Cardiologist Results

[Wisconsin2007]

I met with my cardiologist today (and how weird does it feel to say "my cardiologist?"), to go over the rhythm strips.  We talked about everything, including the strips, the echo from two years ago, all the blood work from the previous few months, old Holter results, etc.  She was of the opinion that short of some dramatic changes in my heart since my last echo, which she doubted, that there was not a structural reason for the SVT.

She was pretty thorough and did a nice job of explaining things, which was great.  I felt much better when she explained that the fast rhythms she saw on my strips were so brief that she wasn't even sure if she could technically call them tachycardia. What's more, she assured me that while it wouldn't be good for my heart to spend days in this state, it would most certainly not kill me if I did.  She said that if something like this occurs for longer than 12 hours, I could go to the ER and get converted, and at that point we'd discuss some sort of medication, but with episodes this brief, there was nothing to worry about.  

I told her that I would be interested in meds if she thought what she saw was dangerous, but absent that, I'd prefer to stay med-free.  She told me that unless these symptoms bother me, that she'd be fine not prescribing anything.

Then when it was over, she left the exam room and I stayed behind to tuck in my shirt, at which point I accidentally set off my event monitor, prompting her to dash back into the room with a nurse to make sure everything was OK.  :o  Oops.  

It was interesting to me to see how a basic cardio exam differs from a family doctor exam, including checking my pulse from everywhere (from ankles to neck), BP taken sitting and standing, the litany of questions on the initial visit.  All that stuff.  If nothing else it puts you at ease that you're working with specialists.

No restrictions on anything, I'll have a follow-up in 3 months.  No offense to anyone here, but I think the amount of time I've spent here in the last few weeks has been excessive, and while it did help some, I think it also fed the fear.  Now that I have a cardio diagnosis, I'll probably be spending less time here.

At least for now.  

Good luck and healthy hearts to all.

[Wisconsin2007]

I think my first post didn't come off quite as I wanted -

There are a lot of really great people here that helped me to understand what might be going on with my heart, what the repercussions might be in terms of medical management of the problem, and just emotional support.  

All of that was a godsend.

But at the same time, it also led me down avenues of research that probably made things worse by making me worry that much more - which for those of you with these kinds of issues, worrying never makes them better.  So I think that for now, it's probably best for me that I step away for awhile.

I so appreciate the help and insights of those that have replied to my posts, journal entries and notes - it was really a joy getting to know you.

And I'm sure I'll be back at some point, though hopefully not for the same reason.

Thanks!

[SassyLassie]

Congratulations on your clean bill of health. You will be missed, but, it is great that all is well. Stop by and see us now and then. :)
Susie

[jkfrench]

I for one will miss you.  However, I'm glad you got a clean bill of health!  
Frenchie

[ireneo]

That's great news from the doctor. Of course when you didn't have answers, it was frightening. I'm glad you came on the board to get the information you needed so you could be prepared to ask questions when you met the cardio and to also understand when things were explained. Now you and your heart can go dancing off into the sunset and be ready to face the next day.

It was nice to meet you and if you want to drop by again, we'll be happy to hear how you're doing.