Torsades

I didn't have Torsades

by Theknotguy - 2019-02-01 13:32:17

I didn't have Torsades, but went through a similar experience.  Was walking the dogs on a nice fall day.  We were having a great time.  I had moved  2000 pounds of wood the day before.  Just completed 3.5 miles on the pet trail.  Turned the corner to go on the exit trail.  Everything went black.  Next thing of which I was conscious was a nurse shaking my arm saying, "You've been down too long we need to get you up!"  Then she told me, '"You're in a hospital." Figured that out from being in the bed.  "You've got a pacemaker."  That explained the sore shoulder and lump.  "It's Wednesday."  Wait a minute, what do you mean it's Wednesday!?!?!?  Last I knew it was Friday.  I was in a coma for six days.  

Person was on the trail about 100 yards behind me, saw me go down.  Called 911.  EMT's broke all the ribs on my right side and collapsed the right lung doing CPR.  Got me to the hospital where they spent all afternoon trying to get my heart going.  Then the nurses broke ribs on my left side doing CPR until they could get me up to the OR where they put in a temporary pacemaker.  Put me into a coma, on a ventilator, chest tube, and waited four days to see if I would live.  Then put in a permanent pacemaker.  That was five years ago.  

So, yeah, other people have been through the I-was-doing-OK-what-happened situation.  Not a good place to be.  But hey, you're alive to complain about it.  Now it's the onward and upward trying to adjust to life with and ICD and heart problems.  

First thing is to thank whatever God you wish for letting you survive.  Second thing is to start working with people who will help you get adjusted to your new life.  They are out there, sometimes hard to find, but they are there.  Had the five minute pity party (Why me???) and went on with my life.  

I went to a psychologist who specialized in trauma and heart problems.  (Yeah, there are people like that.)  Told as many people as I could "Thanks!" for the help.  Got heart therapy.  Got physical therapy.  Got training in how to live with a pacemaker.  Tried to keep a positive attitude and went on with my life.   You don't see me using the word "easy", but it can be done.  

Took me two years to get back to "normal" or whatever "normal" means.  I still volunteer at a furniture bank.  Just can't throw wood around like I used to.  Now I volunteer at the hospital on the same heart floor.  Occasionally I run into heart patients who are wondering if there is a future.  I tell 'em I got a pacemaker and I'm pushing them out so, yeah, there is a future.  Sometimes I'm even able to help.  Oh, and yeah, I figure every day I'm alive is a bonus day. My other option was being dead and I really didn't want that.  

Sorry for the between-the-eyes smack in the face.  But others on this forum have been where you are.  You can get through it and it's nice having people on this forum who can understand and don't have an agenda.  You can get through it, and life goes on.  Hang in there!

Oh, and I do hope your recovery goes well and you can adjust quickly.  
 

Thanks

by Misstorsades - 2019-02-04 22:04:51

It is for sure one scary trip. However 2 weeks I'm starting to feel somewhat normal. Glad I join this group