Test Results

If it has been a while since Jill last posted, it has been an eternity for me. I actually missed writing which is something I can't say I've ever felt in my life so far. I was always the kid that loved math and didn't like writing. I guess you never know what you're missing until you miss it. Anyway...

Jill went in for her test this morning at 6:30am. As she mentioned, the doctor didn't get a chance to test the defibrillator when she was in the hospital so he set a TBD date in the future to make sure it was working properly and set the level of shock it will provide should Jill need it. Today was that TBD and the test went perfectly. The doctor raised Jill's heart rate using the pacemaker and put her into cardiac arrest, again (hopefully for the last time). The debrillator fired as it was supposed to and her heart went back into rhythm. He then adjusted the shock level (I don't know the medical term for that) to a lower level so she will be able to respond safely to it should it fire in the future. This is one of the reasons the doctor has kept Jill from driving. With the defibrillator on super charge, it could have potentially knocked her out if it fired. This obviously would be a big problem for anyone riding in the car with her as well as other drivers on the road. With the test done and the debrillator adjusted, Jill had one more question for the doctor (which she asked in a groggy state the second she woke up from the anesthestic). The doctor answered her question by allowing her to start driving once she feels up to it. Praise the lord in many ways!

One Last Test

Sorry that it's been awhile since the last update- things have been progressing nicely in terms of my recovery. I feel almost back to 'normal speed', I have a scar that is healing nicely, and my blood clot seems to be behaving- thanks to the coumadin. I have one last 'step'. I will be revisiting the hospital on Wed (6/23) so that they can test my pacemaker/defibrillator. Usually they do this when they put it in, but the doctors felt that my stability at that time, after numerous cardiac arrests, wasn't the best. So....on Wed am they will put me out, induce cardiac arrest, and make sure that the paremaker/defib goes into action. If, by some slim chance, it doesn't, the doctors will be there will paddles to shock me back into rhythm. And, as my sister-in-law (who is a doctor) says "The good news is that you have a shockable rhythm!". (I am thinking of adding that as a 'special skill' on my resume!)

I am looking forward to being able to drive again, and am hopeful that once I 'pass my test' that will be a possibility. It's been a juggling act with all of the kids activities to get everyone to their places. A HUGE thank you to our dear friends that have helped to shuttle kids here and there. I hope I can repay you soon! I am also hoping that I will be able to reduce some medications after the test, although I think I may be a bit ambitious on that front. Although I am embarrased to admit it, I LOVE my 7 day/4 times a day pill box! There have been many times when I can't remember if I just took a pill...and that's not good!

I can't say it enough- Steve and I are so grateful and amazed at our loving circle of friends and family. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers- especially for this last 'visit' that will happen on Wednesday. Never underestimate the power of prayer! I promise to update after the test is done. With heartfelt love- Jill