My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill

My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill Dear Afibber's, While I have been absent from these Afibber's Forum pages for a number of months (more on all that in another post once I return from Houston), I have been anything other than idle. As usual, I have been more than occupied with the flood of Afibbers who happen to be at that point in their journeys from diagnosis to better understanding their options, where an expert ablation is their main priority giving them the best odds of putting the beast in the rear view mirror. Hence, with the tidal wave of folks finding our unique forum in recent years who meet that description, and who are currently looking for deliberate assistance in pairing up with the most experienced ablation EP they can arrange for themselves, my phone call appointment list is never empty. In addition, just like the rest of you, I've not been immune to normal life events interceding in my life as well, and though I realize this post technically violates our request to keep this Afibbers Forum section reserved just for AFIB-related topics ... I ask for your indulgence on this occasion to read this personal story very dear to my heart, and that is also AFIB-related to a degree, to boot. My dear and beloved older sister, Bonnie Dickson Hill, passed away Friday night in her home in Houston, just over two hours after my brother, Walt, and I arrived from Santa Fe and Sedona respectively, to be with our sister who has been entirely bedridden for just shy of 9 years from a (LSPAF) Long-Standing Persistent AFIB-related stroke while on Coumadin. This, after her INR had slipped out of range while still under a hospital's care subsequent to a failed hip replacement surgery for her severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. And, alas, not too long after a similarly botched ablation for her LSPAF. This was for an advanced ablation that was unbeknownst to me at the time and that was performed by an EP I would have vigorously argued against had I known beforehand. Needless to say, Bonnie had a real run of bad luck during those couple of years, though she made the most remarkable adaptation and showed incredible resilience and good spirit in spite of such a challenging fate. Both Walt and I have been continually amazed at Bonnie's indomitable spirit and her kind and positive demeanor she maintained throughout her nearly 9 year ordeal. Imagine, being unable to get out of bed under her own power for all those years outside of, I think it was, four times the firemen had to come to hoist her out of bed to take her to the hospital for a lengthy stay dealing with a dangerous urinary tract infection! Nevertheless, each time I spoke with Bonnie she was always "Doing fine" and more interested in how my life was going. In any event, the following obituary conveys so well my sister's life filled with love and in service of others with her dedication to folks with cerebral palsy and other disabilities with her degree as a speech and hearing therapist and through her Nightingale Rehabilitation. Thank you all for sharing in this bon voyage for precious Bonnie! https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/carol-hill-8043638 Be well, Shannon https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166103#msg-166103 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:56:48 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166456#msg-166456 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166456#msg-166456 Anonymous User AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 25 Nov 2018 01:16:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166258#msg-166258 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166258#msg-166258 I am so very sorry to read of the passing of your beloved sister, Bonnie. I read her obit on the link you posted -- the photo of your sister Bonnie, behind the wheel of a classy convertible, looking over her shoulder with a little grin on her sweet face. My condolences on her loss. Life can have such difficult times even when we realize we are so blessed. RIP Bonnie.]]> SueChef AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:10:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166216#msg-166216 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166216#msg-166216
Travis]]> tvanslooten AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 12 Nov 2018 03:14:19 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166206#msg-166206 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166206#msg-166206
Especially, too, with her long experience with AFIB that we can all relate too. Thankfully, though, for the vast majority of us Afibbers here, not with the tragic consequence that the mistake with Bonnie’s Coumadin dosing in a hospital after her hip replacement surgery forced her and her immediate family to have to endure. And, FYI, she had an embolic stoke i.e. very likely from her drop in INR below range while in the hospital during recovery from hip surgery.

And no offense taken at all, so no worries please on the OAC debate, I fully understand. Yet I appreciate Carey’s point too that a separate thread might better serve to explore the ins and outs of the very real risks that can arise from missing doses of any anti-coagulant drug.

Many thanks again for all the kind thoughts and condolences for Bonnie.

Shannon]]> Shannon AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 11 Nov 2018 22:27:05 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166188#msg-166188 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166188#msg-166188

...ron]]> ron AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 11 Nov 2018 00:37:04 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166171#msg-166171 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166171#msg-166171
My condolences on the passing of your sister. It sounds like she was a wonderful lady and made her mark on the world in many places. How wonderful to have such a loving family and I'm sure she was encouraged and comforted by this, May she rest in peace.

And a PS. Those who feel like arguing the cause please have some respect for Shannon and start a new thread if you feel the need to pursue this.]]> JoyWin AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 09 Nov 2018 02:58:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166170#msg-166170 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166170#msg-166170
Reading about Bonnie's life and contribution was inspiring. Thanks for sharing this with us. You and your family are in my prayers.]]> ln108 AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 23:33:26 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166169#msg-166169 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166169#msg-166169

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Carey
I don't think it's respectful for this thread to devolve into a debate about anticoagulants. Offer your condolences and let it be. I regret having contributed to the debate myself.

