Wow it has been 10 months today since the Heart Attack....what a relief. During my month of down time the end of this year seemed so far away. Thankfully it was more in my head than anything else. We have survived.
I had a doctors appointment at Cedars last week and now my next shceduled appointment is in March (Officially over the 1 year mark!). Apparently the year mark is everything for the heart. Your heart does the majority of its recovery in that year, so it has been a very long waiting game. Come March the doctor thinks we will be looking at antoher Cardiac MR, but has agreed that we need to keep my radiation exposure down. It is exciting to be at the end of the healing to really see what all I am capable of:)
Thus far setbacks have been minimal. I had a bad incidence of blood loss as a result of the coumadin, so I am currently on Iron and hopefully this was just a one time deal!! Otherwise my body seems to be hanging in there, which is very encouraging. As a result I am just looking forward to the holidays and the new year. I hope that 2010 has a little less to offer (with regards to medical needs), but I am excited to be putting 2009 behind me. Officially time to move on!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Lastest
I finally found a new primary physician. I have a couple of cardiologists but not a primary care physician. I admit it was nice to see a doctor for something other than my heart. Being able to answer 'No' to things such as bladder issues, arthritis and other issues really helped. It is nice to focus on the parts of my body that are happy doing their job:)
I forgot to mention that I successfully completed a 4 mile run, the longest I have done in over 5 months! I payed a price for my efforts but I think it did enough psycological good that it outweighed the strain I put on my heart.
I must admit that Ranexa is a very impressive drug that has significantly reduced my daily chest pain. There are probably about 2 weeks out of a month that it seems much less effective but that is hormone related, I think. At any rate this buys me a decent 2 weeks a month.
My new physician is going to re-test my thyroid and iron levels. I have been experiencing significant fatigue and increased need for sleep and I would love to find a simple remedy, so we are hoping something might show up in my blood.
I have decreased in my desire to blog about this experience simply because I feel as if I have only negative information to share, but it has a therapeutic element. I spoke with a friend who is having some serious marital issues and she was grateful for a blogging outlet that was allowing her to anonymously tell her story. I guess I share this because I feel the same way. I need to be able to discuss some of the disappointments without being too negative around the people that provide me with emotional support everyday.
Unfortunately my last doctor's appointment was cancelled because of the H1N1 virus. I had brought my son to the appointment with me and they were not allowing children under 18 into the entire hospital. It would have been helpful information about 2.5 hours or 2 days prior, but I guess I will just have to find another time!
I forgot to mention that I successfully completed a 4 mile run, the longest I have done in over 5 months! I payed a price for my efforts but I think it did enough psycological good that it outweighed the strain I put on my heart.
I must admit that Ranexa is a very impressive drug that has significantly reduced my daily chest pain. There are probably about 2 weeks out of a month that it seems much less effective but that is hormone related, I think. At any rate this buys me a decent 2 weeks a month.
My new physician is going to re-test my thyroid and iron levels. I have been experiencing significant fatigue and increased need for sleep and I would love to find a simple remedy, so we are hoping something might show up in my blood.
I have decreased in my desire to blog about this experience simply because I feel as if I have only negative information to share, but it has a therapeutic element. I spoke with a friend who is having some serious marital issues and she was grateful for a blogging outlet that was allowing her to anonymously tell her story. I guess I share this because I feel the same way. I need to be able to discuss some of the disappointments without being too negative around the people that provide me with emotional support everyday.
Unfortunately my last doctor's appointment was cancelled because of the H1N1 virus. I had brought my son to the appointment with me and they were not allowing children under 18 into the entire hospital. It would have been helpful information about 2.5 hours or 2 days prior, but I guess I will just have to find another time!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Ranexa
So the last time I went to the doctor I realized that I hadn't been journaling my chest pain and activity level, which tends to be a huge help when I go in to see her. So I will try to recommit myself. Unfortunately I hate being negative and it feels as if that is all the news I have to give.
My last visit to the doctor's was great. I get around my doctor's and feel so secure. They remind me that I am receiving the best care...far better advice than my previous cardiologist that told me I was beyond his scope of practice, so this is reassuring. Leading up to this appointment I was getting more symptomatic and discouraged. In my appointment I mentioned that I was having daily chest pain, that I would rate a 5. As a result they prescribed me a new drug Ranexa, it is supposed to help people with chronic angina without affecting heart rate or blood pressure (a great thing). Unfortunately the drug is still under patent, which translates into expensive!! Despite that sad news I have been on this pill for about 2 weeks (I wasn't taking it quite right at the beginning). It really has seemed to help. My daily pain tends to be faint until the drug starts to wear off mid-day, when I need to take another dose (in the beginning I was taking it right before I went to bed...the dreams I was having were crazy!! I felt like I had lived out another day by the time I woke up in the morning!) Anyway the drug seemed to be doing wonders until yesterday, let's hope that this is only a small hiccup. It has been 2 days where my nitro has really come in handy. The doctor's have expressed their excitement that I haven't had another heart attack and that I am still alive so the medication is doing its job. I, on the other hand, have always viewed meds as a bad thing and have wanted to cut back, apparently I didn't take into account all they were preventing. I will continue to dream of days sans meds.
I am back to 10 hour nights. This really seems to help me throughout the day but is hard for an active little boy, result = not time with the hubby:(. I have been loving the sleep though!! I can hardly believe I sleep as long as I do. I never understood how my brother could sleep well into the afternoon, mind you I still cannot do this but I can easily sleep from 9:30-7:30 and still want to stay cuddled up in bed!!
Another small note, the doctor's are still very persistent that I need to keep exercising, which is a good thing. I have lost a bit of my drive but at least I know I need it. Apparently with a large aneurysm you are at 2x the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and exercise is the best way to keep forcing them to contract and dilate...in other words force them to move so they can't stop working!
My last visit to the doctor's was great. I get around my doctor's and feel so secure. They remind me that I am receiving the best care...far better advice than my previous cardiologist that told me I was beyond his scope of practice, so this is reassuring. Leading up to this appointment I was getting more symptomatic and discouraged. In my appointment I mentioned that I was having daily chest pain, that I would rate a 5. As a result they prescribed me a new drug Ranexa, it is supposed to help people with chronic angina without affecting heart rate or blood pressure (a great thing). Unfortunately the drug is still under patent, which translates into expensive!! Despite that sad news I have been on this pill for about 2 weeks (I wasn't taking it quite right at the beginning). It really has seemed to help. My daily pain tends to be faint until the drug starts to wear off mid-day, when I need to take another dose (in the beginning I was taking it right before I went to bed...the dreams I was having were crazy!! I felt like I had lived out another day by the time I woke up in the morning!) Anyway the drug seemed to be doing wonders until yesterday, let's hope that this is only a small hiccup. It has been 2 days where my nitro has really come in handy. The doctor's have expressed their excitement that I haven't had another heart attack and that I am still alive so the medication is doing its job. I, on the other hand, have always viewed meds as a bad thing and have wanted to cut back, apparently I didn't take into account all they were preventing. I will continue to dream of days sans meds.
