Re: Encouragement for PVA next week at Fairfax Hospital (No. VA)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/10/04 10:36:36 PM Eastern Standard Time,

cjnbenno@... writes:

> I could really use some words of encouragement. As the date

> approaches, I am getting more and more afraid. If there is a voice

> of reason out there who can give me some calming advice - I sure

> could use it.

>

Hi Carolyn,

You know what you'll notice first, when you get there? How caring the nurses

and other personnel are. From the time you check in there, getting prepared

and during and after the procedure. You are number one! They all demonstrate

great care for you, while doing their jobs. Also remember, you are why they're

there. You have a responsibilty to be ready as well.

Prior to going to the EP Lab, they give you a little something " Happy Juice " ,

to calm your nerves. It's quite pleasant!

They will either knock you out during the procedure or have you partially

awake. It's the EP's call. Either way, you'll do fine. Post PVA is different

for

everyone. Some breeze through with a full recovery and others it takes a

little longer. Remember. Your body has to heal and your heart will re-model

itself. There will be some bumps in the road. There not cliffs! Stay in touch

with

this board during your recovery. Your not alone. Many here have walked the walk

and can help you through the bumps.

You'll do fine!

Rich O

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/11/04 8:21:29 AM Eastern Standard Time,

k_h_iwasa@... writes:

> Mine is scheduled on Tue at s Hpokins with Dr Calkins.

> Wish you good luck too.

>

> Kooney

>

Kooney,

Good luck to you as well. You sound like your ready to go and get your life

back.

Let er' rip!

Rich O

[Guest guest]

Hi Carolyn

I think most of us who have had a PVA went through the same thing you are to

some extent. The whole procedure is intimidating & scary - after all, they are

working on your heart from the inside ! You wouldn't be normal if you didn't

have apprehensions. I know what helped me was to become as educated about the

procedure as possible. I was most apprehensive about a week before - about like

you are now - The realization that less than a week remained before the PVA

struck home the fact it wasn't an abstraction anymore - it was going to happen

soon ! What I found reassuring ( & I hope this happens for you) was with each

passing day the apprehension lessened. Knowledge of what to expect helped. The

day before & the morning of the PVA I was totally at ease. I became the

reassuring one to my wife & brother-in-law ! I'm going into a little detail here

because a few other PVA grads I correspond with went through the same process.

As others have said, the care you will receive will be reassuring for you. All

of us hear of potential side effects & some real stories of PVA's gone wrong,

but the bottom line is RIGHT NOW the procedure is very safe. You'll do fine.

If you would like to contact me off the board, feel free to contact me @

tkiverson@...

Thor

Encouragement for PVA next week at Fairfax Hospital

(No. VA)

Hi,

I thought I posted a message last night, but I don't think it went

through....so take 2.

I am having a PVA next Wednesday at the new Vascular Center in

Fairfax Hospital with Dr. Friehling and Dr. Del Negro. I have had

very symptomatic AFIB since March (actually I think I've probably

been in and out of AFIB for years). I have been on Sotolol which

really didn't help all that much - I would have several brief

episodes a day. Then they switched me to Amiodarone, but said I

could only be on it for 3 months.

My quality of life has diminished greatly to the point where I am

afraid all the time...afraid to have the PVA and afraid not to.

I could really use some words of encouragement. As the date

approaches, I am getting more and more afraid. If there is a voice

of reason out there who can give me some calming advice - I sure

could use it.

Thanks,

Carolyn

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Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be

acted upon without consultation with one's physician.