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A bit of history: In 2015, Norm experienced his first Atrial Fibrillation episode. Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. During A-fib, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat chaotically and irregularly - out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. It can cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath or weakness. Norm experienced all of those! Although A-fib itself usually isn't life-threatening, it's a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent a stroke.
Upon Norm's first A-fib episode, he went to Regions for his first Cardioversion to get it back into sync/rhythm. As of this writing, Norm has had 13(!!!) Cardioversions. Cardioversion is a medical procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm in people with abnormal heartbeats. We're hoping the hospital has some sort of punch card rewards program so the 15th cardioversion is free!
Norm has also had 2 ablations. An Ablation procedure uses small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. This can help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm.
After each Ablation, Norm would eventually fall back into A-Fib within a few short months. Frustrating to say the least. Last Fall after Norm's 12th Cardioversion, the heart doctors at Regions said there was nothing more they could do for him and referred him to Mayo which is where this story begins. *cue Indiana Jones music*
Hallelujah- Norm came home from the hospital today!! He is tired and weak but the aches, fever, and headache are gone.
He is on an 11-day regiment of antibiotics. Our kitchen counter is starting to look like a pharmacy. 🙁
When Norm went into the hospital on Wednesday, I thought briefly about not posting this info to CB but then decided I wanted and we needed all of the prayers and positive thoughts coming his way. We truly believe in the healing power of prayers and positive thoughts and energy.
Thank you once again for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot.
Now, I REALLY hope this is the LAST time I post to CB for Norm.
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