I am back to 10 hour nights. This really seems to help me throughout the day but is hard for an active little boy, result = not time with the hubby:(. I have been loving the sleep though!! I can hardly believe I sleep as long as I do. I never understood how my brother could sleep well into the afternoon, mind you I still cannot do this but I can easily sleep from 9:30-7:30 and still want to stay cuddled up in bed!!
Another small note, the doctor's are still very persistent that I need to keep exercising, which is a good thing. I have lost a bit of my drive but at least I know I need it. Apparently with a large aneurysm you are at 2x the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and exercise is the best way to keep forcing them to contract and dilate...in other words force them to move so they can't stop working!
Monday, September 21, 2009
In Need of More Answers
So last week was another week of consistent chest pain. This meant more nitroglycerine and a little more confusion. At least I made one discovery...based on research, a woman's menstrual cycle has a direct effect on the amount of chest pain and how quick ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart) onsets. They said that is why a woman's risk for angina and heart related issues dramatically increases when a woman hits 55 (the hormonal changes). Maybe it is only a fascinating discovery for me...but I appreciate learning something new. I starting realizing some of the rythmic nature of my more constant chest pain and eventually started raiding the internet.
Another small opportunity has presented itself. The Director of women's heart health at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas has asked to look over my recordsand meet with me. She specializes in dealing with athletes, but she also specializes in non-invasize cardiology. Possibly not perfect but I am not at the point of turning away opinions and help. Otherwise I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic's Heart Institute, they have been #1 in the nation for the past 15 yrs, which is nice but also a huge trip expense etc.
Over the past month I have been more and more interested in the surgery option. Unfortunately that option is extremely risky and very invasive...not exciting. So as for now, unless it becomes a necessary step, we will keep riding the medication management train to allow surgery measures to improve.
I will be back at Cedars in a little over a week. I hope that means quality time with the doctor but I am not sure what I am scheduled for. Funny how tired you get of hospitals yet how excited you are to see your doctor in hope of more help and answers. Catch 22...otherwise things are going well. Still working and playing hard with my little man!
Another small opportunity has presented itself. The Director of women's heart health at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas has asked to look over my recordsand meet with me. She specializes in dealing with athletes, but she also specializes in non-invasize cardiology. Possibly not perfect but I am not at the point of turning away opinions and help. Otherwise I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic's Heart Institute, they have been #1 in the nation for the past 15 yrs, which is nice but also a huge trip expense etc.
Over the past month I have been more and more interested in the surgery option. Unfortunately that option is extremely risky and very invasive...not exciting. So as for now, unless it becomes a necessary step, we will keep riding the medication management train to allow surgery measures to improve.
I will be back at Cedars in a little over a week. I hope that means quality time with the doctor but I am not sure what I am scheduled for. Funny how tired you get of hospitals yet how excited you are to see your doctor in hope of more help and answers. Catch 22...otherwise things are going well. Still working and playing hard with my little man!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Running Away?
I feel as if I have been trying to run away from it since I got the news. I have been reading a lot of books and finally feel like I have a better idea about what I am dealing with. I assumed that understanding my problem a little bit better would ease my spirits or that the new medication would improve my overall health. Currently I don't know that either are really working.
I failed to post about my first Nitroglycerine pill I had to take when I was again faced with that all too familiar pain again. Nitro provides you with a crazy headache and really lowers your blood pressure, that was a long day. Thankfully I was feeling better by the next day. I was hoping that with the coumadin I would be pain free, but there must be a clot still in there somewhere. Right now the blood thinners (or anti-coagulants) are only going to assure that in a years time that I will not be producing any more clots, but doesn't erase any that have formed. So the doctors weren't too surprised (while definitely not excited) when I called to say that I had my pain return. This meant another EKG and more doctors visits. I have also been having my INR checked weekly and I have having some problems with that, not to mention insurance issues...I am tired:) I am focused too much on the future tests I will need to have done later and the idea of surgery...no thanks. I need to get back to enjoying the present, it has just been a big month!
I have been jumping at every opportunity to get away and thankfully I have been presented with a few. So I had a great family reunion, tomorrow I am off to send my little sister off to college and then to Michigan. I want the breaks. August cannot end soon enough. Hopefully this feeling will subside soon. I want to calm down! Sorry just a chance to vent a bit.
I failed to post about my first Nitroglycerine pill I had to take when I was again faced with that all too familiar pain again. Nitro provides you with a crazy headache and really lowers your blood pressure, that was a long day. Thankfully I was feeling better by the next day. I was hoping that with the coumadin I would be pain free, but there must be a clot still in there somewhere. Right now the blood thinners (or anti-coagulants) are only going to assure that in a years time that I will not be producing any more clots, but doesn't erase any that have formed. So the doctors weren't too surprised (while definitely not excited) when I called to say that I had my pain return. This meant another EKG and more doctors visits. I have also been having my INR checked weekly and I have having some problems with that, not to mention insurance issues...I am tired:) I am focused too much on the future tests I will need to have done later and the idea of surgery...no thanks. I need to get back to enjoying the present, it has just been a big month!
I have been jumping at every opportunity to get away and thankfully I have been presented with a few. So I had a great family reunion, tomorrow I am off to send my little sister off to college and then to Michigan. I want the breaks. August cannot end soon enough. Hopefully this feeling will subside soon. I want to calm down! Sorry just a chance to vent a bit.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Answers
It has taken me a week to post about the doctor's findings. I was very happy to hear that they had a diagnosis and some form of a treatment plan. On the other hand, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for...so I have a few issues, that largest of which being that I have a giant sacular aneurysm in my right coronary artery. So it turned out that the bulge they found was indeed an aneurysm. It also happens to just fit in the "giant" category...nice huh! Well the director at Cedars consulted with some other doctors and decided that right now they don't have a procedure in place to fix my current problem, but hopefully in the next 10-20 years I will be able to have surgery to repair it. As a result I will now move to Coumadin, a much stronger blood thinner. This is the part I was least excited about, but I know it will be for the best.
The director was actually going to keep me on my Plavix, but after hearing that I ended back in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and after comparing the EKGs she said that I had bypassed another heart attack. That I had in fact passed another clot...well thankfully it wasn't another heart attack (I don't have the energy or resources to go through that again any time soon).
