“I Know You!”

It’s probably not a good thing when the medical staff at the hospital begin to recognize you! But it happened today. My attending ER physician remembered me from my visit a little more than two weeks ago! I’ve just returned from 6 hours in the ER where I enjoyed 4 or 5 warm blankets … Yay!

I was reluctant to go but was persuaded by the many symptoms when taken in the context of my recent medical history: Irregular heartbeat over night, fast pulse (as much as 96 at times while at rest), blood pressure that swung from 148/84 that then dropped to 95/47, when I have always had “textbook” BP of 120/70, intermittent mild headaches, discomfort under my ribs and down my sides, some mild diarrhea, chills and other stuff within a period of 36 hours was somewhat concerning. Any one of those things could have been shrugged off but when they were all occurring at the same time, given my recent medical history, it seemed prudent to head for the ER.

BUT, they found nothing to explain it. MRI was unchanged, Heart good, blood good, urine good — when they asked for a sample she asked me if I could use a cup or if I wanted to use a hat. “A hat? People actually pee in their hat?” She gave me a funny look and pointed to the plastic “hat” that fits in the bowl for collection purposes. I opted for the cup and then told her about the “Mellow Yellow” episode.

In any event, I’m home now after a dose of Mylanta and a swab for RSV/COVID/FLU … we’re waiting to hear results on those tests. My girlfriend took what appeared to be a fiendish delight in ripping off the dozen or so electrode connections from my torso and legs!

Another call we are waiting for will be coming from cardiology at Iowa University Hospital. I’ve been referred there to have the Watchman Device implanted in my heart. That’s the news from Dubuque, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.

Thanks for your prayers … please don’t stop.