Good news! I do have a heart. Yes, that’s right. I saw it on the ultrasound machine today when I had my echocardiogram. I had an appointment at Unity hospital after my doctor ordered further testing. I felt a little fluttery in my chest, and after an EKG at my doctor’s office, she thought she saw something that hadn’t been there the last time I had an EKG. So she had me set up a visit with the cardiology department at the hospital for more testing.
The ultrasound hurt! I didn’t expect that. I have had ultrasounds before (when pregnant and when I had belly pain from an ovarian cyst). I’m used to the gloppy gel and the wand sliding around. It’s never hurt before. This one had the gel and the wand, but the technician spent a lot of time pressing down pretty hard to get pictures of my heart.
She poked hard at my breastbone and my ribcage. Ouch. I had to hold my breath while she took images and measurements. I’m not sure what she saw. I could see the valves opening and closing in my heart. They looked freaky to me, but maybe that’s how they are supposed to look. The sound effects were great. I could hear my heart beating and hear the blood whooshing and flowing. It was pretty cool. I wonder if there’s a white noise machine that makes those sounds. It seemed like something I could fall asleep to! Hey, maybe I’m just regressing back to my days in the womb.
Another test I had to have is the continuous monitor. I’m now wearing a Holter monitor for twenty-four hours. The paper they gave me indicates it’s a “24-hour Avionics study”. Avionics have to do with aircraft so I’m not sure quite what that means other than it has to do with electrical systems.
Fingers crossed for me that this is nothing serious. I’m already working on healthy eating and losing weight. As much as I like the folks at the Unity cardiology department (they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met), I don’t want to spend a lot of time there.
Here’s hoping your heart is fine or that it is just a slight murmur. It can be a scary ordeal and the waiting is the hardest part. Been there did that. :o)
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Thank you. This monitor is annoying and uncomfortable!
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I know, I had to wear one for a week. Praying you get good news and will move on with a smile. :o)
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Thank you.
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Keep my fingers crossed that you’ll be fine!
At least you can be sure to have pulse whilst you’r wearing this new fancy accessory 😉
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Thank you. I’ve been telling everyone it’s a new fashion statement.
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Sending you best wishes. I had my heart monitored for suspected irregular heart rhythms. Turned out well. Unsettling time, though. Fingers, everything crossed for you!
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I had an angiogram this time last year. My arteries were perfectly clear. I’m hoping this is nothing, too.
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Keeping my fingers crossed for you my lovely! It’s uncomfortable to wear a monitor too – The Bloke had one for a week… Let us know how you get on!
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Wow. For a week? I think I’d go crazy. Twenty-four hours is long enough for me. Thanks, Suzie.
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Fingers crossed here too!
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Thank you, Allie.
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The very best of luck to you. Kevin
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Thank you.
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