I have just spent the afternoon at the GP's surgery. I had several times in the past spoken to the Dr about what I thought was a heart arrythmia, but it didn't show up on ECGs. Anyway the last couple of days I have been woken at around 2.30 a.m. with an extra-fast pulse (worrying, given that mine, resting, is actually abnormally low (40 - 48). I have been on the sofa all morning, sleeping but being woken again by my racing heart. I mentioned it to the kids, thinking it was a bug or something I was coming down with. Tam was worried and told me to go and get it checked out at the surgery. So I did - have had blood tests done, two ECGs and blood pressure done (that very good - first 120/76, then 107/76). I saw a new-to-the-practice Dr and he was very thorough, and explained to me I had a hint of the start of atrial fibrillation. It wasn't presenting all of the time, but the 2nd ECG showed it was there. I am now on medication to thin my blood.
So, I am feeling a bit shook up, needless to say. My mum died of a stroke, my gran of a sudden heart attack and my dad was on Warfarin but died from a blood clot on the lung all the same . . . I am feeling a bit less mortal now . . . The rotary cutter will have to go, that's for sure! Can't risk another bad cut.
Don't know what to have for tea. Don't fancy the other half of last night's stir-fry that's for sure. Fish fingers perhaps.
My Dad had AF for the last 15 years of his life and was on blood thinners, but he was 92 when he died. I suppose we are getting to that age where we feel our mortality is shrinking rapidly. I hated being 47 as that was the age my Mum died, so I have always looked on any year after that as a bonus. I'm now 72. Take care of yourself. Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteGosh, he made a good age Gill. What a shame that your mum died so young though. I'm 73, so we're a very similar age.
DeleteI have a very low resting heart beat as well. For some reason that fact kind of scares every doctor I have ever had. I am glad they found the reason for your racing heart and now you are on something to help with that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yup, I had similar responses so before they even check (until this week!) I tell them. There are more tests with results to come back an Gabby reckons I will have heart medication too.
DeleteAll very concerning. Be sure to take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have been out this morning (LOVELY time I had) and had a nap this afternoon and on YOutube have found a couple who go round the French Brocantes. I WANT TO GO!!!
DeleteMy dream trip. the Paris fleas. Can you post a link?
DeleteScary news when you get the diagnosis. I've been there.
ReplyDeleteI have AF and so does my brother. Our grandmother died from it in the days before drugs and surgery were developed to control it. I am so grateful I have modern medicine available to me. Blood thinners can be pesky, don't ask me about my nosebleed, however, as a former nurse, I am confident they are keeping me safe. Sorry no comments from me lately. I was reading you but a month of helping with 3yr old twin boy grandsons left me too exhausted to comment.
OH goodness, a month of heling out with little twins must have nailed you to the bed. I seer I am not alone in my diagnosis.
Delete"Nailed me to the bed" perfectly describes it. Sorry about coming up as anonymous, I was using my phone.
DeleteI hope you are ok and early attention and treatment means the situation can be managed well. Much love and caring thoughts
ReplyDeleteLizzy gone to the beach
lizzy d
Me too, but right now every little twinge in my chest (as in bra pain!!) and I am checking my pulse! Danny told me to take my watch off and stop worrying.
DeleteListen to Danny. Since i was rushed off to ER for blood transfusions 18 months ago, evry time I feel a bit out of sorts I am sure I am ''dying''. I have been very depressed too, facing reality? But I am not dying yet, nor were the transfusions useful or even urgent.
DeleteDon't forget that stress, especially after a bereavement can also trigger AF...glad they are looking after you
ReplyDeleteI lay it firmly at that door gz. I was literally in pieces and my way of calming down with wine most nights won't have helped either.
DeleteSending best wishes and hope you’re feeling better soon. My husband has a rare congenital deformity of his heart and in years past would not have made old bones, but with the amazing care,medicines and technology of his cardiologists, here he is nearly 74, well active busy and happy. Rest up and take care, it’s certainly been a stressful year for you! JennyP
ReplyDeleteGosh, your husband is lucky to have had the skill and technology of his cardioligists behind him.. The GP did note that I had spoken and been tested about my heart beat and it getting irregular 2 years ago but it didn't show up on ECG's as came and went. In fact, I recall having it checked last autumn and the Dr at the Hospital was very reassuring! I feel a touch of the Spike Milligans - I told you I was ill!!
DeleteHello from a fellow AT sufferer. I was diagnosed many years ago and medication and treatment have put me in a much better place now. Please don't throw out your rotary cutter! Buy yourself a Klutz glove (that's what they are called here in the States.
ReplyDeleteOh soerry you have it too, but glad you are surviving. I am thowing the two old and had-it rotary cutters and just keeping my new one, and was looking at the Klutz glove earlier. Thank you for that.
DeleteHopefully, as it's been caught nice and early you will be much safer, but definitely stay away from such sharp objects in future. Alan has been on blood thinners for years, since his first and then second DVT, they do work very well, we've had the cascades to prove it. I also have a low resting heart rate, usually under or just over 50 bpm, but put me anywhere near a doctors or a hospital and it trebles, as does my blood pressure.
ReplyDeleteI was looking up what gz said and bereavement can cause it. The stress I was under last year was massive. It is a relief to hear that blood thinners are such an effective treatment. Fortunately I don't have white coat syndrome, but commiserate with you.
DeleteI am glad that they caught it though, esp. with your family history! I agree with gz...you've been dealing with an awful lot in the past year, and grief takes a terrible toll on the body. Your body needs a chance to heal from that stress.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am still so very emotional and missing Keith as we were joined at the hip. The memories of those last few months and days) - I try not to revisit. Just so distressing.
DeleteMy heart is literally broken . . .
Anyway, I can only face eating fruit and drinking iced water - can't even enjoy a cup of Earl Grey.
The family history helps me disappear down a rabbit hole and is a wonderful distraction.