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Health scare. would llike some answers and support

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Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Posted 8/16/2008 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have had 3 EKGs recently all changed from my normal ones. the last normal 7 mos ago.  I have been to a cardiologist.  I have to have a stress test(not treadmill but med injection one). I also have to have an echocardiogram.  I have high blood pressure but it is controlled with meds.  I also have about 50 lbs to lose although I have already lost 40.  The whole problem started about a month ago when I was having asthma problems and couldn't breathe.  I also have bad allergies to dust and mold.  Have had to use my 2 inahlers every day. I have been on a 5 day course of prednisone to help with breathing.  The cardio dr. said I could have a blockage or possible thickening of the heart muscle due to high blood pressure for a number of years.  I am wondering if I have a blockage do I have to have an angioplasty?  And if so what is that like?  Does it hurt and are you awake?  My tests aren't scheduled until Aug 27 so I guess he doesn't think it is life threatening.  I am really scared. My son is getting married next year and I have to be around for his wedding.  I just want to get back to normal health.  I haven't been overweight my whole life - but gained weight slowly over a period of 12 yrs.  I know it is my own fault - many problems caused me great stress and eating became my comfort.  But I have taken the steps to lose the weight but it took me about 8-9 mos to lose the 40 lbs and I can't lose the rest overnight. Any answers you can give me about treatments or suggestions would be very much appreciated.  I am truly scared and just want to feel better and be healthy again. I am 62 yrs old. Can I get better?

Please, please reply.

Posted 8/16/2008 9:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Aurora, I'm so sorry your going though all this dear!  The first thing I would tell you is try not to stress too much until you know what your dealing with.  EKG's are known to be wrong from time to time so it is good to have a full cardiac work-up if you have had several come back abnormal or out of range.

I have had several nucular stress tests done without problem and these tests can diagnose possible heart dieases.  Most likely your doctor would do a Cardiac Cath if you did have a blockage.  This is the least invasive procedure I believe.  But Aurora, please do stay positive and know I am praying for you hun.  Let us know how it goes

Posted 8/17/2008 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Elisha, thanks so much for your reply. You have made me feel less nervous.  I know that the only thing to do is wait and get my tests done and see what the results are.  In the mean time I am staying very quiet, just reading, TV and needlepointing.  That is the best thing to keep me breathing more freely and using my inhalers.  I see my PCP on Tues. so she will go over EKG results with me so I can better understand what is happening.  Maybe she can also prescribe me a better inhaler for breathing.  It has been so lonely and quiet here not being able to go out and do things.  The most I have done is water my garden as it is so hot.  My son comes back from his vacation tomorrow so I won't be alone anymore. And my other son came out to my house and spent the afternoon with me so that helped a lot.  I know I just have to keep positive and stay calm.  I think, at least I hope after seeing my PCP I will feel better about the situation.  I don't look forward to the sleep apnea test as staying all night in the clinic and being wired up is certainly not conducive to sleeping but hopefully they will get enough results to tell what is going on. Anyone else with some feedback, your answers would be so very much appreciated. Will let you know when I have any results but it is 10 days away from the tests. You are so kind and caring, Elisha and I am grateful.

Posted 8/18/2008 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Aurora,
Hi, I just had the angiogram done on Aug 5, I had passed all the previous tests, they didn't show anything wrong, but I knew something was wrong because my breathing had become very labored over my everyday household chores, and walking worn me out.
I had no idea what to expect when they sent me for the angiogram, but it was a piece of cake! I was admit in the hospital as an out patient.and told if they was a problem I would be spending the night so I was told to pack and over night bag. In the hospital I was hooked up with the normal ivs... then wheeled down to the "cold" room to have the angiogram test done. Prior to going down they did give me a special cocktail that relaxed me completely. Down stairs only my groin area on the right was exposed to the doctor. I was told he was going to numb me and that would hurt a bit... it was just like having the dentist numb you for a tooth filling...it felt like tiny bee stings! then it was gone, I was numb from the needles..I felt like three of them. then I just laid on the table and was told to turn my head this way..and then told to face the other way...then this way..then the other way...I have no idea why!! I could see my heart on the screen about the doctor, but I really didnt know what was going on, or what he had found.... I just laid there waitng for the test to be over....it felt like i was in there for about 15 minutes...but it actually had been somewhere between 90 and 120 minutes!! They found a 99% blockage in my left main artery, my doctor put a stent in right there. After I was done, he then turned and told me what he found and showed me a before and after photo of my artery..that was impressive. My only problem was I got a hematoma (sp) from the catherization...bruised badly and the nurses had to apply alot of pressure to that area and that hurt. You have to lay flat for about 12 hours afterwards, and the leg that they catherize has to remain straight. They also have some contraction that they might attach to you if you get a hematoma that also apply direct pressure to that artery, I had to wear that for about an hour or so. I did take tylenol for the pain in the groin from the hematoma. Had I not of had that complication I would of had a much easier time. Don't be afraid...the test is easy and it could save your life as it did mine. you will be in my prayers. keep us informed. I hope I helped a bit.
Posted 8/18/2008 2:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Displayname, You have no idea how much your thoughtful and caring reply has meant to me.  I feel so much better knowing that I can have a successful outcome if I need the angioplasty.  I still have to have a nuclear stress test and an echocardiogram - that will be Aug. 27.  I see my PCP on Tues. and she will explain the changes in my EKGs.  I do suffer from asthma and bad allergies and had a series of pulmonary function tests done but that dr. (who wasn't very nice) said my problem was my weight even though I have lost 40 lbs this year.  At least the cardiologist was very kind and assured me that I could be successfully treated.  I need to lose about another 40 lbs and of course am very determined.  I did already so I can do it again.  And I have a great incentive - my son is getting married in a year so I want to look nice for the wedding. This is such a wonderful place to come for support and friendship.  I truly thank you for your prayers and hope we can correspond thru other posts.  I am new to this forum as I have always posted before on the depression and anxiety forums. Take care and I will post any results I get from my drs.

Aurora

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