Update on my heart problem and what's ahead.
By mentalward
@mentalward (14690)
United States
July 15, 2009 10:23am CST
I wasn't going to write anything until I know more, but I thought some of you might be wondering what has gone on so far concerning these palpitations I've been having almost non-stop for about 2 weeks now.
I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday at 8:00 a.m. Before leaving the house, I took my blood pressure and heart rate. BP was normal but my heart rate was 105 bpm.
I got to the doctor's office and they took my vitals. BP was good but heart rate was now down to 62 bpm. They heard the palpitations so they did an EKG. That showed the palpitations but my heart rate went up to 95. Then, the doctor checked, heard the palpitations and my heart rate was now up to 110.
He sent me to the emergency room immediately. They hooked me up to a monitor, did blood work and took an X-ray of my chest. They gave me 4 'baby aspirin'.
The monitor recorded the irregular heartbeats and my pulse rate wavered between 65 and 95. The X-ray showed a normal heart. The blood work was apparently good because they didn't mention it.
At one point, they told me they were going to admit me, but thought it would be okay to send me home, as long as I did as they said.
They told me they wanted me to call my doctor and have an echocardiogram and treadmill stress test done ASAP. They also wanted me to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours, but they didn't have any available. (Apparently, there were quite a few heart patients lately.)
Anyway, I called my doctor to have the tests set up and went to the hospital again today to get the Holter monitor hooked up. I'm wearing it now.
So, I'm waiting to hear when to go in for these tests and trying to go about my normal business (pretty much non-existent right now because I get so exhausted so fast, also have some pretty serious dizzy spells). Also, trying to make sure I don't come 'unhooked' from this monitor. One of the leads already came loose. I hope they don't see that and think it's something serious! LOL Nah, I have to write down what happens and when it happens. If I have another dizzy spell, I'm to write that down, plus the time. If I get really hard palpitations, I have to record that in my little book as well.
I wanted to let you all know what's going on, just in case. I'm scared. I won't deny that. I had a MASSIVE dizzy spell in the hospital today while they were hooking me up and I was sitting down at the time!
Now, to turn this into a discussion, have you had to wear a Holter monitor before? Did it show anything? I know mine is recording these palpitations because I'm still having them. It's pretty much three normal beats, then a skipped beat, three more normal beats, another skipped one. My doctor said he heard a 'double' heartbeat after the three normal ones but I feel like it's skipping. Have you ever had this happen? I mean, with the dizziness, feeling faint and all? If so, what happened?
6 people like this
17 responses
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
15 Jul 09
I hope everything turns out okay for you. I have had to wear a HM a few times. also have palpitations and a very low heart rate normally. It was running at 45 to 39, they told me I had to wear a monitor because I could have a heart attack at any moment. The doctor said he would not be surprised if I had to go into the hospital before the next day or two.
Well, thank goodness I did not have to. They did say I had to have an implant, for my heart to reglate the beats. They go up and stop and then come back in beats that fill like the heart is going to pop right out o my chest. So anyway the implant,(pace maker) would help. I also had to have an implant for the seizers and I wanted that one first as I was having seizers all of the time. The doctor said I have them even when I don't know it.
I hate going to doctors, they always seem to find something wrong. I usually go now instead of waiting because if I wait I have found that things get worse and I usually don't just have one problem anymore. SO it's best to just go when I have a problem.
I really hope you will be okay and they have an easy "fix" for you. Hopefully you won't need a pacemaker.
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
15 Jul 09
It is called a vagu nerve stimulator, basically a pace maker for the brain. It will stop a seizer when I'm having one and also helps to decrease the amount of seizers I have. I actually have seizers all over the brain. Most people have just a localized area where their seizers are. I'm one of the few and lucky people(Not) that have them all over the brain, so I have different kinds of seizers.
I have a rather large magnet th I can swipe slowly over the implant tht will activate the pace maker and stimulate the nerves in my brain. The implant is attached to the base of my brain. It has been a wonderful thing for helping me.
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
15 Jul 09
oops sorry I forgot to let you know about the recent problem and how it's going. I have stopped bleeding and don't hurt as bad as I was. I have been laying down a lot and sleeping a lot so my body can try to heal itself. So I am finally able to wait until I get home to see someone about it. I o believe it's a kidney problem, stones or infection of some kind. It will be taken care of when I get home on Sunday or Monday. Thank you for asking.
