I had a cardiac ablation done in Vancouver last month. The procedure itself went quite well. My healing has been a bit rough. The bruising is deep and painful, only just in the past few days starting to subside. I had to really take it easy. After 3 years of suffering - including delays in diagnosis and then a long wait for the surgery - I am ready to get my life back. My family is ready, too. Neither of my little children have known me when my heart was beating properly and I was running at full power. My wife barely remembers the old me. So the extra weeks of pain and waiting really hasn't been welcome.
But my heart is beating better. And that makes all the difference in the world.
That's a photo I took from my hotel room in downtown Vancouver, right after the surgery.
Immediately, I noticed changes in my heartbeat. At first, I assumed these were going to be temporary, but I've since been told they're likely permanent. One is a more-noticeable heartbeat. It's not the same heartbeat I've had since the day I was born. My new beat is a bit clunky. It's also faster - about 10 beats per minute faster than before. If it stays that way, it means my heart is now beating 15,000 times more every day than it was before. I kind of wish they had been more up front about that effect of the ablation. They literally changed my heart - burned scars into the electrical nodes, forcing the heart to re-wire itself and create a new heartbeat. (This time, a heartbeat that stays in sinus rhythm, hopefully!)
Speaking of rhythm, it has been great since the surgery. I was having several hours per day of atrial fibrillation (a dangerous and debilitating rhythm). Since the surgery I've had only a few brief periods of flutter (a less severe rhythm). Unfortunately, I ended up in the ER the other night, with a pulse of 150 bpm. They converted me back to sinus with some fancy drugs, avoiding me having to ride the lightning again. So it's not perfect, but it's much better than it was. All things considered, at the moment anyway, the surgery was definitely worth it. I have part of my life back, and that's huge.
So my heart's not the way it was, but that's kind of a good thing, because the way it was wasn't working. I'm told it will continue to heal and re-wire over the next couple months, and even years, so to not get discouraged by the episode and ER visit. Fair enough, I'll give it time.
I'm feeling different about things. I guess this has caused me to think about life in a different way. I'm re-evaluating stuff. Also trying to let go of some hurts, cuz life's too short.
Anyhow, some people have been wondering if I'm okay, so I wanted to fire off a post about my situation. It has been a little rocky since the surgery, but yes, I'm okay at the moment. Thank you and all the best.
DRutter
Get this book for your hearts sake.
It's available on pdf somewhere. I can email the pdf file to you as well.
Cheers. Get the book.
I'm so lucky not to have any of those heart problems, but thank you!
I love knowing that you are improving and that your positive attitude is with you. While I was reading you I couldn't help but jump for joy, it's incredible how one connects in these written environments, where we tell life through letters and photos.
Time definitely passes and we go through a series of moments that change our lives, today you are moving forward, thanks to God, to your self-love, to the love of your family and to not losing hope that everything will be better, so from a distance I am very happy for you. Because now stronger, a new man will be born, re-emerging from what you have learned and lived, where the past will only be that, a memory, but ultimately your today is the love of being alive.
A hug friend and I send you the biggest hug...
Muchas gracias amiga!
Un abrazo : )
I am very thankful for your friendship and thoughtful support.
wow! Que bello detalle al escribir en español.
Gracias.
The feeling is mutual. I have faith that you will continue to improve, step by step and with love.🙂
You've had a tough few years to deal with to say the least, I'm very glad to see you pushing through all the adversity brother. 🖖
all best with your recovery
I know you'll gonna be better than before. Wishing your fast recovery.
Sooooo awesome to hear you are getting your life back buddy! 🙏🍀❤️🌞 Enjoy every minute with your family and keep up the lovely work in your garden! 🌱
That's quite a hell of an experience I am sure. Such a big surgery will have impact at many levels not only physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, in all ways it will bring a change in life. I wish you a good recovery, it's going to be a long road to recovery but I guess more important it will be from here on, how you care for yourself with your diet and lifestyle.
Get well soon @drutter
Nice to hear it's all working out for you stay positive and live every moment the best way you can. Take care buddy.
Thanks for the update. Here's to further recovery ✋🥂🔜
Thank you for that update on your heart . So glad that the surgery was worth it and that your life will be much better. Also glad that you are letting go of the past hurts and burdens and focusing on a brighter future. That's the positive attitude so many of us should have, baggage from the past should be left there. Wishing you vitality and strength in the coming days. Stay blessed :}
Thanks brother. I must admit, it's easier said than done. Many of us say we're going to let go of baggage and grudges, but less of us actually do. I'm glad I have friends like you around to support me as I go : )
Thanks for letting us know. How weird a totally new heart must feel! But it sounds very good. I'm happy for you.
Get well soon. Pray for God divine healing upon your life in Jesus name.
Bro you have pass through a lot
Get well soon, I wish you the best. ❤️
🙏
All the best for you!
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