Still smiling but the nerves are rattled!! The first words the Dr said were; "You sure look a lot healthier than what the test results show." I said; Is this a good thing? I have a quite a lot of moderate to severely decreased activity in the entire mid heart wall extending into the interior wall. This is not reversible. This was caused by the prior heart attack. Also there is a small area of mild decreased activity in the base of the anterior wall which is reversible.
The scan shows positive for ischemia in the mid to to distal outer heart wall, and inferior wall.findings are consistent suggesting ischemia in the base of the anterior wall.
I have been given another appt. on June 20th for the heart muscle vitality exam/Pet Scan. They will then try to reverse the damage to the base of the anterior wall which should give me back more muscle contraction and help with my circulation which causes the shortness of breath, weakness and leg cramps and pain.
i was prescribed isosorbide mononitrate to take daily; it is suppose to stop my chest pain and help open the arteries for more blood flow. Also given Nitro tablets in case I have any serious heart pain and was informed how to take them if needed. I took the isosorbide and the side effects of light headed, nausea, and yes...hot flashes have the effect on me. Told it was normal until i get used to it.
There is the scoop and I hope they are doing the right thing...but all this nuclear stuff might cause me to glow in the dark and I have trouble sleeping with a light on. LOL!!!
bjoyce said
02:13 AM Jun 15, 2013
Those hot flashes can be referred to as "personal summer".
Lonney Wade said
07:41 AM Jun 15, 2013
Hi Pieere, This is my first time talking to you, my heart goes out to you as you tell your life story; as my father went through the same thing at 48 years old; he did get stronger as the time went by; to a point; he could only do so much and that was ok with him; he was a Pastor for 20 years so I saw a lot of things God can do; when I sit at night on my bed I pray for my small grandchildren till my eyes are wet every night; I will put you in my prayers; God can do mighty things so have faith; God is with you and God bless.
Lonney
SnowGypsy said
02:06 PM Jun 15, 2013
Although I don't understand all the medical jargon, if you are smiling, so are we. Try to find the positive like if you glow in the dark, a flashlight won't be necessary! Plus, you would make a great guide directing people to their campsites after dark! You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and we'll be watching your progress to being the best you can be - that is all any of us can do - just work with what we have to work with.
Terry and Jo said
03:05 PM Jun 15, 2013
Ed,
At least you still have a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Keep both of those "stoked up" and difficult times will seem less difficult. I agree with Cathy in that if you are smiling, so are we. Prayers are still with you.
With regards to the hot flashes, Jo says they are much more than "personal summer." I think she thinks it's more like "personal Death Valley." She says to drink ice water. She also bought a small 6", clip-on fan that she attached to the "window treatment" on her side of the bed that she can turn on at night. It blows down on her head and helps her quite a bit.
Terry
WestWardHo said
02:45 PM Jun 16, 2013
Ed,
You're happy so we're happy. Most of all as you are now getting care and treatment. Really hope your new meds will help. You were lighting us all up before you were radioactive so you probably just put on the high beams now! 😄
Sherry
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
02:59 PM Jun 16, 2013
After reading your post to my wife, she said "Yup, they're on the right track now." (Alie is a retired nurse who spent 15 years on various ICU floors.) Hope your strength returns and things continue to improve.
Penny and Paul said
10:15 PM Jun 16, 2013
Ed - Sounds like you're rolling with the punches and keeping your spirit pointed in the right direction. It's amazing what positive attitude and heartfelt prayer can do! You're in our thoughts and prayers.
PIEERE said
06:13 PM Jun 24, 2013
Had the myocardial viability exam on the 20th; Scary!!!! I was inserted with an IV and another dose of "glow in the dark serum". Then I was given my first nitro tablet; whoa let me tell you; I was asked to stand up, and it was lights out time; well almost; istarted sweating profusely; my legs started wobbling; they held me under the arms and sat me down. When I felt better I was brought to another room where i lay down for about an hour until my scan time.
