Update

Regarding the recently discovered hole in my heart....

I saw the cardiologist yesterday, and she assured me the hole in my heart was not anything worth worrying about. It does increase my risk for stroke,  but I'm already being treated for an elevated stroke risk because of my atrial fibrillation--so I'm covered. She told me the hole and my heart arrhythmia are entirely separate conditions--one did not cause the other.

The immediate goal is to keep my a-fib episodes under control by adjusting my medication dosage and schedule. If that doesn't do it, then I'll have to have additional testing done, and consult with a specialist.

A part of me will always wish for a permanent solution to my heart problems, but that's not the likely outcome. For now I need to be grateful that things aren't worse, that we have some treatment options, and that for the most part, I'm doing OK.

Thanks to all of you for your concern and support.

V-Grrrl

Comments

[Annie]

How frustrating. At least you are able to stay on top of it and your doctor is working with you. I hope you can keep things steady and even.

[TB]

This must be as relieved as you can be in such a situation. I'm so glad the news was not bad. Just continue to take good care of yourself and I'll continue to send good thoughts your way.

[Nance]

Squared away and crossed off the list now. Follow orders like a good girl. We can all do without these blips on our radars, can't we? Sigh.

[Shirley]

Well, that is good news after the long wait for the evaluation! I know you sort of wished for a causal relationship (we all want such things to just make sense in some way--and I would certainly be the same), but at least you are covered with your current treatment plan and you are being monitored well. Yes, I agree with everyone else ... continue to take care of yourself while you live life to the fullest! Hugs.

[mamatulip]

Many wishes that things remain as they are and that no further medical assistance is needed...

[Flubberwinkle]

The good news is that things aren't worse. Keep popping them pills and take care of yourself!

[Char]

Take care of yourself and relax!

[Debbie]

Thanks for the update!! So glad its good news!

[wordgirl]

Whew! That one had me sweating bullets. Thank goodness for better news!

[Javacurls]

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear things are ok.

[Lynn]

Glad to hear the news! Keep loving yourself, have a good cup of tea and then a nice long walk!

[amber]

I happy and relieved to hear that.

:)

[Nancy]

WHAT!?!? I realize that now you're saying everything's OK, but I missed the original news about a hole in your heart! Wow. I really am glad it sounds like a more minor thing than it could be. I'm thinking of you.

[Mary]

V - I am glad that the hole is nothing serious and it is probably good for milking some sympathy at opportune times. I had a great aunt who was always having "heart attacks." No joke. She would just throw herself down in the middle of a room of people clutching her chest! My great uncle was a riot because he would tell her gruffly to get up off the *&^& floor.

I'm not suggesting you use it like my great aunt did, but you never know when a hand placed delicately on your chest and low, "Oh, it must be the hole in my heart" might work to your advantage! ;)

Seriously, I am glad it isn't more serious and will pray that the a-fibs mind their own business and stay away!