Hospital or wait for cardio appt.?

stephanie38 · Jul 17, 2010

I posted a few weeks earlier with my test results from February and everything looked great, except for a note on the report of Grade 3 diastolic dysfunction, which the doctor did not mention to me. About 2 months ago when I started back on the treadmill I started having a little dizziness and short of breath and the advice from y'all was to make an appt. Well, I have stalled. 2 weeks ago I had an episode at work when I leaned over to clear a paper jam and had a lot of pressure in my neck, got dizzy and couldn't breath. It took me a couple of minutes to recover. I had the pressure the rest of the day, so I took my blood pressure that night and it was 94/57 with an irregular heart beat sign. I layed down and took it again an hour later and it was back to normal for me, about 106/65. I have never had high bp, have always had low cholesterol, but this hard to breath thing is continuing, along with chest discomfort, not pain. I called my cardio and GP that Monday and unfortunately my cardio had just left on a 2 week vacation, so I went to my GP. He did blood work and an ekg. Everything was normal, so he wanted me to see the cardio ASAP. It took a week to get the blood work back, so by then, it was only going to be another week.

So now, I have an appointment for a stress test this Tuesday, with a follow-up with the cardio for a week from Wed. I don't want to go through the hassle of the ER and unknown doctors if there is no reason to. On the other hand, I don't want to be stupid. They do the testing in my cardio's office, so if something is wrong, wouldn't they see me earlier? I'm not even sure if this is BAV or heart related.

I take care of my Mom who has dementia and that is another factor. She would flip out if I'm in the hospital for testing as opposed to me telling her I just have a doctor appointment to go to. I know that may sound silly, but it's just less stress for everyone.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post.

BDMc · Jul 17, 2010

Stephanie, I would stay in touch with your GP about symptoms, and if you feel any that you haven't cleared with him go to the ER. Have you talked about the symptoms since your appointment? Did he say anything about when to go to the ER? If not I would ask him. I totally sympathize about the complicating factor. That makes doing anything harder. I spent the better part of the last decade involved in senior care. It is not fun, but also is not without it's rewards, though they may seem few and far between. Sorry I can't be more of a help. Your post is not too long! It is well written, and includes important information. Hope you get some help, and feel better soon. All the best, Brian

Mentu · Jul 17, 2010

Stephanie, I've had similar symptoms before my AVR and they can be distressing but as to whether you go to the ER, if you think you should go, you should go and absolutely if you feel you are in distress. I think you should certainly go if you begin having chest pains or you begin having difficulty breathing. It is always possible that symptoms are caused by something other than problems with the aortic valve. As someone also with an elderly Mother, I know it can be very troublesome to break their routine but sometimes that is better than any of the alternatives. Take care.

Larry

Daren · Jul 17, 2010

Stephanie, I have had the same situation that you now have, not just heart problems but careing for an elderly parent. I sometimes found that while in that situation you tend to discount your own health problems because your focus is on the other person. I dont think there is an easy answer, just do what you feel is best at the time for any given situation. I hope and pray that all will be ok for you but dont forget to take care of yourself too. daren

Lynlw · Jul 17, 2010

Since you waited this long, UNLESS you are having alot of problems right now, I would not go to the ER. I would wait and see how the stress test turns out Tuesday. IF they see something that needs attention right away, they most likely will tell the doctor and he will see you then, or if it isn't an emergency but a case they think you should be seen sooner, they will most likely move up your appt. Even when cardiologist are booked as far as making an appt goes, they always can squeeze someone in if they need to be seen right away and shouldn't wait.

stephanie38 · Jul 17, 2010

Thanks for the replies. It does help. I think I freak out when I do have the symptoms, but they are really only when I am doing something, like cleaning house, or lifting grocery bags. So I think my plan will be to be still and and wait for Tuesday.