Then based on my holter monitor tests, they determined that I have some autonomic issues that cause my heart rate to jump rapidly and for no know cause. So this is part of the reason my HR is so high when I train, so I have been put on a beta-blocker metoprolol. This is to suppress my heart rate...it decreases my performance and energy levels. To be honest, I have been so on and off tired I don't notice much of a difference. Then I also have the issue of the angina in my heart while I exercise...she is hoping that with the help of the beta-blocker that my heart can rest enough to repair itself. So we are hoping at least some of that will clear itself up.
I still have the green light for exercise...so I am still teaching spin and trying to go out for runs. They are still difficult and maybe a little more so now, but I am headed to the beach this weekend and I hope the cooler weather will make it easier on me.
There have been a few rough moments looking at few unknown that lie in my future, but all in all this was the best news. The doctor found something and could diagnose it...oh and I forgot to mention that they believe that I had Kawasaki's Disease as a child and that is what has caused this aneurysm...look it up, it really is interesting. Well I am happy to be here with my wonderful husband and have a cute little boy to show for all of it. I truly am blessed. Just another little hurdle!!
The director was actually going to keep me on my Plavix, but after hearing that I ended back in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and after comparing the EKGs she said that I had bypassed another heart attack. That I had in fact passed another clot...well thankfully it wasn't another heart attack (I don't have the energy or resources to go through that again any time soon).
Then based on my holter monitor tests, they determined that I have some autonomic issues that cause my heart rate to jump rapidly and for no know cause. So this is part of the reason my HR is so high when I train, so I have been put on a beta-blocker metoprolol. This is to suppress my heart rate...it decreases my performance and energy levels. To be honest, I have been so on and off tired I don't notice much of a difference. Then I also have the issue of the angina in my heart while I exercise...she is hoping that with the help of the beta-blocker that my heart can rest enough to repair itself. So we are hoping at least some of that will clear itself up.
I still have the green light for exercise...so I am still teaching spin and trying to go out for runs. They are still difficult and maybe a little more so now, but I am headed to the beach this weekend and I hope the cooler weather will make it easier on me.
There have been a few rough moments looking at few unknown that lie in my future, but all in all this was the best news. The doctor found something and could diagnose it...oh and I forgot to mention that they believe that I had Kawasaki's Disease as a child and that is what has caused this aneurysm...look it up, it really is interesting. Well I am happy to be here with my wonderful husband and have a cute little boy to show for all of it. I truly am blessed. Just another little hurdle!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Learning to Pay More Attention
After having my Cardiac MR results read to me the Doctor expressed my absolute need to stay at around 150bpm when I workout. This was after I mentioned that ended up back in the hospital after hitting 192 bpm on a run. Mind you when I hit 192 I was not running...this was definitely a jog and nothing more than that. So on my next run I looked down at the heart rate monitor as I approached the first stop light, which is no more than a quarter of a mile from the start and my heart rate was at 156. I think I kept it around or under 180 for that particular jog. This is when I realized that maybe my heart just beats a little faster. So Justin and I decided to compare. We went out for a run while we both wore HR monitors. Once we hit mid-way, we did a check to see how we compared: Justin 146 Danielle 188. Mind you Justin is about 5 years older than me and not really a runner. All the running he does, we do together. I must also note that we never "ran" this was a slow jog, probably 10min mile pace! This is when I realized that I cannot even fathom what 150 would really feel like. I just don't know if I have always run this high or not. To make matter even a little more interesting...you can tend to train at a higher HR when you RHR (Resting Heart Rate) is higher to begin with. Well I happen to have a really slow Resting Heart Rate at 45bpm vs. 67bpm (avg.). So who knows!!
The doctor's office called today, which made me a little nervous...only to find out if I wanted a slightly earlier time for my appointment! I think my heart would have been in better shape without that call! Haha..my life!
The doctor's office called today, which made me a little nervous...only to find out if I wanted a slightly earlier time for my appointment! I think my heart would have been in better shape without that call! Haha..my life!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cardiac MR Results
So in my last post I explained the joys of the MR, but it was all worth while...it seems as if they have something. Keep in mind that I will not get a final reading and plan until I meet with the doctor to go over the test, but one of her doctor's in her group read me the report. It seems as if I have another heart defect. While I undergo stress (exercise etc.) 5% of my heart does not receive blood. This is coupled by the fact that 4% of my heart has been permanently damaged from the heart attack, so that puts me at 9%. I have been told that anything under 10% is considered mild, which is good news. The only problem is that when my heart under went stress during the test it only got to 98bpm, so when it gets higher it is likely that less blood is getting pumped. This is most likely the reason I ended up back in the hospital. I was working out a bit harder and for too long, which caused a little more damage. Some day I will find a good balance:)
Now the doctor has instructed me to stay at 150bpm, which might be a little difficult, but I will try hard. I actually think that my heart rate is higher when I work out because it has to work harder trying to get more blood to my heart. For those that know me, they know how much I love to train and how hard I like to train...I guess this might be my breaking point. Either way it was nice to have some reports back with new information. I still haven't gotten the results back from all of my tests, but I will just have to wait until mid July for those.
ENERGY LEVELS
I cannot explain why or how, hopefully the doctor will have some insights, but my energy level is like a light switch. I found myself with what felt like tons of energy yesterday (this means that I got 8 hours of sleep and was able to go all day and get 8 hours the next night). I felt like an entirely new person:) I have felt this before but it was shortly after the heart attack(7-8weeks post) and only lasted for a couple of days; I hope it is here to stay but I will have to wait to know for sure. I even taught Spin yesterday and felt awesome...I love being able to say that. I am going to be teaching it 2x/week starting next week so lets hope that it keeps getting better.
Now the doctor has instructed me to stay at 150bpm, which might be a little difficult, but I will try hard. I actually think that my heart rate is higher when I work out because it has to work harder trying to get more blood to my heart. For those that know me, they know how much I love to train and how hard I like to train...I guess this might be my breaking point. Either way it was nice to have some reports back with new information. I still haven't gotten the results back from all of my tests, but I will just have to wait until mid July for those.
