[SpecFuz]

.

[Sleepyeyes]

((((Specfuz & Hubby, thoughts and prayers for you)))))

I got into nursing because I was a very sick lil kid and found a fascination for it. The nurses were just great to me in the hospital and always explained things. I felt better about what was going on, so I became a glutton for this knowledge.

So I agree that knowledge is power.
There are some good cardiac videos out there and other great resources on the Net. You'd want to look at patho stuff, specifically. Since you've already done your pre-reqs, you have a good grasp of A&P. This extra study will help you tremendously when you have clinicals and when you pass your boards and become an RN.
Here's a great site to get you started.
http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myh...ia_Center.html

[Glad2behere]

Sounds to me like you have all what is needed to be an outstanding CCU nurse! And welcome by the way, and yes the knowledge you gain as an RN will definitely help you in your husband's care.

[micro]

I think it will help you being knowledgeable and knowing what to ask and to do. But allow yourself to be the wife and the family member, with knowledge. Do not BE THE NURSE when it comes to your family.
I know where your question comes from. Sometimes the knowledge allows you to know more than you would like to know at times. But it is better than being unprepared. Your knowledge will see you through.
I wish you well.
micro

[whipping girl in 07]

Dual lead pacer means it senses and paces both atrium and ventricle. It sounds like your husband has a ventricular pacer. If he had a dual lead, then if either the atrium or ventricle failed to fire, then the pacer would fire and cause the chamber to beat. It sounds kind of complicated and to be honest, it took having it explained to me more than once to understand.

As for being a nurse and being married to someone with medical problems, I think it may help you understand what's going on more than a layperson. At the very least you can understand and translate what the MDs say, since many of them are very bad about using medical terms that laypeople just do not understand.

The only similar experience I've had is knowing that my husband had gallstones based on his symptoms, and getting him to the ER, despite his protests that it would pass. He ended up being admitted and having an ERCP and lap chole. Definitely not life-threatening, so it really doesn't compare.

I'll keep you and your hubby in my prayers.

[oldgirl]

It will allow you to ask the right questions, understand the answers, and remove that feeling of being lost and sometimes almost "pushed around" by the health care system. Will alsp make you realize there are wonderful things available to treat alot of problems, with more available every day. Gives you the knowledge to sift through the tons of info available these days.

[st4304]

My husband has a very strong family history of cardiac disease (father died of an MI at age 44 and older brother had an MI at age 45 -- my husband turned 44 this year.) I am a cardiac nurse (can't get enough of that heart!) and it makes me comfortable to know that if anything does happen, I will know exactly what is happening and will not have to "just trust the doctors" to know if he is getting excellent care.

oldgirl is right -- you'll know what questions to ask and you'll understand the answers.

Right now, are there any specific questions you need answered from us to help you feel better about the advise you were given? There are so many intellegent people here on this board, you might as well take advantage, right?

Good luck,

Sherri

[Kansas FNP]

Hang in there!! Being a nurse will help you better understand, anticipate problems before there become mountainous--in other words an EXCELLENT PATIENT ADVOCATE. I know, I've been there-done that as the saying goes. Hubby had 2MI's, CVA, spontaneous V-Tach and defib implant over a 10 day period at age 47. I went back to work and he @#%^ near killed himself with hot dogs and chips for lunch one day. but we caught the CHF early enough to use PO Lasix and stay out of ER. Best of luck to you both.