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!!

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:

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...

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...

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!!