We've connected with most of you in some way or another over the past few weeks, but for those out of the loop (sorry!), Cameron's procedure went well...
Friday, December 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The 18th It Is
We had our pre-op appointment this morning with the RN. Cameron's Atrial Fibrillation Ablation procedure is scheduled for November 18 at noon. We have to check in a few hours earlier so they can get him comfortable and prepped. The RN went over the procedure in a little more detail and said it can take anywhere from two to five hours, with the three hour average I had mentioned before. Cameron's procedure will likely be longer because they will be targeting areas in both the left and right atrium. They don't like to work much beyond five hours because of the stress it puts on the heart and body, so there is a possibility that he could have to have two procedures depending on how much they are able to do the first time around.
The procedure starts out the same as his cardioversion did - with an transesphageal echocardiogram (TEE) to make sure there are no clots in his heart. If there are visible clots, the procedure cannot be performed. The RN also explained a third procedure risk today - damage to the esophagus. This is because of the use of heat to ablate the damaged nerves and the proximity of the esophagus to the right atrium. The risk is still less than 1% and there will be a heat sensor in Cameron's esophagus during the procedure to help monitor the temperature. If it is damaged, surgery will be required to repair it - usually with mesh.
Following the procedure Cameron will spend the night in the hospital and can expect to be released Saturday in the early afternoon. He will then be on the anticoagulation medication for another three months along with a new antiarrhythmic medication to help prevent AF and AFL during his recovery. Additionally, he will be on a strong antiacid the first week to reduce the risk of esophageal damage following the procedure. There is a possibility that his AF and/or AFL will reoccur for up to three months following the procedure while the tissues are healing from the ablation, though it is more likely in the first weeks, and decreases as time goes on. If this happens, they will either adjust the antiarrhythmic medication or use cardioversion again.
We are supposed to expect Cameron to be very tired in the week following the procedure as his heart heals. He will likely retain a lot of fluid following the procedure, which we have to monitor carefully. He will also experience a tightness or discomfort in his chest from inflammation and he may experience discomfort in the catheter sites in his groin and in his throat from the TEE and heat sensor. He also has to monitor his temperature and the feeling in his chest to ensure it is not a result of esophageal damage. He's supposed to take it slow, though he is encouraged to get up and move around - just not for long periods of time. He will be able to slowly work his way back into regular, vigorous exercise in the coming weeks as his heart heals.
And now you know what we know (c:
The procedure starts out the same as his cardioversion did - with an transesphageal echocardiogram (TEE) to make sure there are no clots in his heart. If there are visible clots, the procedure cannot be performed. The RN also explained a third procedure risk today - damage to the esophagus. This is because of the use of heat to ablate the damaged nerves and the proximity of the esophagus to the right atrium. The risk is still less than 1% and there will be a heat sensor in Cameron's esophagus during the procedure to help monitor the temperature. If it is damaged, surgery will be required to repair it - usually with mesh.
Following the procedure Cameron will spend the night in the hospital and can expect to be released Saturday in the early afternoon. He will then be on the anticoagulation medication for another three months along with a new antiarrhythmic medication to help prevent AF and AFL during his recovery. Additionally, he will be on a strong antiacid the first week to reduce the risk of esophageal damage following the procedure. There is a possibility that his AF and/or AFL will reoccur for up to three months following the procedure while the tissues are healing from the ablation, though it is more likely in the first weeks, and decreases as time goes on. If this happens, they will either adjust the antiarrhythmic medication or use cardioversion again.
We are supposed to expect Cameron to be very tired in the week following the procedure as his heart heals. He will likely retain a lot of fluid following the procedure, which we have to monitor carefully. He will also experience a tightness or discomfort in his chest from inflammation and he may experience discomfort in the catheter sites in his groin and in his throat from the TEE and heat sensor. He also has to monitor his temperature and the feeling in his chest to ensure it is not a result of esophageal damage. He's supposed to take it slow, though he is encouraged to get up and move around - just not for long periods of time. He will be able to slowly work his way back into regular, vigorous exercise in the coming weeks as his heart heals.
