My In-Laws are already planning my funeral!

[CaroPhoenix]

Okay a little background on this:

I went to my doctor's office on Tuesday (10/16) because of swelling in my legs/ankles/feet. I basically have no ankles whatsoever. (I tried on a dress for my husband, looked at myself in a mirror and noticed my legs went directly to my feet - it was a scary sight for me). I also have pain in the heel of my right foot (could be a heel spur or plantar facilitis (I know the spelling is wrong) so that isn't much of a worry). And I need to get an ultrasound of my abdomen 'cos I might be having gall bladder problems.

What is a worry is that my blood pressure was really high (146/89) and when my doctor checked my heart/chest/lungs he heard a heart murmur. :eek: He referred me to a cardiologist to get an echocardiogram and asked about heart issues in the family. (My mom's mom died of congestive heart failure; my mom's dad had 2 heart attacks & died of a 3rd one that came about via a stomach aneurysm and my dad's mom had to have triple bypass surgery at the age of like 80). So heart problems are something that runs in the family.

Anyways, my husband tried to get in touch with his family to let them know about my various health problems. His mother called all day Wednesday (I was out visiting my sister who is still on bed rest). I finally got in touch with my FIL and let him know what was going on.

Then yesterday (10/18), my BIL#2 called to see if hubby was home. (In the middle of the day??? My husband has an office job from 8 - 5 tyvm). Anyways, I told hubby to call his bro when hubby got home. His Bro wasn't home, so he left a message and bro called back last night.

According to Bro, MIL & FIL are convinced that I'm dying. I'm most definitely on my death bed. Hubby was like, "we have no clue how bad off she is. We're going to have a boat load of tests run before anything is found out for sure."

GAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! :rant: Thanks ILs for killing me off before I want to be!!!!

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Just ignore it. Some people have boring lives and love drama. Don't take it personally. ;)

Get well quick!

[BookstoreEscapee]

We're going to have a boat load of tests run before anything is found out for sure."

we? :headscratch: Are they going to be in the next bed while you get tests done? Will you all get your blood drawn together?

I never understand this we business...

[MystyGlyttyr]

My mother has congestive heart failure and has had at least one heart attack (that we never knew about until recently), so her heart is pretty weak. It IS rather scary...but it's not nearly as bad as some people believe it is.

Most folks hear "heart failure" and don't realize it's not automatically referring to the ENTIRE heart. My mom still has something like 30-40% function which, so long as she's careful, (and with the possible addition of a pacemaker in December) will allow her to stay alive plenty longer.

But some people (like my idiot brother who is a freaking SCIENTIST and doesn't realize this) think "heart failure" means "entire heart has stopped DEATH BE HERE."

[Andara Bledin]

Yikes. You've just got an overload of stuff going on.

I actually went to the doctor to see about pain I was having in my foot (the base of my big toe, not the heel) and the doctor that looked at me thought that it was possible that I might have a variation on plantar fasciitis (the same sort of "bone bruise" feeling, only in a different part of my foot) or I might be developing arthritis (most of my mom's family has it, so a high probability).

^-.-^

[CaroPhoenix]

Thank you everyone for your support! Here is an update!

Okies, I have found out that when talking to my FIL either in person or on the phone, I have to tell him to get out a pen & paper and to write down exactly what I tell him. :rolleyes:

According to MIL, the only reason she had BIL#2 call us was to find out information as FIL could only remember that I had a heart murmur. Fair enough, I suppose. But how in the heck would BIL#2 know anything about my health (when they can't even remember my birthday or my daughter's birthday, but that is a rant for another post). GAH!!! And besides, BIL#2 has as much tact as a bull in a china shop has grace.

So for the record: I. am. not. dying!

I will be seeing the cardiologist tomorrow. It'll more than likely be a "getting-to-know-you-setting-up-the-important-appointment type of meeting". However, I'm bringing my husband to this first appointment (my mother thinks I'm insane and yet if it was my sister, she'd be right there along with my sister's husband).

Ahem, I'll also be seeing the podiatrist on Tuesday. Which is a good thing. I went to the last day of the Maryland Rennaisance Festival and did so much walking, it feels like my foot is crippled up from the pain. :cry:

I will update when/if I can. Thanks!



ETA: Oh yeah, my Primary Care Physician has also told me to go really light on the salt intake (as in to avoid as much as possible). This is good news to me 'cos now I can't eat my MIL's awful cooking! For Christmas last year she made an awesome roast, but the outside of the roast was CRUSTED with black pepper and SALT!!! Arrrgh! Oh well ... Doctor's orders!