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Shannon
our sister who has been entirely bedridden for just shy of 9 years from a (LSPAF) Long-Standing Persistent AFIB-related stroke while on Coumadin. This, after her INR had slipped out of range while still under a hospital's care subsequent to a failed hip replacement surgery

Can't highlight the dangers of a "slip" more clearly then this

My mother had a massive stroke about a year ago. Was independent, active, and doing fine. Came suddenly, and she died two weeks later. I am happy about that, because the stroke took out her brain. She wasn't on any AC's.]]> jpeters AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 03:28:39 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166168#msg-166168 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166168#msg-166168
Colin]]> colindo AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 03:15:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166167#msg-166167 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166167#msg-166167 Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:40:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166166#msg-166166 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166166#msg-166166

Larger problem is going under 2.0 when you're out of rhythm. Miss one dose and you're there.

You say it a "larger problem", yet doctors tell you to stop an anticoagulant when going under the knife for an operation, I was told to stop Coumadin, we aren't told how dangerous these drugs really are, look what happened to Shannon's sister.

L]]> Elizabeth AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:32:19 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166165#msg-166165 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166165#msg-166165

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GeorgeN

The other factor is missed dosages, which isn't hard to do but potentially lethal with an AC. A missed dose of coumadin will significantly lower my INR. I have a reminder app on my cellphone with alarms that go off.

Assuming her out of range was a low rather than a high INR. From Shannon's comment you can't tell.

I was over 7 when first prescribed too much. No problem at all. Larger problem is going under 2.0 when you're out of rhythm. Miss one dose and you're there.]]> jpeters AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:18:32 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166164#msg-166164 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166164#msg-166164

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jpeters

The other factor is missed dosages, which isn't hard to do but potentially lethal with an AC. A missed dose of coumadin will significantly lower my INR. I have a reminder app on my cellphone with alarms that go off.

Assuming her out of range was a low rather than a high INR. From Shannon's comment you can't tell.]]> GeorgeN AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:21:07 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166162#msg-166162 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166162#msg-166162
It's just like plane crashes. The vast majority are due to pilot error, not mechanical flaws with the airplane.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:27:14 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166158#msg-166158 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166158#msg-166158

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Elizabeth
Jpeters said:
Sounds like you're blaming Coumadin. Unlikely....

We are told that taking a anti coagulant is necessary to avoid a stroke, yet I have read on this site of a number of people taking an anticoagulant having a stroke and death. Doesn't matter whether it is Coumadin or eliquis, I wonder about the stats nation wide.

Liz

The other factor is missed dosages, which isn't hard to do but potentially lethal with an AC. A missed dose of coumadin will significantly lower my INR. I have a reminder app on my cellphone with alarms that go off.]]> jpeters AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:29:23 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166156#msg-166156 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166156#msg-166156 Sounds like you're blaming Coumadin. Unlikely....

We are told that taking a anti coagulant is necessary to avoid a stroke, yet I have read on this site of a number of people taking an anticoagulant having a stroke and death. Doesn't matter whether it is Coumadin or eliquis, I wonder about the stats nation wide.

Liz]]> Elizabeth AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 17:38:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166155#msg-166155 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166155#msg-166155 DennisC AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 17:08:53 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166154#msg-166154 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166154#msg-166154

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smackman
Shannon, God’s speed in this time of mourning. Tammy and I have you and your family in our prayers and thoughts. I lost my Father around 2 months ago. He was in permanent AFIB on Coumadin. He could not afford the newer Anticoagulants. They said he died of a massive stroke. The pain of a lost love one gets easier but family always has a special place in our Hearts.

God’s Speed my Friend
David and Tammy.

Sounds like you're blaming Coumadin. Unlikely....]]> jpeters AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:50:41 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166152#msg-166152 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166152#msg-166152
God’s Speed my Friend
David and Tammy.]]> smackman AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:27:12 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166149#msg-166149 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166149#msg-166149
I just returned home to Sedona this afternoon, yet Magdalena is currently in British Columbia getting her elderly 93yr old mother situated in a hospice facility as well.

Take care all!

Shannon]]> Shannon AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Nov 2018 06:12:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166143#msg-166143 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166143#msg-166143 My wife Darlene and I send our condolences in the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Your wonderful support when I had my ablation in February will never be forgotten and I pray you will also be supported in your loss by all those around you.

Pete]]> century160 AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:38:40 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166140#msg-166140 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166140#msg-166140
My condolences and wishes for some stress free time for you to catch up with yourself soon.

Gordon]]> ggheld AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:45:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166139#msg-166139 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166139#msg-166139 brent1977 AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:54:06 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166138#msg-166138 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166138#msg-166138 wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:42:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166137#msg-166137 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166137#msg-166137 Tracy]]> Dinodog AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 09:56:05 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166135#msg-166135 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166135#msg-166135
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious sister.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky]]> BeckyS AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Nov 2018 06:39:45 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166126#msg-166126 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166126#msg-166126 Josephkroussell AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Nov 2018 19:43:08 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166123#msg-166123 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166123#msg-166123
You changed my life in a manner for the better can never be repaid in any form, that said, someone close to you is close to me, sorry to hear about your loss and all the best.]]> Fibrillator AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Nov 2018 18:06:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166122#msg-166122 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166122#msg-166122
So sorry to hear this. Gail and I send our condolences to you and your family. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.]]> rocketritch AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Nov 2018 16:20:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166120#msg-166120 Re: My sister - Bonnie Dickson Hill https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166103,166120#msg-166120 Kindest regards to you all at this difficult time,
Mike]]> mwcf AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:04:10 +0000