And now you know what we know (c:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
One Heart Beating As Two*
As we approach our two-month anniversary, many people have begun to ask, "So how's married life?" Truthfully, it's not much different from before except now Cameron has a ring, which is often not on his finger but rather being twirled, spun, or otherwise played with much to my chagrin. We didn't expect it to be much different though, and honestly I'd be kind of worried if it was. The biggest challenge often facing traditional newlyweds is learning to live together. We lived together for almost three years before we were married, which means we've already worked out those kinks of first learning to live with another person - our habits and quirks, both good and bad. Other than that, the only differences in married life so far are being referred to as "The Wife" and trying to remember to introduce Cameron as my husband. However, we are already in the middle of facing what you could call our first "trial" - Cameron's heart is no longer under warranty and it needs a tune-up.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Our Vows
Cameron and I wrote our own vows and didn't share them with each other until we read them at the ceremony. We understand many guests weren't able to hear them - partly because the mic didn't pick us up well and partly because of how choked up Cameron and I were. A lot of you asked us afterward if we would post them on our website for you to read. So, as requested, here they are!
Wow! Just wow!
Cameron and I finally had a chance to sit down and open wedding cards this evening. We are overwhelmed by the kindness of our friends and family. We will be sending more formal, individualized correspondence, but we just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge your generosity immediately.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Michelle Hindman - Maid of Honor
The first day I met Michelle we moved large, heavy pieces of metal furniture around the basement of the Arizona House of Representatives in our suits and high heels because our offices weren't set up for us. If only our real jobs were as easy!
Robin Anderson - Attendant
My little sister is seven years younger than me. That means when I left home for college at 18, she was only 11 and not even in middle school yet. Sometimes it's still hard for me to not picture that little girl and instead remember she's been of legal drinking age for six months and will graduate college next May!
Erin White - Attendant
If one minute of my life had gone completely different, I may have never known Erin.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
David Richins - Man of Honor
Though it's much more common these days for women to have best friends who are men, and men to have best friends who are women, it's still hard for a lot of people to understand. Most just think one of the pair is always looking for more than friendship. For David and I, such was never really the case.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Things To Do
If you're not from Arizona, chances are you're not going to want to spend a lot of time outside during the day in Phoenix. Heck, even those of us who grew up in the desert don't want to spend a lot of time outside during the day. So, we've put together some suggestions to keep you out of that blistering heat!
Accommodations
Unfortunately, there are no hotels in the direct vicinity of the wedding venue - the closest are at least a few miles away.
If you're traveling from out of town and will need to stay in a hotel, please let Jenn or Cameron know by email or phone. We will be able to negotiate discounted room rates if we have a better idea how many room reservations we can guarantee.
If we can't get enough for a group discount, here are some other suggestions:
If you're traveling from out of town and will need to stay in a hotel, please let Jenn or Cameron know by email or phone. We will be able to negotiate discounted room rates if we have a better idea how many room reservations we can guarantee.
If we can't get enough for a group discount, here are some other suggestions:
Monday, June 20, 2011
Gift Ideas
All the wedding etiquette out there says you should never mention gifts to your guests because it is rude and implies you expect them to get you something. Please let us be clear: we do not expect you to give us anything. In fact, the best gift you can give us is your presence at our wedding. Joining us as we celebrate the beginning of our next adventure together is more than we could ever ask for. And if you are not able to attend, please know we will be thinking of you fondly and your presence will truly be missed.
That being said, we know some of you will likely try to give us gifts anyway. For that, we are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. Please know we will treasure anything you give us, but if you'd like some suggestions, here are some things to consider:
That being said, we know some of you will likely try to give us gifts anyway. For that, we are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. Please know we will treasure anything you give us, but if you'd like some suggestions, here are some things to consider:
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, April 15, 2011
Welcome to Our Website!
Here you'll find all you need to know about our upcoming nuptuals. We'll use the tabs at the top of the page to post relevant information as well as use the blog to provide you with important updates. And, after the wedding, we hope to continue using the website so friends and family can keep up with our life happenings. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or Cameron.
A note to those friends who may not receive a wedding invitation:
We love you. We hope you love us. And from that love, we hope you can appreciate how hard it is to put together a guest list, especially when paying for your own wedding. While we truly would like to have every single one of you join us in celebrating our marriage, our pocketbook just can't handle it. Thank you for understanding.
A note to those friends who may not receive a wedding invitation:
We love you. We hope you love us. And from that love, we hope you can appreciate how hard it is to put together a guest list, especially when paying for your own wedding. While we truly would like to have every single one of you join us in celebrating our marriage, our pocketbook just can't handle it. Thank you for understanding.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Currently Under Construction
Pardon our dust as we put the final touches on our website. Check back soon to get all the details of our big day!
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