Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Update on Joe...

Joe experienced some heart problems on Friday. His heart was in atrial fibrillation from about 3:00 Friday morning until about 12:00 Friday afternoon. Joe was awake at 3 am because Brady had called out for him in his sleep. Joe went to Brady's room and when he came back to bed he realized something wasn't right. At 7:00 he went on to work as normal. On the way out the door her just said he didn't feel good and that he would be ok. He decided to drive his own car to the job site he is working on right now. It just happens to be the new Long's pharmacy in Irmo which is right across the parking lot from our doctor's office. Once Joe got to the site he continued to feel worse and he could feel his heart beating really fast. He was sweating a lot and he felt like he might pass out. So, he walked accross the parking lot to our doctor. They immediately did an EKG and told him it was atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat. Joe was then sent to the ER at Lexington. I recieved a phone call from Joe around 9:30 telling me he was headed to the ER. I left Bible school and Brady (with Tasha) and headed there to meet Joe. They kept him in the ER for several hours and thankfully his heart beat and blood pressure returned to normal on their own.
Yesterday we went to the cariologist. He examined the abnormal EKG from Friday and explained atrial fibrillation in much more detail. I'm writing about this because it can be very serious. The blood can pool in the top chamber of the heart and clot and a clot can break off and cause a stroke. When sharing this experience SEVERAL girls have told me their husbands have had similar things happen to them. The key is to get to the dr. while it's happening. You don't need an appointment...just go...I promise they'll see you!! Once you have an EKG showing the abnormal heartbeat a cardiologist can help you. This is not normal for a man in his 30's who is in good health. We all know Joe is a big guy, but he is very active and healthy.
Joe has had his blood tested for just about everything in the past few days including thyroid problems which can cause this heart problem. He will be doing a stress test and an ecocardiogram July 10th. I'll let you know what we find out then.
Thanks for all of the prayers!!!
~Kim

6 comments:

Lesli said...

Kim,
I just wanted you to know we have been praying for Joe. Carr was so concerned about him and texted me to let me know he was sent to the hospital. We will continue to pray.
Let me know if you need help with Brady. I am sure between Kimberlee,Carr and me we can help out in some way.
Lesli

MMS said...

That's scary stuff! I bet you were so worried. I'll be praying for him.

~Mary

The Johnson Family said...

We are still praying for him. i hoep everything goes well with all these tests.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I had no idea he was having issues. I will be praying for him. I am so glad he is better now! keep us updated!

Johanna

The Hardy Family said...

We are so glad he is doing ok and that the doctors are being proactive in getting some tests run. It was great seeing you and Brady at the pool today!! See you soon!

AndreaLeigh said...

that is so scary. i am thinking of you guys and saying prayers. is there a treatment or medications for this?