Worry is like a rocking chair, it's gives you something to do but gets you nowhere!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Medical Update...

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and get well wishes, you have no idea-(or maybe you do)- how much I appreciate and believe in the power of prayer!
My Docotor does not believe there is anything in my life style (other than some stress) that caused my heart to run a race. I have had this before, not documented, and not to this extent. Some people just have an extra charge in their hearts. I have a prescription beta blocker to use as needed if it occurs again. You can also take in a deep breath, press down, exhale and cough to slow the heart rate down or plunge your face in to a ice filled bowl of water, now doesn't that sound like fun? If it occurs again, I will be seeing a cardiologist for a more invasive work up. Sometimes they have to go in the artery in the leg, stimulate the heart for it to happen again and then fry the culprit. At this stage in my life, it is not life threatening, just something that we don't want to continue. He was encouraging in letting me know that I am probably a good candidate for a pace maker when I am around 60 years of age....thanks Doc!
On the other hand, my body is losing potassium and this is his main concern right now. As low potassium can cause this and other not so good things. I will be taking a prescribed potassium pill for about 6 weeks, in a month I will have a blood test to see if my body is retaining the potassium if so, I will go off of the potassium and have my blood tested again to see if I am still retaining it. If my body is not retaining the potassium I get to have all kind of cool tests...sigh. This is the second physician that has told me to decrease my water intake...
I am asking for continued prayers ... I have been blessed to meet all types of wonderful bloggers and dearly love the interaction that I have with each and everyone of you. In the mean time, our weather is going to be just beautiful and I plan on getting in the garden. Tomorrow's Header Challenge is any photo of our choosing as long as it's in black and white. On that note, I am looking for a nominee to participate for a couple of weeks and then have a Header Challenge with the other nominees to see who will become our 5th weekly member. If you are interested just leave me a comment and I will contact you.....
Today I am thankful for , The Peace that surpasses understanding.

39 comments:

Dani said...

Thank God Darla! I hope the meds work for the 6weeks and there'll be no more problems.

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Darla, I hope you love apricots. Dry apricots are one of the best natural sources of potassium. Best if soaked in boiled water for several hours or a night, then potassium will be absorbed better. 4-5 pieces of dry apricots per glass of water.Take every day. Costco has them in big packages. Please, do it! All the Best to you.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Darla, it's troubling that they can't pinpoint the exact cause. I had a similar experience a couple years ago when we had the office building sprayed by professional exterminators.
Marnie

marmee said...

darla,

i am so glad you are doing better. this is the first i heard of your heart/potassium problems. i hope you can get the help you need quickly. i will be praying for you dear darla.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Glad things are going good. I know you are worried. I would be too.
Follow the Drs. directions and leave it in God's hands. That's really all you CAN do.
Meanwhile, I'll be praying for you!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Thank God Sweetie...
He is watching over you, of that I am sure. He took the hands of those medics and worked a miracle on you, showing them best how to take care of your problem.

I will be saying prayers for you sweetie. Please keep us posted on your updates.

Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

Susie said...

Hey Darla, sorry I have been out of the loop and didn't know this was going on.

I hope everything gets back to normal. How much water are you drinking? Maybe try drinking some gatorade or powerade instead. Just a thought.

Girl I had tachycardia before too. I was suffering from stress and anxiety. I went thru a full cardiac workup. They couldn't find anything wrong.

You take care of yourself and keep us updated.

Lona said...

Glad you are feeling better. The potassium pills should help. Also getting out in the garden and getting some peace from it will help.
Take care and mind the doctor ;-) Prayers, Lona

Dirt Princess said...

Well that is good news! Eat your apricots and you will be fine! Go get out in that yard, dig a hole and relax!

Lois said...

Oh Darla how scary! I was away from my computer most of the weekend and didn't know until now. My younger sister has this same problem and actually had that procedure where they go in the artery in the leg and stimulate your heart and then (as my mother explained it) clip some kind of wire. She had that done over a year ago (in Jacksonville) and it did NOT work. Her cardiologist now wants to do it again and she says no. My other sister had to have her aortic valve replaced due to aortic stenosis several years ago and she's doing very well. I seem to be the only one who doesn't have a heart problem (knock on wood). I know God is watching over you. I will be praying for you and your family.

Darla said...

Susie, probably a gallon a day and then one to three bottles through the night. He believes it's a craving that I have worked up for myself, like someone who craves chewing ice or eating clay....there is no medical reason for the water intake that I have...there is however some crazy name for it...

Anonymous said...

Oh Darla, I feel for you. That is scary. I had that happen and went through a cardiac cath. that is what you mentioned. I am glad I had that done. Now I know there is nothing wrong. Had the love K+ level after my knee surgery. That is nasty medicine to have to take. Prayers are with you as you continue to become stable. blessings
QMM

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

Oh Darla, sorry to hear about everything. I just read your previous post. I'm sure this was a very scary experience for you and your husband. Please take good care of yourself. I will definitely be sending lots of prayers and healthy thoughts your way!!

George said...

