Today was my appointment with my Electrophysiologist. I was hoping for some answers and clarity and I was not disappointed. The first thing the doctor said when she walked into the room was “I know a lot about you even though I haven’t met you”. She mentioned that my surgeon, Dr. Patel, had come to them asking if they could see me as soon as possible.
She explained everything very well, and I came loaded with many questions. She explained that with the extreme surgery that I had, it is not uncommon to develop PVC’s. The trauma from both the dissection and the surgery can cause your heart to be knocked off course. It is possible for the PVC’s to slowly get better and possibly stop altogether on their own as everything continues to heal. What they want to see is for the PVC’s to be less than 10% of your beats. Once the PVC’s get to 10% or greater, than measures will need to be taken to correct the problem. The worse case scenario would be a “Heart Ablation”. The first EKG that they saw from me a few weeks ago showed an extra heart beat every other beat. The EKG that they took today rarely showed an extra heart beat. This is consistent with my experience of the PVC’s being random. I have an appointment in February to come in and be fitted with another Holter heart monitor which I will wear for a full 48 hours. They will check the results and see if the PVC’s are getting any better. I was told that the PVC’s, under my circumstances, can last three to six months. I will continue to be monitored during this period. A course of action, if any, will be decided based upon the results of the testing that will take place over the course of the next few months.
I was given a very accurate explanation of the seriousness of my aneurysm. The doctor said it was a very large aneurysm and that I was extremely fortunate. It was described to me as an onion and the many layers that the onion has. When my aorta dissected, it was bad enough to fill many of these layers of my aorta, and it bulged just to the point of bursting. Almost the entire arch of my aorta was replaced with the Dacron graft. Even though things are difficult, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for.
The PVC’s, pain and fatigue continue to be very difficult to deal with on a daily basis, but I am doing my best to keep my head up.
Walt's Journey 
Walt, we are praying for you constantly. I know everyone who knows you is so thankful that you made it through the surgery. Our church continues to pray for you also. Praying that you feel well and have a good day. We will be praying for the pain to subside and that you stay encouraged in the Lord.
Katie,
Thank you so much for the prayers. When I hear of situations where a Church is lifting me up, I cannot put into words how encouraging that is to me. Thank you.
– Walt
Wow! It seems the more informed you become of your situation, the more obvious it becomes that God’s hand was protecting you the whole time! It was very apparent from day one that this was a miracle but the more you share it points to how big of a miracle this is. I know this road had not been easy but you are on it for some reason and God has been with you every step. You never know how this will touch other people’s lives and you never know whose path you may cross where God will use you. I am still praying for you! It was good to see you and Sarah and the kids!
this sounds like a very positive and encouraging visit. I am sure that over time things will continue to improve and you will eventually overcome the fatigue and pvcs. After hearing the severity of your heart problem it is so apparent of the miracle it really was. Thinking of and praying for you every day as you continue to heal.