BJ is home, having a nap upstairs in our bed. He said that the bed felt like heaven, and I'm sure it did. I expect him to sleep for a good long time, so thought I'd catch everyone up. I'm adding lots of hyperlinks for his mom so she can read more about some of this stuff. She's out of the country and wanted to be here, but we told her that BJ is fine and we'd keep her updated.

::waves to BJ's mom::

The official diagnosis is atrial fibrillation. He's probably had this problem for quite a while, but it's progressively become worse. The first time he was aware of it was about three years ago, but his doctor didn't see anything on the stress test. It's my understanding that this is something he'll have for the rest of his life but it can be controlled with medication.

The cardiologist at the hospital ran lots and lots of tests on him to make sure that this episode didn't cause permanent damage. We were thankful to hear that his heart is fine except for the AF.

He's now taking more medication than I am. I never thought I'd see that happen because he's a pretty darned healthy guy.

He's taking four prescription meds and one baby aspirin every day for presumably the rest of his life. I'm not going to give the names of the drugs, just because the poor guy should have SOME privacy (heh)... but here's what each one does:

• Drug 1 lowers his blood pressure


• Drug 2 decreases the electrical impulses to the AV node


• Drug 3 controls heart rhythm disorders


• Drug 4 is a blood thinner.

He'll need to get a blood test every day until drug 4 gets his INR levels where they want them to be. After that, he'll be tested regularly (don't know how regular yet) to ensure that his levels remain OK.

He's also been told that he needs to give up a few of his vices (smoking, coffee, alcohol), which he said is a small price to pay. I agree. Thankfully, the only vice we had in common was coffee- so I won't be doing stuff that will be tempting to him.

He has an appointment with his regular doctor on Tuesday and we'll be looking for a cardiologist that is affiliated with the hospital he was in, since this is a permanent heart condition. The ER doc had a recommendation and we'll look to see if he's covered by our health insurance. BJ *LOVES* that hospital and I do too. I went there for one of my surgeries and it was also a really good experience. I might just have to follow his suit and go to that ER (rather than ER from hell) if there's a next time for me.

He's been told that if he has these symptoms again, CALL 911. Do not even think about it- just go. AF puts him at risk for a stroke or heart failure, mainly due to blood pooling in the top chamber of his heart. This causes the blood to coagulate and possibly clot; going either to his lungs or brain.

Eventually, he might need to have a pacemaker or other device to regulate his heart if the meds don't control this.

I told him today that I'm glad that it didn't take something like this to show me how much I loved him. I already knew how much I love him- and so did he. There is no doubt in his mind that I love him as much as anyone can love another person. He is so precious to me and I'm thankful that he got such good medical care. I'll be forever grateful that we have medical insurance enabling us to get the best treatment possible for him. I'm thankful that I have such supportive managers that have told me very sincerely to 'let work go' and concentrate on my family. I'm also SO thankful that we have such supportive friends (including YOU) and family that have been praying and sending healing thoughts his way. I am a firm believer that this went hand in hand with the doctors in helping my sweet husband recover.

He's probably going to need surgery in the next few days- one to remove his wife from his body. I just can't stop hugging and kissing him. Well I guess that's nothing new. Just call me velcro wife.

Thank you again from both of us for all of the comforting comments and email. We're both so grateful for all of the support we've received. I wish I could hug you all.