I'm happy to hear that you are feeling better, but we'll continue to pray that the cause of your problem can be found and fixed.

Prospero said...

Please take care of yourself, Darla. Listen to what your doctors say. I'll be thinking about you and hope you will regain good health as quickly as possible.

tina said...

Let us know how it all turns out. Eat lots of bananas (good for potassium) and take care:)

imac said...

Glad to hear that its not too bad news Darla, but glad that they are doing tests and keeping an eye on you my friend.
Sending prayers and thoughts across the pond to you.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Darla: Wonderful news, I'm so glad you are headed on a good path. stay strong my friend and let us know what happens next.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Friend, I know it's a sit and wait type of news which none of us enjoy. BUT--they are being cautious --which is a good thing. I hope your cutting back on the water and taking the Potassium pills is your answer --and that you won't have to have further tests. BUT--if you do, you'll be fine. Just be glad they are finding the problem NOW --and not when it becomes life-threatening.

Can you chew sugarless gum to relieve your thirst problem??? AND--eat a banana a day!!!

Loads of Hugs,
Betsy

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

What a scary thing to have to deal with. I will include you in my prayers. I missed the first news about this.

Deb said...

so glad you are doing okay..

Noelle Johnson said...

Hi Darla,
I am glad you have good doctors who are working to help you avoid this happening in the future. Unlike some of the other people who have commented, I have not experience with this. However, I have noticed that as I grow older, I am making more trips to the doctor for one reason or another. I am grateful for gardening because it is so relaxing to be outdoors working in the earth. I hope your potassium levels will moderate and that you will not have to take supplements for too much longer.

Patsy said...

It sure sounds like your water in take is washing the potassium out of your body. Take care working in the garden and don't get over heated.
Hugs Patsy

Anonymous said...

Hi Darla Dear, It sounds like your doctors are exemplary. Not just taking care of you but taking the time to explain the situation as well. And it also sounds like the weather is just what the doctor ordered. There's nothing like gardening to heal the body and soul. Take care and keep us posted.

Dorothy said...

Sounds like your doctors are on the right path to getting you back to normal. I think that is a lot of water and surely may be the culprit. I have a sister who has this problem with the fast heartbeat every now and then. Blessing on you, your family and your doctors as you return to normal health.
♥ ♥ ♥

Tootsie said...

well that's the first time I have heard a doc say to slow down on the water...but then I don't drink enough of it so I hear the opposite a lot...
I am glad it is not life threatening...but still worry...prayers are with you sweet friend

Ellie Mae's Cottage said...

Hi Darla, So glad to hear it can be controlled. I had a racing heart (and it skipped too) about 20 years ago when I was going through a period of really high stress. The doctors pretty much put me on a beta blocker and gave me some tranquilizers. Thankfully once the stressor was over with the racing heart got back to normal. Now, if it does happen I use a variety of relaxation techniques and if it's really bad I cough a few times and that definitely controls it. I'll be praying that things continue in a positive direction for you. Many Hugs! Jackie

Craver Vii said...

Thanks for the report. Praise the Lord for sustaining you.

Tracy said...

Darla, so sorry you've been going through these health issues. I hope the meds take care of it for you.
Tracy

Skeeter said...

Oh my goodness, that was scary reading your ordeal over the weekend! I will send some prayers from Georgia your way :) We had the same rain here in GA.

SIDS is horrible way to loose a child. My nephew's wife lost her little sister to SIDS as well. Sad thing.

Your woodpecker is indeed a Redbelly Woodpecker. We have them year round in our yard.

Take care and do as your doctor says...

lynn'sgarden said...

Our bodies can be such mysteries, especially for a young and otherwise healthy person! I've been taking meds for high BP for years but your fast rate sure takes the cake, Darla! Picturing the scene in your house with all those paramedics...OY!
Take your K tabs like a good girl and get better...:)

Mamajil said...

I had no idea...see I miss a week and all sorts of things happen. I am praying for you!! Hey if you need me you know how to find me :) Please don't hesitate to call me!

Anonymous said...

Dear Darla, I am glad to hear you have settled down, but am still worried about you. Eeek, to the water, even during the night? Have they checked for diabetes I assume? The thirstiness is a symptom, isn't it? Do take care, and whatever stress you are experiencing, find your happy place and stay there!
Frances

Teresa said...

Well my goodness, where have I been? I'll say a little prayer for you too.

big hugs,
Teresa

Val said...

Thank the Lord Darla. Makes you look at life different, huh? I was so sick about 8 years ago and I thought it was all over for me so everyday that I wake up and see the light of another day I am so thankful. I am so glad you are going to follow up on all of this. Please please take care.

Rosie Nixon Fluerty said...

Oh Darla I am just catching up on my reader and so glad to see that you have an update on here. Keeping you in prayer.

Julie said...

My prayers are with you in this potassium problem, and heart racing. Eat lots of bananas and oranges and meat. Meat has a lot of potassium,...did you know that??? It's true!!!

Best wishes!

garden girl said...

Wow, how scary Darla. I'm glad you're ok.

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