Update On My Cousin In CCU
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203410)
Nashville, Tennessee
April 14, 2023 1:06pm CST
Have been very concerned about my cousin the past few days. She is the 58 y/o that had a heart attack last October and is a diabetic, with one kidney. She is also being treated for a toe infection with IV antibiotics. Almost had her toe amputated, but it was saved, thank goodness.
She was suppose to have the Hyperbaric Chamber treatment (I talked about it a week or so ago), but instead they decided to try the IV antibiotics for a few weeks. And then implant a defibrillator in her heart.
She arrived at the hospital for the defibrillator procedure three days ago. A routine chest x-ray was done, and showed two blood clots in her heart. This x-ray could have potentially saved her life. Her heart was functioning at only 10%.
She has been in CCU three days now. And is improving each day. She will go home in a few days wearing this LifeVest with a defibrillator. When her toe infection is completely gone, she will return to have a permanent defibrillator implanted.
Her new diagnosis now is SCA, Sudden cardiac arrest. When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, they will not have any warning signs or symptoms. They will quickly pass out and lose consciousness. Once a person experiences SCA, their chances of surviving decrease by 10% for every minute that passes without treatment.
LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is used with heart patients at risk of SCA. A WCD is a defibrillator that’s worn directly against a patient’s skin 24/7. It is only removed for a short shower or bath.
LifeVest is designed to detect a life threatening rapid heart rhythm and automatically deliver a treatment shock to restore normal rhythm. The entire event, from detecting a life threatening rapid heartbeat to automatically delivering a shock, usually takes less than a minute.
I am amazed and blown away at the technology of today. Her life has been saved due to all of these procedures. The photo shows the LifeVest she is wearing for now. I will catch up when time allows. Have been side tracked lately. Also a lot going on in my yard. I will share more soon.
**EDIT: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) has just been added as another diagnosis. This explains the swelling in her legs and feet.
40 people like this
37 responses
@Laurakemunto (13137)
• Kenya
14 Apr 23
She's so lucky technology is really useful when it's intended to am happy for her
3 people like this
@Kandae11 (56097)
•
14 Apr 23
It is amazing what doctors and technology can do these days. I hope they continue on an upward path to make her life and others even easier as time goes by.
I suffer from hypertension on and off, and l recently l had an ekg and a chest x-ray. I was wondering what the x-ray was for - now l know. Anyway both results were okay.
3 people like this
@allknowing (143220)
• India
15 Apr 23
@CarolDM That is nice that she has insurance.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Apr 23
@allknowing Yes, it is necessary in the US with the cost of medical treatment.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (93253)
• United States
14 Apr 23
Such advanced technology Carol.
Wow.
I wish her the very best, thanks for the update.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Apr 23
@RebeccasFarm She realizes how blessed she is. She will stay in ICU another day or so, being monitored.
2 people like this
@Shivram59 (39981)
• India
15 Apr 23
@CarolDM I can understand how much worried you are.I hope she will recover with the help of latetest technology.I pray for her earliest recovery.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (39981)
• India
15 Apr 23
@CarolDM Glad to know she is improving.I hope she wi be ok in a day or two.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Apr 23
@Shivram59 She has just been moved out of intensive care to a regular room but has along way to go. Thank you for your kindness.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (52790)
• Canada
14 Apr 23
My goodness, she has been through so much.
It sounds like this vest with the modern technology can literally be a life saver.
I am relieved that this type of equipment is avaliable for people, especially for her.
I will keep her in my prayers.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
1 May 23
@Tampa_girl7 I know. She was lucky to have made it to the hospital in time. Still has the blood clots on her heart. Taking meds for that.
@LindaOHio (185598)
• United States
25 Apr 23
Your cousin certainly has a lot going on. I am glad that the medical team is keeping on top of everything and is being proactive with her care. I hope her situation improves. Sending prayers her way.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
1 May 23
@LindaOHio Thanks. Good news so far.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (89507)
• Bangalore, India
15 Apr 23
Thank goodness! She is saved. I have not heard of such thing before. But it's great when technology can save lives. I hope that she lives a fulfilling life. 57 is too early to die.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (89507)
• Bangalore, India
16 Apr 23
@CarolDM Good to know. Belated Happy Birthday to her
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Apr 23
@arunima25 Thanks for your kind words.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (187079)
• United States
14 Apr 23
She is lucky to have the latest tech available to her. I just hope she will have a decent quality of life.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (84167)
• United States
19 Apr 23
I'm also blown away by technology and that LifeVest is amazing. I'm glad your cousin will have such a device when she goes home.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (84167)
• United States
20 Apr 23
@CarolDM I hope your cousin continues to improve. I'm sure she's happy to be home
@MarieCoyle (42305)
•
14 Apr 23
Oh, the poor thing, such a host of problems. I'm so sorry.
I have a friend who has to wear LifeVest. She says it's not that bad and she is used to it now after 2 months.
It sounds like your cousin is in a good hospital with good care.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Apr 23
@MarieCoyle I am on the phone with her Mom several times a day for moral support. She is also keeping my cousin's dog for her. She has a Yorkie of her own. So, her hands are full at home. Amazing to do what she does blind.
@CarolDM (203410)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Apr 23
She has so many issues, all at once it seems. Yes she is in a good hospital with great doctors. Makes such a difference. She will have the defibrillator implanted in a few weeks, and that will replace the LifeVest. Glad it also helps you friend. A life saver it seems. Her Mom (blind) is so very worried. She can't even visit now since she is in CCU.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (42305)
•
14 Apr 23
@CarolDM
I am so sorry. She really is having a very hard time with all of this, I'm sure. And her poor Mom. 
1 person likes this
@Laurakemunto (13137)
• Kenya
14 Apr 23
Yes there comes the usefulness of technology it has played a great role in saving her. She's a fighter despite all the adversities she's facing. May she get well soon and remain strong .
1 person likes this