ENERGY LEVELS
I cannot explain why or how, hopefully the doctor will have some insights, but my energy level is like a light switch. I found myself with what felt like tons of energy yesterday (this means that I got 8 hours of sleep and was able to go all day and get 8 hours the next night). I felt like an entirely new person:) I have felt this before but it was shortly after the heart attack(7-8weeks post) and only lasted for a couple of days; I hope it is here to stay but I will have to wait to know for sure. I even taught Spin yesterday and felt awesome...I love being able to say that. I am going to be teaching it 2x/week starting next week so lets hope that it keeps getting better.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back
Back to the ER...I am not a huge fan of the ER but I am even less of a fan of the Hospital. I have decided that I would much rather spend hours in the ER be told I am fine and go home then spend more time in the Hospital. Well last Thursday I went for what I felt was a much needed jog. Let me preface this with saying that I went for a hilly 3 mile run on Monday, Spin class on Tuesday, rested Wednesday and then went for a run at 2pm on Thursday. The only notable difference about Thurs. was the increased temperature. It was probably high 80s - low 90s, this must have been what did me in. I have been running in this heat just not for a couple of weeks, because as most fellow Californians know we have been experiencing June gloom. Well I went for this run and felt good until about 1.75 - 2 miles in (this is a 2.5 mile run)...my heart rate that hovered at 186 took a jump up to 190 - 193. It was right around 191 that I started to struggle. I was having trouble getting it to drop...I would slow down my pace but it wouldn't help. Finally at about 2.2 miles I had to start working because I really wasn't feeling right. I let my heart rate drop back down to 150 and then I started up again...only to have my HR quickly spike back up to 192. I forced myself to finish the rest of the jog, which I can immediately admit was not one of my better ideas. By the time I came back inside I knew this was a poor decision. my chest was tight and it felt as if the air just wasn't getting there or the HR wasn't going to fall...I cannot put my finger on the pain. I can say that I was over heated and in a sense over exerted. I guess over exertion is the word...but how is a 2.5 mile run at a 9-10min mile pace over exerting myself!! This is where a bit of my anger kicks in...I need to find a way around this.
Well after the run I drove home...the drive was not fun. I felt my throat tightening up and I wanted to dry heave...but I didn't know if I could. By the time I got home I was thrilled, I went straight for the floor and lied down. At this point I was still having trouble cooling down, but I felt a bit pale. I ended up taking a swim in a rather chilly pool, which helped to cool me down, but after about 15-20 minutes, I started having trouble breathing...so I was done swimming (or floating rather). I made it through the rest of the day until that night. At about 10pm I started realizing that my chest was tightening up. My husband was listening to my heart and was having trouble catching my S1 or the initiating of my heart beat....anyway, it eventually came back strong and then I went back to the pre-heart attack pain I had experienced but 4 months prior. I felt as if I had swallowed an egg, that it was stuck in my chest and I was feeling pain in my chest and back. We waited it out a bit but after about 25-30 minutes we called my mom and drove my son over to her place. I decided that if the pain had died by the time I got there we would just stay the night there...well once I put my son down and sat back down my chest really started to hurt. This is when the pain turned into a feeling of really tight plastic wrap and rubber bands that were wrapped really tight around my heart. Then we decided to make our way to the ER. The Hospital saved my life but I really didn't want to go back.
This time what took 8 hours to accomplish the first time I went to the hospital I had done in 1 hour...insane how much different the experience was this time. I must mention that I didn't have the heart attack pain just all of the bad signs that led up to it. Unfortunately the only real advice I have been given is that with persistent chest pain lasting over 5 minutes I need to call 911...so I went to the hospital. Well thankfully most everything ended checking out okay (mind you I was there from 11:30 - 3-4pm Friday. They were going to keep me until Saturday until I saw my cardiologist, assured him I hadn't had a heart attack and that I would be undergoing the most conclusive cardiac test and blood work on Monday at Cedars...finally I got to go HOME!!
I will preface the next entry by saying that I had my tests run...needless to say I am exhausted and do not want to see another needle for a long time. Too many all week long, but the tests are done. Some of the results are back but not all of them, so I will just have to wait. I am pretty sure that nothing will show up (I like being pessimistic so that I can only be pleasantly surprised). I just hope that there might be something that helps to explain my discomfort and new found lack of energy and exercise capacity...
Well after the run I drove home...the drive was not fun. I felt my throat tightening up and I wanted to dry heave...but I didn't know if I could. By the time I got home I was thrilled, I went straight for the floor and lied down. At this point I was still having trouble cooling down, but I felt a bit pale. I ended up taking a swim in a rather chilly pool, which helped to cool me down, but after about 15-20 minutes, I started having trouble breathing...so I was done swimming (or floating rather). I made it through the rest of the day until that night. At about 10pm I started realizing that my chest was tightening up. My husband was listening to my heart and was having trouble catching my S1 or the initiating of my heart beat....anyway, it eventually came back strong and then I went back to the pre-heart attack pain I had experienced but 4 months prior. I felt as if I had swallowed an egg, that it was stuck in my chest and I was feeling pain in my chest and back. We waited it out a bit but after about 25-30 minutes we called my mom and drove my son over to her place. I decided that if the pain had died by the time I got there we would just stay the night there...well once I put my son down and sat back down my chest really started to hurt. This is when the pain turned into a feeling of really tight plastic wrap and rubber bands that were wrapped really tight around my heart. Then we decided to make our way to the ER. The Hospital saved my life but I really didn't want to go back.
This time what took 8 hours to accomplish the first time I went to the hospital I had done in 1 hour...insane how much different the experience was this time. I must mention that I didn't have the heart attack pain just all of the bad signs that led up to it. Unfortunately the only real advice I have been given is that with persistent chest pain lasting over 5 minutes I need to call 911...so I went to the hospital. Well thankfully most everything ended checking out okay (mind you I was there from 11:30 - 3-4pm Friday. They were going to keep me until Saturday until I saw my cardiologist, assured him I hadn't had a heart attack and that I would be undergoing the most conclusive cardiac test and blood work on Monday at Cedars...finally I got to go HOME!!
I will preface the next entry by saying that I had my tests run...needless to say I am exhausted and do not want to see another needle for a long time. Too many all week long, but the tests are done. Some of the results are back but not all of them, so I will just have to wait. I am pretty sure that nothing will show up (I like being pessimistic so that I can only be pleasantly surprised). I just hope that there might be something that helps to explain my discomfort and new found lack of energy and exercise capacity...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Moving Forward
Insurance approval has finally come. What an exciting moment! Dealing with the doctors, administrative assistants and the insurance company has been a pain but I am finally moving forward. I will get to have my Cardiac MR, blood work and hopefully Hotler monitor (this is still another ongoing insurance struggle). As I had explained previously, I am still experiencing a lot of unwanted pains so I am really looking forward to having these tests done. Some friends expressed how awful tests are, but I only partially agree with this. I would much rather have the tests run to start ruling out potential problems and hopefully to help narrow in on a real answer. I don't mind tests so long as they don't confuse the doctor even more...
RUNNING
I got to run for about 3 miles yesterday. I did this run a couple of months back and I am happy to say that it felt a lot better this time around (I think it helped that it was probably 20 deg. cooler this time). The exercise keeps me sane. Before the run I was having a lot of chest pain but I knew I needed to get out, so I went running anyway and the pain only lessened. I am still having trouble recovering - I seem to have some trouble cooling down and my heart rate doesn't rest the way I am used to - but it still felt good. On another note...I am so tired. Where did my energy go. This is one simple joy of life that I miss dearly. I look forward to a day when I get 8 hours of sleep and feel refreshed. Instead I get 9.5 hours of sleep and I am exhausted, my son just doesn't understand and it hardly seems fair:(. I am confident that one day my energy will return!!
