Things con't to go pretty well with the headaches - I honestly think this is 1 of the longest periods I've had in a long while (perhaps some yrs) where I've not had pretty bad headaches. I am so so glad Dr.Bragg has stayed part of my care and my life and that she con't to work with Dr.Iskandar (my Neurosurgeon since she moved, her former Partner) - together they have made a difference especially this last surgery though really I think this relief is almost an unintended benefit of surgery (no doubt moving the shunt catheter helped significantly, that radiating pain is 90% better and only occurs now on much rare occasion and to a much lesser degree).
Best perhaps of all (though don't get me wrong that relief is fantastic to!) but the CSF (spinal fluid) leak that occurred after this last surgery which continues to a small (or varying really) degree is what truly relieves my headaches. The 2 shunts alone make a significant difference in my headaches but I rarely feel truly great. With the additional CSF leak it is truly like a whole different situation and WONDERFUL!!!!
Heart rate wise, oh this heart rate of mine. I swear between the shunts and Heart which could drive a person nuttier!? I suppose that depends on the day! The Amiodarone which I've been on for I want to say about a month now but I honestly can't remember has been going okay but doesn't seem to be working any to well. Some times heart rhythm and rate seem okay then other times it's just pure nuttiness and I am in now way being dramatic about this. I mean literally excess-long runs of skipped/extra beats (PVCs or whatever, has been different than even my normal, not normal) beats. so less than awesome.
I know Dr.Earing (Cardiology) is/was concerned about these and if the Amiodarone doesn't work there not being another option (other than going back to Cath lab to re-look at heart and rhythm more closely but I know Dr.Kovach is really reluctant to do that b/c of the 2 heart valves and (if I remember right) this rhythm is coming from an area where the new mechanical heart valves are or it may have been that this area + scar tissue would complicate any procedure. I can't remember for sure just that he is less than enthused to go that route. I completely get that! Hopefully Dr.Kovach has some idea or we could figure something out.
These rhythms are downright exhausting not to mention secondary symptoms it causes. Can only pray - pray for God to give my Providers guidance and for myself con't to ride it all out! God is good so as frustrating as it all can be (and oh it is at times I'd be lying if I said otherwise) I know ultimately 1 step at a time... AND will enjoy this shunt-headache relief however long it decides it is going to be good! Atleast 1 issue is being nice!!!!
Re-starting Coumadin
Thanks for stopping by,
Erica
No comments:
Post a Comment