The Follow-Up
Tuesday we went for the Pres' first follow-up visit to his Cardiologist since he was discharged and yesterday to his regular doctor.. Against his wishes, I wanted to go with him and in a nutshell, this is what happened:
His "numbers" (heart rate) were "on track"...intentionally keeping it LOW to prevent clots in the Atrium from dislodging.
His BP (blood pressure) numbers were "low...too low"...a medication was stopped; he was sent for bloodwork to check electrolyte levels.
His EKG (done at the doctor's office) still showed AFib (irregular heartbeat-very common, high stroke risk).
He will wear a heart monitor (a short time) to verify numbers.
He was scheduled for another TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) to look closely at heart and status of clots, which is what we are trying to "manage" right now. IF that test is good, then he will have an Electric Cardioversion done the beginning of April in hopes of obtaining a regular heartbeat.
NOTE: While all my questions pertained to his health, including how this thing all started, how rapidly his heart deteriorated, whether or not it was caused by something or genetic, if it can be passed on to his daughter's, etc...all the Pres wanted to know was if he could eat red meat, sausage and kielbasa!!
The doctor responded in two words, "LOW salt"!
Here's ONE of the problems we are currently facing beside his diagnosis. The Pres is a "food driven" guy PERIOD! He wants to eat his favorite things like Kielbasa, sausage, pizza, BBQ ribs, lunch meats and cheeses to name a few so when he brought up the subject of food, it was no surprise.
The downside of the visit is the continuation of very restricted activity. He cannot do anything physically taxing. While exercise is normally good for the heart, it isn't in his case....because of the clots. "So that means...walk slowly to feed the deer, walk slowly to fill the feeders, walk slowly in the grocery store," stated the doctor.
So, while I continue to chop icy paths, walks and the driveway, the Pres is resting comfortably watching his favorite shows. However, I do want to thank all of you for your kind thoughts, words and well wishes. They are greatly appreciated by both of us!!
His "numbers" (heart rate) were "on track"...intentionally keeping it LOW to prevent clots in the Atrium from dislodging.
His BP (blood pressure) numbers were "low...too low"...a medication was stopped; he was sent for bloodwork to check electrolyte levels.
His EKG (done at the doctor's office) still showed AFib (irregular heartbeat-very common, high stroke risk).
He was scheduled for another TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) to look closely at heart and status of clots, which is what we are trying to "manage" right now. IF that test is good, then he will have an Electric Cardioversion done the beginning of April in hopes of obtaining a regular heartbeat.
NOTE: While all my questions pertained to his health, including how this thing all started, how rapidly his heart deteriorated, whether or not it was caused by something or genetic, if it can be passed on to his daughter's, etc...all the Pres wanted to know was if he could eat red meat, sausage and kielbasa!!
The doctor responded in two words, "LOW salt"!
Here's ONE of the problems we are currently facing beside his diagnosis. The Pres is a "food driven" guy PERIOD! He wants to eat his favorite things like Kielbasa, sausage, pizza, BBQ ribs, lunch meats and cheeses to name a few so when he brought up the subject of food, it was no surprise.
The downside of the visit is the continuation of very restricted activity. He cannot do anything physically taxing. While exercise is normally good for the heart, it isn't in his case....because of the clots. "So that means...walk slowly to feed the deer, walk slowly to fill the feeders, walk slowly in the grocery store," stated the doctor.
So, while I continue to chop icy paths, walks and the driveway, the Pres is resting comfortably watching his favorite shows. However, I do want to thank all of you for your kind thoughts, words and well wishes. They are greatly appreciated by both of us!!
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Comments
Keeping our fingers crossed for a positive outcome for the Pres.
Jane xxx
Make sure you take care of yourself too.