My own (little) Medical Saga

[CaroPhoenix]

Background:

Went to my regular doc. Told him about some pain I had in my lower jaw, the left side of my neck, my left shoulder and the upper part of my left arm down to, but not including, my elbow. He referred me to a cardiologist that is local in town. Went to see him in June/July time frame. Nice man. I like him. He ordered a few tests. One was an ultrasound of my legs (it has a formal, medical name, but I can't remember what it is). I also had to have an ECG (echocardiogram) which is an ultrasound of your heart and you should also see what has happened to the heart. Plus he had me get some blood tests that can show if there was any heart failure in the past.

End background.

Saw my cardiologist on Monday (September 21). Come to find out, I have to get the ultrasound re-done as the order was wrong. My doc wanted to see what my veins looked like and they took pictures of the arteries. So I had to reschedule that for October 5.

The ECG came back unreadable. I think I have too much fat in my upper body for the ultrasound to get through the tissue/muscle/etc. to see the heart. So the office faxed over a referral to the NIH-MRI Center of Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. They are supposed to call me back to let me know when I can go up there for my MRI. My doc wants to try the MRI first, because that is the least invasive procedure to see what is going on with my heart. (He again noticed a murmur when listening to my heart, and between you, me, & the lamppost, I want to know exactly what the heck is going on so I can get healthy). I have yet to hear back from Suburban Hospital and if I don't hear from them by Monday, I'm going to call my doctor's office and see about getting a phone number for the hospital and calling them up myself.

The only good news I got from the doctor visit is that the blood work I had done came back clean. That means, according to the blood, I've had no heart failure so that is a good sign.

Mr. Rum, doesn't show emotions. He tells me I need to start losing weight. (Please keep in mind that though I'm 5 feet 3 inches tall and am 280 pounds, he's 5 feet 10 inches tall and 460 pounds).

However, I cannot find any open-top walking shoes. All walking shoes either tie or velcro over the top of the foot. My left foot is extrememly swollen on top and even though I'm wearing compression pantyhose, it's not like my feet/ankles are miraculously unswelling. The only type of shoes I can wear at the moment are: canvas sneakers like these, where you can just slip them on, and they don't cover the top of your feet, and they aren't that comfy to more than just a leisurely stroll in a mall plus, I've been living in this pair of flat, slip-on crocs for the past month, because they're "dressy" and again, they hit right where my foot starts to sweel, but doesn't cover the swelling, thereby making the shoe comfy, but again, it's not a walking shoe.

My maternal great-grandfather died of a heart attack as did my maternal grandmother. I can't start doing anything without a clean bill of health from my doctor. Does that make sense?

[Shpepper]

First of all..... hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug 100 hugs... Like The Hundred Dresses But better


Now then, when you talk to the doctor again, ask him about two things. One is who can you talk to about a healthy exercise program that you can do, this is assuming he knows all about the delights of Child Rum and the extra care that she needs because of it. the other is to ask about special shoes that can support your feet while you do this exercise. You might also ask about seeing a nutritionist to help you get on the right track as well.

the other thing to think about is do you have access to a pool? If so, water exercise is great. No you don't need a swimsuit. You can usually wear shorts and a t shirt for the classes. Check with the local YMCA to see if they offer something like that. Maybe while Child Rum is in school, you can do a class like this.

[Seshat]

Hydrotherapy is very good - and the pools are usually warm, as in 'you don't get cold at all' warm.

Podiatrists will definitely be able to get you appropriately shod.

Get to a physiotherapist specialising in whatever is hindering you in exercise, if you can. If not, start EXTREMELY gently. A slow amble in a mall is fine to start with. You can gradually work up to a fast amble in a mall, then a slow walk, a fast walk. You can stay in the mall if you want - there's no specific need to walk in a park or on the footpath/sidewalk.

[Amina516]

Something to start doing immediately is eating better if youre not already. I know its hard.... I have issues with my food choices. Google DASH diet. (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension). Not saying you have high blood pressure, but its basically just a heart healthy diet.

Also, just as an FYI, an ECG is not an echocardiagram. An ECG is when they put the leads on your legs and arms and print out the electrical output of your heart, also called EKG. The ECHO (echocardiogram) is the ultrasound of the heart. For persons with an ample upper body (or lots of boobage!!!), they can sometimes do a TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) but those can be unpleasant as it involves actually swallowing an ultrasound probe and them looking at your heart from inside your throat (dont worry it come back out again..lol.)

Rum, *HUGS*** I know how hard this can be. I pray that nothing shows up on your cardiac workup.

Did they check a :
lipid level (cholesterol)
BNP (B-type Naturetic Peptide - shows if your heart has been overstretched with extra fluid)
Troponins (Cardiac Enzymes - shows {heart} muscle damage)
D-Dimer (shows the amount of clotting factor in your blood - higher numbers and youre at high risk for clot)

Also an ECHO, but I know that was already done. When you are able to get a good reading, ask about your Ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. A healthy persons should be above 65%, though 50% can be acceptable for some people.

These should be at minimum some of the things theyre looking at.

Im sure you can google anything you have issues with, but feel free to PM me with questions, 'tis what I do for a living. (i work on a cardiac floor...if you were closer id tell ya to come for a visit. )

[Der Cute]

I wont tell you what to do, cuz Amina knows hearts . I'll just say hugs and kitty bonks from Miss Fuzzy. And I hope you find out soon! GO SWIMMING. (ok I lied, I did tell you what to do)

Cutenoob

[CaroPhoenix]

Thank you everyone! And Amina ... I might have to PM you in the near future with really stupid, probably a kindergartner could answer questions, but I do get nervous. My great-grandfather & my grandmother both died of heart attacks (though they were 70 & 72 respectfully, so the docs discount them as being "serious").

I still have not heard back from Suburban Hospital. I looked at the piece of paper the nice front desk person gave me, but it's only a fax number, so I'm going to call the office on Monday and see if they have an actual number for me to call.

As for blood work, they wrote down BNP and BMP. Not sure what the second one was for, but I know I had to fast for it.

Thursday and Friday, my heart seemed to started beating faster for no apparent reason. It wasn't all the time. It started when I was sitting in my daughter's room putting all her books in a large plastic bin so I can move them to the new spot I'll be keeping them at. I didn't have to be moving around to get the faster beating sensation, I was sitting on my couch yesterday, watching TV (now I can watch whatever I want now that daughter is in school! ), and my heart just up and sped. It was uncomfortable for me last night, 'cos it was doing it for at least a minute when I first laid down in bed.

I now also have 15-20 mg compression hose. I remember now why I hate hose. I get what my mom calls "elephant ankles". No matter if the hose fits me perfectly, they'll pool at my ankles. LOL However the 8-15 mg compression hose I have has helped with the swelling of my feet and ankles, so I know it's worth it. Hopefully with the new compression hose, I can put on a pair of socks and then put my foot into my sneakers and start to amble down my front steps and then back up them.

I'll have to look into my local aquatics center and see when their water aerobics is being given.

I'm thinking also of taking either yoga or tai chi. Something that is soothing and helps with my stress.

[Amina516]

BMP is Basic Metabolic Panel and it shows your blood sugar, sodium, calcium, potassium and a few other electrolytes you have.

Compression hose help a lot!! But to be honest, I cant wear them either..they roll right down or start to annoy me in one way or another. Ive evern tried duct taping them to my thighs once...didnt work. lol.

As far as the racing heart, just make sure your doctor is aware. It could practically be anything.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

[CaroPhoenix]

Got the ultrasound today. The tech said it looked good.

On Friday, October 23, I'm going to be going to the NIH at Suburban Hospital at the MRI Center there. Because it's the NIH, the MRI procedure is going to be free. Which is nice.

I'm also going to find out if I'm claustrophobic. The scheduler asked me if I was, and I told her, honestly, I didn't know .. I don't think I am, but who knows?

I'm going to be in the MRI machine for one hour. This means no drinking anything right before I get into the machine.

Mr. Rum is my ride up to Bethesda, and back home.

I just want to make sure everything is okies with my heart.

I just realized something: Both my grandmother & my great-grandfather died of heart attacks in their early 70's. Yeah, I need to make sure I'm healthy.

[MergedLoki]

If it helps @ all. for the MRI

you can usually ask for a blindfold or something to put over your eyes (sometimes help our claustaphobic patients or just anxiety as if you can't SEE you're in a small tube you dont' really care). Or just close your eyes and dose lol (best patients are the ones that sleep cuz then they don't move :P)

just a thought.

hope all is well with the heart and the MRI shows what's going on.

[KiaKat]

*hugs*

Other Half has a nasty family history of heart problems. His grandfather and his uncle died from undiagnosed heart disease in their early 30's.

