Let's take a ride in an ambulance.

It has been a disappointing couple of days here in lymphomaland.

I awoke with a fever, high blood pressure, high pulse and atrial fibrillation, also known as a-fib. I have a 30+ year history with a-fib because of my history with cardiac arrythmia. During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation symptoms often include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. Atrial fibrillation is an often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Ummmm, no thanks.

After going through a short period of shock and denial, My Adorable Wife drove me to the Emergency Room. After I described my issue, I was whisked to a treatment room where four (!) professionals showed up to attend to me. I was given an infusion for saline solution and also a shot with a calcium channel blocker. In less than an hour, my heart returned to regular sinus rhythm. Whew!

However, (don't you hate it when there is a however) my blood sample revealed an increased level of lactic acid. After many doctor and nurse huddles and many calls to the on-call physicians, I was decided that I should be admitted to the hospital. Hence, the ambulance.

At the hospital, I was put through the exact same procedure as at the ER. "Tell me your symptoms." Saline infusion, electrocardiogram, blood tests, vital signs, and more. I also had a realtime heart monitor attached that communicates wirelessly with the nurses station.

I barely got any sleep because there was a near constant parade of nurses wanting to give me something or take something, usually blood.

By morning, the doctors had concluded that the after-effects of chemotherapy along with dehydration had triggered the a-fib. Since they had pumped me with seemingly gallons of saline fluids, along with a dose of calcium channel blocker, no irregularities in my heart rhythm were seen. With respect to the lactate level in my blood, I was asked to follow up with my primary physician. I was then released.

I feel weak and as if I have aged about 20 years.

I will see my primary phsician and Dr. Hema5 in the upcoming week and, of course, drink much more water!