February 11th (a Monday) I went to the doctor because, after several days of feeling like total crap, I thought I had Pneumonia or Bronchitis. Turns out this was not the case. It also turns out that I had been feeling like crap for much longer then just a few days. I remember several times in the months before this where I would be walking from my car to the inside of a store and I would have the most overwhelming feeling to just lay down to rest right there in the middle of the parking lot. Or I would walk up three steps, literally, and have to sit down to catch my breath. I started to think that this was because my smoking or weight was catching up with me. Turns out that wasn’t the case either.
When I went to the doctor the nurse did the usual tests, such as taking my heart rate. I could tell she was struggling because she had to do it three different times but I didn’t really think anything of it. Then when the doctor came in I told him my symptoms and he also continued on with all of the regular tests…such as taking my heart rate. He struggled and had to do it three times as well. After getting an EKG (and SEVERAL more after that) he left the room, came back and told me they called a cardiologist and an ambulance and that I had to go to the ER. My heart rate was at 166 beats per minute. The norm is between 60-90 bpm but should be between 70-80. I was insistent my mom could just come and take me but they refused because they thought I was having a heart attack. I was not happy about this. Ambulances cost a lot of money! Anyway, after stopping my heart twice, (Most unpleasant feeling EVER!!!!) a billion tests and 7 hours later I was released from the ER. They had no idea what was wrong with me.
I went to the cardiologist the next day to get an Echo test but they couldn’t do it. Apparently if your heart rate gets up past like 170 or something it can kill you. When I got up to get on the treadmill mine was at 176. So, after many hours of waiting, the very pleasant doctor (biggest dick I have ever met) came in and told me I have Super Ventricular Tachycardia and that I have to get heart surgery on Thursday. He did not explain what exactly this surgery would entail though. He pretty much just made it sound like I was going to die in the next couple days if I didn’t get it done. (And though he didn’t have time to explain anything to me he did find time in the middle of my visit to answer his cell phone and have a five minute chat with the person on the other end.) Thankfully my wonderful, exceptionally smart brother in-law that is a doctor clarified what all this meant and that I was not in fact going to die.
I got the heart procedure done, by a different and very nice doctor, that Thursday and though they were not able to completely fix my problem my heart is back to its good ol’ self. For the most part.
There is a reason I am posting this whole long story though… I am just about to leave for an appointment. It is with that original doctor that I saw on that Monday. I am going to get a prescription for heart burn and I am all sorts of anxious that he’s going to throw me in the ER again. I know that he wont and that I’m being irrational but after my last experience I can’t help but get just a little nervous. Let’s hope my anxiety is all in vain…
It's an hour and a half later and I’m back! No unexpected trips to the ER and no EKG’s. Just my nice pretty little prescription for heart burn. Oh, and free samples. Score!
Ok, here is the moral to my whole story and some facts about me… 1- Always wear clean underwear. I actually have an obsession with this and I am so glad I do. 2- Always bring a pair of white socks to the doctor. Black socks just look ridiculous with a light blue hospital gown! And you never know when you’ll end up in that situation.
Facts about me number eight, nine and ten:
#8-I am a very good time when I am high out of my mind on Versed.
#9-I have a heart condition called Super Ventricular Tachycardia or SVT. So unless I take medication my heart rate is in the 100’s. Basically what this means is that my body is running a constant marathon. (And can I just say that I feel kinda jipped. You’d think if my body is running a marathon 24/7 that I’d be all sorts of skinny.) I asked the doctors if this condition was caused by my weight or smoking and they said, flat out, no. They said there is no real cause for this and that it’s just something that happens.
#10- My number one fear in life is to have my freedom taken away in any form. Being sent to the hospital terrifies me because I don’t necessarily have the freedom to just walk out of there. I worry often that I’ll commit a crime, unknowingly or otherwise, that will get me sent to jail. Even if it were for one hour I would most likely flip out. I also worry that our freedom in this country will be taken. I have actually spent many sleepless nights having anxiety attacks about all of this. I realize this is all irrational so please refrain from commenting with something about how ridiculous this is or that I “worry too much” because trust me… I Know!
Oh, and I would also like to thank my mother, Jana, and Kara for their remarkable amount of support through everything! You ladies are truly amazing!
6 comments:
I don't think I was all that supportive since I asked that if you died, I could have your waxing kit! My mom on the other hand was very supportive with all the fruit!
Hmmm.. that's true about black socks. I better put a pair of white ones in my purse. Not. :D Good post. I can't believe that dr. I mean seriously this is scary stuff here. I have to say, the idea of seeing you on the Versed ALMOST makes up for scariness of you undergoing another surgery, but not quite.
Very good lessons we can all learn from! =) I am SO glad all is good now!
You didn't even mention the bonus that you've lost 22 lbs. That's ok, though. With winter and the holidays coming, you'll probably find them.
That was pretty gentle language describing that 'heart stopping' business. That was incredibly awful! Not just unpleasant.
Holy cow! I am speaking for both Andrew and myself here that we are super glad that you did not die!! What an experience!!!
Wow, thanks for sharing. I'm glad you are okay.
I always have an internal debate about whether or not I should just take my socks off entirely.
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