Friday night didnt go as planned.
Chad was in the hospital.
I was pacing my floors like a crazy person in an asylum.
My husband wasn’t coming home tonight. The doctors were keeping him overnight for observation because his heart was in Atrial Fibrillation.
From the Mayo Clinic website:
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow to the body. 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 include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.
This is not the first time I have heard of AFib. Chads brother has been suffering with it for many years, as well as his mother. And very recently and tragically, Chad’s father passed away and they believe it had something to do with a form of cardiac arrhythmia.
But my husband, he has always been healthy. Never been overweight, never a big drinker (well, excluding a brief period in his youth) and not a smoker.
He is so strong. Stronger than me. My rock. The backbone of our family.
(this was him on the phone to his brother that night)
When he called from the hospital told me how serious things were, I responded like a good wife should and we hung up. ( I couldn’t go with him to the hospital, one of my kids had a cough and I don’t have a regular sitter and didn’t want anyone else to get sick. My neighbor Jessica did come over for a few hours *thank you Jessica!* and I was able to visit him.)
But then I lost it. Tears flowed from my very core and couldn’t control it.
It occurred to me in that raw moment of fear… I had no future without him.
Every dream I have is with him. Includes him. Is about him. He is who I want to be with and who I want to love. He is the father I want my kids to have and person I want my kids to grow up and be like.
The thought of losing him had never occurred to me before, and this new realization that my strong husband may not be ok literally made me sick to my stomach.
I could not even begin to wrap my head around it.
After I saw him and got some more details, I realized we were not in the middle of a life threatening situation. I also knew that the pain of just losing Chads father to a similar situation was weighing heavily on my ability to use any reason. So with some prayer and quiet time, calmness was achievable.
The good news is, you can live with heart arrhythmia. We are working on finding ways to manage it naturally, looking at diet, supplements and lifestyle changes. Maybe no more coffee in our house, no drinking, no extreme exercise (I will especially get on bored with this one) and better ways of managing stress and sleep.
I have decided that we will try to make changes together, not just expect Chad to make adjustments on his own. I hope that we can find a new normal, a new way to live with and manage something that is potentially life threatening. I hope that we are able to lean on God and trust His grand plan for us.
After all, we are a family. One big, dysfunctional, happy family. And I hope to keep it that way for a long, long time. 
Quite the scare indeed and given what your family has been through lately I can understand how you immediately thought the worst.
Good to hear that Chad is going to be O.K. and that his heart issues can be remedied with a few easy lifestyle changes. Hope he is back home now and if not, soon. Home is the best place to get better
Amanda, my heart skipped a beat reading the title of the post and thankful that this health scare can be managed. When someone you love, especially your spouse is hurt, you hurt too. I’m sorry you were sad and hope things get better in your household. I just prayed.
Oh how scary, Amanda! Praying for you all!
Love you friend. You and your family are (always) in my heart and prayers. <3
*chocked up* Thank you sweet Jo.
Amanda,
I wish I could just “zip” on over there and give you a giant hug. Or twitch my nose like Samantha on Biwitched…that would make more “sense”. Either way, I kinda know what you are going through.
It was 5 years ago in March when we found out that my husband had colon cancer. He was always the rock, the steady one, the healthy one in fact. He was the glue that held it all together. When the doctor gave us the news, I thought my own heart had stopped. It was as if the words were being said but I was at the end of a long tunnel and all I could hear was the echo of his voice. How would we get through this.
That night we came up with a plan. A plan that of course demanded that we find the right doctor to perform the right surgery. That would be followed by the right treatment. Then we would make the right life changes. We discussed it with our daughters, and with his Mom. We were all in this together.
Four days later, his mom died. Apparently, God had other plans for her. So I know how crushing a sudden loss can be also. But, we moved ahead. We had to. We knew that she was right there rooting for us all.
Jim had his surgery. Followed by his treatments. We made some changes, some easy, some hard. Some we have stuck to, some we have slipped up on. But, the important thing is, that we were in it together.
You will get through this. He will too. We need those rocks in our lives. To hold us down when we feel like we could just float away. They are our everything. God Bless you and yours.
Wow Debbie- thank you for sharing this. May God bless you and yours as well!
Wow! I’m glad things are ok. How scary!
I’m so sorry that you are having to go through this. But you know you are not alone. Don’t be afaid to use “western” medicine if the natural approach is not enough. Just do your homework, and I know you would, and find out what the options are. Find out what will work best for your husband and family, not just the option the doctor says is best. Thank you God for the doctore’s and neighbor that helped Amanda’s family this weekend. Thank you for the good news she recieved and the comfort in knowing You. I lift Chad up in prayer and ask that God hold him safely in His care. I ask for protection, godly wisdom and healing. Please watch over my dear friend’s husband and keep his heart strong and healthy. Help Chad be a shinning example of trusting You for his everything. Keep Amanda and their children in your neverending care and comfort. Embrace them with the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Lovely prayer, thank you so much!
Oh, your family is in our prayers! This brought tears to my eyes! We are praying for you all! xoxo
Thank you sweet Amy! SO touched that in spite of all the wonderful and amazing things happening in your life you took the time to stop by and offer encouragement. You are a blessing!
How very scary for you! I will keep your sweet family in my prayers.
Wow. It’s amazing how one instant can change your perspective on everything! Trust me, we’ve just gone through two months of those “moments” ourselves. It’s rough, but you will get through them, stronger, and like you said, with a better appreciation for EVERYTHING. I am glad he is okay.
We just went through this with my dad who is 60. His heart is back in rhythm…with a little help from some meds they give him.
I had a similar reaction. I had to come to terms with the fact that my father–my superman–wasn’t invincible. 
