Follow-Up

[LIZ1971]

Dear Dr.

Thanks so much for your previous information.  As a quick recap I have been having periodic "spells" always at night that start off with a feeling of nausea, chills, tightening in the left side, vomitting and then feeling fine.  This has happened 5 times in the last couple of months.  With the exception of being overweight I am healthly and don't drink or smoke. As per your advice I ended up going to the Urgent Care clinic after reading your response.  I had a Chest X-Ray, EKG, doppler (because of previous PE) and loads of blood work all of which came back normal (including INR & D-Dimer).  He pretty much told me there is nothing wrong with me and it's probably anxiety. Needless to say I wasn't surprised by this because a year and a half ago I went to the ER 4 times, was told i was "another anxious woman" and ended up that I had a PE and not anxiety.  Needless to say i'm not sure if these tests are sufficient in determining heart attack/disease.  Are there other tests I should insist on with my GP?

Thanks again! I wish we had such caring dr's in Toronto!!!

Liz

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Liz,

A negative d-dimer and doppler should reassure you that it isn't a PE.  The negative predictive value of those two tests are in the high 90's, plus your symptoms don't sound typical of a PE.

As BKJ eluded to in his previous post, you are not a high risk person for heart disease.  It is very difficult through posts to understand someones symptoms.  A lot of information we gain from questions come from what you say and how you say it.  In other words, it is difficult to know whether to advice you to seek further input about possible heart disease.  My gut tells me it isn't your heart, but this is not an assessment that is made over the internet.

I would be persistent in trying to find and answer, but don't be surprised if it is anxiety in the end.  It always safer to be sure.

[Abeybaby]

Hi, I too am from Toronto and I do understand your position on the doctor situation here but dont despair there are some really good one's. If you want to see one of the best Cardiologists to have a look over the tests you can let me know and I can email you offline if you wish.  I too suffer from typical cardiac related issues too laced with anxiety leaving me often to wonder what came first my arrythmia (PVC's) or was it the anxiety that triggered it?  Let me know if I can help my cousin is a cardiac surgeon at sunnybrooke hospital too.  I can at least point you in the right direction. So far my cardiologist is probably the nicest and most genuine person I have ever met, very sincere and very caring has alot of time for his patients- and on top of that he is one of the best in the country.

Doctors in Canada are becomming a scarece resource these days especially family physicians which are few and far between and the one's that are still practicing are overwhelmed with patients etc ...

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Abe

[LIZ1971]

Thank you so much!!  It is so frustrating when you constantly hear "another anxious woman".  What ever happened to "better safe than sorry".  I would greatly appreciate the name of a good Cardiologist my email address is ***@****.

Thanks again!

Colleen

[Abeybaby]

I just emailed you the info- let me know when you get it. Also if you need additional info feel free to contact me via telephone its on my email.

Rgs/Abe

[pms_barbie]

The anxious woman statement doesnt only happen in Canada hun...  Its common for drs here to diagnose women with just being depressed having bad nerves or what have you.  I know because I was diagnosed with the same things depression anxiety .  Its re ally a ot to deal with to know something is wrong and the dr tell you its all in your head.Best of luck to you.

[uptowngirl]

Hi Liz,

I don't know much about Canada, but we have some great,professional and very congenial Drs. and cardios down here in the Carolinas.  I have never been accused of being "another anxious woman" and think that is very rude and unprofessional. I wish you all the best in recieving closure to your medical concerns.  I know there are good Drs. and cardios out there as is evidenced by this forum.

Uptown

[green4sam]

Where are all the posting police?  Liz just asked a question on 11/24 and another one today 11/29 and the question is essentially the same thing.  or do you folks just pick on certain individuals.  I find this very peculiar.

[VikingColumbus]

Hello Abe,

    You indicated '... Doctors in Canada are
becomming a scarce resource these days
especially family physicians which are few and
far between ....'

    How come?

[Healthyself2]

Sounds like a classic episode of "Near Syncope" to me.  It's sometimes called pre-syncope or vasovagal syncope.  It has a variety of causes, most not life threatening, but it should be checked out because it can be caused by such things as brain tumors in rare cases.  The main diagnostic tool is the tilt table test and, I suppose, the Holter monitor.

