High Noon April Fool's Day My big heart block adventure

The same stuff that goes along with aging also happens to the handicapped. Here's what happened to me recently.  

So it came down to a stark choice; toe tag or pace maker. I opted for the latter and so far have managed to avoid the former. Off and on for the last several years I've had these fainting spells. Walking along to waking up on the floor wondering how I got there! In March they started happening about every ten or so days, not months as was the case before. When they happened before, I'd go through the drill with the paramedics and the obligtory trip to the ER and of course all the tests would come back fine. Just like a car that will not make that noise when you take it to the mechanic. I'd get a few bags of iv fluid and everything would be cool for awhile. Some days were fine and others I could feel it coming on. One day I walked into the office and turned right around and went home. Other days I'd muddle through wondering with each trip to the printer or the rest room if I would make it back to my desk. Most of the time I did. Sometimes I did not. 

The last time this happened at work, I resolved to stay out until the problem was resolved. Who needs all the extra office drama? The next appointment for the Cardiac Electrophysiologist was several weeks away.  I had the leave time so I figured I'd just lie low until then and go from there. My heart was not into that plan. He had a different idea. After watching a b grade WWII movie, I started down the rabbit hole again. I did not pass out but it damn sure got my attention. I called my brother, Chase, who is a veteran paramedic with more than 10 years experience. "Call 911." was his advice.  I did thinking it would likely be the same ole drill. Fortunately for me it was not. On the way to the hospital the paramedic saw what my heart was up to and it was not good. I had something called second and third degree heart block. There is no fourth degree (and no it is not from too many triple cheese burgers). So the cardiologist on duty informed me I needed a pace maker. But who operates on Easter Sunday? They figured I could live to Monday when they could work me in.  So I hung out until it came time for the operation. 

Now for putting in a pace maker, they keep you awake for the procedure. I had visions of this guy in Monty Python's Meaning of Life. While my experience was not quite this bad, I'd still not want to go through it again. The first day it hurt like hell and each day since the pain has faded. Here one week later, no passing out! So it seems Pacman is doing his job. I'm paying for the sucker so I can name it if I want to. I'm slowly coming too and will resume normal postings. A big thanks to all who helped me through so far, espically my wife Thu. I'd do the same for you guys!   

So give that stranger a little slack. Who knows what their last week was like.