Must Relaxby Angie
17 Nov 2008
6:11 pm3
I visited Stanford today for another pacer check and an appointment with Dr. Al-ahmad. The bad news is, I’ve had another episode of V-tach, although I “got out of it” on my own. The good news is, there was only one, and Dr. Murphy has convinced Dr. Al-ahmad that I’ll be safer if we just leave things be for now. SO, I’m good to go for another six months, apparently.
I have another little problem, though. When I checked in, my pulse was about 110, and it stayed over 100 the entire time I was there. Based on my pacer history, this is not a unique occurrence. My sleeping rate has been consistently over 85, which isn’t good either. There’s not much to do about it, though – except eliminate all stress from my life… and where’s the fun in that, I ask you? Well, they lowered my pacing rate from 85 to 75 and I’m supposed to seek more calm and untroubled state of being. I’m thinkin’ that’s not happening between now and next year.
My New Electrophysiologistby Angie
5 May 2008
8:05 pm0
Today I drove out to Stanford Hospital to meet my new Cardiac Electrophysiologist (basically, pacemaker doctor), Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad. In addition to his practice, he is an assistant professor at Stanford University. He was very friendly and positive. I also had a pacer check in the clinic. Everything looks fine: battery is good, with only a few arrhythmia episodes in the last six months. That’s the kind of news we love to hear.
Airport Securityby Angie
26 Nov 2007
3:11 pm0
So, last night, we were standing in the security line at the airport, getting ready to head home from Portland. I left my shoes and purse with Jim and stepped out of line to inform one of the security personnel that I have a pacemaker (which means they don’t let me through the metal detectors – they have to pat me down instead). The man I spoke with said to stand to the side for a minute and a woman would be with me shortly to screen me.
I happened to be standing near a thin, elderly woman, when the female attendant came over. The security woman walked straight up to this older lady and said kindly, “I’m here to pat you down because of your pacemaker.” The poor lady looked positively alarmed and stammered, “I-I don’t have any pacemaker!” I felt so bad for her! I jumped in and showed the woman my pacemaker card: she looked very surprised, but the harassed-looking older lady was immensely relieved. Jim and I had a good laugh about it as we headed to our gate.
That was the most eventful moment of our trip home, except perhaps our first few minutes back with Jaquie, which were filled with much joy and purring. It was a wonderful vacation, but it’s also good to be home.