Thursday morning was too overwhelming for us as we got to the hospital at 6 am - the sun wasn't up yet by then to check in for his cardiac ablation as he was diagnosed with WPW.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or WPW syndrome, is the presence of an extra abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
The extra electrical pathway of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is present at birth. While people of all ages, including infants, can experience the effects of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, episodes of a fast heartbeat often first appear when people are in their teens or early 20s.
In most cases, the episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but very serious heart problems can occur. Treatments for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may stop or prevent episodes of fast heartbeats, and surgery to shut down the extra electrical pathway can usually correct the heart rhythm problems.
His cardiologist said that his was the more dangerous and risky version of this one so it got us really worried and wanted to treat it asap. So we checked in and he had to undergo this heart mapping study so the team of heart specialists can figure out where exactly this extra electrical pathway is at so they can either freeze or heat it up to shut it down via a catheter. Most of the time the procedure only takes about an hour or so but in his case, it took about 6 hours. I was in the waiting room the entire time - freaking out inside as we were told that he might need a pacemaker installed but they will try their very best to treat him without having to do that. Both of us weren't ready for any pacemaker or anything that invasive. I knew that my husband was freaking out as well but he tried his best to stay calm and strong. I knew that I had to be strong and supportive so that he wouldn't worry any more than he has. It was really hard to keep it together especially since any heart procedure has its risks. I was feeling scared shit the entire time but then I just had to keep the faith and know that things will turn out better. I wanted to cry so hard but had to conceal it from him when I was holding his hand before the procedure started. Sitting in the waiting room was terrible... having no idea of what exactly is happening to him even though I was regularly updated by the team. I didn't know what to do with myself.
His doctor updated me after awhile to tell me that his extra pathway was really stubborn even now that they have found it. He also had to use another catheter (aside from the one that was already inside my hubby) to try to get to this thorn. That made me both worry even more and assure me at the same time - knowing that the cardiac team was doing everything possible to get rid of it without having to use a pacemaker. An hour after that, the doctor came out to tell me that it was a success and that I would be able to see my husband in a few minutes once he wakes up. All in all - his surgery took 8 hours total - and it was a success. I was still a wreck after that and all those emotions only subsided once I finally got to see my husband, hold his hand, watch him open his eyes and smile at me. I broke down and cried though still trying my best to hold back my tears.
I know this experience will be nothing compared to what he will be going through when he finally gets his transplant. I guess this is something like a dry run for us to condition us both emotionally and mentally of what's to come. I know it will be crazy and I know we just have to be strong....
I have to be strong for him. I will be strong for him.
1 comments:
I love you Raby! Thank you for being strong for me. You and Coco are all I need in my life. I love you so much!
Post a Comment