Here is the results of the Nuclear Test according to the Cardiologist report. High lipid count; Ischemia; angina; Shortness of breath; Congestive heart failure; cardiomyopathy...dead heart muscle about 1/3; coronary heart disease. The isosorbide seems to help keep the heart pain away. The Nitro tabs they gave me; well the pain will have to be almost as bad as that heart attack in 2012 before I use it!
I go in July 12th for an Echocardiogram and another visit to the Cardiologist. Maybe by then i will no the results of the viability test. Until then I am trying to remain in good spirits and as positive as can be. your prayers and thoughts seem to be working and are appreciated.
SnowGypsy said
10:12 PM Jun 24, 2013
Definitely try to stay in good spirits. I have so many people stressed out waiting for their test results and the waiting nearly did them in! This is important stuff and I know you must get impatient with the waiting but surely soon they will be able to paint you a picture of what you are looking at and what can be done about it. In our thoughts and prayers.
PIEERE said
11:01 PM Jun 25, 2013
My biggest stressor is waiting on SSDI to respond to my updates on health. I have applied last October; got denied this Past April, hired an advocate Filled out more lengthy forms the beginning of May.I go in for and Echo on the 12th of July and then to the Cardio Dr. in the PM.
RickandJanice said
02:02 AM Jun 26, 2013
Pieere, you are in our prayers!! Just remember it is all in God's hands and we must trust Him!
The scan shows positive for ischemia in the mid to to distal outer heart wall, and inferior wall.findings are consistent suggesting ischemia in the base of the anterior wall.
I have been given another appt. on June 20th for the heart muscle vitality exam/Pet Scan. They will then try to reverse the damage to the base of the anterior wall which should give me back more muscle contraction and help with my circulation which causes the shortness of breath, weakness and leg cramps and pain.
i was prescribed isosorbide mononitrate to take daily; it is suppose to stop my chest pain and help open the arteries for more blood flow. Also given Nitro tablets in case I have any serious heart pain and was informed how to take them if needed. I took the isosorbide and the side effects of light headed, nausea, and yes...hot flashes have the effect on me. Told it was normal until i get used to it.
There is the scoop and I hope they are doing the right thing...but all this nuclear stuff might cause me to glow in the dark and I have trouble sleeping with a light on. LOL!!!
Hi Pieere, This is my first time talking to you, my heart goes out to you as you tell your life story; as my father went through the same thing at 48 years old; he did get stronger as the time went by; to a point; he could only do so much and that was ok with him; he was a Pastor for 20 years so I saw a lot of things God can do; when I sit at night on my bed I pray for my small grandchildren till my eyes are wet every night; I will put you in my prayers; God can do mighty things so have faith; God is with you and God bless.
Lonney
Ed,
At least you still have a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Keep both of those "stoked up" and difficult times will seem less difficult. I agree with Cathy in that if you are smiling, so are we. Prayers are still with you.
With regards to the hot flashes, Jo says they are much more than "personal summer." I think she thinks it's more like "personal Death Valley." She says to drink ice water. She also bought a small 6", clip-on fan that she attached to the "window treatment" on her side of the bed that she can turn on at night. It blows down on her head and helps her quite a bit.
Terry
You're happy so we're happy. Most of all as you are now getting care and treatment. Really hope your new meds will help. You were lighting us all up before you were radioactive so you probably just put on the high beams now! 😄
Sherry
Hope your strength returns and things continue to improve.
Here is the results of the Nuclear Test according to the Cardiologist report. High lipid count; Ischemia; angina; Shortness of breath; Congestive heart failure; cardiomyopathy...dead heart muscle about 1/3; coronary heart disease. The isosorbide seems to help keep the heart pain away. The Nitro tabs they gave me; well the pain will have to be almost as bad as that heart attack in 2012 before I use it!
I go in July 12th for an Echocardiogram and another visit to the Cardiologist. Maybe by then i will no the results of the viability test. Until then I am trying to remain in good spirits and as positive as can be. your prayers and thoughts seem to be working and are appreciated.