RUNNING
I got to run for about 3 miles yesterday. I did this run a couple of months back and I am happy to say that it felt a lot better this time around (I think it helped that it was probably 20 deg. cooler this time). The exercise keeps me sane. Before the run I was having a lot of chest pain but I knew I needed to get out, so I went running anyway and the pain only lessened. I am still having trouble recovering - I seem to have some trouble cooling down and my heart rate doesn't rest the way I am used to - but it still felt good. On another note...I am so tired. Where did my energy go. This is one simple joy of life that I miss dearly. I look forward to a day when I get 8 hours of sleep and feel refreshed. Instead I get 9.5 hours of sleep and I am exhausted, my son just doesn't understand and it hardly seems fair:(. I am confident that one day my energy will return!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Patience is a Virtue
Patience is always a little more difficult when it comes to dealing with your own health or the health of a loved one. I am learning that unless you are in the hospital undergoing tests, the only thing you can count on is waiting. Thankfully I am still getting around and working out without any significant problems, but I am getting more anxious to have more tests run. My biggest problems since the heart attack are the constant confusion, random sharp chest pains and my inability to enjoy a deep breath. The later is really annoying. I will be lying down and it feels as if I am trying to breath under a blanket, this is when I have to sit up and take several breaths while opening up my back to actually get in a deep breath of air. I really dislike this! Nothing feels better than having air fill my lungs...sad I never thought I would think like this. Anyways, as a result of these feelings I have been getting a little more anxious to have the auxiliary tests run, but between the hospital and my insurance it is turning into a long road! Hopefully I will be able to have them done soon.
I have had a lot more down time from the exercise lately as work has been crazy. I did run for almost 3 miles yesterday. The one thought that I always try to keep in the forefront of my mind is that 2 weeks is all it takes to lose the progress made. I enjoy the workouts, but I am also running a little low on energy. I need to start finding a new source of energy...I liked having energy!
I have had a lot more down time from the exercise lately as work has been crazy. I did run for almost 3 miles yesterday. The one thought that I always try to keep in the forefront of my mind is that 2 weeks is all it takes to lose the progress made. I enjoy the workouts, but I am also running a little low on energy. I need to start finding a new source of energy...I liked having energy!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Dispelling the Myths
A lot of women seem to have a lot of questions and very little understanding about chest pain and heart attacks. One of the benefits of me being not so private about this particular event in my life is that I have the opportunity to talk to others. In the past week I have 3 women inquire about my pain, mind you most of these ladies were 20-30 years my senior, but it felt rewarding to be able to explain my situation.
One woman was having some significant chest pain and she had received a verbal referral from her family practitioner to have an angiogram. I was only instructed to have an angio from a cardiologist after my blood troponin levels had hit reg flag numbers indicating some form of heart damage. So needless to say it is a more progressive suggestion from a family practitioner. It was nice to be able to comfort someone and discuss similar pains and help her find a good cardiologist.
I realize this is all boring to all uninvolved but it was nice to be there for someone who felt alone with her pain. That is exactly why I have written this blog, I wanted to be able to provide a story that mirrored similar feeling, worries and questions. I was looking for support and I couldn't find it. I hope that anyone in need of a little help will reach out.
MY PAIN
Just to keep people up to date. I am still waiting for approval to have more diagnostic tests performed to help provide me with more answers. I have been getting some chest pain on and off. It doesn't last very long, but it definitely reminds me that there is still some damage or a lingering issue. Most of my pain feels like a heavy paperweight is sitting on my chest, so some pressure but definitely not my heart attack pressure pain. I also get some stabbing and burning sensations that are painful.
While hiking yesterday I was able to make the clear distinction between an unfamiliar and unpleasant chest pain. I think the slower activity of hiking, mind you this was no slow walk but compared to spinning it was much slower, helped me to distinguish a unique feeling. I feel as if I hit a point where my heart was beating funny. It felt as if it would not slow down and made me a little light headed. I am still having trouble describing it or differentiating it, but it was unique. The doctor's at Cedars-Sinai had asked if I had pains while I ran and worked out, but sometimes it is too hard to decide that, but yesterday I think I finally felt it. Hopefully when I wear the holter monitor they will be able to pick this up!!
One woman was having some significant chest pain and she had received a verbal referral from her family practitioner to have an angiogram. I was only instructed to have an angio from a cardiologist after my blood troponin levels had hit reg flag numbers indicating some form of heart damage. So needless to say it is a more progressive suggestion from a family practitioner. It was nice to be able to comfort someone and discuss similar pains and help her find a good cardiologist.
I realize this is all boring to all uninvolved but it was nice to be there for someone who felt alone with her pain. That is exactly why I have written this blog, I wanted to be able to provide a story that mirrored similar feeling, worries and questions. I was looking for support and I couldn't find it. I hope that anyone in need of a little help will reach out.
MY PAIN
Just to keep people up to date. I am still waiting for approval to have more diagnostic tests performed to help provide me with more answers. I have been getting some chest pain on and off. It doesn't last very long, but it definitely reminds me that there is still some damage or a lingering issue. Most of my pain feels like a heavy paperweight is sitting on my chest, so some pressure but definitely not my heart attack pressure pain. I also get some stabbing and burning sensations that are painful.
While hiking yesterday I was able to make the clear distinction between an unfamiliar and unpleasant chest pain. I think the slower activity of hiking, mind you this was no slow walk but compared to spinning it was much slower, helped me to distinguish a unique feeling. I feel as if I hit a point where my heart was beating funny. It felt as if it would not slow down and made me a little light headed. I am still having trouble describing it or differentiating it, but it was unique. The doctor's at Cedars-Sinai had asked if I had pains while I ran and worked out, but sometimes it is too hard to decide that, but yesterday I think I finally felt it. Hopefully when I wear the holter monitor they will be able to pick this up!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Working Out
This week I have attempted two intense workouts to gauge my progress. First was my usual Tuesday Spin class. We incoporated a lot of sprints and hills, I felt great until about the last two sprint intervals (and these were done at a relatively low resistance). I hit a point where I felt some significant change in my heart rate. Instead of slowing, it felt as if it couldn't relax and was a bit difficult to get the deep breath of air I was looking for. While riding I thought, "wouldn't that be weird or scary if I were to pass out while teaching a class?" What a dismal thought...I hate that these kinds of thoughts even enter my mind these days. Needless to say I was glad that I was at the end of the class.
