Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Well, Doc, I'm a Zebra

Well...I saw two doctors yesterday. After all the tests and talk, every thing looks 'normal' enough. Lungs seem okay. Heart seems okay. Both docs suggest my shortness of breath might be a heart rate or rhythm issue since I have a very fast heartbeat.

While a rhythm issue didn't show on either EKG, it's possible it didn't catch me in 'that cycle' so I will have my dosage of a beta blocker increased to lower my heart rate more and then wear a 24 hour heart monitor in 3-4 weeks. Doc said it may be that I have an unexplained fast heart rate causing the shortness of breath?

I'm frustrated because I'm being treated for a rate/rhythm issue before they do the monitor. Seems a doc would want to SEE a problem before treating it. Since the meds help lower the rate some, maybe he thinks that is a diagnostic tool?

I told the doc I didn't like being a Zebra when they were used to looking at horses. In other words, they've looked at the normal things and I'm an abnormal thing. (Always knew I wasn't 'normal'.) HA!

I'm trying to stay positive. I've decided that sitting is not my style. I just have to be smarter about how much activity to do at once. My first goal is to go shopping again. Second is to walk around the field. A final (big) goal is to be able to walk a 5K. I'm keeping my goals below a marathon at this point. ;-)

Thank you to those who have wished me well. (ALL of you.) It means a lot.

Truth be told, I feel badly for posting this because it's not stitchy or dog related. It is obviously on my mind and since I journal here, it helps me vent. Plus, I have made good friends here so I wanted to share with them all in one place.

A more 'reader friendly' post full of happy things will be soon. TTFN. See you on your blogs as I can this week.

32 comments:

Furry Bottoms said...

Baby steps, my friend. Baby steps. I know you can do it, for you can do anything you set your mind to. Thank you for the update. I love you!

cucki said...

yup you can do it :)
love you x

Vicki said...

Thank you so much for updating us. You were definitely in my thoughts yesterday, and I was praying for a concrete answer for you. I guess God said "wait". I know it's frustrating to not know what you want to know. Hang in there. I think it's great that you're setting goals for yourself in the meantime. Please let us know when you get scheduled for the monitor. Continuing to pray...

Anonymous said...

Continuing to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Parsley! It is good that you are keeping positive. Good luck with your walking!

Robin in Virginia
rlbrowninva @ gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello Parsley

One little step at a time will see you become stronger and then you will meet your goals. I hope the increased medication helps.

I dont' think anyone will mind you posting this here - I suspect that there are many of your followers who were thinking of you and will be intersted in an update.

Sending {{hugs}}

Stress Less said...

Just keep putting one front in front of the other...that's what I keep telling myself. Sounds like they ruled out the really bad things. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mii Stitch said...

I find walking better than running!! You're relaxing your mind too when walking. Start slowly & try to walk a bit faster for a short period of time... I used to walk to work over 10 years ago. When I started it took me 60 mns & by the end it took me 45 mns & I lost a lot of weight too! (ok, now it's all back on with more but, that's not the point) Enjoy your walking & shopping :)

Vickie said...

Oh Parsley! I was so hoping you would have really good answers from the doctors yesterday. Well, no choice but to proceed as planned. Answers will come. Still praying.

Anonymous said...

Parsley,
Thank you for updating us. Baby steps are a good thing. I'm keeping you in my prayers. Remember God is there with you walking beside you one step at a time.

Kim said...

Take it easy and don't push yourself too hard at first. Glad for the update and that you are feeling better.

Kelly said...

I hope they figure it out. It's scary how quickly doctors prescribe medicine for a problem that isn't proven. I went to a Dr. once that was the type that if he heard hooves galloping past his window, he would think it was zebra before he thought horse. Bit of a whacko, if you ask me!!!! Take Care ☺

Fairfield House said...

Parsley,
I've spent too much of my life in hospitals and doctors' offices. There is no "normal". Everyone is different. YOU know your body better than anyone else. Learn to listen to it. Keep a daily journal recording how you feel, what you've eaten, what you did during the day, what medications you take, etc. Walking is wonderful for your body, mind and spirit. Scout and I do 2 - 5 miles daily depending on the weather.
Your Friend,
Deborah

Sharon said...