I suffered several episodes of near syncope after being put on a beta blocker.  The first time I thought that I was dying.  I was dizzy, nauseous, lost bowel control and felt like I was going out at any moment.  I had several more that were triggered by such things as sudden exposure to heat and sitting down.  All were very distressing and I would be sick for 2 days afterward.  I went off the beta blocker ADA and never had another one, but that's probably not a common cause - I had a slow heart rate to start with and the beta blocker affected me adversely.

I tried to find a good definition for "Near Syncope" on the web, but most articles are devoted to full syncope.  I suggest that you Google "syncope", "near syncope", and "vaso vagal syncope".  There is quite a bit of info on it.  I cut and pasted one below.

Best Regards
================================================================


Syncope

Syncope is defined as a loss of consciousness and postural tone followed by spontaneous recovery. The term presyncope, in contrast, refers to lightheadedness, with a sensation of impending loss of consciousness.


At the beginning of a syncopal attack, the patient is nearly always in the upright position, either sitting or standing. A sense of "feeling bad" usually precedes the impending syncope. A sense of giddiness and movement or swaying of the floor or surrounding objects ensues. The patient's senses become confused; the patient yawns or gapes, there are spots before eyes, vision may dim, and the ears may ring. Nausea and sometimes vomiting accompany these symptoms. There is a stricken pallor or ashen gray color of the face with associated profuse perspiration. The slow onset may allow the patient time for protection against injury; hurtful falls are exceptional. The depth and duration of unconsciousness may vary. Usually, the patient is motionless with skeletal muscles relaxed, but a few clonic jerks of the limbs and facial muscles may occur. Sphincter control is usually maintained. The pulse is feeble or cannot be felt; the blood pressure may be low, and breathing almost imperceptible.


Syncope results from sudden impairment of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by hypotension. Approximately three-fourths of the systemic blood volume is contained in the venous bed, and any interference with venous return may lead to reduction in cardiac output.


There are many causes of recurrent syncope and faintness. The 2 major groups of causes include circulatory and non-circulatory. Circulatory causes are: inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, hypovolemia, mechanical reduction of venous return, reduced cardiac output, and arrhythmias. Non-circulatory causes consist of inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, including vasovagal, postural hypotension, primary autonomic insufficiency, sympathectomy, diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, carotid sinus syncope, and hyperbradykininemia.


Vasovagal syncope, the most common form, is frequently recurrent and is usually provoked by emotional stress (especially in a warm, crowded room), injurious accident, pain, mild blood loss, poor physical condition, prolonged bed rest, anemia, fever, organic heart disease, and fasting. Cardiac output may be normal but declines due to the onset of marked bradycardia, replacing tachycardia, resulting in further drop of blood pressure and hypoperfusion of the brain.


The diagnosis of vasovagal syncope is frequently made by excluding other causes and is based on detailed history, physical, ECG, Holter, echocardiography, and the TTT results. The absence of cardiovascular problems leads to vasovagal syncope as the most likely diagnosis. The tilt table test, which has been widely used over the past 50 years, frequently allows the reproduction of the vasovagal syncope symptoms via the provocation of neurally mediated hypotension or bradycardia, or both. The test is considered to be positive if symptoms are reproduced or if syncope occurs due to hypotension or bradycardia (or both), or if hypotension or bradycardia (or both) is of sufficient severity that the associated presyncopal symptoms lead the attending physician to believe that complete syncope is inevitable. In the absence of appropriate symptoms, heart rate or blood pressure alone cannot be accepted as a positive test response.


The medication isoproterenol (Isuprel) is given during a TTT to potentially provoke a syncopal spell. (Note: An individual who initially has a positive TTT can, so to speak, learn what symptoms initiate a spell and thus, on subsequent testing, report a negative test. Having this testing can complicate matters, and this is what makes the TTT unreliable in medical certification. It is preferable to have a good history recorded.)

