Oh Heart of Mine!

Before you even ask . . . yes, these are my pictures. I hope you don't have a weak stomach, but aren't the really cool? If I could take a moment of your time, this is my second time that I will be writing about me instead of my children. These above pictures are just a few of the ones I have from my visit with the heart doctor. Let the story begin! A few months ago I went to see my primary because I was very sick. After taking my blood pressure and getting a family medical history, she states, "before I even discuss why you are here today, I will be referring you to a cardiologist, and you will go." Okay, and several days later I call and set my appointment. Little did I know that I would be seeing one of the best cardio doctors around. Anyway 3 weeks ago I go in for my appointment. Blood is taken, EKG done and so forth, we are rocking along. Common question, "why are you here?" My answer, "family history", just coming to get checked out! Okay we concluded from that visit, my HDL in my cholestrol was way off, 25 points too low. For those of you that don't know about cholestrol, very quick lesson. Your cholestoral should be under 200 and it is made up of HDL (the good, in woman needs to be 50 or above) and LDL (the bad, can't give you a number). Anyway, my overall cholesterol was normal to low, but my HDL was extrememly low. When your ratio of HDL and LDL is off problems can occur. Like doc said, a low HDL is a silent killer because it can lead to other problems without you knowing. So he schedules me for a coronary CT aniogram for Monday, May 5th. We dropped the boys off at the Ps house and off we went. Little did I know that it would take 6 hours to complete it; yes, we got back to pick the boys up 6 hours later. Anyway, they had problems starting my IV, I won't go into it because my arm is bruised and STILL hurting. I had been taking medicine all week to slow my heart rate down to under 60. When it was finally my turn for the scan, my heart decided to stay a little above 60. So I then received over a period of time 4 more rounds of my medicine to slow my heart down. The scan doesn't start until it reads my heart as under 60 beats. Anyway long story short (because I can give you the long version), my heart rate finally dropped and off the nurse ran to start the scan. When she started the scan, it shoots dye followed by saline solution into my IV. If you have a weak stomach . . . stop reading. As I was saying, when they shot the last round of dye and saline ( remember I have tried it 2 other times without it working because the scan will not read until the dye passes into the heart with a rate lower than 60) the saline busted my vein and started building up a ball fluid on my upper arm. Did I tell you I had to hold my breath and not move while the scan was taking place!!! As I am screaming my arm, the nurse comes in to yank out the IV. She did tell me that they got the scan, it only takes 19 seconds if everything is working properly - HA HA! So out comes the IV an on comes the heat packs. Remember that I have had 5 rounds of medicine to slow my heart down, trying to get off the table and walk straight with my arm that is now bandaged up half my arm! Not to mention that I also have a blister on my arm from the heat packs being TOO hot. One hour later, we are finally meeting with the doc (8:00) to go over the pictures and the swelling in my arm is now slowly decreasing. I am telling you all of this because no matter how long or bad the day was, it was worth the wait. My heart looks great, no plaque or artery problems - a health good heart. After hearing that we talked about other things - the scan was able to see all of my organs - everything looked great, very healthy - YEA!!! So I brought up my cholesterol and the low HDL from the last visit that was the "silent killer". To my amazement, my HDL had risen the 25 points needed to get me out of the danger zone. He even asked what I had been doing last week. My answer, " I was on a cruise stuffing my face with whatever I wanted to eat - beef, chocolate, desserts, coke (drink not powder), hot dogs, etc." I mean I ate everything in site, gaining 2 lbs, but working out everyday! So I am telling you this because I know it could not have been from my huge appetite, I know it was all my family and friends praying for me these past 3 weeks. My doctor really couldn't explain it! I am in the clear, I don't have to go back for 2 years! I also want to encourage all women to be proactive for heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause in deaths among women. Most of the time women do not even know they have heart disease until it is too late, check your cholesterol and blood pressure regularly! As many of you know, I lost my father to heart disease, and I am four months away from where he was when he died. I am glad we have technology that will help detect diseases earlier, and I am very glad I have a network of friends and family that take time to pray for me!