One Day at a Time: Friday 26th February

The fact I had to correct my spelling of 'February' twice, shows that's it's been another week of highs and lows, ( or that I am an atrocious speller....both actually).

Before I forget, there is a bit of a 'do' at St Martin's Public Hall on Friday the 18th March ( I can spell March) tickets are £8, I think that includes food (light supper) and a quiz. 7pm start, enter a team of up to 5 people. It's all in aid of Macmillan Jersey, and the St Martin's Wednesday group are the fundraisers. Tel 851942 or 851520 if you're interested!

And, there is another Dr Hima Curry night on the 12th March, though this is at St George's School... I'll get more info on that one, or just email me if you're keen.

Now, next subject is Bex, and thank you to everyone for their concern, it has been a very worrying time, not only for us, the parents, but more so for her. Feeling so frightened that she had something majorly wrong with her heart, and being uncomfortable with the symptoms was proving difficult to live with, but by the begining of this week she was just getting back on an even keel.

She had one minor blip on Saturday night, but was ok, until Tuesday evening. We were all sitting around the table having supper, and she had just finished ( no, it wasn't my bad cooking before you ask) when she had an 'attack'. I tried to reassure her, but it shook her up a great deal. After supper I went off to netball and she and her brother had to go to the dress rehearsal at the Young Farmers Club. (Brilliant concert by the way, if you get a chance go and see it.... but don't if you're easily offended !)
I didn't get back in the door until nearly 10:30pm, to be greeted by an ongoing discussion as to whether Bex should go to A and E.... she had been 'not right' all evening. Showered and changed, Steve and I headed back into town.
Once again the care we received at the hospital was superlative, and despite having to wait around (they're always busy), we were seen by Dr 'Rob' who took the time to examine Becky's previous ECG, do another ECG and ultrasound ( on his little portable machine) and give her what he thought was a diagnosis of her condition.
He thinks she has .....

AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), or atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, is a type of tachycardia (fast rhythm) of the heart. It is a type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), meaning that it originates from a location within the heart above the bundle of His. AV nodal reentrant tachycardia is the most common regular supraventricular tachycardia. It is more common in women than men (approximately 75% of cases occur in females). The main symptom is palpitations. Treatment may be with specific physical maneuvers, medication, or, rarely, synchronized cardioversion. Frequent attacks may require radiofrequency ablation, in which the abnormally conducting tissue in the heart is destroyed.

AVNRT occurs when a reentry circuit forms within or just next to the atrioventricular node. The circuit usually involves two anatomical pathways: the fast pathway and the slow pathway, which are both in the right atrium. The slow pathway (which is usually targeted for ablation) is located inferior and slightly posterior to the AV node, often following the anterior margin of the coronary sinus. The fast pathway is usually located just superior and posterior to the AV node. These pathways are formed from tissue that behaves very much like the AV node, and some authors regard them as part of the AV node.

The fast and slow pathways should not be confused with the accessory pathways that give rise to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW syndrome) or atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). In AVNRT, the fast and slow pathways are located within the right atrium close to or within the AV node and exhibit electrophysiologic properties similar to AV nodal tissue. Accessory pathways that give rise to WPW syndrome and AVRT are located in the atrioventricular valvular rings. They provide a direct connection between the atria and ventricles, and have electrophysiologic properties similar to ventricular myocardium.

So, now that Bex knows what it is (Well, at least a better idea), she is much calmer. He has suggested ways she can 'stop' the racing heart ( blow her nose, (equal the pressure), dip the back of her head in cold water.... and break wind!!! ....at least that suggestion made us all laugh!)

So far she doesn't seem to have had any more incidents, and now that the concert is in full swing there's lots going on to keep her busy. She has a letter for a hospital on March 18th, and another for May 12th, so more answers then hopefully.

On another note I saw my lovely friend J Le M this week, who is looking good, the hair is starting to grow again, and despite being tired she like me is pleased to see a bit of sunshine and the daffodils growing in the hedgerows.

Finally, many thanks to the lovely people who made my husband 'low fat cookies' they were delicious !! He felt very honoured and I'm pleased to say he is trying very hard to stick to the 'diet'...he has appointment in March to see about a forthcoming operation, although since largely cutting out fat he has had very little pain.

Photo gallery....