[pms_barbie]

I hear you and understand what your saying.  Personally im so tired of reminding these people of the rules. Seems no one pays any attention anyways.   Kind of like your damned if you say something and damned if you dont on this board.  So what do you do?  The newbies might not know any better but people that have been here a while know.

[LIZ1971]

Good Lord!  I thought this board was here to help people not to criticize!  Perhaps if you read more carefully you'll see that I didn't ask the same question twice but reiterated the issue so the Dr. wouldn't have to look for it.  I was asking for his opinion on the testing I received the second time, I wasn't asking the same question again.  If people are so concerned about what is being posted and how many times, perhaps they need to find something else to occupy their time other than nit-picking over silly senseless things in an already stressful situation.

[Momto3]

"If people are so concerned about what is being posted and how many times, perhaps they need to find something else to occupy their time other than nit-picking over silly senseless things in an already stressful situation."

I agree.  Hope you are feeling better!

[va_tony]

"Where are all the posting police? Liz just asked a question on 11/24 and another one today 11/29 and the question is essentially the same thing. or do you folks just pick on certain individuals. I find this very peculiar."

Hey, when I reminded folks about the posting rules (on 11/8), I was bombarded by several posters, got into an argument and said some nasty things that I'm now ashamed of. So, I've turned in my badge. And Marilyn (runner) hasn't posted (at all) since her last complaint created a similar ruckus.

"Police" action tends to be arbitrary and capricious because it depends on who's brave enough on any given day to withstand the emotional outburst following 'enforcement' - - -just look at Liz1971's response to your question above. BTW, Liz appears to have missed your point that it's impolite to ask two questions within a few days of each other.

Tony

[LIZ1971]

Perhaps someone should post the "Rules" and the correct protocol if there is such a beast.  I'd be curious to know who made these "Rules" on a free (thankfully)forum that we all benefit from.  Let's please stick to the issues at hand and not take our bad days and/or Ruler complex out on everyone else.

[va_tony]

This message from Cindy was originally posted on Oct. 13.

"Our Heart Forum can support only 2 new questions each day. Therefore, we ask that you limit your questions to 2 per 6 month period. We do this so that all in need will have a chance at getting their questions asked and answered by the wonderful cardiologists at The Cleveland Clinic.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International"

[hankstar]

Please look back in the Archives under Topic Area Heart-General

Subject MED HELP NEEDS YOUR HELP (reply CCF M.D. RCJ on 3/5/2004)  This was posted by cindy asking that persons limit their questions by waiting 2 months to ask another question.

Also look back in the archive under same Topic Area

Subject A REMINDER FROM MED HELP (reply CCF M.D MJM 10/14/2004)

This was posted again by cindy asking if I remember correctly that a person limit their questions to basically 2 every six months or 2 questions only within a 6 month period.

The first was prompted when I posted several questions within a few days time, at that time there was no rule on posting , I admit I felt guilty for being so lucky at the time to get so many questions posted, even though some I asked for other persons not myself as they were having difficulty posting.Another person Dottycese, If remember correctly who had serious heart problems was outrageously attacked and going through a very rough time, so that DR. RCJ was kind enough to contact her and ask her to return to the forum.

About the forum police, I agree with the person that stated why some are singled out to be picked on,while other are not, hell I am even picked on for my comments, much less my questions.

Lets be kind to one another here, no matter of insignificant a comment or question might appear to be for some. Maybe the rules could also be added in the purple space right under each question, that way all new vistors would be aware of the rules and abide by them.

I wore a real Badge 22 years ago and never once did I abuse the authority it gave me, I always approached a situation in humble way and over 95% of the time got a positive response. If some were given a badge, not one would stand a chance with them, they are persons that just can't handle authority, I suspect that might be the attitude of some of the so called forum police.

[Erik36]

I agree with Tony and Hank. But I wonder if the people monitoring this site only pick on certain people. It seems that only a select few get warned by Medhelp. I don't see them saying anything when all these recent posters have posted more than once in a short time.

