Despite not having insurance at the moment, I attended my pacemaker check (priorities) and found that 70% of the time, I am paced, and I have about 7.5 years left on my pacemaker. The bad news is that on July 1st, around 4 p.m., I went into v tach, which can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest.
The good news is that it was likely a result of having a fever, so we now know there was a contributing factor. I went to the ER, but as usual, I was sent away and dismissed. I always tell them I feel it in my heart when I get fevers and because I run low, a high fever for me is 100°F and up. Fortunately, I made it to another hospital, where they admitted me for two days and put me on two IV antibiotics.
This is why I URGE people who are sick to kindly stay away. My heart cannot handle fevers, and when I am sick, I am at very high risk for an infection to spread to my heart, which could require a heart transplant. Because of this ventricular tachycardia episode, I may have to get a defibrillator. Funny thing is, this is what I told them I needed in the first place, but once again, I was dismissed.
As you can see, these are constant frustrations when you’re young(ish) and appear healthy. Right now, I’m feeding my emotions with Chipotle and studying for my psych essay exam, trying not to cry in my salsa. Despite everything, I’m thankful to be here.
