Todays Dr Appt.

Well I had my dr appt today, and I must say I feel a bit better.  Not sure if I am completely relieved.  I had a long appt like an hr long appt.  My Blood pressure was up again for like the fifth time when I went to the doctors.  So I have to take my blood pressure every week for the next 6wks.  Then I have to go back and discuss my bp and possible meds.  I also have to get blood work done to check my thyroid and make sure it's not over-active.  He said it was a bit larger then normal, but not what he would call swollen either.

He checked all my arteries with a stethoscope and my lungs.  Everything was clear and my pulse was strong and and steady.  He said that I should go to a counselor to discuss taking a SSRI whatever that is. He said the most famous was Prozac.  He did not hear the skipped beat that I have been having but the nurse felt it when she was doing the pulse.  He did hear a heart murmur, and said that it was benign. He said it could possibly be something called MVP's Mitrial Valve Prolapse.  He told me the only way to know for sure was to have a EchoCardioGram. He said that skipped beat was being caused by the Murmur and that it was nothing to worry about.  My heart was in good healthy condition and there was nothing to suggest a underlying condition.

He told me that I needed to decide whether or not I wanted to go to have the ECG done or not. He said I would either have the ECG and know for sure whether or not I need to take Penicillin before every dental exam or just take the Penicillin anyway and not get the ECG.  So I have to go back in six wks with my BP results and get bloodwork to check the thyroid, blood sugar, and cholesterol.  Supposed to cut back on caffiene, nicotine, and any stimulants.  I am not supposed to decongestants anymore.  He told me to take Benedryl, Claritin, or Clarinex for any congestion I might have.

Alright well there is your full update on my appt. I think the funniest thing he said today which made me think of some of the things you all said.  He said there are 3 things that are sure in life. Death, Taxes, and these things never happen when the doctors are listening.  The nurse felt it but he never did. It happened like six times when I was in his office, but always when he was done.  He did hear the murmur and the nurse felt it. So his diagnosis was Palpitations, Heart murmur, and Anxiety. He said he knew it was hard to do but the best thing was to just ignore the skipped beat. He said he had the same murmur and the same skipped beat and he knew how hard it was to ignore it but that was the best option.

Ok well I would appreciate any input on what you all think.

Bandit, I was thinking of you today and wondered how your appointment was going! I'm so happy for you. Your doctor sounds like a great guy! Thanks for posting and letting us know how it went! You must feel relieved by the good news AND to have a doctor that has experienced your symptoms and can sympathize. My cardiologist also has these premature heart beats EVERYDAY and understands how I feel when they drive me crazy.  In return I respect and trust him more knowing he goes through the same thing! He chooses not to take any medicine for them since they don't damage the heart and that gives me more confidence in my decision not to take medicine for them since they don't damage the heart. (Although I DO take medicine for the coronary artery spasms since that does carry a danger.)

You probably won't ignore them until something much worse comes along, G-d forbid. Then they will seem like nothing. They will seem almost normal and expected. The beats get off a bit in some people, especially people who have had serious heart disease. You are much too anxious. That appears to me, to be your main problem.

Rj

Well I definately did not have a palpitation free day, but I did notice they weren't quite as obvious. For some reason after hearing the doctor say it's not going to kill you. It made me feel a lot better about the whole thing. The only problem I have is I have to agree with Aldo. I don't think it's something I can ever completely ignore, but I can definately get used to it. I mean there was a time that I was used to it until I realized it was my heart and nothing else. Then I started panicking. So hopefully after this I will be able to relax again. The biggest thing I am concerned about is my teeth now.

After he told me about the heart infection possibility. I have been thinking alot about the dental work that I need done but can't afford. So now I am going to redouble my efforts to be able to afford the dental work I need done. I started becoming seriously concerned about a abcess and the ramification it could potentially have on my heart since I am susceptible to heart infection now. So I have to get on the ball when it comes to that.

Other then that I am just going to start taking better care of myself. Quit smoking, cut back on the caffiene, and start trying to to stop worrying so much. Easier said then done, but hey.

On a lighter note if anyone watches the Animal Planet there is a reality show on there called Get Out There. Tonights episode has my aunt and cousins on it. So if anyone reads this and is interested check it out =0). I am so proud of them lol wish it was me.

Hey Bandit, just a suggestion for you but the first time I quit smoking for any real length of time (3 years) I quit using wintergreen lifesavers.  Have you ever had one?  They are pretty strong and I would eat a bag a day but I did quit smoking.  However, I was going through a divorce a few years later and stressed out and started again (stupid I know).  Then I quit again this past summer by being just plain scared I was going to die from cancer or a heart attack as I didn't know then what it was that was making me feel so sick all the time.  Anyway, if your interested give it a try, it worked for me.     Good luck!!