Monday, December 24, 2007

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

So Henry was up early this morning, 4:30am. I guess he's just happy to be home. Since Tara was going to work this morning, I got up with him. We watched TV and he asked for macaroni and cheese.

I went upstairs to shower around 6:45am and asked Tara to feel my pulse. My heart had been pounding in my chest for most of the morning. It turned out that my pulse was irregular and she asked me to follow her into work for an EKG. A quick test revealed that I was in atrial fibrillation. My heart was receiving unusual signals which caused it to beat differently. Tara's doctor friend, Matt Hahn, called in a favor with a local cardiology office in order to keep me out of the hospital at Christmas. After a morning of three EKG's, two doctor's offices and an echo cardiogram (...in a pear tree) I was sent home with orders for an aspirin a day, some blood work and an appointment for a stress test. It seems that atrial fibrillation can be stress induced but that I may have minor irregularities that may have contributed as well. I'll have some additional tests during Henry's next hospital stay.


So now we're ALL finally at home with plenty of reasons to celebrate. We have some much gratitude in our hearts for each of you who continually pour love and support upon us in abundance. Happy Holidays to you and your families. Give extra hugs and kisses to all of the children in your lives. They are precious and cannot be taken for granted. Know we send special holiday wishes to all of you.

11 comments:

rlbates said...

Wow! So glad you are home -- all of you. I love this picture of your family.

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

First off, I am so glad that you are alright Bryan. It was a scare!

Secondly, I feel so guilty every time I read your blog. Thank the Lord that I have witness my 3 boys grow up into young men without any major illness. Oh, we had our broken bones, and broken hearts. But nothing like this.

Ed and I both feel so blessed. Your message is a constant reminder that life is fragile and as the bracelet states, love is not.

And as much as my boys will turn their heads away, I am going to squeeze them, and kiss them, and tell them how much I love them. RIGHT NOW!

God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas!.
t

Anonymous said...

God bless you all and Merry Christmas! Your family is beautiful. We love you, Charley, Molly and Joshua.

Anonymous said...

Bryan,
You and Tara have been under so much stress. I hope you get a little rest and relaxation on Christmas. I love the picture!
Have a very Merry Christmas and everyone STAY AWAY FROM THE HOSPITAL until the next scheduled appointment. Have fun tomorrow!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Susan, Kendall and Cody Herren

Anonymous said...

Bryan - Merry Christmas morning. Read that again. See? Not Halloween morning. Please stop scaring your family and friends with your heart-felt news. And in the midst of caring for others, remember to take your aspirin! Have Tara/Jane/Molly let me know when you and Henry go to the hospital because with my nutsy atypical work schedule, I am very flexible and want to help with Sophie and Anna. Merry E-hugs and Christmas love to all the Schecks! xxxoooMAB

Anonymous said...

Merry Christ-mas to the Scheck family. Great picture of the gang.
the krause house

Anonymous said...

Hello ALL,
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Reba, Becky and Susan

Anonymous said...

wow what a trip. i'm glad you're feeling better bryan! hope christmas was great for all of you....
looking forward to more good news!

Anonymous said...

THIS COMES FROM THE NORTH POLE TO THE SCHECK FAMILY....just letting you know we stopped by and everyone was tucked in there beds with sugar plums dancing in there heads. Hope your CHRISTMAS DAY was as wonderful as OUR CHRISTMAS EVE. It was so worth it to see the smiles on everyones face and SANTA munched on the cinnamon buns and had the sleigh all sticky.....HUGS TO ALL .....SANTA AND MRS CLAUS.

Anonymous said...

Lots of love from your Folly Beach cousins! What a gorgeous picture of the family. Thank you. Take care of yourself, Bryan. The boys are home with me and we have spoken of you all so often this holiday. Sending our prayers and love. Katie comes home Jan 1st. She sends her love, also. Cousin Fran & Boys

Dani said...

Hi Bryan -
I hope you, Tara and the kids got our holiday card and gift - we sent it out a little late.

Don't know if you are reading this, but I wanted you to know that Ben had atrial fibrulation about 4 years ago - it is quite common in young men, apparently, especially when undergoing stress, etc. He came out of everything just fine and I am sure would be happy to talk with you about it if you would like to.

We are sending you much love and holiday wishes...
Dani (and Ben and Joey)