Partial Results of Heart Monitor
Yesterday, I returned the EKG monitor I wore for 14 days, and I can’t express how wonderful it feels to be free from it! The adhesive caused my skin to be a bit irritated, but it’s all part of the process. I didn’t expect to hear back so quickly, considering my next appointment for the echocardiogram is on the 12th, with the exciting BIG REVEAL on August 21st.
Today, I received a call from the cardiologist’s office sharing the preliminary findings:
I was pleased to learn that I experienced no pauses during my sleep.
However, it did uncover signs of premature atrial contractions (PACs) in the upper heart chamber and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in the lower chamber. Those “fluttering” sensations I felt in my chest make sense now—it’s like my heart skips a beat! While it’s relatively common, I’m looking forward to learning more after the echo.
It made me instantly think back to when I was just four; I was diagnosed with a heart murmur, which understandably worried my parents. However, the doctor assured them that I would outgrow it – and I did! I’ve brought it up to my doctors over the years, and none have detected it since. A heart murmur is an extra sound during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. Only God knows...
As for my feelings about it, I wouldn't say I'm overly anxious or even freaked out, but it does serve as a reminder of my mortality. I believe that worrying won’t serve me well, so I will have to stay optimistic and wait to see how things unfold. God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. It’s comforting to know that He walks with me through every challenge.
In Other News
Both sons are in Oregon, specifically in the Crater Lake, Lake of the Woods area, and then finishing off at Coos Bay. This is their first time as adults, exploring the area. I took them there as teenagers.
This week, while Navy is away, they are having all the windows in their house replaced with triple-pane windows. That will be so nice for them, and then their new stove arrives. Navy will have missed it all.
Update on Sully, the cat
It's been a week, and Sully has not returned home. So sad! Nothing is impossible, though.
During the heartbreaking Camp Fire in Paradise, CA, my high school friend Karen and her twin sister tragically lost both their homes. Amidst this devastation, Karen’s beloved cat was missing and presumed lost. Miraculously, a year later, he was found! Thanks to his microchip, Karen joyfully reunited with him in Roseville, where they had relocated.
Yes, I heard that the PVC's are common. And Yes, many newborns have heart murmurs, and they do outgrow them. I hope all goes well with your appts. in the days ahead, Debby. Whispering a prayer for you. I hope your sons are having the time of their lives in Oregon. It's a beautiful state, and not really that far from me! My brother-in-law used to live there, and always wanted us to move there, but California was our home.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Oh I know they’re probably living their adventures and going to the same places we all went to that one summer. Oregon is a gorgeous state. When we first moved here, we’d drive up to Ashland in a day for the Shakespeare Festival.
DeleteWe have family in around Medford.
I'm glad to hear that the preliminary findings were mostly positive. Thank you for sharing The Dodo link; that's one of my favorite sites.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy it too.
DeleteThis is great news, Debby. I'm glad to hear that from your doctor. Oh, no! Sully! I pray that you find him. Have you tried asking rescue pages to post his picture?
ReplyDeleteSully belongs to my neighbor and they have posted everywhere. There’s still hope.
DeleteI am glad that the monitor did not show anything too nasty. I am awaiting the results from my Echo and I hope they show the same thing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I wish I did all this in the winter months.
DeleteGlad to hear your monitor results are nothing to worry about. I am sure you are so glad to be rid of that device. Im currently on week three of eight weeks of my arm in a sling following rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder. It hasn't been too bad except I cannot drive until it is gone and have several months of rehab still. Kind of put a damper on my summer, oh well.
ReplyDeleteJim and I stopped several tiimes at Crater Lake when we were up in Oregon, usually for a long weekend. I once threw a snowball at him (hit the drivers side window)when he got back in the car because it was cold. Made him jump, it was payback for scaring me in the shower one time....lol. We also loved to check out several of the waterfalls in the area.
I remember! I had my rotator cuff surgery the Monday after Thanksgiving and glad it wasn’t summer.
DeleteNice memory, Leslie! Oregon is a beautiful state.
I have PVC's and a heart murmur too. Glad you outgrew yours. Your echocardiogram will tell more - what is wrong with your heart to have all these tests?
ReplyDeleteThat cat is so pretty - hope they find him.
Yes, there is still hope. You just never know with cats! I am glad to hear that they found nothing real serious. I have something called Extra Beats ( I think PVC's). This sounds kind of similar.
ReplyDeleteYeah that would be it
DeleteGlad you hear your early information is positive. So sorry to hear about Sully the cat still missing. Will send up a prayer. I sure hope they find him.
ReplyDeleteI do too.
DeleteGlad they found a partial reason. I too have a heart murmur. Sometimes I flutter too. Hope the rest of the results are good as well. I sure hope Sully returns. Will say a prayer that he comes home safe. Janice
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this is related? The heart murmur that I supposedly outgrew, and this? Oh well, time to get my questions in order!
DeleteHeart disease can be a complex journey My husband has gone through it for many years now. Positive thoughts til you learn more.
ReplyDeleteso sad your friends losing their homes-I can't imagine happy they re united with their kitty-hoping yours comes home soon hugs
They called him the miracle cat
DeleteGood Morning Debby. I know you are thankful to have an early answer about the reason for the flutterings of your heart. Prayers for your future appointments and that all your questions and concerns will be answered. How nice for Navy to be gone while this work is taking place...It will be joyful for him when he returns, to have all this work completed. I do hope that Sully returns safely home...
ReplyDeleteWell I don't think his wife is that happy that he is gone - but he had this vacation planned and then they scheduled on it.
DeleteHi, Thank you for the update. I will continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteI will be excited to have you post your son's trip ... the photos from the last were amazing.
I do hope Sully returns.
xx oo
Carla
They never send me as many photos as I would like.
DeleteGlad that wearing the heart monitor was worth it, Debby, since it did pinpoint some areas that the cardiologists may want to focus upon, but I'm glad you were able to ditch it for now. I'm going to pray that all goes well at your next appointment. Poor Sully! He's too beautiful to be missing, and I hope he's found soon. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIt is a thorough testing and then if they find other things, they can go from there.
DeleteI'm so glad you're finally getting answers to your cardio issues, Debby. Cautiously optimistic. Aren't we so blessed to live in a time with this sort of technology?!
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for Sully until we hear differently. There's always hope!
So glad you are done with the heart monitor, and that the preliminary results don't sound too scary. Praying that all will be well. Praying also for Sully the cat to return home soon. And praying for your boys as they explore Oregon together. Sounds like a fun time for them. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteYeah I have heard that some can out grow a heart murmur, it would feel good to not have that machine attached. I am sad to hear that Sully hasn't returned
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with PVC's a few years ago. I don't usually feel them unless I have too much caffein. Then it makes them worse or stronger or something!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying that all will be good with your heart. I hope your sons have a wonderful time together. So sorry to hear about Sully. So sad to read about your friends who lost their homes in the fire.
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