Test Day
Good Evening! Today was echo cardiogram day. Can I first let you know that today started out a wonderful day. The sun actually shined on my face today. You don't know how much I needed that dose of Vitamin D. Seattle can be one depressing place when the sun does not shine for a few days.
The Test
Chris was the wonderful technician who preformed the test today. He was very friendly and personable. He also showed me the inter workings of my heart on sonogram. It was nice to have someone take the time to explain to me how one determines how efficient your heart actually is...
Well, the 25 minute test actually took about 15 minutes. So, I figured there was not a whole lot to see. Which is a great thing.
Well no. It was not a great thing. My EF has gone down to 25%. Yes 25%. I couldn't believe it either. I had been doing so well. Hump.
Well the news wasn't all bad. My blood pressure is better. Now I am running in the 100's/70's. All this means is my body will be able to take high dosages of medicine so that my heart will have an opportunity to rest a little better.
Also, my valves are no longer leaking and my heart size is shrinking...oh happy day. SO, the only thing I have to worry about is having major heart failure (not a heart attack) and dying. Oh goodie. How do we keep that from happening? Well, behind door number one there is the pacemaker, behind door number two is $1000.00...well Bob could you tell me what is behind door number three????
The Life Vest
The World's First Wearable Defibrillator
It's a holster, it's a fanny pack, it's a life saver wrapped into one
Essentially, you strap this contraption around your body and wear a electrical device on your hip. If my heart starts to short circuit this contraption shocks the crap out of my heart...and me. I pick it up tomorrow.
What's the 411
Well, I am still on four medications. The newest one, Atacand, I will now take twice daily. I have to add Vitamin D to my diet and I have to add two more days of exercise. So that means daily. I am not too happy about that but, what I can I do.
Wish me luck and send me some comments and funny stories. Looks like I will be here for a few more months...three to be exact.
I am glad that your last doctor's visit went well, and you got that vitamin D test; like everyone in Seattle doesn't need extra vitamin D supplements.
ReplyDeleteTell us more about the external defibrillator, and give it a nickname why don't cha?
We all love you and want the best outcomes for your heart too! Get well today!
Hummmm....a nickname...the monkey on my back...the gorilla tied to my hip...my time machine...
ReplyDeleteI am finding out that Vit D supplements needs to be taken by most women over the age of 35.