I was temporarily barred from this site because Medhelp accused me of giving medical advice to a poster when my comment was identical to the answer that the Cardio Doctor gave. Now you notice whenever I comment, I say that I'm not a doctor and this is only my opinion.

Do they pick on only certain individuals? I think so. And it tends to be the people that have the most knowledge.

[Momto3]

What I've noticed is that the "police" only arrive when someone calls them...

I was fortunate in that I was able to post 2 questions in Feb. 2003. The doctor said he would "watch for follow up posts" so I know there was no rule at that time.  Funny thing is, NONE of this bashing was going on either. I consider myself very lucky to have posted my questions when I did.  Dr. "RCJ" was concerned about my situation and gave me his email.  We corresponded quite a bit and he and I both contacted one of the CCF doctors (Dr. "T") who was involved in a TEE I had done there.  Dr. "T" graciously called me at home a couple of times and also agreed to call my own physician (at another hospital).  I am so grateful for the collaborative efforts of these physicians.  Fortunately, there were no posting "rules" at that time. I would hate to see the forum sponsors impose further "rules" to satisfy the ongoing, childish and unnecessary behaviour that continues to saturate this board.  Up until now, I have made it a point not to join in the antics, but I just can't understand why people find it so necessary to continually dredge this stuff up. I thought the whole idea here was to gather some medical advice from a trained physician as well as to give/take the support of others in similar situations.  

PLEASE let's move on for good this time.
connie

[LIZ1971]

Well said Connie!!!!

[hankstar]

I will second the motion 100%. I am with you all the way!!!

Regards and peace to all.

[pms_barbie]

I think some of you guys misunderstand the whole concept here.  This board isnt meant just so a few can ask questions.  Its meant so everyone can get a chance to post questions.  I dont see why you continue to debate what med help clearly ask of us.  If they impose more rules its not because people remind you of the ones that they already request.  Its because you ignore the ones they already have set in place.  Someone said something about the police being called.  I would hope you guys realize by now no one has to "be called" dont you realize med help moree than likely reads the post periodicaly?   I dont know if any of you guys have checked the other health issues out on here or not but I have and some of them charge you to answer your questions.  Why cant everyone be happy theirs is getting answered free?  Post within the time frame they request of you and not trash others for what they ask?  You would think people would appreciate whats being offered here and follow the quidelines.

[hankstar]

I think all should abide by the rules, that is why i think they should be noted in purple just below the questions asked, that way all new comer will know the rules and the regular reminded.

However decide on what rule you want to really apply, the 2 month rule or the 6 month rule ,as I posted above for reference.

They have apparently been more complaints from some, so the rules changed recently to accomodate those that complain. Make a definite rule and see how that holds for awhile. That is my suggestion, that way the "rules" on posting a question can hopefully be put to rest for sometime.

[pms_barbie]

I agree with you totally.  We have to realize there has to be some kind of guidelines or the same people would ask questions all the time.  Now guys I know you all dont want me asking the drs about my pvc's everyday....lol  Just trying a little humor there.  There does need to be something that lets the newbies know what the rules are simply because they dont know.  I dont like to call out on the posting to the newbies because they are new and I dont want to offend them.  I dont mind calling out the regulars though because they do know what the forum request.

[NBCT]

Just curious how many stressed induced PVC's were occuring while comments were being typed? Imagine the world and all who have access to the web......it is still and always luck of the draw when someone is able to post a question......learn from what others have to ask and offer on this forum......be patient or end up being one over matters you do not have control over.

[Barbarella]

This site is "milk and cookies" compared to other sites.  There is one site who will kick people off WITHOUT

[Barbarella]

Sorry I must've hit a wrong key.  There is one site which just kicks people off and don't have to let the people know why.  In their regulations it states for example not to post websites etc. which is understandable, but there are people who post websites and are still on.  The site administrators ask people who post to let them know if somebody doesn't follow the rules, and bingo you are off.  In other words they have "spies" who will rap on you.

