Chronic A-Fib Living with or Existing ?

     September 24,2017 I woke about 3AM with a choking cough, due to the chronic rejection. This time nothing would move. I honestly felt it was to be my last few breaths. I managed a slight intake of breath and blasted air out giving it my one last time.   Finally- relief, I could breathe. 

But, I triggered my A-fib.  And it has stayed with me ever since, like a long lost enemy.  Believe me when I say - it is NOT a long lost friend.

All the other "episodes" would correct themselves within a few days. The one previous to this, I went to my Cardiologist and received an IV until it corrected back to my normal heart rhythm.

     If you follow this blog, you may remember I cannot take any anti-coagulants due to hemorrhaging from my right lung in 2014. A very scary summer I have no desire to repeat anytime soon.
However, I am again taking a chance.  October 6,  still having an erratic heart rate, I visited my Cardiologist. We had to stop the Multaq, not recommended for long term A-Fib. This has given my heart free reign on being all over the spectrum as to rhythm.  Metoprolol went from 12.5mg to 75 mg twice a day, started Digoxin, and Xarelto. Yes, I asked for a blood thinner until we can at least try ablation or anything to keep me from a stroke. Imagine feeling great and so well managed on minimal doses to having Saurons army of Orcs pounding inside your chest wanting out.
We also discussed me getting the Watchman implanted in my left Atrial appendage. This would mean no more blood thinners !

     In the middle of all this, I had other appointments, and did battle with my lung transplant team. They did not want me taking Xarelto or having ANY devices implanted at this time. My cardiologist called on the 6th, left them a message and we waited. Monday, I called them and did the one thing I most regret. I told them I was doing as my Cardiologist recommended as I had heard nothing from them. This is the culmination of a few mistakes that I question them making in dealing with my health.  My Cardiologist again called and finally got a return call.   What ensued between my transplant center may have them kicking me out of the program. I.E.  calling in a Rx for Levacquin (I cannot take) and then calling another Rx into a mail order for 3 tablets of Levacquin. Why would anyone call in an antibiotic a patient needs NOW, to a mail order that will take 2 weeks to get to you? Three tablets ??? Seriously ?!?  My right lung would laugh hysterically at that paltry defense, break out the catapults and gloriously defeat such a minute attack ! They also called in Gabapentin, to help with my cough, which is getting beyond controllable even with Tussionex. I can count on one hand the number of good nights sleep I've had in 5 years..  Once I read the side effects, I said nope, nada, no way. I am disappointed enough in how this is being handled, I refuse to take anything that could enhance that feeling. So, I am dealing with the cough. As usual.

     The 16th was an appointment for a CTA of my heart to see if I can be a candidate for the Watchman. We failed. I was too nauseaus and the contrast (which I had to get permission for from my kidney transplant team) would make me sicker.. Oh yay ! We tried again yesterday, after 3 tries they could not get an IV catheter to go in far enough to inject the dye, plus my heart beat was all over the spectrum.. 19-150-68-120-52-49-113  yep that was me...  Now we will try again on the 27th at the hospital where they will access my port instead of a vein.

       I am concerned. The contrast could damage my transplanted kidney. To insert the watchman they will have to create a small puncture through the septum wall between the Atrium chambers. The same wall that was repaired 26 years ago to end my Primary Pulmonary Hypertension along with my bilateral lung transplant. The electrophysiologist promised to plug that hole really well... Hopefully I can also get ablation done to correct this darned A-Fib.  My shortness of breath has increased 3-fold. AFib causes it as well as my chronic rejection. I need this corrected so I can tell when my rejection gets worse.

     It is a lovely sunny Saturday, me & Ozzi are delivering goodies to a local pet rescue and then me, him & the Orcs will relax outside and try to read an uplifting book.

I.Am.Still.Here.
I.Am.Alive
I.Got.This.