Then yesterday I tried a mini-Crossfit workout. I really love Crossfit but I am still not sure if I will be able to return to it. Sure I can do my own light-weight version, but the lifting and high-intensity power elements seem nearly impossible right now. I warmed up and then started the mini-WOD:
I made sure to take mintes to slow down and breathe when needed. I ultimately felt really good walking away from that. I think the difference is that I can take the extra minute to breathe or set down the weight if I want to, versus the Spin class where I try to minimize the down time between elements.
I have realized how much I love training at a high intensity. I just hate the slow stuff, unless I feel like crap then I am willing to slow it down. Hopefully this won't be a detriment later in life!
I still haven't heard from the doctor's office, but hopefully I will be scheduling my appointments soon. I say this but I am not looking forward to fasting...
Then yesterday I tried a mini-Crossfit workout. I really love Crossfit but I am still not sure if I will be able to return to it. Sure I can do my own light-weight version, but the lifting and high-intensity power elements seem nearly impossible right now. I warmed up and then started the mini-WOD:
1 mile for time
3 Rounds for time:
400 M Run
5 Burpees
10 Squat Thrusters (15lbs.)
15 abmat sit-ups
1 mile for time
I made sure to take mintes to slow down and breathe when needed. I ultimately felt really good walking away from that. I think the difference is that I can take the extra minute to breathe or set down the weight if I want to, versus the Spin class where I try to minimize the down time between elements.
I have realized how much I love training at a high intensity. I just hate the slow stuff, unless I feel like crap then I am willing to slow it down. Hopefully this won't be a detriment later in life!
I still haven't heard from the doctor's office, but hopefully I will be scheduling my appointments soon. I say this but I am not looking forward to fasting...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Doctor's Office - Prinzmetals Angina?
Have you ever been to Cedars-Siani? Wow what a huge hospital, I knew it had a great reputation, but I had no idea what I was in for. The minute we got there I figured I had made a huge mistake. I arrived 40 minutes early for the appointment (I was told to arrive 30 min ahead), then I had an appointment for 10am and didn't see the doctor til 5 after 11am. I figured it would be a quick glaze over my case and I would have to wait longer to see the doctor than I would seeing the doctor. Thankfully I was in for a surprise. I had an appointment with the Director of Women's Heart Health...she was great.
She spent at least 30-40 minutes reviewing my pains, symptoms and life history. In the end she ultimately decided that I probably have a functional problem with the arteries surrounding my heart. She has yet to look over my angio, but she has requested that I get more tests done and then I will follow up with her again in 6 weeks.
Dr. Bairey-Merz has been doing research on Women alone for the past 15 years. She explained to me how most all of the research out today for heart issues is based on Males. Listening to her put me at ease. The new diagnosis in question is Prinzmetal's Angina. As a result of my visit I know have a series of blood work, an MRI and the blessing of wearing a holter monitor for 48 hours...I can handle the holter monitor, but it means that I cannot shower for 48 hours and she has requested that I go for a run while wearing it (so I feel for everyone around me at work:().
I felt great coming out of the office for the rest of the day until after my spin class. The class itself felt great, but afterward my once dull aching chest pain decided to take on a new twist. Now the pain is sharp and is on my left side, which isn't a great sign. It always seems to work that the pain is worse after seeing a doctor!!
Well hopefully I will get in for my tests soon...
She spent at least 30-40 minutes reviewing my pains, symptoms and life history. In the end she ultimately decided that I probably have a functional problem with the arteries surrounding my heart. She has yet to look over my angio, but she has requested that I get more tests done and then I will follow up with her again in 6 weeks.
Dr. Bairey-Merz has been doing research on Women alone for the past 15 years. She explained to me how most all of the research out today for heart issues is based on Males. Listening to her put me at ease. The new diagnosis in question is Prinzmetal's Angina. As a result of my visit I know have a series of blood work, an MRI and the blessing of wearing a holter monitor for 48 hours...I can handle the holter monitor, but it means that I cannot shower for 48 hours and she has requested that I go for a run while wearing it (so I feel for everyone around me at work:().
I felt great coming out of the office for the rest of the day until after my spin class. The class itself felt great, but afterward my once dull aching chest pain decided to take on a new twist. Now the pain is sharp and is on my left side, which isn't a great sign. It always seems to work that the pain is worse after seeing a doctor!!
Well hopefully I will get in for my tests soon...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Working Out
This Weekend
I got the chance to workout....I love working out! I really think that the psychological benefits of exercise have been my saving grace at this point in the game. What could possibly be more depressing than putting on weight after an ordeal like this?!!
Well I ran a little over 3.5 miles combined with some burpees, squats and dips to make for a great Saturday. I felt great all day Saturday...it wasn't until Sunday that it all seemed to catch up with me. I am not sure if it is the exercise or just my own heart causing me problems, but I did not feel great. This burning sensation has just morphed into an annoying pain. Sadly it affects my energy and breathing...I hate that. I have moments, while lying down, that I have to sit up to effectively open up my back to get enough air.
I have to conclude that on some level the exercise is very beneficial, but I am still not sure how much is too much.
TODAY
I am back to work and classes. Today was Core class. I cannot figure it out...I seem to have more chest pains after a low impact core class than I do after running 3 miles!
On another note, we picked up soccer balls for the gym...oh how I love soccer!! I didn't do anything too exciting, just a little juggling and playing around, but it sure was fun! Sports and the outdoors is some of the cheapest therapy.
Well tomorrow is the visit to the new doctor. Let's hope that Cedars can help answer some of my looming questions. The doctor's office called today and said it was very important that I call them back, I was panicked that my appointment might have been canceled (I have really been looking forward to this), thankfully they were only looking for some insurance info...well I will hopefully have something new and fun to report tomorrow!!
I got the chance to workout....I love working out! I really think that the psychological benefits of exercise have been my saving grace at this point in the game. What could possibly be more depressing than putting on weight after an ordeal like this?!!
Well I ran a little over 3.5 miles combined with some burpees, squats and dips to make for a great Saturday. I felt great all day Saturday...it wasn't until Sunday that it all seemed to catch up with me. I am not sure if it is the exercise or just my own heart causing me problems, but I did not feel great. This burning sensation has just morphed into an annoying pain. Sadly it affects my energy and breathing...I hate that. I have moments, while lying down, that I have to sit up to effectively open up my back to get enough air.
I have to conclude that on some level the exercise is very beneficial, but I am still not sure how much is too much.
TODAY
I am back to work and classes. Today was Core class. I cannot figure it out...I seem to have more chest pains after a low impact core class than I do after running 3 miles!
On another note, we picked up soccer balls for the gym...oh how I love soccer!! I didn't do anything too exciting, just a little juggling and playing around, but it sure was fun! Sports and the outdoors is some of the cheapest therapy.