[DottyCece]

I find all your postings very interesting.  I felt totally assaulted when I truly didn't know the rules and posted twice in a month about a year ago.  I come here very little now because it is generally the same people posting and interacting with one another which is great for them and not so great for those of use new or on the outside of the PVC and palpitations discussions that often occur.  It is interesting that people didn't respond to Liz as they did to me...which was very very awful.  However, the MDs on the site helped me out off this forum which I will always be very grateful for,

[hankstar]

Hello,

    I hope you are doing fine and feeling much better these days , I hope you did not mind or get offended with me using your name(even though I spelled it wrong) to describe the attacks that occurred, as you probably know I was attacked in much the same manner.

    Hope you are feeling much better and an early Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

[Marilyn (runner)]

Hi, thanks for your commenting on the repercussions of disagreeing with the 'groupies' here on this board..  I check the board maybe once a week - but personally I find it to be as others have indicated - its the 'same' ole thing..  PVC questions are every other post...  

Unfortunately, my heart situation is alittle more serious then PVC's..  I deal more with 'full heart block' - Defibrilator programming - Pacemaker programs.. Coumadin and listening to my clicking mechanical mitral valve.. which I happen to like to listen to... :-)  I don't consider my heart disease to be a negative impact on my life - its just a small obstacle - that from time to time I have to tend to..  Its not my 'whole' life - its a part of my life..  

I was very fortunate in that I found the CCF doctors to be most helpful - when I needed them and I will always be thankful for the medical information they provided to me..  In the future I will no doubt see them in person if I need any information or a second opinion.

I just completed my 18th road race since my open heart in May !!  I've been fortunate enough to have given my surgeon 3 medals since my valve replacement surgery.  Next year I hope I'll be giving them trophys..  :-)  

I've accomplished things that were beyond my wildest dreams..  Dreams do come true..  It takes alot of hard work and 'focus' and believing in yourself and the upmost importance was - never giving up...  :-)  

As my doctors have pointed out to me many times - I'm a case study of one out of one...  Unfortunately, I just don't fit in with the normal cardiac patients..  

Maybe one day instead of running the half marathon at Disney World - I can complete the 'full' marathon !!!  Now that would be a 'magical' day...   :-)  To get a Mickey Medal !!!  Its made of 'gold' you know..  and if I sound like I'm bragging to some - maybe I am - I've put my time in and I've worked hard enough to do whatever I want to do.. with the best medical care possible..

Good Luck and Happy Trails to All
Marilyn (runner)

[Momto3]

Great to "see" you again! Hope you are having a great year!

As for me, I'm still nearly pvc-free and my ejection fraction continues to be up from where it was.  Thank goodness : )

Still tackling that leakly mitral valve and some high BP reading.  But, overall 2004 has been good : )

connie

[Momto3]

Hi, thanks for your commenting on the repercussions of disagreeing with the 'groupies' here on this board.. I check the board maybe once a week - but personally I find it to be as others have indicated - its the 'same' ole thing.. PVC questions are every other post...

Unfortunately, my heart situation is alittle more serious then PVC's.. I deal more with 'full heart block' - Defibrilator programming - Pacemaker programs.. Coumadin and listening to my clicking mechanical mitral valve.. which I happen to like to listen to... :-) I don't consider my heart disease to be a negative impact on my life - its just a small obstacle - that from time to time I have to tend to.. Its not my 'whole' life - its a part of my life..

I was very fortunate in that I found the CCF doctors to be most helpful - when I needed them and I will always be thankful for the medical information they provided to me.. In the future I will no doubt see them in person if I need any information or a second opinion.

I just completed my 18th road race since my open heart in May !! Congratulations on all those races!!  Better clear a place on the mantle for that trophy!!  I was experiencing some pretty significant SOB and some elevated BP (new) so I started walking again about 7 weeks ago.  I'm trying to stay focused and so far I've reached my first couple of short-term goals.  I'm up to 2 miles 3x a week.  It's no marathon, but who knows what the futgure holds : )

We definitely have something in common -- I'm also a case study, but for pvcs and cardiomyopathy -- a strange path to fame, huh?  hahahaha.....