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Hi Moondancer,
I also have a Pacemaker implant. I had to get it a month after I had open heart surgery for a Mitral Valve prolapse. What kind of implant did they give you for seizures? And what kind of seizures were you having? If you don't want to discuss it, I understand.
And how are you feeling after your trip to see Sparks? Did you find out what was wrong? Hugsss
leenie
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
15 Jul 09
I want to wish you all the best with your health and send prayers your way. I know from going through much of this with my dad,the waiting on results and being in this position is stressful.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
16 Jul 09
I am so sorry to hear this and I wish you well always.
Did you experience chest pain? Or were your breathing getting difficult, like you feel choked to breathe. Like you find yourself wanting to inhale more oxygen but feeling a constriction in the heart area?
Has it got anything to do with cholesterol level? But then you said that your blood level was alright. My mom used to have these symptoms and she was admitted too. She refrained from drinking coffee and eating oily food since.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
16 Jul 09
Thank you for taking the time to tell me all this so that I have a better understanding of the situation. I can sense a restlessness there and you are the type not to sleep more than 8 hours, am I right? Correct me if I'm wrong though..
8 hours and less...
Could you try to sleep slightly longer for say 2-3 days? See whether the palpitations stop. 30th is coming soon. Be rest assured, my friend for you will be fine.. mark my words. You'll be mopping, sweeping and whatnot.. trust me..
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
17 Jul 09
I'm sorry for taking so long to respond but myLot didn't inform me.
Anyway, about my sleep, I rarely sleep more than 4 hours at a time. It's not by choice, believe me! I just can't stay asleep. My doctor has tried all kinds of different medications to help but none worked well except for two that I'm on now: Flexeril, a muscle relaxer, and Tylenol 3 (with codeine). I take them both before bed. Actually, my doctor told me to take 2 Tylenol 3's each night, but I only take one. I don't like taking that much codeine! They have helped me to sleep more but I still do wake up in the middle of the night. These meds have helped me to get back to sleep faster, though.
So, basically, I'm getting more sleep now than I have for years. Still, it's not a full 8 hours in a row. It's always interrupted once or twice a night. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis which cause pain whenever I'm in one position too long and it's the pain that wakes me up. Even so, I usually get 5 to 6 hours of sleep each night. But, I do take at least one nap during the day.
I had never thought about my bad sleeping habits affecting my heart, but they could very well be the culprit, huh? Unfortunately, if that's the case, I'm afraid there's not much that can be done because my doctor has been trying for years to help me sleep better. Maybe I need a new mattress, but that'll just have to wait until I can afford one. I heard the Sleep Number bed is fantastic!
Thank you for being so concerned, informative and helpful! It means a lot to me to know that people like you exist in the world who genuinely care about others.
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
18 Jul 09
It's my pleasure certainly, my friend. Half a problem told is half a problem solved. In a way, that is. It's best to get that load off your shoulders and I'm sure many friends here are willing to advice/read as close to listen to your problems as can be. You'll do fine, trust me.
Try to cut down on those medicine gradually and get that mattress when you are ready. And go for a holiday as well.
As long as you are getting some sleep, I think should be fine. Eat Lady's Fingers, if you can get in your country. It's good for heart ailments, I have heard. Take care..
@sunnflr (2767)
• United States
15 Jul 09
I haven't worn one but my brother has. He had to wear his for three days I think it was. He has an enlarged left side of the heart. Doesn't cause him many problems yet, just has to rest more than others and stuff.
I hope they figure out what's wrong and can fix it soon. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Thanks, sunnflr. I do have high blood pressure but it's totally controlled by my medication.
I've been under too much stress for too long now and that's probably why my heart is going nuts right now. The really scary part is not knowing what's making my heart rate bounce around so much, from 105 to 62 to 110 to 80, etc. when I'm doing nothing more than just sitting there (or lying there).
Right now, I can barely stand up without feeling like I'm going to faint, so I'm taking it as easy as I possibly can.
The echocardiogram has been scheduled for the 20th, only 5 days from now. The stress test hasn't been scheduled because no one can tell the cardiologist which kind of stress test is wanted. Ah, the brilliance in the medical field!
