Be still my beating heart...update

[malkin]

Well, no, don't be completely still, but somewhere way under 200 bpm is really best.

So, I've got this heart thing...met the cardiologist, and he's not someone I'd want to date, but I trust his reputation and all that. I'm set up to get ablated next week and I'm a good candidate and all, but I'm screamin' nervous, and of course still having bouts of crazy heartbeats.

I learned that these episodes can sometimes be aborted by holding your breath & bearing down or massaging the carotid artery. ( There is also something about dipping your face in ice water, but I haven't tried that one.)

So this afternoon, I was at school chatting with a mom of one of the kidsand I feel this wild rapid heart rate starting. So while she's talking, I take a huge breath and PUSH while nodding my head and trying to look perfectly casual. The breath isn't really helping so I continue trying to look natural while squeezing my neck like I'm trying to strangle myself.

It worked and stopped the palps; I'm not sure how ridiculous I looked.

[Catrin]

Yikes! I do hope that the procedure goes well - sending thoughts and prayers your way.

[solobiker]

Yikes! I do hope that the procedure goes well - sending thoughts and prayers your way.

+1 Positive vibes heading your way.

[OakLeaf]

Sending good thoughts your way. Hope all goes smoothly.

[redrhodie]

What is the procedure? Is it surgery?

I know how nervous you feel. You should get a massage.

[Crankin]

Good luck, Malkin.
When is it?

[pll]

Good luck, Malkin.

+1
And I second Red's suggestion of a massage.