A Scottish author has shared a harrowing experience where an ice-cold ‘immune-boosting’ drink unexpectedly sent his body into shock, freezing a nerve and causing his heart to go haywire. Ed James, aged 46, revealed that the terrifying incident occurred during the pandemic, leaving him contemplating his own mortality. James, a crime writer from the Borders, innocently made an ice-cold smoothie which unwittingly shocked his stomach, froze his vagal nerve, and triggered Atrial Fibrillation in his heart. This led to his heart rate soaring to 180bpm, even during mundane activities like walking his dogs or watching TV at home.
“I did fear I was going to die,” James confessed. “Then there is the feeling you’ve survived something very serious. It makes you look at life differently. I’ve changed a lot of things in my life since then.” Acknowledging his initial reluctance to seek medical attention, James highlighted the crucial role played by NHS staff in identifying the issue and providing timely treatment. He urged others not to ignore warning signs like a racing heart and to promptly consult medical professionals to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences.
Following his diagnosis, James was prescribed beta blockers and underwent Electrical Cardioversion after enduring a four-month wait due to NHS backlogs exacerbated by Covid-19. Although the procedure initially succeeded in restoring his heart’s normal rhythm, James faced further challenges, experiencing three subsequent episodes of Atrial Fibrillation. Subsequent treatments included blood thinners, a drug causing sunburn, and a second Cardioversion procedure after another episode triggered by a cold smoothie.
Subsequent to his experiences, James underwent catheter ablation in Edinburgh to eliminate the electrical pathways causing his heart irregularities. While initially deemed successful, James continued to face recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation, necessitating another catheter ablation as the treatment did not fully eliminate the issue. Despite these health setbacks, James continued his literary pursuits, releasing his latest book ‘His Path of Darkness’ as the sixth instalment in his DI Rob Marshall series, set against the backdrop of a serial killer terrorizing the Borders.
As Ed James navigates his challenging health journey, he remains resilient in both his personal and professional life, underscoring the importance of addressing health concerns proactively and appreciating life’s fragility. Through his candid account, James shines a light on the significance of prioritising health and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, encouraging others to pay heed to their bodies’ signals to safeguard their well-being.