’s.
9:18-How can we trust the parties? O compares the federal spending budget to the average family budget and the basic principles that don’t seem to apply to the government. Then he goes off on his negative dredging of history, but redeems with some details of his plan. M talks about non-partisan work and its importance. Points out O’s potential spending increases.
9:23-Priorities? Health, energy, SS & Medicare-M wants to tackle all at the same time. Rattles off some details that we’ve heard before. O puts energy at the top and compares his resolve to Kennedy’s goal to put a man on the moon. If Americans decide to go for it, it will happen.
9:28-What sacrifices will Americans have to make? M says some programs may be cut. Defense spending, earmarks, spending freeze. O hints that people need to make small adjustments to energy use. Also, double the Peace Corps.
9:33-Too much personal debt? O says government has set a bad example for Americans. O says CEO’s will get 700k in tax cuts under M’s plan and does not think that’s fair for sharing the burden. M does some attacking on O’s tax plan.
9:37-Score 1 for Mr. Brokaw, no O, we’re moving on.
9:38-SS & Medicare? O says these programs are tied to tax plans and proceeds to give his plan’s details. M says SS is easy to fix-just gotta work across the aisle to get it done. Medicare needs a commission of smart Americans to come up with a plan.
9:43-What would you do in the first 2 years to deal with climate issues? M claims nuclear power is the key to making progress. O wants to invest in new technologies.
9:48-What do we do to develop the technologies? M defends his voting record on rejecting certain alternative energy bills because they were loaded with pork.
9:49-Is healthcare a commodity? O says people will be able to keep their current plans if they want to. Others can buy into the same plan as Senators. Then he takes a few shots at M’s plan. M gives a few ideas on efficiency minded changes. He also takes a few shots at his opponent’s plan. Then he explains the opportunity to open cross-state benefit plans.
9:55-Is healthcare a right? M doesn’t like that wording. O thinks it is a right.
10:00-O no! Time for foreign affairs again. I don’t know how much more I can take of this. M says we are challenged to be peace makers but need to be smart about the choices we make in getting involved. O rants about M’s poor judgment and lays out all the money we spend on war activities and how we need that money here at home.
10:04-Use of Force? O says we have a moral obligation to be involved where things are bad. Need to mobilize the international community better. M rehashes O’s position on Iraq and how wrong he was. Some other details that I’m not going to summarize here.
10:08-Pakistan? A pretty long back and forth about the situation and how to get Bin Laden. I think these guys are going to really polarize their supporters with this debate.
10:19-Pressure Russia? M-Putin is hooking up with KGB and doing bad things but getting away with it. It is unacceptable behavior. No Cold War coming. O declares our need to support threatened countries with economic support. I wonder how that sounds to America considering our economic status. Also, do a better job anticipating the actions of Russia and other threats. Also, energy is key in the same battles.
10:23-Is Russia an Evil Empire? O says their actions are evil. M says maybe.
10:24-Defense of Israel? M would not wait for UN before taking action if Israel was attacked by Iran. O says we cannot allow Iran to build up nuclear weapons. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to avoid conflict. Reduce energy use, increase sanctions, direct conversations with friends & enemies.
10:29-What don’t you know and how will you learn it? O-big, unexpected challenges ahead. Then we hear about how tough his life was and how he overcame it all. M-doesn’t know what’s going to happen at home & abroad. Unexpected times. Then we get his story of tough times and how he wants to continue to serve America.
One more debate to go next week. I’ll see you then.
Choose Wisely
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Veeps
9:00-I just made it home from class in time for this showdown. Looks like PBS gal will be leading our discussion tonight. Let’s create some shortcuts for this diary. Palin = P, Biden = B.
9:02-And welcome the candidates. I haven’t had time to mentally prepare for this so let’s just go with reactions to the goings on.
9:03-Worst/Best of Washington? B says Bush did it. It’s bad because of his policies. P is writing notes while he talks and it looks like she is very angry at her notes. P breaks into “and Everybody Hurts….. sometimes”.
9:07-How do you shrink polarization? B attacks McCain for being out of touch and P clarifies cleanly. Team Maverick is ready to take on the world
9:09-PBS brings us back to the topic-P brings up the oversight topic and encourages people to stop buying on credit. That reminds me of this skit from SNL. http://garritson.com/videos/pages/dontbuystuff.htm B goes straight for the throat and blames McCain for deregulation, then makes up a story about chatting with “Joe” at the gas station. Sorry, I don’t buy that one. It looks like there is a lot of voting history coming out tonight. Of course these numbers can be spun very easily. Spend some time here for more info… http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/.
9:15-It’s time for tax plans. Sounds like B is bringing a few more details than Obama did. A little more clearly too. They always mention the business tax cuts that are bad. I just don’t get that. Now P’s turn to give out some health care details. I’m just going to say I’m confused about the details on McCain’s plan.
9:21-False promises due to the bailout? P is being cute about her “newness” to the game. That definitely gave them a boost, but I’m not sure it can last until Election Day.
9:27-B is singing about fairness and P reiterates McCain’s decision to stop campaigning to keep working on current issues.
9:29-B says they will lower mortgage interest rates and lower principal. How do you do that?
9:30-Climate change? All of the above-approach for P & McCain. Not really man-made but she wants to talk about correcting the problem. B says it is man-made and there are opportunities to capitalize on with new technologies.
9:36-Same sex benefits? B says absolutely yes. P would be tolerant of people’s choices, but traditional marriage is not going to change. B and P reach an accord. Hooray, next topic.