Well tomorrow is the visit to the new doctor. Let's hope that Cedars can help answer some of my looming questions. The doctor's office called today and said it was very important that I call them back, I was panicked that my appointment might have been canceled (I have really been looking forward to this), thankfully they were only looking for some insurance info...well I will hopefully have something new and fun to report tomorrow!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
10 Heart Healthy Tips
Well as a former Diet Coke addict I am aware of their heart health campaign. For those that haven't noticed on Diet Coke boxes and cans they have a little red dress, which is the emblem of their campaign. They have teamed up with the American Dietetic Association to provide relevant heart health information to women all around the globe. Here is a little pdf with 10 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health:
http://www.dietcoke.com/reddress/obj/pdfs/ADA_TipsForAHealthyHeart.pdf
TODAY
After having a heart attack the main thing I read was that there was this new heightened anxiety. My first month I was really paranoid about every little pain that I felt. This felt really debilitating at the beginning, I was always worried about talking to the doctor about it. The one thing I did learn was that if the pain was at all similar to my Feb. pain that I needed to go straight to the hospital. Since Feb. I have had any pain like that. I can also attest that the anxiety starts to depreciate as time passes. After a couple of months my anxiety is minimal, but I still have more chest pains than I ever had before. My pain has morphed from a burning sensation to more of a dull ache. Hopefully on Tuesday I will get some more information about this new unwanted pain.
My first couple weeks of exercise, about 7 weeks post, were the best. I kept to a 3 mile maximum. I seemed to have increased energy and was psychologically much happier. I really need that exercise to stay sane (and to avoid extra emotional eating). But as Wednesday last week I started feeling some chest discomfort, I assumed it was the Diet Coke I had that day but it hasn't dissipated yet!
Today I went to the beach for a short run. I only ran 14 minutes today. I haven't quite felt myself since the spin class on Tuesday. Once I start noticing my chest pain I knew it was time to start slowing down. As far as I know I shouldn't be having any more problems, but I might have just pushed it too hard too fast. Well tomorrow is another day!
http://www.dietcoke.com/reddress/obj/pdfs/ADA_TipsForAHealthyHeart.pdf
TODAY
After having a heart attack the main thing I read was that there was this new heightened anxiety. My first month I was really paranoid about every little pain that I felt. This felt really debilitating at the beginning, I was always worried about talking to the doctor about it. The one thing I did learn was that if the pain was at all similar to my Feb. pain that I needed to go straight to the hospital. Since Feb. I have had any pain like that. I can also attest that the anxiety starts to depreciate as time passes. After a couple of months my anxiety is minimal, but I still have more chest pains than I ever had before. My pain has morphed from a burning sensation to more of a dull ache. Hopefully on Tuesday I will get some more information about this new unwanted pain.
My first couple weeks of exercise, about 7 weeks post, were the best. I kept to a 3 mile maximum. I seemed to have increased energy and was psychologically much happier. I really need that exercise to stay sane (and to avoid extra emotional eating). But as Wednesday last week I started feeling some chest discomfort, I assumed it was the Diet Coke I had that day but it hasn't dissipated yet!
Today I went to the beach for a short run. I only ran 14 minutes today. I haven't quite felt myself since the spin class on Tuesday. Once I start noticing my chest pain I knew it was time to start slowing down. As far as I know I shouldn't be having any more problems, but I might have just pushed it too hard too fast. Well tomorrow is another day!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Risk Factors
The Major Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
Smoking
Obesity
Family Medical History
Hypertension
Lack of Exercise
Diabetes
Stress
To name a few...
Everytime I look at this list it disappoints me because I had absolutely 0 risk factors before suffering my heart attack. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, exercise regularly, at a healthy weight, have low blood pressure and no family history of heart related issues. I felt invicible from serious health issues; I had spent my life taking care of my body. I am evidence that women and men of all ages and sizes should always listen to their body. It can happen to anyone, so today is the day to start getting educated:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053#Heart_Attack
TODAY
I am getting stronger everyday. Yesterday I taught my 3rd spin class and my endurance is slowly coming back. Sadly any advantage I had over the class I have lost now due to my time away. I also taught a core class and my lower back muscles and hip flexors are weak! Well today I can feel it but I will try to take a Pilates class tonight to avoid anything too high impact.
My residual chest pains come and go. I have gone from a burning pain to dull aching and now sharp shooting pains. I don't know if these are normal or if they will resolve themselves but hopefully I will get some answers soon!
I have a doctors appointment this coming Tuesday for my second opinion. I have a lot of questions and hopefully I will get a lot of answers!
Smoking
Obesity
Family Medical History
Hypertension
Lack of Exercise
Diabetes
Stress
To name a few...
Everytime I look at this list it disappoints me because I had absolutely 0 risk factors before suffering my heart attack. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, exercise regularly, at a healthy weight, have low blood pressure and no family history of heart related issues. I felt invicible from serious health issues; I had spent my life taking care of my body. I am evidence that women and men of all ages and sizes should always listen to their body. It can happen to anyone, so today is the day to start getting educated:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053#Heart_Attack
TODAY
I am getting stronger everyday. Yesterday I taught my 3rd spin class and my endurance is slowly coming back. Sadly any advantage I had over the class I have lost now due to my time away. I also taught a core class and my lower back muscles and hip flexors are weak! Well today I can feel it but I will try to take a Pilates class tonight to avoid anything too high impact.
My residual chest pains come and go. I have gone from a burning pain to dull aching and now sharp shooting pains. I don't know if these are normal or if they will resolve themselves but hopefully I will get some answers soon!
I have a doctors appointment this coming Tuesday for my second opinion. I have a lot of questions and hopefully I will get a lot of answers!
My Heart Attack
Feb. 22 2009. It was a day like any other. I had cleaned up the house, taken my son to the Zoo and watched my sister play basketball. After getting ready for bed I cuddled up to my husband when I started to feel a lot of pressure in my chest. It wasn't but 10 minutes earlier that I had swallowed my daily vitamin, so I assumed that it had gotten stuck. After getting up, walking around and drinking more water the pain didn't really subside. The pain subsided enough to allow me about an hour of sleep until I woke up with intense chest pain. I will never forget the way my back felt, the muscles between my shoulder blades were seizing and I had pain going up my neck in my head and up from my chest up into my throat. After about 15 minutes of pain my husband I decided it was time to go to the hospital. We woke up some family to watch our sleeping son as we left for the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 1am. They took me right in. I proceeded to have an EKG and Chest X-Ray. It was suspected that I had simply gotten my vitamin pill lodged in my throat causing me the discomfort. Both tests seemed to come out fairly normal.
