Back from Cleveland

[KimC]

Hello, everyone.

My catherization with ergonovine administration went OK. Dr. Heupler is a world-class professional -- I felt very confident in his experienced hands. I wish that he had been my cardiologist from Day 1.

The results of the test were inconclusive; I was asleep during the angiogram then woke suddenly with severe chest pressure after receiving the ergonovine administration. My BP skyrocketed, face flushed and I could barely talk. I thought I was having a heart attack, as did Dr. Heupler.

According to the good doctor, my 12-lead EKG showed no evidence of MI. His theory is that my esophagus constricted from the ergonovine, causing the episode, or that I had a vasospasm that he didn't catch in view.

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. They stopped the test when I became symptomatic, which meant that Dr. Heupler couldn't take a good look at my valves. The good news is that my major arteries are clear.

I feel mixed about the whole experience. Dr. Heupler wants me to start taking a calcium channel blocker and nitrates on a regular basis. I meet with my local cardio on Tues. to discuss next steps.

Thanks everyone for your well-wishes and prayers. They obviously paid-off.

Much love,

 

[tobagotwo]

Delighted to have you back, Kim. That's a rough experience to go through for an inconclusive result. I can imagine it still gives you a shudder when you think of it. I wish it could have come to an answer for you.

What are the calcium channel blocker and the nitrates for, in your case?

By the way, your next test involves this large mallet, and the small "x" that I am about to draw on your forehead...

Best wishes,

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
Glad to hear from you. I woke up this morning and you were in my first thoughts, wondering how you were doing. Sorry that they didn't get to your valves, but at least you know your arteries are clear and can rule out their blockage being a cause of your chest pain. I'm sure you are somewhat disappointed that there aren't any conclusive answers yet. Hang in there.

 

[John & Joann]

Glad your test is over

Glad your test is over

We are soooo pleased that you are back home with satisfactory news and a positive experience with the good Dr. Huepler. We were all very pleased with his kindness, patience, and understanding. He must be near to retirement.

God Bless!

 

[KimC]

John & Joann, Dr. Heupler didn't look like he was ready for retirement! He was fit, alert and fastidious. Unlike my local cardio, he also alleviated my anxiety by listening to me. He was direct and candid. I never felt like he wasn't taking me or the concerns of my husband seriously. I hope he's around when and if I need him again!

 

[John & Joann]

He has been doing catherization at Cleveland Clinic since 1970 with a short few months break. He looks like he is 40, but he has to be nearly 60.

 

[bethanne]

hi kim...
the calcium channel blocker has really helped me since starting in april. It greatly reduced that heart pounding sensation at night which kept me up all the time.. yeah i can sleep through the night now. Also another result is my regurgitation has been downgraded..

It did take me two weeks to get used to it.. I had a splitting headache for the first 24 hours and felt funny about 5-8 days into taking the meds. But since then I have not had any problems...

best of luck

p.s. I do not know if this is related or not, but I have a friend who's son had activity induced asthma. He is a high achiever as well. The asthma doctor felt that her son's difficulty breathing was partly due to the esophogus tightening up at times like swim meets etc. I may not be recalling the story exactly but I do know that his doctor taught him some relaxing exercises and now he is swimming at meets without using an enhaler...

 

[KimC]

Hi, Bethanne. Thanks -- it's good to hear that the body adjusts to the meds. Last time I tried Norvasc, I had a bad experience. This time I'll start on a lower dose and just deal with it day-by-day.

Happy 4th!