[BookstoreEscapee]

However, I'm bringing my husband to this first appointment (my mother thinks I'm insane and yet if it was my sister, she'd be right there along with my sister's husband).

It's always a good idea to have someone with you, even if it is just a getting to know you sort of appointment. That way you both hear what the doc has to say, and you have a second set of ears so you are less likely to forget anything important; plus you have some moral support. Also a good idea to bring a notebook in case you want to write anything down.

[Killer Bees]

You would benefit from the Liver Cleansing Diet. If your liver isn't healthy, the whole body goes down hill.

Doing this diet will fix any gall bladder problems you may have as well. Start off by juicing twice a day until you can start the diet properly. A good one to start off with is beetroot, carrot, celery, ginger and apple.

You'll feel better within a week.

[myswtghst]

Hope you get everything worked out soon, and glad to hear you're not dying. I have PF, and I know how much it can hurt, but I don't think it can kill you. ;) Hopefully diet changes will help with the swelling and the other cardio issues.

[blas]

Good to hear you're alright!

Most in laws are a pain in the ass anyway. Ignore them.

[unholypet]

Good luck on your test, and I hope youdon't have Mitral Valve Prolapse..

My sister and mother have that (extra slapping in the aorda), and it increases a lot of problems in the entire body.

You might want to check your blood sugar, in a glucose test at a hospital at some point (3-5 hours total). If they see nerve and bone death, it could be neuropathy brought on by diabetes. =x

[Tanasi]

The pain in your big toe could also be gout. It's brought on by the build up of uric acid in your body. When it reaches a certain level it crystalizes and settles in the lowest joint of your body (usually the big toe). There's a few medicenes you can take to prevent the gout, you can also try to adjust your diet to avoid foods high in uric acid, or just suffer through the pain when you get a dose. (that's what I do.) My gout attacks usually last 3 to 5 days with days 2 and 3 being the worst. I've been to the point to where I couldn't stand a sock or sheet to touch my foot. I've found that nsaids will take the edge off the pain enough to make it bearable. My trigger foods are pinto beans, oysters, large amounts of chicken, and broccoli.
Good luck

[CaroPhoenix]

Went to the cardiologist today. Basically because I'm fat & my BMI (Body Mass Index) is 46.8, I'm the perfect candidate for gastric bypass surgery. :rolleyes:

He has also suggested that I go to a dietician and start to exercise. We're getting a free eliptical machine from BIL#2. This is good news for me. :D

He did notice the murmur but he doesn't think the murmur is from intensive heart damage, but from the hypertension in my lungs & all the fluid making me swell which is causing a flow murmur. I'm still getting an echocardiogram on Wednesday.

Tomorrow is the podiatrist. One of my girlfriends said the guy I'm seeing is good 'cos she saw him for 2 ingrown toenails and he's excellent. So at least I know if I get ingrown toenails, I'll have someone excellent to go to. :D

Thank you everyone for the good words/advice!!!

[CaroPhoenix]

Ahem ... Yes, well ....

Went to the podiatrist yesterday. I have plantar fascitis (or however it's spelled - sorry!). I have 2 heel spurs actually - one on the bottom of my foot and one on the back of my foot.

I was given some nice orthopedic insoles. Some foot exercises & a night splint that I have to wear when I go to bed or even when I'm resting & watching TV. I was also given prescription Motrin. Fun!! Fun!! Oh yes, I have to go back in 2 weeks to show off how well I'm doing.

I had my echocardiogram today. I have an appointment with the heart guy on Monday to get the results.

I hope everything is good news.

[Andara Bledin]

The pain in your big toe could also be gout.

I was the one with the pain in the big toe area. And while the doctor mentioned it and had me take a blood test to rule it out, she thought it was quite unlikely to be my problem since there was absolutely no swelling.

idar : Glad to hear that the whole heart murmur is most likely not a heart problem so much as a stress problem. Sorry to hear you have so much stress that it's affecting your heart, though.

^-.-^

[Boozy]

I hope everything is good news.

Me too.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[CaroPhoenix]

According to the heart doctor, my heart is FINE!!! YAY!!!! :party:

However, I'm going to be getting an ultrasound. My legs hurt (ache) when they're just touched and I have what looks like bruises, but are only purple and haven't gone away. He's also recommended I get blood work for cholesterol & thyroid. Plus he said I could get some compression stockings (I'd have to be measured properly so they'd work better).

So I'll keep updating. I'm just tired of all these appointments.

Plus, I had a 2 PM appointment, and I didnt get out of the office until 3:35 and when I came home, the school bus was there, waiting and Kelly was in tears because she couldn't get off the bus until either myself (or my mom who was called) got there, or she'd have had to go back to school to wait for us there. :cry: