It's great news????
By Loverbear
@Loverbear (4918)
United States
May 3, 2012 11:59am CST
As many of my MyLot friends know I have been "not well" for a long long time. I have seen many doctors and had many diagnosis's. I've been from it was all in my head to it was constipation! (I still love the constipation diagnosis! 
)
Last Tuesday I drove to Stanford for the second time, this time for a total and complete workup on, of all things, my heart. When my pulminologist prescribed the heart test I thought she was nuts. My heart? Abdominal pain??? But I went along with it. Who knows, I didn't spend the 14 years getting a medical degree and specialty.
I was called yesterday by that self same pulminologist to inform me of the test results. I was shocked to find that she was right. My pain comes from a birth defect that went undetected for many years. I have Myocardial ischemia. It has several different definitions. As it was explained to me, I have a muscle that should have developed behind the artery developed in front of the artery. It could have gone for many many years without causing problems, some people never have it cause any problems. But in my case it restricts the oxygenated blood flow to my heart, making the heart struggle for oxygen.
I am now waiting for the cardiologist to call. My Stanford pulminologist told me that the cardiologist jumped at the chance to help me out...which is incredible! I am relieved to FINALLY know that it wasn't all in my head...all right you clowns, I know it was always in my chest! I am just hoping that we can try to control it with medication and that I won't have to lose another summer to surgery. When the cardiologist calls, I'll let you know what is going on.
Right now I am dividing my time between being pissed at all the doctors who had their heads up their posteriors and being relieved that there is a way to get back to "normal".
)
Last Tuesday I drove to Stanford for the second time, this time for a total and complete workup on, of all things, my heart. When my pulminologist prescribed the heart test I thought she was nuts. My heart? Abdominal pain??? But I went along with it. Who knows, I didn't spend the 14 years getting a medical degree and specialty.
I was called yesterday by that self same pulminologist to inform me of the test results. I was shocked to find that she was right. My pain comes from a birth defect that went undetected for many years. I have Myocardial ischemia. It has several different definitions. As it was explained to me, I have a muscle that should have developed behind the artery developed in front of the artery. It could have gone for many many years without causing problems, some people never have it cause any problems. But in my case it restricts the oxygenated blood flow to my heart, making the heart struggle for oxygen.
I am now waiting for the cardiologist to call. My Stanford pulminologist told me that the cardiologist jumped at the chance to help me out...which is incredible! I am relieved to FINALLY know that it wasn't all in my head...all right you clowns, I know it was always in my chest! I am just hoping that we can try to control it with medication and that I won't have to lose another summer to surgery. When the cardiologist calls, I'll let you know what is going on.
Right now I am dividing my time between being pissed at all the doctors who had their heads up their posteriors and being relieved that there is a way to get back to "normal".2 people like this
6 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
7 May 12
I am so sorry I missed this Loverbear, and I did get your PM, and was going to call when I saw you signed off that you were tired. So I will probably call you sometimes today. I am glad they finally found what was wrong, and I will pray either for your finances to improve or that you are healed, whatever His will be, so be it..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
14 May 12
Aww, thank you Loverbear, and Happy Mother's Day to you too, you furry babies are sure keeping you busy by taking your goodies today..lol
Remember if you don't call until the 17th, call between 7-9 EST because garage sales start and I won't be home until suppertime. 
@marty3888 (2355)
• Acme, Michigan
3 May 12
It has got to nbe hard not to think of a bunch of doctors who should know better and getting it wrong. But if you can, try to concentrate on the fact that you can have a normal life again, even if it does take all summer, or maybe half of it. remember concentrating on being pissed off can't be good for your heart either.
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
3 May 12
Thank you for the reminder about being "pissed off". I have tried for the past 30 years to lead a pissed free life. It's easy where I live, I live in the country by a beautiful lake. Needless to say the serene atmosphere does help a LOT in keeping my anger in check.
I am so looking forward to a normal life again. I am tired of being tired and not being able to do all the stuff I usually do. I was so concerned at the lack of energy and desire to do the things I love to do. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel!
As my Mom used to say about doctors, "They're still only practicing!!!" Another point that I have to keep in mind is that in the area I live in there is more of the country doctor that doesn't necessarily keep on top of the latest in medical procedures and ailments than the doctors at major University hospitals. It does make a difference.
@marty3888 (2355)
• Acme, Michigan
3 May 12
It does seem like you have to do research, just to make sure. I have epilepsy. My doctor, with very well intentions gave me generic medication. For the most part, they worked. I could go two years without a seizure, as long as I took my meds. One day, I was driving to a concert nand it really felt like I was going to have one, but I knew I had taken my medication. Sure enough, I made it to the arena, made it through 2 warm-up bands and the mai n group, Def leppard. Walking out I thought "now I don't feel like I'm going to have one. 10 seconds later I thought, yes I do. On the way home,I had a seizure and came out of it in a hospital. I went online and found a discussion and found out alot of people were on generic and had seizures until they switched to the brand name. Now i'm on the name brand, had one not too long ago, but found I had forgot to take them.
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
4 May 12
I have had doctors that have prescribed medications that fight with each other. I have had some very interesting reactions, including the overpowering urge to bite my neighbors! I also had a doctor give me two apatite stimulants! I spent 9 months with my head in the refrigerator. I was positive that I was going to give birth to a double door refrigerator!!! I went from a size 8 to a size 18 during that period of time. When I complained the doctor asked me..."do you wear boots?" I still can't make the connection, but I haven't spent years in school!
I really don't like generic medications. I don't believe that they are the same as brand. Unfortunately the medications that I take are not paid for if I use the brand. I am shuddering about what meds I might be taking for this problem.
Are you eligible for a helper dog? They now have dogs that can detect epilepsy seizures way before they happen. My boyfriend's son in law has a diabetes dog that can detect when he needs his insulin or needs to eat. My boyfriend witnessed it happen last weekend and was in awe at the actions of the dog.
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
13 May 12
Even when they are serious discussions about serious matters I enjoy reading your posts. I was gritting my teeth and clamping down when I read about the dentist. I even have great dentists but I just felt a lot of empathy for you.
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
14 May 12
Bear in mind that surgery may be the quickest way to get the results you need and that if you have to have it, you may feel better almost immediately. I have had a good and quiet day.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
3 May 12
good for you for being persistent in getting your diagnosis. i once read about a woman who had this rare disease and got told (like you) its all in your head, etc and ended up going to something like 40 doctors before she got the correct diagnosis! how crazy is that!
constipation!? you should take the diagnosis back to them and rub it in their faces!
@rewardsinlife (1132)
• United States
4 May 12
I have always wondered, and still do what I would do when I got that final and correct diagnosis from the doctors. Some I would like to go to and say "Apologize you jerk for saying it was all in my head and making me question my sanity". Others, I would never like to see again, and still others I would make a special trip to go down or at least write a letter telling them the diagnosis and thanking them for helping me get to the end of the journey with their advice. I am glad you have found the culprit!
@syramoon (654)
• United States
3 May 12
I'm glad they figured out what it was. I don't think I could handle telling doctor after doctor that something was wrong with me, and having them either A. not believe me, or B. Not be able to find it. But at least now that you know it's like you said, you can get back to 'normal' again. Best Wishes
~Syra~
@syramoon (654)
• United States
3 May 12
That literally made me laugh out loud. I know doctors go to school for a long time, and that medical science isn't an exact art but any one with a lick of common sense, would have known symptoms that lasted that long couldn't have been constipation, and I think a case of constipation that long would have indeed made you explode, you would have made the news. lol. So I guess when they say common sense isn't so common any more, they were right.
~Syra~
