Defibrillator Dude

Defibrillator Dude

Since starting this blogging thing three years ago, I have met some very interesting people. Scott Sands certainly qualifies as one. Some of you reading this already know Scott, who is 43 and also blogs about living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Scott Sands Alive. I have learned a lot from him, from fighting for the care I need to learning how to look fashionable with a tracheostomy. Plus, it gives me hope to know that you can live into your 40s with DMD at a time when, sadly, guys with DMD are typically only living into their mid-20s at most. Scott has helped me through some tough times, usually by giving me a (virtual) kick in the ass! He also wrote a very nice review of my book.

If you haven't paid a visit, Scott Sands Alive is a must read. People think I'm funny, but Scott is hilarious. He also pulls no punches about this life that he and I and countless others live. It is a life that was in jeopardy for Scott this week, when he experienced some frightening cardiac symptoms.

As I can tell you first-hand, you can be the toughest S.O.B. in the world (and Scott is) but when it's your heart, it's a scary thing! The good news is that Scott is now an official Defibrillator Dude, having undergone successful surgery this morning to implant a defibrillator in his chest. Sounds like he will be back to blogging very soon.

Welcome to the club, my friend. May your heartbeat be regular and your shocks be few!

Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Looks like my decision nearly three years ago to have a cardiac defibrillator implanted in my chest was a good one. At a routine electrophysiology appointment today, I learned that the device again took action to correct a dangerous heart rhythm. It was able to "pace" me out of it, so it did not have to deliver a shock.

I actually remember the incident, which occurred back in October. I was at the computer, chatting online with a friend and listening to the Flyers game. Suddenly, I felt my heart beating rapidly. I became dizzy and warm, and the light in my bedroom seemed to grow dim. And then just as quickly as it began, it ended. I immediately wondered if the device had helped me.

As the doctor reminded me today and at my previous appointment, when the device reported taking action, this is exactly the reason why I have it in the first place and thus no reason to be alarmed. Still, I can't help but find it alarming. More than that, though, it reminds me just how lucky I am that my cardiologist recommended implanting the defibrillator. I feel it is therefore my responsibility to live my life to the fullest because so many other guys with DMD haven't been as fortunate. It is a responsibility I take seriously and one that will motivate me as long as I live.