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
15 Jul 09
I had an EKG last month as I too was experiencing palpitations. I have had an enlarged heart for about 5 years and this test showd that my heart had not really enlarged that much in this period. I also went to a cardiologist and had an echocardiogram. The palpitations or irregular heart beat as it is called out here, was the new factor. I do suffer from extreme fatigue but only occasional dizziness. I am now taking an ACE inhibiror which is extra protection against having a heart attack. I am already hypertensive and take meds for this too. I go back to the cardiologist on August 8th.
He told me that mine is stress related and that I work too much. I cannot afford to retire so I still work a full time job with a hateful boss and a part time job too. I also make gift baskets during the tourist season. It is all stress related and the more you worry the worse it will become. Take care of yourself and I do hope that it will be sorted out soon for you. Many blessings
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Wow! You take care of yourself, too, okay?
Your story sounds a lot like mine except that my heart appeared normal on the X-ray and I'm extremely dizzy whenever I stand up or walk for more than a minute or so.
I'm also on high blood pressure medication and it controls it very well. They call palpitations "irregular heartbeat" here, too. Only, it's my heart rate that I'm more concerned with, going all over the place, from 105 beats per minute to 62, back up to 110, down to 80, etc. All this is going on while I'm just sitting or lying down.
Mine is most likely stress, too, but for other reasons. However, I know what it's like to have a boss like yours. What I did was to constantly look for another job, not letting anyone where I was already working know anything, then I just quit one day, without giving any notice, after getting a new job, of course.
I wish you the best!
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
16 Jul 09
No, my heart beat is pretty much o.k. or at least i think so as it was not mentioned. Stress is a killer. Unforunately, i am not young and lied about my age and should be retired. I cannot afforf to retire for another 3 years so I will not get naother job if I leave this one. I pray to God that he will be better to me as he gets me flustered and confused and then has a go at me. Take care of yourself too and I hope and pray that all will be well for you.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Thank you, jb! I'd love to know what's going on myself. Seems that I always have to wait for everything. I've been waiting 7 years now to be approved for disability! Of course, that could be one of the reasons I'm having these problems now... STRESS!
This just came on so suddenly and there's been no obvious cause so far. I just got an appointment for the echocardiogram on the 20th, five days from now so that's not too bad. I'm still waiting for the appointment for the stress test, but I'm not as worried about that one as I am the echo. That's the one that will show any physical heart abnormalities. If nothing is wrong physically, I won't worry so much.
I'll keep you posted.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Wow, I hope they figure out what is wrong and quick. Keep us informed. I have never had the monitor before, so I am no help.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
I got an appointment for the echocardiogram on the 20th, only five days from now so that's not too bad. I have an appointment to see a cardiologist on the 30th, unless something major shows up on the echo.
So far, I'm still waiting to hear about the stress test. I'm trying to stay as calm and relaxed as possible, which really isn't too hard at this point because I spend most of my time sleeping. The least amount of exertion makes me so tired!
I'll keep you informed and let you know whenever I hear more.
@annjilena (5618)
• United States
15 Jul 09
hi mentalward,iam sorry you are having this problem i hope the doctors find out whats going on soon.i know this is really a problem.i hope you feel better real soon iam sorry i haven,t been here in a while but i have been really sick myself iam just now trying to get my strenght back.i will try to listen more to whats going on i miss all of you i hope to get back full time soon.feel better soon
@annjilena (5618)
• United States
24 Jul 09
iam having aproblem keeping certain vitamin in my body don,t know whats causing it.all i know is it makes me sick when the vitamin is low.been very dehydrated lately as well.i feel sick when iam very low.i hope you are getting better soon.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Oh, annjilena! I hope you're feeling better soon, too! I had no idea you've been sick! What was wrong? It must have been pretty serious for you to be away so long. I'm very happy to see you here, anyway. That tells me you're feeling a little better and that's always good!
I'm taking care of myself the best I can for now. I have an appointment for the echocardiogram on the 20th, only five days from now so I'll do as little as possible until then. I'm to see the cardiologist on the 30th to go over the results of both tests unless something really serious shows up... then, of course, it's back to the hospital and probably surgery.
But, I've already had 28 surgeries in my life so this is just one more. Well, okay, it would be a little more serious than most that I've had, but still, I can handle it. If I need a pacemaker or a new heart valve or something, that's fine with me... whatever it takes. Even if it means I have to take it easy for the rest of my life, I'll do whatever they say. I want to be around for a few more years, at least!