However, the biggest change for my dad was diet. He has to do low sodium (which is extremely hard to find), low cholesterol, and low…. fat maybe? (I can’t remember the 3rd one!) He can’t have hot dogs or processed meats (like luncheon meats, ie bologna!) any more. That was a huge shock to his system.
We will be praying for you and your family! Although I’m grown, married, and out of the house, this is hard for the kids!
Yours still live at home! 
(I will say that it is very important to let them know what is going on—in an age appropriate way. I think that is what helped my 9 year old daughter cope with Grand Dad being in the hospital. I told her the news, but definitely did it a little differently than the docs were giving it to us!) 
Thank you for sharing Leslie! Its always good to hear that others have gone through it and been ok, if not better and stronger with the love and support from family!
I knew when you made the joke about exercise, that you are going to make it through this, another trial, with flying colors! Just remember who’s in control:) God bless your husband, you and your family!
Oh, dear Amanda…what a frightening time for you. Hugs and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.
I’m with Sue on the joke about the exercise. That simple comment gives me confidence that you’re back to having a level head. Good for you, and thank You, JESUS.
Certainly, we would never choose to go through the trials we face, but we can trust God to use each one of them as part of His perfect plan. HE sees, HE knows, and HE is able.
Praying for you, friend!
That is so scary to face all those possibilities. Praying that you will find peace and comfort as you continue to grieve your father-in-law and find the best course of action for Chad. Hugs to you!
I am so glad he is OK! I will say prayers for you and your lovely family.
Yikes, Amanda!!! Made my heart race just to read this! I am so sorry! All the thoughts and feelings you wrote about your life and future with your husband are ones I completely share (well, with MY husband…we’re not sister wives!). Having a strong husband is certainly an amazing blessing! We will be praying for you as you make changes and adjust to a new way of life! God is our amazing sustainer of life and giver of grace! Praying that He will give you much wisdom and peace!!! {hugs!!!}
Oh, Amanda. (((hugs))) My dad has suffered with it as well. They did a procedure where they burned the little sections that were triggering it and it has stopped. I know all to well the fear you describe. Praying health and peace for all of you.
(((hugs))) back at you Jennifer!
Dear Amanda, I’m sending you good thoughts and lots of love from far-away Austria!!
So sorry to hear of your scare. We’re praying for Chad’s health, you, and your children.
Dear Amanda,
may all your family be in good health and happy!
Praying for all of you!
So thankful you are all doing better! What a horrible thing to go through. I’m glad that Chad has the Lord and such a supportive wife. Praying for God’s blessings and encouragement for your family!
Amanda,
Hope this is just a little bump in your life and that once you get into your new routine and habits this will be a bump in your family’s timeline. I went through a medical setback six years ago, I was dx with Meniere’s disease and though the first year was getting used to the adjustments and living with the apprehension of another attack at any time, we have come through it and realize what is right for our family.
Prayers for you and your family on a speedy recovery.
Oh my gosh, Amanda — what a scare! And although I know that everything will be okay, I want you to know that you are all in my thoughts. Big hugs and love from Canada.
Thank you sweety. That means a lot to me!
I’m so sorry you all had to go through that. What a stressful weekend you must have had. I hope things turn around and it’s able to be managed.
hi Amanda, I don’t really have anything to add to all the comments above. No words of wisdom or revelation. I guess sometimes we can only trust and do our utmost. I’ve read and re-read and just want to let you know that I’m praying for you, Chad and the children. You and your family are in my thoughts x
Hi, I usually read your blog, but never commented. I think this page could be helpful https://www.facebook.com/doctorsofhopebook
Thank you! Very neat!
Amanda, I came to your site today to see if you had any new posts as well as to wish you a happy early birthday and saw this post
very stressing to hear. I am glad Chad is doing better and can be aware of his condition to help manage it & get help. I am praying for all of you for health and peace sweet peace. Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 73:46 God is the strength of my heart. Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me Lord and I shall be healed.
I hope your husband is better now. May God bless you and help you with that life changing habits you want to start.
Love from Portugal.
How terrifying! Afib runs in my family (my mom has been living with it since her 20s) and everyone is still alive and kicking with it if it makes you feel any better. Will be praying for you guys! xo
Praying for your family!
Thinking of you all !! xox
your family is precious, wishing them the best of everything especially health…m
Praying for your family! Fortunately, it was just a warning sign — and now you can do something to help prevent something more serious. Wishing you the best!
I read your words, and they moved me so much. This is real love, I think.
I hope your husband is feeling better now, and will recover soon.
A prayer for you and your wonderful family. Big hugs from Italy.
Andreina
My prayers are with you and your family. I have been with my husband for 34 years and he is currently fighting immigration to stay in the states (despite being here legally since 1964 and has never left). I’m so afraid I will lose him. Your husband is young and he has your support so I know he will do well.
Hugs and prayers for you all. Wishing you a happy and healthy future together.
Thank you so much Jan!
amanda, just wanted to comment – my dad’s had afib for as long as i can remember [he's finally on a pacemaker now]…he’s now 83 years old and still ornery as hell. We just keep an eye on it…or a pulse on it…or whatever.
His cardiologist is on my speed dial and i call him whenever we note changes.
Hi….just to let you know that that I’ve been living with the same condition since 2001. I have exhausted all the heart medications. Have been cardioverted 15 times. Went to a specialist for heart ablations. The cardiologist found the problem last time and corrected it. I am now without heart medications (it takes a year to fully recover but you’re going about your daily activities). The next step is to get off the Coumadin. Please check Dr. Andrea Natale’s profile at St. David’s Hospital in Austin Texas. Check his credentials. He is the leading doctor for AT-Fib. I feel so much better and I have my life back.
That is great Christine! Hubby had an ablation last Friday and is recovering well… we are hoping for complete healing!