My Doctor's appt.

Well I finally had my appt today. My doctor confirmed that my heart rhythm is getting worse. My pacemaker did pick up episodes of irregular rhythm which I thought was going on. It was basically just like I thought. I am having atrial tachy and then a pause and then slow beats, then it repeats again. He seemed concerned but I could not get many answers about what this actually is and why I seem to be getting worse. He changed my medicine to Sotalol 80 mg twice a day and I have to go back in a week for an EKG and another echo. I am pretty freaked out right now. I can't figure seem to wrap my mind around this whole thing. I feel the need to whine to someone right now, sorry!

4 Comments

Your Doc's Appt...

by Pookie - 2010-02-19 04:02:00

Hi.

Glad to hear that you finally got to see your doctor.

Sorry to hear that your rhythm is getting worse. Hopefully your Sotalol will help.

Don't you just hate it when doctors don't seem to want to give you any information. Sometimes I say to them: "I can see that you are thinking, care to share?" It's like we, as the patient, have to dig for information that is 100% about us. Very frustrating.

Perhaps he doesn't know why you are getting worse. If you think that is the case perhaps you could ask him to review your case with another doctor as 2 heads are better than one! OR simply ask to be sent for a 2nd opinion.

Perhaps this EKG and Echo will give him some additional information so he can solve your heart issue.

I am going thru the same sort of thing right now. My EP has sent me for numerous tests and lastly I am now wearing an Event/Loop Recorder for as long as it takes so he can see exactly what my heart is doing before he decides what action to take. We think we are dealing with Junctional Rhythm.

So, I can certainly understand what you are going thru. And don't ever think you're whining on here as this site is for supporting one another. You don't have to apologize.

It is hard sometimes to get our heads wrapped around all this medical information and it's scarey sometimes because it's our hearts!!!

I met with a new (to me) psychologist yesterday. He specializes with cardiac patients ~ usually people who have had their defibs fire, heart attack patients, and heart transplant patients...I'm his first ever pacemaker patient.!!!!

I frankly told him that it is very unfair that the pacemaker people have no professionals to go to. He agreed, but there's not a thing he can do...it all boils down to the hospital/government and how much $ they have.

I was just trying to point out to him that we are heart patients too and why should we be "barred" from seeing people such as himself. He didn't answer.

The only reason I got in to see him is because my new family doctor pushed him as I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (5 yrs ago mind you) after having my pacemaker, died twice, and 5 surgeries later. I think he took me on as a "sympathy" case. :)
I know I don't have PTSD any more or at least to the degree I was experiencing 5 yrs ago. I see him again on Monday.

Take care, and remember you are not alone :)

Pookie

thank you Pookie

by nat36 - 2010-02-19 04:02:30

Thanks for always being there Pookie:) I am just sitting here crying it out at the moment. I was strong when I told my husband and my mom but now I am a big mess.
He did tell me that he did not know why it was happening. He said that the medicine could possibly make things worse, so that is why he wants the EKG next week. I guess he is just checking with the echo, not sure on that one. It is SO frustrating to have things happening that no one can explain.
I really hope that you find some answers with the loop recorder. Thanks again:)

Oh Nat....

by Pookie - 2010-02-19 04:02:59

You are welcome. I am always here to help if and when I can. Gawd, I wish I could be there to give you a hug. You're crying out of pure frustration, aren't you? If it helps any....I cry almost every day too :)

I cry because of frustration. I cry because I have no control of what is going on with me. I cry because our medical system is so slow. I cry because I want my life back. I cry because I can see what it is doing to Lloyd (my husband). I cry because I've been going thru this for a little over 5 yrs now. I cry because it took me until Sept of last year to finally be listened to and was referred to an EP...which should have happened years ago. So...I understand why you are crying.

I know it's hard to be strong 100% of the time. All you can do is your best.

Take care and know we are here for you.

Pookie
XOXO

Cry...

by qwerty - 2010-02-20 02:02:52

Hang in there and post anytime... We have all had our "crying days"...

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

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My pacemaker is intact and working great.