Last night Aurelia was having heart rhythm issues with her native heart. Her heart rate went from 110/115 to 160/167 within minutes and stay in the 160 throughout the night. Aurelia was given anti arrhythmic medication to help slow her irregular heart rhythm, but unfortunately the medication didn’t help 

Today, Aurelia’s heart rhythm was still in the 160. Aurelia received a Cardioversion. Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm, usually from conditions like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Aurelia received an electrical shock (a controlled electric shock through electrodes on the chest). Aurelia was sedated and I was able to watch from right outside of her room as the doctors delivered the electric shock to her heart. 

Aurelia is doing better, she is tired, but better. Her heart rate is back to normal. The doctors are still figuring out why this happened considering she has the VAD’s in place. Aurelia is still receiving good blood flow from the VAD’s, but her native heart needed extra support. 

Aurelia needed another red blood transfusion and is holding on to some fluids which is causing some edema. 

Aurelia is bleeding in her nose and in her mouth which is common but her red blood count is dropping so there is that concern. Doctors can’t fully explain to me why exactly her blood count is dropping and why she is bleeding in her nose and mouth. Aurelia is on an anticoagulant medication which is not helping in the bleeding. 

Aurelia is still being closely monitored in the CVICU. Aurelia is struggling emotionally, mentally and physically. The past three days. She is exhausted and worried about the next thing that will happen to her. Aurelia has moments of being in really good spirits and some tough moments of breaking down and crying.