I want YOU to be around as well so you take it easy, take your time getting your strength back! If you ever need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, I'm only a few keystrokes away, okay?
@neildc (17238)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 09
dear mentalward,
seriously, i am getting worried about your situation. i know how it feels to have problems related to the heart. my wife is one but we have no lots of money to check everything with her. thank god that when we come and visit our doctor, her prescribed medicines seem to work well with her. though the doctor advised, long ago that she should be brought to treadmill stress test, we have no money to bring her. so far, so good, she only got wild when kids make something to get her blood pressure high, and we can still handle it. for me, i'm okay with my previous anxiety. the doctor just gave me a very tiny medicine which i can't recall the name. it's been a year now and i am doing fine. what makes my blood pressure high? only when her blood pressure went higher. 
friend, seriously, i am worried for you. just take all the prescriptions and advises of your doctor. i wish you to get well, asap...
neil
friend, seriously, i am worried for you. just take all the prescriptions and advises of your doctor. i wish you to get well, asap...
neil@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Jul 09
Thank you so much for your caring and concern, neil.
I'll be turning in the Holter monitor later today so, if it shows anything seriously wrong, I'll hear from the hospital or the cardiologist very soon.
My echocardiogram is scheduled for July 20th which is only four days away. I should get an appointment for the stress test sometime today. My appointment with the cardiologist is July 30th, so unless something serious shows up on the tests, I'll know more about what is going on when I see the doctor.
Oh! You gave me a laugh when you said your blood pressure goes up when your wife's blood pressure goes up. Isn't it funny how our spouses can do more to raise our blood pressure than just about anything else?
I'm on blood pressure medicine and it has been controlling my blood pressure very well. It is still very good, despite the palpitations, exhaustion and dizziness.
It may just be a buildup of stress because of my husband's childish attitude and also waiting to hear something about my disability case, which has gone on for seven years. I'm expecting to be approved but get upset every day when no word comes from the judge in the mail.
But, for now, I'm not letting anything upset me. I'm taking it very easy and not doing much at all except watching TV and myLotting when I'm not sleeping. I'm doing what my body is telling me to do: rest. I'm also eating well and drinking more water and juice.
I'll let you know when I hear anything. You are a good friend, neil. If there is anything I can ever do for you, just let me know, okay?
I'm on blood pressure medicine and it has been controlling my blood pressure very well. It is still very good, despite the palpitations, exhaustion and dizziness.
It may just be a buildup of stress because of my husband's childish attitude and also waiting to hear something about my disability case, which has gone on for seven years. I'm expecting to be approved but get upset every day when no word comes from the judge in the mail.
But, for now, I'm not letting anything upset me. I'm taking it very easy and not doing much at all except watching TV and myLotting when I'm not sleeping. I'm doing what my body is telling me to do: rest. I'm also eating well and drinking more water and juice.
I'll let you know when I hear anything. You are a good friend, neil. If there is anything I can ever do for you, just let me know, okay? @leenie50 (3992)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Marti,
We are here for you. Yes, I have worn a holter monitor and another type of heart monitor. The holter does record everything and they probably want you to write things down to see what you may be missing. Just take it easy. Nothing is more important than you right now. I know you are scared but you will be just fine. These tests will let you know what is going on. The Echo and stress test will give you the answers you are looking for. Just hang in there Sweetie. I want to know everything.
Big Hugsss and prayers
leenie
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 09
Thank you SO much, leenie! I know that you know what you're talking about! You are very special to me, too.
It's funny, I've been diagnosed with so many things over the past 12 years, especially in the last year, but I never expected heart problems. I've had palpitations for 11 years now but they've never been anywhere near this bad before and I've never had lightheadedness or dizziness like this. I'm so weak!!!
Whatever it takes, I'm ready for, except the slowing down part. That's going to be hard. But, if it's what I need to do to live, I'll do it. I want to be around a little longer... at least a few more years! ESPECIALLY long enough to finally be approved for disability!!!
If I need surgery, I'm prepared for that. If I need a pacemaker, so be it.
I'm taking it VERY easy right now. Of course, that creates another problem in itself... my house is a mess! My husband keeps saying, "Take it easy. Don't worry about the dishes or the laundry or the..." BUT, he's not doing anything about them, either. I like a clean kitchen!!! But, I'll behave and try not to get stressed even more by his actions, or rather, lack of actions.