Fortunatley, my leaky mitral valve is stable.  There was some concern that the regurg was severe so my doctor presented my case to an expert from California last week.  I asked the doctor how it went and the concensus of the experts was, it was not severe as was first reported...Whew!!  For now, I am still in the watch and wait room. I was concerned that the SOB was because of the valve, but it appears not to be the case -- a good thing.  

Anyway, I wondered if you ever had to deal with elevated BP before and after your MV surgery.  I have NEVER had high bp so this is a new arena for me.  I am taking an ACE inhibitor and increasing the dose as tolerated.  BTW, where did you have your MV surgery?

Again, a heartfelt congrats on your road races!!

Connie

[DottyCece]

Hi,

I can't believe how similar our histories are!!! I have been there and dealt with all you have described...had two open heart surgeries, PPM atrial fib/flutter with 9 cardioversions, attempted Atr flutter ablation, then AV node ablation, then heart failure, then Bi-V pacer and ICD for easily induced Ventricular Tach and Ventricular Fib.  I was devastated with each new problem but it lasted a couple of days and then I would decide to live my life and go forward.  Things are better but now I have dizziness etc..don't know what that is all about..so they are looking at arrhythmias..I think maybe an embolus of some sort, though small because I was off coumadin etc. for the procedures and then had bleeding so they waited a while to restart...but who knows.  I am hopeful it all passes.

Yes, I would love to be only plagued with palpitations...oh to go back to those days..I have always ignored them and just lived with them...sort of like monthly "cramps".

[Konopka1955]

Hi, thank you Connie for your 'heartfelt' congrats.  

What I learned from the CCF is that even though 'normal echo's' were being performed every 6 mos to monitor my leaky valve - they showed moderate to severe regurg - but I was asymptomatic -what really showed the true picture was when CCF doctor suggested I have an "exercise" stress echo - and when I had that done it gave alot more information on my exercise tolerance that was not good - so that was the deciding factor that I was now symptomatic and that it was 'time' to proceed with surgery.  I'm breathing much better now.  I can actually walk, talk and breath all at the same time now since my surgery.. Its a miracle - well not really - its a super fantastic surgeon that did it for me.  He gave me a ST. Jude 29mm valve..  I know I asked for whichever mechanical valve will give me an 8:00 minute mile !!  But I don't think I got that valve..  I keep trying - but its not happening - maybe next year..  Maybe they don't make them for 8:00 minute mile valves and he didn't have the heart to tell me..  :-)

I give all my medals and what few trophys I've won to my doctors..  I feel its my 'best' way of saying;  Thank You - you've made a difference in my quality of life and I want to give this to you to show my appreciation..  They were alittle overwhelmed at first..  But then the second medal comes and the third and - they just think its amazing that I can do this - considering I have a fairly serious heart problems..  

You said:  I'm trying to stay focused and so far I've reached my first couple of short-term goals. I'm up to 2 miles 3x a week. It's no marathon, but who knows what the futgure holds : )

Good for you - keep it up and remember to make it FUN..  and you'll do it for a lifetime..  

Anyway, I wondered if you ever had to deal with elevated BP before and after your MV surgery. I have NEVER had high bp so this is a new arena for me. I am taking an ACE inhibitor and increasing the dose as tolerated. BTW, where did you have your MV surgery?   I had my surgery in New Hampshire.

Yes, I've had high BP from time to time over the years.  Took meds for it..  I have a home BP monitor and I take it maybe 3 times a month and when I go to my cardio - I give him the readings..  He checks my BP monitor once a year to see that its accurate..  

So, do you want to do a race someday?  They are alot of FUN..  
I'm hopeing to do a half marathon in Hyannis Mass in February.. If the weather is good..  Last time I was going to do this race it rained and we got sleet the night before and its a good 3 hour drive from home so I didn't go..  But I hear its a good race and a really nice course..  I did 35 races last year - 6 were half marathons..  I wasn't breathing so well though.  But I didn't give up - I kept going - nearly wore myself to exhaustion..  I had a goal to do 35 and I was going to do it..  My Pacemaker doesn't recognize 'hills' so I don't get any extra beats for that so it hurts my race time when I reach the hills.  But thats ok - I still have FUN..  I got quite a few finishing medals last year - several for the half marathons and some for actually 'winning' the filly's category..   Next year I'll be 50 and there's not alot of women runners in the 50's - so I should do really well in getting some medals..  :-)  I just hope I get a trophy..  I would love to give one to my surgeon.  He's just so happy for me..  But I can assure you he's not happier than I am !!!  Got a 5k Jingle Bell run this Saturday - nice course..  good food at the finish line and lots of nice people..  Running races is kind of a social gathering you might say..  


