Author: Vivian Cumins
The sticky pads on my chest were making my skin itch. I was having trouble breathing, even with the oxygen mask covering my nose and mouth. The nurse had trouble finding a vein in my right arm, so she took blood, which would be tested for the protein, Troponin T from the top of my right hand. What a horrible place to stick a needle.
Thirty minutes earlier, I passed out at home. I had been feeling tired for about a week and my heart seemed to be beating extra hard. It fluttered, then felt like it would stop, then restart within a matter of seconds. The restart felt like a kick in the chest, but from the inside. The start-stop ritual had been going on for a week; it kept me up at night. Yet, it took me hitting the ground to do something about it.
Why do we do that to ourselves? Why do we procrastinate when it comes to our health?
“Premature Ventricular Contractions”, otherwise known as “PVCs”. That was my diagnosis. My heart was throwing in extra heartbeats – 400 extra beats per minute. The good news was my heart was healthy. Medication would bring my heart rhythm back into sync. To this day, I remain ‘flutter-free’.
I write this short shorty simply as a reminder to those whose eyes fall upon it to love and take care of your heart.
Vivian is a storyteller and writer from small-town Oklahoma who loves bringing joy and laughter to others through the gift of memory-sharing. 
Wearing my red today supporting Wear Red Day!
Good for you!! I opted to put on a red scarf, and of course, my red nails and lipstick. lol!
Oh, Viv…what a scary experience. As always, you come through with grace and use the challenge as an opportunity for self-reflection. Every day truly is a gift!
I look forward to an update on your new life in California. 🙂
Laurel! Yes, I would love to reconnect – there is so much to share. I will send you an email so we can connect. Thank you for your kind words! Last year was a challenge – but, how I have grown!