The nurse at my doctor's office said she'd like to punch my husband right in the face for not getting me to the ER sooner. I told her she's welcome to it! I'll even hold him still for her.
All I know is that the rules are going to HAVE to change, and change fast, around here. If the cardiologist says I can't do this or that, I'm going to make sure he tells my husband that as well. I'll have no problem telling the doctor how lazy my husband is, even right in front of him. If I have to shame him into doing more around here, I will.
The echo is scheduled for the 20th. The stress test hasn't been scheduled yet because they don't know which kind of test to set up yet. They can't get ahold of my doctor. I just learned that there are about 4 or 5 different kinds of stress tests. I should know by tomorrow, though. My appointment with the cardiologist is on the 30th, unless the echo shows something that needs immediate attention.
I'll keep you posted. Thank you, leenie, for being such a wonderful person and friend.
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
16 Jul 09
Sweetie,
APacemaker is really not a big deal. It sure beats A Fibs or palpitations. These men have a much harder time adjusting to our health problems than we do. Slowing down really is a big adjustment. I'm still trying to cope with it. Just do what you have to do and keep me posted.
Love Leenie
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
16 Jul 09
I have not ever worn anything like that. My sister was experiencing similar symptoms a while ago and was advised to go back to the hospital and get one but typically she hasn’t got around to it yet! I hope you will be okay soon, my thoughts are with you. I appreciate that waiting on test results would not help you feel any better. Good luck with it all, keep us posted!
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Jul 09
Thanks, paula. I'm taking it as easy as possible, for me. I've almost had to have people literally sit on me to hold me down at times. It's hard for me to just sit and relax because I've always been a very active person. But, getting so weak and out of breath every time I get up to walk anywhere has convinced me that I really do need to take it very easy for the time being.
I've always had a faster than average heart rate and often wondered about that. Like, do we all have a certain number of beats in our lifetime and, if so, does that mean that I'll die sooner than most because my heart beat is normally around 85-90 bpm?
I just took my BP and heart rate. 110 over 58 and my heart rate is 64. Not bad, but certainly not normal, for me. Well, my blood pressure has been around this since being on my blood pressure medication, but my heart rate is usually much higher.
So, I don't know what's going on and am just trying to stay relaxed and calm until I know more, although I really would like some answers, like, yesterday!
I'll keep you posted.
1 person likes this
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
16 Jul 09
I wish you all the best, mentalward, just relax, you're being taking care of by the doctors, God is good and He's taking good care of you too. Just have your faith and everything will be okey. I'm saying my prayers for your recovery.
@clutterbug (1051)
• United States
15 Jul 09
A few years ago Prime Minister Blair of the U.K. had a procedure done on his heart, because of his constant palpatations, and now he is fine. It was called ventricular ablation I believe. There are cells in or on the heart that in some people are very sensitive, but those particular cells can be removed. Barry Manilow also had this procedure. I heard about it over the radio, so the information is probably online somewhere.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Jul 09
Is this my heart monitor speaking? If it is, I'd say you need maintenance.
@trixyteddy (1070)
• India
18 Jul 09
My dear, 'Nothing is impossible with God'. I'll keep praying for you. Please log onto 'jesuscalls.com' and send them a prayer request. I'm very confident you'll be fine, up and about without anything to worry. Please keep praying. Jesus will defintely see you through.
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
16 Jul 09
You're sure you're not in love, or anything silly like that, are you?
(Just kidding.)
No, I've never worn a Holter, and can't say that I know/knew of anyone that has, to date...except you, that is. It must be quite uncomfortable and scary, I'm sure.
Did your doctors maybe consider Aorta blood clots? Ooooo, gee, I hope not.
You're quite the (crabgrass) bleeder. Heprin WOULD be out of the question for you!
No. That can't be it. You say your blood works are fine.
Gee girl, I don't know? Maybe you're taking on too much...and don't forget, you've were under a lot of stress, what with your hubby having trouble finding a job, up until recently....and you DO do a lot of work around the house, too.
Maybe you should tell the family you're taking a house work vacation; "time off" as it were. Rest up until you feel better. Let them get their own meals etc., and give mom a break.
I DO hope you find out what's causing this problem....and SOON.
My girlfriend and I will be praying for a safe recovery.
Take care.
cdrxo
