A lot going on...

[irene75359]

This year will be happier! So my daughter had another son at the end of June by C-section, this one was breech too, but she has recovered well and he is delightful. So I am now proud Grandma to four boys, five, two almost 3 and this little mite.

His older brother has hearing loss and we are delighted that Alexander sailed through all the tests, in spite of both sides of the family carrying the faulty gene. It doesn't make much difference to Teddy, he is a really bright little boy, but we are learning just what is involved with a child who wears hearing aids, not least having to have them changed ever two months, and the constant round of hospital appointments.

Personally I haven't been great. I developed a raw throat and cough over three weeks ago which I just can't shake off. I visited the doctor last week who did all the tests and said my chest was clear, however, I have convulsive coughing which leads to vomiting most nights. The other night, before my husband came home from a trip, My temperature was 39 and my heart was thumping away at 120bpm. (This happened Iast week as well). I dosed myself up with paracetamol, piled up five pillows and managed to get some sleep. I just feel so ill. This morning, I thought I must get out for a walk, and was so worn out (after nine hours sleep last night) I had to go back to bed and slept for 2.5 hours. It has had such a physical effect on me that I have secured the dog lead to me in case I collapse whilst out with her. I have adjusted my warfarin as my INR is very high.

I am normally so full of energy I just can't believe there isn't something more serious going on. I am not in the least fanciful or nervous. Sorry for this long account, just hoping someone can advise. I feel so guilty knowing what some of you go through.

[BobD Volunteer]

Irene I am so sorry to read how ill you are feeling but the new grandchild MUST be a bonus. The way my boys are going I doubt I will see any grandchildren any day soon. lol

I hope you have some help for that cough from your doctor and that you will soon be feeling more your old self.

Cyber hugs from me (((( ))))

Bob

[irene75359 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for the hugs, Bob, really needed them! Had an emergency appointment with another GP this morning - pneumonia. Actually, I am relieved, I was dreading being told there is nothing wrong but she was lovely. If there is not marked improvement by Sunday ring 111 or go straight to A&E.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to irene75359]

that would do it. Shame it took so long to diagnose.

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your new grandchild. I am glad they are both ok. I am sorry you feel so dreadful. I think you need to nag that doctor of yours. Your chest may be clear but there is obviously something going on. Perhaps your chest isn’t clear now? If you have been coughing for this long maybe it’s time for some other tests? Hope you start feeling better soon.

[irene75359 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much - see above!

[Aorticklapper]

Hi, why are you taking warfarin? Is this heart related?

Regards

[irene75359 in reply to Aorticklapper]

I have AFib so am on warfarin permanently. Normally I have no problems keeping in range except when I am ill, and the doctor warned me that the antibiotics can also affect my INR, so will be checking my levels in a couple of days.

[Aorticklapper in reply to irene75359]

Hi anti biotics increase my INR but I have self tester so can monitor daily.

Don't know the underlying reasons that cause your AF but stress will not help perhaps the reason your heart beat increased to 120bpm.

I get AF when I am stressed or subjecting my body to things it objects to. Since my heart surgery 26 years ago I have learned to listen to my body and this can be done by doing a mindfulness technique called a body scan. There are many available online free. I use Jon Kabbat Zinns 30mins audio version but there are many available.

You need a quiet place to lye on your back and using your breathing the body scan enables you to get in touch with all parts of your body and also observe what thoughts are dominant.

Reading your message I sense your body is not happy with you at the moment so change is needed. First be a friend to yourself and stay healthy. I am fairly certain your AF and present poor health will be better for doing a daily body scan.

Regards

Will

[irene75359 in reply to Aorticklapper]

Thank you for your tips - something to try when I feel a bit better. Unfortunately there is no way I could lie flat at the moment without choking. I think the tachycardia (it wasn't AFib, I checked on my Kardia) was caused by by excessive forceful coughing.

[Aorticklapper]

Forgot to mention a book called The Power Of Now by Eckart Tolle.

May be of help

[heartmatters1]

Firstly congratulations on the birth of your new grandson. Sorry to hear you have been so poorly - you probably haven’t felt like celebrating too much. Hope that will come very soon for you.

I thought I was bad enough with a sickness bug last week, which I’ve only just got over & now I’ve developed a virus - severe conjunctivitis & sore throat (caught off one of my grandsons whilst looking after him). These nasty bugs knock us for 6 when we get a little older 😩.

Get well soon.

Best wishes Ally

[irene75359 in reply to heartmatters1]

My daughters and I joke about the 'cesspit' that is nursery, we have all gone down with various childhood ailments since the five year old went there. The worst was my son-in-law developing the hand foot and mouth virus caught from his son - he was much more unwell than the little ones.

Hopefully I'll be back on track soon, thank you!