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Hello everyone! How are you all? I am doing well except for some heart problems I have been having, mainly high blood pressure. I started having this issue about 8-12 weeks ago and then I had an episode of SVT (supra ventricular tacchycardia....SP?) where my pulse rate was at 180 for about 6 hours.
My BP readings are consistently over 150/90 and at one point I was at 200!!! I have an echocardiogram scheduled tomorrow and the cardiologist I was referred to doesn't think it's my heart. He thinks it's my birth control pills or thyroid. UGH....I've never been to the doctor so much as I have lately and my job is very demanding and I love it, too, but doc appointments are really getting in the way of me being a stellar employee!
I'm also still working out as much as I normally do but watching my pulse rate like a hawk. I hit a personal record of running a mile in 9 minutes last week! So, the doc thinks my heart is OK but we're doing the echo just for precautions. And, I also started adding in Barre classes to my routine for lower impact and keeping my heart rate lower but still getting in a sweat inducing workout.
My biggest fear is that they will want me to change my pills and I love the ones I'm on now. I take them to control my perimenopause symptoms. I'll be 50 in a few months and I use the pill to help with pain, estrogen related headaches, and back pain from extreme cramps (which have gotten worse as I've gotten older), etc.
I wanted this year to be my healthiest ever. I wanted to get in the best shape I've been in...EVER. And, this is just frustrating me.
The night we couldn't get my pulse rate to slow down i was actually having thoughts about my will and whether I should go to the ER. It was the closest I ever felt towards extreme anxiety over my own death. But at 4:30ish the next AM it finally settled down. So weird and the docs have no answers for me.
Anyway, this getting old stuff is for the birds and I just needed people to commiserate with me, lol! On a lighter note, I went on a few hikes this weekend, saw a waterfall in the desert, cooked some wonderful beef bourgignoin (don't know spelling) and had a relaxing weekend with my awesome guy!
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
Hey, hey girl - so great to see you! So sorry to hear of your heart/health issues. I so agree - the aging process is not for sissies! I will keep you in my thoughts/prayers as you go through the testing - the waiting for answers is always so, so hard...I can deal with information, I don't do well with the limbo state of waiting for information. I will say that I'm better than before - thanks to recovery!
Glad you had a relaxing weekend with your guy and the job is going well. Keep doing you one day at a time - keep us posted! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
I don't know what it is, but I see this pattern over and over - with myself and any of my friends who get into a place of being very focused on physical health... ie: getting into the "improvement" stage and wanting things to be the best ever - run my best mile, be in the best shape, etc. etc. Our bodies will just do a 180 on us, and right in the middle of amazing gains we end up with an illness or injury. I have to wonder if that's God or nature telling us to take it down a notch. I really have to watch myself when it comes to physical fitness, etc, because I can very, very easily fall into the trap of perfectionism and obsessive thinking over my health so much so that anything that derails it upsets me more than I think it realistically should.
Over the last couple of years I've come to a place now where I exercise and eat right - not because I want a perfect figure or because I want to post an amazing time in a marathon or be in the best shape ever - I just do it because my body wants some physical exercise. My body wants healthy food, and I just want to enjoy life without physical impediments. I've found that in changing my attitude around physical health that I don't actually have to push as hard as I used to think I needed to. And lo and behold, my body thanks me with better health all around, because I'm being loving to myself, not punishing myself via exercise or crazy dietary restrictions.
I'm glad you're seeing your doctor about your symptoms. That prolonged elevated pulse rate must have been pretty scary. I hope they find out what's going on and it's an easy adjustment for you.
I have had a few estrogen issues as well, that relate to my heart rate, and have had an echo, annual EKG tests of course, as
well as a stress test and had to wear a halter monitor twice, and nothing was found wrong with my heart.
Not to worry, your doctor will get down to the bottom of your individual issue, and find solutions.
I am hesitating to go any further with ESH because we are all different.
But when you are in the midst of those rapid pulse rates, it can cause such worry that it is actually can make it worse!
I am now into my late 60's and have changed up my routine a number of times, trying to keep fit, yoga and an exercise bike, one day at time!!
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Except for your heart issues, your life sounds wonderful! For that, I am so happy for you! However, your heart issues are no laughing matter - as you well know! Try not to let all the appointments cause too much worry regarding your job. In the end, your health is the most important thing. You are taking the steps you need to find out what the cause is. First things first, comes to mind!
Secondly, may I suggest learning BioFeedback? Many times, this can help you to lower your BP, and if needed, keep your mind/anxiety from racing when you do have these "attacks."
Sending you good vibes for tomorrow's Echo! I will pray it is not your heart causing this problem!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
Thanks everyone. I'll get the results of the test next week. Doc offices sure do like to get their copays!
As for the working out, I had actually been off for 2 weeks as I was sick and that was my second day back. I had no idea we were doing the run for our personal records when I showed up. Actually I almost chose to walk it because I still had a cough. But, I decided to go for it. I don't usually push myself but something inside me got motivated to just go for it!
I know there are times when I need to back off and just take a rest. My body tells me these things nowadays! That's why I started Barre classes. easier on the cardio but still a great workout. I use them to compliment my normal workouts to help me with the mind/body connection, as well.
If I find out anything about my heart stuff, i'll be sure to let you all know. I just posted mainly because I'm frustrated. I feel great for the most part so what gives, lol?
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
Hey...hey - love that you're listening to your body! I had to learn 'that' in recovery as a form of self-care. I no longer run myself ragged on a regular basis, just sometimes. Please do keep us posted - positive energy, thoughts and prayers your way! Also - congrats. on the personal best run - that's awesome! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
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