Other Half is 32 as of this past April. It's been one of his biggest reasons for trying to get healthy. When he was 20, he had a full set of tests done, most of which came back fine, but his cholesterol was incredibly high. I've been trying to get him in to see a local specialist, but it's been difficult. I have this bad feeling we won't be able to get him anything till we're back in NH next year.

I'm definitely keeping you and yours in my thoughts, Rummy. Here's to hoping everything looks alright.

[Shpepper]

Thanks for the update Sweets. I've been wondering what's happening with all of this. Did you ever get the chance to see if there is an open MRI unit anywhere you can have the test done? Don't be afraid to tell them to get you out of there if you start freaking out. I'm not worried though, You are Super Rummy ! ! ! You can handle anything.

[Der Cute]

I've had MRIs before.

They're actually pretty fun. (yeah roll your eyes).
They are so rhythmic and have such a droning sound, it's very easy for me to shut my eyes, relax and doze off. Really.

You lay on your back in front of the huge magnetic donut, and slide in on a skinny little table. Once you're in, you look up at the top of the donut ceiling, and you will see an angled mirror, which lets you make eye contact with the outside world. A tech will be standing next to you for a minute or two, adjusting your posture and making sure you're ok. Ask for a blankey if you want one. It can be nipply.

So you are inside the donut, and you hear a whirrrrrrrr whirrrrrrrrr sound, it's LOUD. But dull. And rhythmic. The donut is spinning internally to get the image for you. The techs are behind a separate wall, watching you and the pics over a computer connection. You have to stay STILL in this. Close your eyes and think of kitties and snuggles and happy sunny days, and you'll drift off into alpha sleep easily.

If you have any questions, ask away. I've had a few to see the marbles in my head (yeah they're still there).

Cutenoob

[CaroPhoenix]

Well, I know I'm going to be getting some info in the mail (hasn't arrived yet, but I'm hoping by next week).

What do I wear to this?

I was asked if i had any metal in my body that was put there on purpose or by accident? What does that mean? Do I need to take off my wedding rings? (The engagement ring is made out of platinum & the wedding band is white-gold). How about underwire bras? bad idea for that?

I know those are silly questions, but still i have to ask.

I have sleep apnea, so I don't know if I'm going to be able to go to sleep.

I'll be thinking of a problem that I've been wondering about for a while that has to do with a story I'm formulating to write. That might help me bypass the hour.

:hugs:

Thank you every for the support!

[jedimaster91]

I don't know much about MRI other than it is an EXTREMELY strong magnet. So strong that it will yank a pen from your pocket. Just to be safe, I would avoid wearing any kind of metal. There are some metals that aren't magnetic (like titanium which is what they make replacement joints out of), but it's better to be safe than sorry. So I'd recommend comfy sweats.

Did your cardiologist ever consider a Nuclear Stress Test? With the Technitium shortage right now, he may not want to do one, but the PET variety is much faster and actually has a lower radiation dose. It also produces better images for people who are top heavy/busty. If there is a PET or PET/CT camera in your area, that scan might be another good option if the MRI proves inconclusive. Then again, our stress tests really only look at blood flow through the three main coronary arteries and your doc may be looking somewhere else for problems. In any case, it might be something to consider. Personally, I hope your MRI gives your doc the answers that he needs.

And I second (third? fourth?) a water aerobics class. It's a great workout and easy on the joints.

[Der Cute]

MRIs were invented in the Nudist Colony in MIT/Boston area.

(j/k)

You wear sweats, you may have a room to drop your clothes/stuff in and change to one of the openback papery things. May not. I'd be thinking ahead and not wearing ANY metals at all. Rings, earrings, necklaces, BRAS...go braless if you have to. Notify them if you've got gold/silver in your TEETH. Ever swallowed a penny? Have any stray bullets in your hide? Ingest a nail into your tummy? Let them know if you've got pins/etc in your hips/joints. NO METALS. Not even in your shoes, if possible. It's good you ask!

BTW, there should be some kind of checklist given to you by the radiology or dr. scheduling this - What Not To Wear for MRIs.

NO METAL. ZIPPO. NADA. These magnets are HORRENDOULSLY strong. They will pick up GURNEYS from the room and bring them in!

Read over this page, it should help you.
http://www.bonesandjointssimplified....ish/LT1_19.jpg

Cutenoob