I lay in the ER for about 3 hours before I saw the doctor. After about 3 hours the pain had started to dwindle, not disappear, but I was noticeably more comfortable. At this point my husband I were just extremely tired, the only indicator that was concerning me was that my heart rate had dropped from 50, which I already thought was a little low, to 42-38 bpm. Everyone in the hospital kept commenting on how healthy my heart must be...it was a nice idea but I knew despite my Personal Trainer background that I was no Olympic athlete. At about 5 am the doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound and some blood work, while assuring me that the problem was most likely a GI issue.
After a lot more waiting my husband and I were ready to go home until the doctor finally returned at 8am to let us know that I was going to be admitted to the hospital. Apparently my d-dimer was up and my troponin levels were elevated. For my age a normal troponin reading would be a .001, mine came in at a .325. It shouldn't be a red flag until your troponin hits a .35 but she was acting on the air of caution, for that I would later be very grateful.
I was moved into the intensive care unit of the ER and then later moved to the Cardiology wing. I must also not fail to mention how many questions I received about whether or not I had been abusing cocaine or recreational drugs...to which I quickly responded "No." Apparently cocaine has been known to cause heart damage, i.e. heart attacks. Well at around 9am I saw the Cardiologist for the first time, he assured me that this was all just a precaution, that I hadn't had a heart attack and that he would send me home at 5pm that day. This all sounded really good until 12pm, about 30 minutes after my 2nd blood draw, when my troponin level increased to a 2.4. Apparently after it passes a 1.0 or 2.0 (depending on the hospital) you are considered to have had heart damage, or suffered a minor heart attack. So at about 3pm the cardiologist re-visited my room, leaving a conference to return to the hospital to apologize for inadvertently lied to me. He notified me that I would need to have an angiogram to determine the cause of this damage to my heart. As it was explained to me, troponin is an enzyme released by the heart after heart muscle has been damaged or killed, due to lack of oxygen. Without boring everyone with more details, I was taken for an emergency CT Scan which was negative for an aorta tear. Then after 2 more blood draws my troponin levels soared on to a 6 and later to an 8. After my 2nd blood test I was started on Lovanox shots and later on a drip blood thinner. Ever since the ER I had been receiving oxygen, which I really needed to be able to communicate much at all.
Feb. 23, 2009. The following day was the angiogram. It wasn't the most fun I had ever had, but I was excited to finally have some answers. It turns out I had a clot in a lower branch of my right coronary artery. They also noticed that I have an extremely rare, never been seen to this point, bulge in my right coronary artery that resembles an aneurysm, but the integrity of the artery seems to be strong, unlike an aneurysm. Ultimately they were able to break up the clot. I was forced to lie down for the next 6 hours without moving the leg they had performed the procedure on. Unfortunately after the 6 hours I starting suffering from orthostatic hypotension and was regulated to the hospital bed for the entire night.
Feb, 24, 2009. Finally the next morning the cardiologist looked me over and told me I would be able to go home. He decided to put me on another blood thinner, Plavix. I was instructed to take a low dose asprin and Plavix daily. Later that day I was discharged to go home; I had never been so excited to leave a place but quickly after having to maneuver to a coach to rest was I appreciative for not having to move the past 2.5 days.
I have written this story and will continue to document my adventure. I wish I would have started this right after I got home from the hospital, but instead I will reference my feelings and thoughts from this day forward. After having my heart attack I was lost as I looked to the Internet for stories, emotional help or the story and struggle of another without any luck I have resorted to sharing my own...
I lay in the ER for about 3 hours before I saw the doctor. After about 3 hours the pain had started to dwindle, not disappear, but I was noticeably more comfortable. At this point my husband I were just extremely tired, the only indicator that was concerning me was that my heart rate had dropped from 50, which I already thought was a little low, to 42-38 bpm. Everyone in the hospital kept commenting on how healthy my heart must be...it was a nice idea but I knew despite my Personal Trainer background that I was no Olympic athlete. At about 5 am the doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound and some blood work, while assuring me that the problem was most likely a GI issue.
After a lot more waiting my husband and I were ready to go home until the doctor finally returned at 8am to let us know that I was going to be admitted to the hospital. Apparently my d-dimer was up and my troponin levels were elevated. For my age a normal troponin reading would be a .001, mine came in at a .325. It shouldn't be a red flag until your troponin hits a .35 but she was acting on the air of caution, for that I would later be very grateful.
I was moved into the intensive care unit of the ER and then later moved to the Cardiology wing. I must also not fail to mention how many questions I received about whether or not I had been abusing cocaine or recreational drugs...to which I quickly responded "No." Apparently cocaine has been known to cause heart damage, i.e. heart attacks. Well at around 9am I saw the Cardiologist for the first time, he assured me that this was all just a precaution, that I hadn't had a heart attack and that he would send me home at 5pm that day. This all sounded really good until 12pm, about 30 minutes after my 2nd blood draw, when my troponin level increased to a 2.4. Apparently after it passes a 1.0 or 2.0 (depending on the hospital) you are considered to have had heart damage, or suffered a minor heart attack. So at about 3pm the cardiologist re-visited my room, leaving a conference to return to the hospital to apologize for inadvertently lied to me. He notified me that I would need to have an angiogram to determine the cause of this damage to my heart. As it was explained to me, troponin is an enzyme released by the heart after heart muscle has been damaged or killed, due to lack of oxygen. Without boring everyone with more details, I was taken for an emergency CT Scan which was negative for an aorta tear. Then after 2 more blood draws my troponin levels soared on to a 6 and later to an 8. After my 2nd blood test I was started on Lovanox shots and later on a drip blood thinner. Ever since the ER I had been receiving oxygen, which I really needed to be able to communicate much at all.
Feb. 23, 2009. The following day was the angiogram. It wasn't the most fun I had ever had, but I was excited to finally have some answers. It turns out I had a clot in a lower branch of my right coronary artery. They also noticed that I have an extremely rare, never been seen to this point, bulge in my right coronary artery that resembles an aneurysm, but the integrity of the artery seems to be strong, unlike an aneurysm. Ultimately they were able to break up the clot. I was forced to lie down for the next 6 hours without moving the leg they had performed the procedure on. Unfortunately after the 6 hours I starting suffering from orthostatic hypotension and was regulated to the hospital bed for the entire night.
Feb, 24, 2009. Finally the next morning the cardiologist looked me over and told me I would be able to go home. He decided to put me on another blood thinner, Plavix. I was instructed to take a low dose asprin and Plavix daily. Later that day I was discharged to go home; I had never been so excited to leave a place but quickly after having to maneuver to a coach to rest was I appreciative for not having to move the past 2.5 days.
I have written this story and will continue to document my adventure. I wish I would have started this right after I got home from the hospital, but instead I will reference my feelings and thoughts from this day forward. After having my heart attack I was lost as I looked to the Internet for stories, emotional help or the story and struggle of another without any luck I have resorted to sharing my own...
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