having a bad week | Arthritis Information

hey,

Just wanted to share and ask for prayers and positive vibes. I went to get pre-op tests done for a D&C and my ekg came back abnormal. On Tuesday I went and had an echocardiogram and stress test done. The stress test came back and they saw that a tiny part of my heart is not constricting right. So on Monday I have to have a heart catherization and possibly stents. I am scared to death. I don't know if this was brought on by ra or what. Does anyone else have this problem now or in the past? I am only 42 years old and can't believe it. So worried something serious is wrong.

The waiting is the hardest and I can't wait to get this over with.

thanks for reading and being out there to listen

take care

I am soo sorry to hear of this, Cindee. I hope nothing too wrong with you.

Much hugs and prayers your way.

t hx Joonie, that's sweet of you.

Did you get to see your movie "Friday the 13th"? I remember seeing the original when I was a teenager and it scared me good. I better lay off the scary movies until I get this heart thing figured out.

[QUOTE=CinDee]hey, Jas, that's exactley what my smart rn sister said. I was lucky to catch it early before I had a heart attack or open heart surgery like our mom had.

I'm not so freaked out now but yesterday was bad. I couldn't quit crying and shaking. I finally took a valium and that made it easier to deal with.

thx for your uplifting post

Hi Cindee, I've learned to always expect the unexpected. Eighteen months ago I had a preop exam, inlcuding EKG which was abnormal. The total knee replacement was canceled and I was sent to the cardiologist for a complete workup, including heart cath. Like you, I was scared to death; much more frightened of the cath than the knee replacement. The heart cath went smoothly and knee replacement was done with no problems.

My cardiac issue is different than yours and is asymptomatic and can't be treated unless it becomes symptomatic. If you haven't done so, talk to your RD about instructions on stopping your meds several weeks prior to the heart cath and that should include NSAIDs. No matter what we tell you, you're going to be stressed about the heart cath. I think being worried is a natural response to having cardiac testing done. It's scarey and out of our hands. I lived through it, a few more white hairs. Take care. Lindy

LinB2009-02-14 00:07:38As Jas said I am also so happy they caught this before you had a heart attack. I know someone that has a stint. But he had the heart attack first. So you are doing this in a better order. I know this is shocking news. But i am glad it was found now.

Cindee....I think this is wonderful news!! You MAY ( or may not) have a problem but it has been picked up/recognised. That is very fortunate!!

2 years ago I was sent for an ECG because I had/have an abnormal heartbeat...I too was worried but it turned out to be not a regular pattern ( added...of abnormality) and all is OK. My sister had an abnormal cervical smear 5 years ago and freaked out that it may have been cancer. She is on 6 monthly tests and all is well although her cell changes continue to stay in the 'concerned' zone. She is being monitored and at the first sign of a negative wee beastie she will be zapped!! I thank God that I/she is being cared for and a potential problem is recognised.

I do understand that this is a worrying time but please keep a positive outlook, and I will be keeping everything able to be crossed, crossed for you.

Good thought and positive vibes sent to you.

Lyn xxxx

ETA: I have just read all the replies above, ( a very good idea doing that!! lolol) and see I have echoed others thoughts, Take heart from that and enjoy a lovely Valentines Day. Ours is about to finish.

xxx

LyndeeNZ2009-02-14 02:10:19 [QUOTE=CinDee]Jas, that's exactley what my smart rn sister said. I was lucky to catch it early before I had a heart attack or open heart surgery like our mom had. Cindee I'll be sure to put you in my prayers Monday. Best of luck to you! Good luck, Cindee. This is the time to have such a scary thing happen, if it has to. I keep thinking that I'm so glad to have RA now, when they have some idea how to treat it. They know so much about taking care of the heart now, I'm glad you caught it early as others have said.[QUOTE=Bluehour]Good luck, Cindee. This is the time to have such a scary thing happen, if it has to. I keep thinking that I'm so glad to have RA now, when they have some idea how to treat it. They know so much about taking care of the heart now, I'm glad you caught it early as others have said.[/QUOTE]

Now that is one enlightened post..and so damned true. Thanks for reminding me .

( I mean having RA now)

LyndeeNZ2009-02-14 05:45:37Cindee - you hang in there girl. I know lots of people who have had this procedure now, and did just fine. You have lots of hugs and prayers coming from everyone here. CathKeeping you in my thoughts and prayers CinDee...that everything goes smoothly for you on Monday.Cindee, I had a heart cath done 1 1/2 yrs ago. I was soooo scared! Make sure you share your feelings with the staff, they will do everything to make you comfortable and you won't feel so alone. It really is not bad at all, the worst for me turned out to be the IV stick! Jasmine has the most wonderful way of seeing things... and she is right on! How lucky to catch this early!

I'm a hummin' for you!
CinDee...you are in my thoughts and its a true saying forewarned is forearmed. Anything to do with the heart is scary, but definetly let the staff know how you are feeling.

Let us know how you go..xxBest to you CinDee

Bluehour is so right about the timing.... nowadays, it's almost commonplace surgery/procedures-- much like a dentist drilling your teeth!! That is what the Cardiologist told my Dad before he had several heart surgeries.......

keeping good thoughts for you!!

My dad had the heart cath and said it was nothing. I like you am a scardy cat when it comes to these things but just realize it's for the best. You will be okay!Thanks so much everyone for the prayers and positive words. I am more at peace now and not freaking out as much. I will let you all know what the results are. I feel so much better.

Thanks a million!