Marilyn (runner)

[va_tony]

Marilyn,

You certainly are an inspiration! With all you've been through and running as you do.  I used to do quite a bit of road running 25-30 years ago (even marathons)at about a 7 minute/mile pace.  Now, at 62, I'm lucky to "jog" 2 miles three times a week at a 10 min/mile pace.  I generally walk 2 - 4 miles on other days. If I push harder, say at a 9 min/mi pace which I feel comfortable with, I usually will have an episode of afib later that day. I agree about the social aspect of races.  You meet the nicest people at such events. I do miss that.

Best wishes for nice weather at Hyannis Mass and the 5k Jingle Bell run on Saturday.

[Momto3]

You're welcome!!  Kudos to you for giving it your best shot!! Sooooo....turning 50, huh?  That's right around the corner for me too (2007).

I've had so many tests to assess my regurg, too many echos and stress tests to count, and several stress echos. The most recent stress echo was in November and that's the one where the interpreting physician saw "severe" regurg. My doctor was not convinced because that happened once before and she sent me to Dr. Lauer at CCF for a TEE (result: 2 - 3+). Because she was not convinced (the hemodynamics are always changing and because docs interpret differently) she had a panel of echocardiographers compare my tests from 2000 until now.  They do not think the leak is severe. The "pictures" appear the same as in 2000 so we will continue to watch. My exercise tolerance did go down from the last stress test to this one), but it was still good.  

You can walk, talk AND breathe at the same time!! I see definite improvement in that area since I began my walks.  Hmmmm....an 8 minute mile, and I was shooting for 14...LOL!!!  

I take my dog with me on the walks and he and I are both exhausted when we return...But, he's great company : ) I do have a treadmill so on bad days I may have to resort to that..YUK!!

A race...me??  Uh, I don't think I could manage that. But, I am determined to walk farther!! Where I walk there are a lot of hills so I'm huffing and puffing as it is. I'm not a runner, but I'm definitely noticing an improvement in my "speed" (I use that word cautiously..haha).

Good luck on getting that trophy!!
connie

[Momto3]

I am so happy to hear that 2004 is better!!  

We do share some similarities although you have been through MUCH more than me.  I have not had OHS and dealt primarily with pvcs, nsvt and some scattered pacs. Those were OK till the CM occurred.  I have not been cardioverted, but have had 2 very successful ablations.  Seems that you and Marilyn share a lot of similarties.  You guys are leading the pack with all that you have had done.

I do experience some dizziness, but I think it is from the new RX for BP.  As I adjust to the medicine, it is lessening.

Stay healthy and here's to a GREAT '05!!

I had also learned to "live with" the palps. Actually, it was a really strange feeling (for me) when I no longer had them. Odd as that sounds, it took some getting used to.  Yes, a lot like cramps or a headache...."This too shall pass --- eventually."

Have a wonderful holiday!!!
connie

[Gaspipe]

whats the big deal about reminding Liz of the posting rules rules are rules PERIOD  if she abides by them from this point forward OK if not then bring on Cindy from the forum ....

[LIZ1971]

Give it a rest!  Good Lord I now know what the "rules" are. However I would say it was more of a common courtesy suggestion than anything. You people who attack immediately really should find something else to occupy your time!

[Momto3]

Please let it go. She knows the "rules" and has agreed to follow them.  JEEZ!

We wouldn't even have these rules but for the fact that some people were annoyed with some of the postings. A gentle reminder is all that is necessary, and that has already been done.

[Gaspipe]

You guys crack me up