9:40-Foreign policy? This is just a rehash of last week’s debate. Same points, same attacks. I’m using this time to eat some soup. It’s a cool, breezy evening in South Jersey. Wait just a minute, P has just unleashed B’s history from when he was running against Obama. That was potent stuff. Lots of polite smiles and chuckles. Uncomfortable….
9:48-P is sounding pretty rehearsed about the pre-condition issue about meeting with other leaders. This issue didn’t get anywhere last week and I think we’re heading down the same road tonight.
9:53-B is impressive on recent history of Middle East policy. Very firm. P ends up just giving a candy-coated side-step on this one.
9:56-Nuclear intervention? P continues to say nucular. That’s all I hear now, so I’m gonna wait for B’s turn before continuing. Wait, we’re building schools in Afghanistan. I didn’t know that. I’m not sure I like that when we have some pretty big issues with school buildings here in the US.
10:01-B just said something that made P bite her lip. She’s gearing up… She’s using her whispering powers to attack B. They are talking about war in Bosnia, Kosovo right now. P struggles to begin a response and then turns on a dime into another rehearsed answer.
10:07-What would you do if your buddy died while in office? B says, mostly the same policies. P says, continue Maverick ways and bring reform.
10:13-What are you going to do as VP? P will take McCain’s agenda to the Senate. B would do the same, plus advise on all decisions.
10:18-Weaknesses? P cites good experience as executive… you know the drill. B tells a good story about his family struggles to combat P’s hockey mom riff. Did you really think they would talk about their weaknesses? B wants to talk about education, let’s hope they get to that question.
10:24-When did you change your mind about a policy? B had trouble with judge appointments. P had some trouble with allowing budgets that she didn’t really like, but other than that, no changes.
10:29-Closing time. P goes first. Fight, average people, proud, Reagan, protect. B next. Most important election, fundamental change, mortgage, college, neighborhood certitude, ready to go. The end.
Anybody want to guess on my pick yet?
Choose Wisely
9:02-And welcome the candidates. I haven’t had time to mentally prepare for this so let’s just go with reactions to the goings on.
9:03-Worst/Best of Washington? B says Bush did it. It’s bad because of his policies. P is writing notes while he talks and it looks like she is very angry at her notes. P breaks into “and Everybody Hurts….. sometimes”.
9:07-How do you shrink polarization? B attacks McCain for being out of touch and P clarifies cleanly. Team Maverick is ready to take on the world
9:09-PBS brings us back to the topic-P brings up the oversight topic and encourages people to stop buying on credit. That reminds me of this skit from SNL. http://garritson.com/videos/pages/dontbuystuff.htm B goes straight for the throat and blames McCain for deregulation, then makes up a story about chatting with “Joe” at the gas station. Sorry, I don’t buy that one. It looks like there is a lot of voting history coming out tonight. Of course these numbers can be spun very easily. Spend some time here for more info… http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/.
9:15-It’s time for tax plans. Sounds like B is bringing a few more details than Obama did. A little more clearly too. They always mention the business tax cuts that are bad. I just don’t get that. Now P’s turn to give out some health care details. I’m just going to say I’m confused about the details on McCain’s plan.
9:21-False promises due to the bailout? P is being cute about her “newness” to the game. That definitely gave them a boost, but I’m not sure it can last until Election Day.
9:27-B is singing about fairness and P reiterates McCain’s decision to stop campaigning to keep working on current issues.
9:29-B says they will lower mortgage interest rates and lower principal. How do you do that?
9:30-Climate change? All of the above-approach for P & McCain. Not really man-made but she wants to talk about correcting the problem. B says it is man-made and there are opportunities to capitalize on with new technologies.
9:36-Same sex benefits? B says absolutely yes. P would be tolerant of people’s choices, but traditional marriage is not going to change. B and P reach an accord. Hooray, next topic.
9:40-Foreign policy? This is just a rehash of last week’s debate. Same points, same attacks. I’m using this time to eat some soup. It’s a cool, breezy evening in South Jersey. Wait just a minute, P has just unleashed B’s history from when he was running against Obama. That was potent stuff. Lots of polite smiles and chuckles. Uncomfortable….
9:48-P is sounding pretty rehearsed about the pre-condition issue about meeting with other leaders. This issue didn’t get anywhere last week and I think we’re heading down the same road tonight.
9:53-B is impressive on recent history of Middle East policy. Very firm. P ends up just giving a candy-coated side-step on this one.
9:56-Nuclear intervention? P continues to say nucular. That’s all I hear now, so I’m gonna wait for B’s turn before continuing. Wait, we’re building schools in Afghanistan. I didn’t know that. I’m not sure I like that when we have some pretty big issues with school buildings here in the US.
10:01-B just said something that made P bite her lip. She’s gearing up… She’s using her whispering powers to attack B. They are talking about war in Bosnia, Kosovo right now. P struggles to begin a response and then turns on a dime into another rehearsed answer.
10:07-What would you do if your buddy died while in office? B says, mostly the same policies. P says, continue Maverick ways and bring reform.
10:13-What are you going to do as VP? P will take McCain’s agenda to the Senate. B would do the same, plus advise on all decisions.
10:18-Weaknesses? P cites good experience as executive… you know the drill. B tells a good story about his family struggles to combat P’s hockey mom riff. Did you really think they would talk about their weaknesses? B wants to talk about education, let’s hope they get to that question.
10:24-When did you change your mind about a policy? B had trouble with judge appointments. P had some trouble with allowing budgets that she didn’t really like, but other than that, no changes.
10:29-Closing time. P goes first. Fight, average people, proud, Reagan, protect. B next. Most important election, fundamental change, mortgage, college, neighborhood certitude, ready to go. The end.
Anybody want to guess on my pick yet?
Choose Wisely
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