There are many common side affects of a transplant. One of the more unnerving is Atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat. Since release from ICU, Shirley isn't on a heart monitor in her room, but has does have a portable transmitter that sends her vitals back to a center nurses station.
A few nights ago, she had a brief episode that lasted about 30 minutes. Tonight, three different nurses came running down to the room to check on her as another A-fib event took place. This time, they hooked the heart monitor back up in the room. This became very disconcerting as her heart rate would go from 114 to 135 to 160 and back again in quick succession. The monitor's alarms were continuously going off.
The first dose of a beta blocker to control her heart rate had no affect. A little over an hour later, a second dose was administered and her heart fell back into normal rhythm again.
Aside from some tense moments, it cost Shirley her evening walking. Earlier in the day, she had her first walk around the ward without oxygen--despite the thick N95 particulate mask that she has to wear whenever in public.
The surgeon stopped by and indicated that her two remaining chest tubes would likely be taken out tomorrow and Monday is a likely release date from the hospital.
1 comment:
You two are amazing - give Shirley our love and tell her we're cheering for her. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on everything, Greg.
Love, Cuz Catie
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