A-Fib

Atrial Fibrillation. That's my diagnosis. Dad had it, although that isn't what took him. I think Wendy has it, too, though I may be mistaken.

The electrical impulses that prompt the heart to beat are disorganized. Causes poorly understood. One cause might be the thyroid; I gave a blood sample to have that and a couple of other items checked.

First treatment attempt consists of doubling the dose of the pill that slows the heartbeat. Plus, because erratic beats mean inefficient pumping, which means blood tends to pool in the heart, you need a blood thinner in the meanwhile to prevent that pooled blood from forming a clot. Coumadin, just like Dad. Nuisance. The level of it in your blood has to be checked every week, starting this coming Thursday.

Hopefully, though, with this regimen, heartbeat will return to normal. If not, there's a Plan B and a Plan C, but one step at a time.

I should stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. No problem, except when it comes to chocolate, of course. Doctor says I can have it in moderation.

Other than chocolate in moderation, the pamphlet says the patient should be able to carry on with a normal life. That's very nice.

Thanks for your prayers!