Well it has been a long 6 months for me. In my last report I remarked that I had experienced V-tach arrythmia. It had subsided so we decided to go ahead with a planned trip to Costa Rica. A week into the vacation arrhythmia's came back with a vengeance. Increasing Benicar blockade had no effect. Went to CR emergency where they cardioverted me. (while I was awake ) Heart returned to normal rhythm. Released me when they found out I was a poor Gringo and forgot to mention my kidneys had shut down due to arrhythmia's. Arrived back in the states 3 days later went immediately to the emergency room. Four days later my kidney function was better so that they could begin tests. To make a long story short all tests were normal except for the Cardio electrical portion of the heart. during surgery to repair this, I went into V-tach once again. They cardioverted me again (yes I was awake again.) and hours later I awoke with a defibrillator implanted. Evidently I had sustained several more arrhythmia's. 6 days later I was sent home.
After a week of recovery at home I found myself receiving multiple discharges from my defibrillator. (Report says 72) I was rushed back to the ER where the Defibrillator was adjusted and I was medicated for pain. 5 days later after medication and defib adjustments I was home.
That was 3 months ago, I have been doing well since growing a bit stronger every day and trying to put the last few months behind me. My Cardiologist is quite the "by the book." kinda guy. when I went to the hospital at first he immediately insisted that I quit Benicar because he claimed it was affecting my kidneys. I had an argument with him asking him if 4 days of arrhythmia's might not be to blame for shutting down the kidneys, but since I was so weak he had the upper hand. I insisted on a second opinion and they call a Renalogist (I guess thats how you spell it.) he agreed that stopping Benicar would be appropriate at this time. (Remember my kidneys shut down and creatinine was in the dialisis range.)
About 1 month ago the cardiologist and I had another discussion and he agreed Benicar was in order because my blood pressure is high. He did however make it very clear that the accepted dosage was all he was going to sanction, he did however, give me several months worth of lab slips to use while I was "reintroducing" the this accepted dosage. So thats where I am at, as the doc says I am treating each day as a gift and getting back to some version of normality.
) Heart returned to normal rhythm. Released me when they found out I was a poor Gringo and forgot to mention my kidneys had shut down due to arrhythmia's. Arrived back in the states 3 days later went immediately to the emergency room. Four days later my kidney function was better so that they could begin tests. To make a long story short all tests were normal except for the Cardio electrical portion of the heart. during surgery to repair this, I went into V-tach once again. They cardioverted me again (yes I was awake again.) and hours later I awoke with a defibrillator implanted. Evidently I had sustained several more arrhythmia's. 6 days later I was sent home.
