Irv Update - February 2011 #1

Dear F&F;

Today Irv and I spent most of the day in the ER after he noticed a heaviness and discomfort in his chest. I was able to easily feel that his heart rate was very irregular so off we went to the ER.

He was found to be in atrial fibrillation and they gave him the same drug, Cardizem, he had had previously. Unfortunately, it would only help his heart for a short period of time. The ER doc consulted with the hospitalist who treated Irv while he was in the hospital for his surgery, and also a cardiologist. Finally, a different class of drug, a beta-blocker, was tried. It also didn't completely solve the irregularity but did slow down the heart rate to an acceptable rate. After about 4 hours of monitoring it was decided that Irv could come home but he has to see a cardiologist tomorrow morning at 9:30.

So, we assume he now has a cardiac problem! Crap!

I'm not happy that he is home and will probably not sleep all night worrying that he is going to die on me. Will this nightmare ever end?

Let's hope the cardiologist will be able to easily solve this problem tomorrow and get Irv on a drug that will help his heart. As to why it is happening, let's hope that will come to light as well.

Meanwhile, we had a gorgeous day in Central Oregon.

Penny