Manford learns about fibrillation

So, doc, I was in the cold,cold ocean water off Waihi Beach for about 30 minutes,in my new wet suit, and there was a breeze and I started shivering and couldn't stop, and then we walked back to the camp Emily and other kids and I and other parents were staying and it seemed to take much more effort than getting there, and I lay down and checked my pulse and boy was it going - (sung to the tune of up on the rooftop click, click, click - up goes the heart rate, tick, tick, tick, let's bring it down, but not to quick) - zooming in at around 140 - 150 beats/minute. So I caged a ride home (about two hours) and went to hospital, where I was warmly greeted by caring (really), nice ER staff, they did an EKG, had to wait a while for a cardiology resident (learned later that as the evening went on there was a 6 hour wait in the ER for less pressing cases), then transferred to an observation unit until next day, then saw a big kahuna cardiologist around 10 am, then transferred to the cardiology unit annex, where I roomed with five other guys until my discharge yesterday, Sunday, after getting medication by mouth and from shots in the belly (subcutaneous, so not too painful), the old racing heart slowed down, while the old blood pressure went down to 80's over 60's, but they thought I was well enough to come home and be looked after by my doc whose office is nearby. The ward experience was interesting - felt a little like a prisoner, but had entertainment through books and mags brought by Carrie, and from listening to the kiwi guys who were there ahead of me and whom I left behind - with more serious heart concerns - one was a farmer, another a car salesman, another from India whose home was in Fiji and is a heavy equipment operator, and some unknown job guys, all good story tellers and many pithy comments re the current NZ elections and USA ones with apparently universal approval of Obama. Food was plentiful and tasteful. Staff very nice. Beds moderately comfortable. From time a hospital house cat wandered in from outside. Had a shower Saturday (last Wed am ) which may have made others glad - made me feel and smell better. Strangely enough I never had any discomfort or any other symptom - too brain damaged already, I guess - just a fast, and somewhat intermittent, heart rate. Well, I am happily at home now, observing the bathroom remodel we are getting done that should be finished by 2010 or thereabouts. All new fixtures,shower, vanity, stool, walls and ceilings, will be much nicer than our old moldy one. Take care of yourselves and try not to fibrillate very often - the cost of my stay is covered by socialized medicine here, but could be a big expense in the USA, I suspect. Med costs pretty much covered too. Wish you were here. Manford