Now the wait! I was told by the tech who did the test that I might not get the results until I next see the cardiologist which is in 2 weeks. I sure didn't think I'd have to wait that long, but thinking about it now, no news is good news.
After the early morning test I drove to Bel Air to pick up a few groceries, but stopped first at the little cafe/bakery in the front of the store. A cup of coffee and a cream cheese Danish has me feeling pretty good. I had given up Danish pastry quite a while ago and hope this doesn't hook me again. Although, when I think of it, life is short and I might as well enjoy some of the small pleasures. Which I do, by the way. I have decided no matter what the prognosis I will not give up my coffee with half & half, although I might cut my intake by 1 cup a day.
Tonight is a gym night with the girls, and I'm looking forward to the treadmill which I have skipped for several days.
I doubt if I will know anything about my test results for at least several days, if not weeks. Of course I'll post them if I get them sooner. The more I think about it the more I realize I really don't want to have surgery, especially the major kind with a long recovery period. I have a few years left to live, I hope, and I want them to be as productive as possible.
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I like your logic. It is too bad that we have to wait so long for test results - the not knowing and anxiety it generates probably just makes the condition or lack of worse.
ReplyDeleteIt is really irritating to have to wait to find out the results, and the medical personnel have to know you are on pins and needles!
DeleteThere are times surgery is the only answer. My son was born with multiple congenital heart defects. He had a really bad combination and all children with his particular set of defects died. He was one of the first to survive. His surgeon is an amazing, caring man and is internationally known. His name is Dr. Nikaidoh and he has written a book called, "The Healing Hearts." My son's problem was structural and required surgeries including open heart surgery and I am thankful he is still with us.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I look long and hard when it comes to surgery for myself at my age. Here are some of the things I have considered.
Surgery is hard on the already weakened immune system of an older person
Hospitals are notorious breeding grounds for germs/diseases
Surgery is invasive and the drugs/medications required can be dangerous to some people
Being anesthetized can be dangerous
There are documented deaths due to doctor error
I do not want fear to be my motivation to have a surgery
Perhaps there are alternatives
I am sure you are not rushing into a decision and have considered the possibilities mentioned above. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it turns out the best for you. There are success stories.
Janet I thank you so much for your very heartfelt and informative comments. First, I am very happy for you that your son's surgery was successful. I also agree with your assessment of heart surgery for older people - I think I have thought of every one of your points, and all of them seem to completely apply to me. The more I think about it the more I hope that I don't need surgery or that they can come up with an alternative. I won't know until my cardiologist interprets the tests and sends me the results. She is out of town today, so won't see them until tomorrow at least. I can wait, and in the meantime I hope to resume my life the way I like to live it.
DeleteI am just so surprised that no doctor came in during or after your test like they did for us. Waiting 2 weeks seems very unkind but I imagine if the news was important or serious they would move faster than 2 weeks. Or at least I hope that's true. I agree that once one has lived 3 score and 10 she should have what ever joys life brings including danish.
ReplyDeleteI've had an echocardiogram before (at least one) and the doctor never came in. I probably won't have to wait as long as the tech said - she was just being conservative and not trying to speak for the doctor. I sort of hope I don't hear anything for 2 wks because that would probably indicate I won't need any drastic treatment, but I think the dr. will tell me sooner than that just out of courtesy.
DeleteJust searching around I came across some natural therapies available for mitral valve prolapse along with explanations of what it is. Dr. Ronald Hoffman has a book out that looks interesting. I do not know who he is or what he is suggesting, but he seems to be qualified and reputable. I found him by googling. It appears doctors are continuing to do research.
ReplyDeleteI will try to look up some natural therapies. Thanks for the info.
DeleteI'm sure if there is something very wrong they will contact you as soon as possible. Enjoy your coffee and danish when ever it suits you or until they tell you different
ReplyDeleteOh that danish was soooo good because it's been so long since I've had one. Coffee is my daily joy!
DeleteI think your are right about the results. Good news always takes longer than bad news;)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a fact!
DeleteI am having an echo done tomorrow along with a 24 hour halter monitor. I don't get results until I see the doc on April 13th.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I wish you the best results on both tests. I guess it's normal to wait longer - although it seems like they used to release results as soon as the doctor has seen them. Please let me know your results when you get them.
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