Parsley, I can certainly understand the frustrations with doctors and the *unknown symptom chase* you're going through right now. Praying that the Great Physician will guide the hands of those involved in your health, and that an answer, and treatment will be forthcoming.

Stay encouraged.

GOD BLESS!

stitchersanon said...

You are a friend...of course we want to hear how you are getting on: not just your stitching or dogginess. I think it is fantastic news that the lungs are clear and the heart seems fine. As a biologist, I think they are right looking into your heart rhythm: it can be something which happens sometimes and of course if the problem goes away with the beta blockers then done and dusted. I am pleased you got a good checking over...and yes, keep a diary xxxxxxx

gracie said...

Hope you will soon be feeling better. Do not apologize for the post... these blogs are ours to share not only the stitching but whatever we wish to share.

Linda said...

Sending happy thoughts your way. Things will work out.

Linda

Unknown said...

Vent away Parsley you just go ahead. We wish you well and small steps make big journey. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly

Valma said...

we are here to share everything, don't apologise
take care sweetie
big hugs
xxx

Karen said...

Never be afraid to question your doctors or tell them what you do or don't want to do. A good doctor will be your care partner, not care dictator.

I hope things go well for you, and you get it all figured out.

Best wishes,
Karen

Catherine said...

From one zebra to another ~ sending hugs.....

Ginny Hartzler said...

Actually, my favorite kind of post is about my blog friend's health and what they are up to. I really see your point about starting treatment with no monitor proof yet! Did they say it is alright for you to walk lots and do other things? I have worn a monitor for a day, and also another kind for a week. YES, EKG's only show what is going on at that moment, and usually the condition does not care to make itself evident at that time.

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Parsley, sending you good vibes and sunshine....take each day as it comes, Hugs Francine.

Denise said...

Prayers continue for you.

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh - that must be kind of scary too - I will be thinking and praying for you too.

Jackie said...

I love your posts....especially when they are about you...so don't fret or worry one bit about stitchery or dogs. On the contrary, I'm always anxious to hear how you are doing.
And...I do hope that the doctors can find and treat the problem. In the meantime, I like what you are going to do: shopping! You go girl!!!
Take me with you.
Love and hugs,
Jackie

Vinniey said...

It's good to hear that your lungs and heart are okay. Stay positive and take it easy. Do some simple exercise and meditation. You can do it, Parsley! {{{Hugs}}}

Maggee said...

Hi there! Sorry to be so late in commenting... going thru a bit of sadness right now. But wanted to let you know that you sound like you are taking good care of yourself, and that is Great! Walking is always a good thing!
5K --wow! I tried that once, but the way back was against very strong winds, and had to stop. That was in the middle of my treatments too, so I didn't want to overdo. You take it slow and easy and all of our prayers will be right there with you! Hugs!

Astrids dragon said...

But zebras are cute! The waiting and not knowing is frustrating, but you've got lots of friends here praying for you... like me! Sending more prayers your way.

Julie said...

Good news the lungs are clear and the heart seems fine. Its hard to get the right balance between what you can do and what you overdo.
much love x

♥ Nia said...

a positive attitude is half way to success ;) hugs to you sweetie!!

Sarah Beth said...

Hi Parsley. Just love that name. See I thought it might be heart related. Those can be sneaky and are good at not showing up when we are trying to detect them with tests:-)

But seriously I understand how frustrating it is. My condition took a long time to diagnose too. But the docs still did treatment along the lines that was safe and what they thought it was..a type of autoimmune disease. I think its good they are treating you. This will let them know if it helps the problem or not. Is it helping yet? I'm still praying for you. I wonder if there are any auto immune diseases that cause this or if there is an environmental factor where you live...also do you drink diet pop. Most diet pop uses NutraSweet in it. When it breaks down in the body in some people it doesn't filter out through the liver and turns toxic to the body. I had this happen to me. Caused me to have all sorts of problems...worth trying anyhoo. Diet rite makes a diet pop sweetened with spend a which should be ok. Praying for you

Intense Guy said...

*wrinkles nose at diagnosis*

Something doesn't sound right...

Of course when I got short of breath it was a blood clot (several actually) in my lungs - I didn't hurt or anything - but they did all the heart tests they could bill for... before looking for blood clots.

Reading on - to see how you are feeling today..