Grandpa Rick

I'm really not much of a worrier but that's mostly because I have a lot of faith and tend to look at situations in a positive light.

This post is just to share part of what's going on in my life with my StepDad, Rick. This week he has been in the hospital doing some tests because he has been experiencing Atrial Fibrillation. If you're curious about what that is please read the following:

Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a
regular beat. Certain cells in your heart make
electric signals that cause the heart to contract
and pump blood. These electrical signals show
up on an electrocardiogram, or ECG recording.
Your doctor can read your ECG to find out if the
electric signals are normal.
In atrial fibrillation, the two small upper
chambers or atria of the heart don’t beat the
way they should. Instead of beating in a regular,
normal pattern, the atria beat irregularly and too
fast. It’s important for the heart to pump
properly, because that’s how your body gets the
oxygen and food it needs. You can live with
atrial fibrillation, but it can lead to other rhythm
problems, chronic fatigue, heart failure and —
worst of all — stroke. You’ll need a doctor to
help you control the problem.

Rick has also been diagnosed with a high red blood cell count and is being watched to find out what is causing that. Blood pressure is being watched carefully and he is also being given medication to help him reduce his amount of water retention (in the last 3 days he has lost 16 pounds of water weight).

Luckily, he has access to both internet and phone in the hospital and is still running his business as best he can without actually physically being there. Mom is lending a helping hand with that for him.

Mom and Rick are tired and would like to be home soon and that's what we want for them too. Send a little love and a prayer their way for me. There can never be too many supporters.

And, if you're wondering about the picture it's of Rick and I at DisneyWorld (Japan, Epcot) celebrating our birthdays - his is one day before mine!