A problem shared

[ledge]

After a bout of chest infections, and more breathlessness than normal I went to the doctors, who ordered a chest xray. So I dont know if I am worrying over nothing, However, nothing untoward lung wise, but the chest xray showed I had an larger than normal heart.

Along side of this my lung specialist, wants me to have a high resolution chest and sinus ct - So I am worried, that they will find something wrong with my heart and I wont be able to drive anymore. If that happens I will be housebound, and not really able to get anywhere. Living in a remote (ish) village, public transport is sparse to non existant

I feel like not going to this appointment, I now it sounds silly. Normally I say, all knowledge is power, but in this instance I am steering in the complete opposite direction.

I would like some help here!

[Hidden]

You need to have the ct scan on your lungs and sinuses so that your lung specialist can give you the most appropriate treatment to keep you well and independant. They are not looking for a problem with your heart. However, if you have any symptoms which mean that you should see a cardiologist that is the best thing to do for the same reason. I have had dilated cardiompathy and AF since 2012. With drugs and now a pacemaker I carry on as usually and there is certainly no reason for me not to drive. If we ignore these things we can deteriorate to a point where life becomes difficult. Getting the right treatment is always better. I understand your fears because I also live alone in a village and need to be able to use my car. I think that you are getting ahead of yourself for very little reason. Do talk to your doctors about your fears and don't put your head in the sand. It never did an ostrich any good.

[ledge in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Littlepom, you make perfect sense. To be honest that would be the advice I would give someone else. But me speaking to me, oh dear, The Jimmeny Cricket in my ear says another thing!

[Hidden in reply to ledge]

We all have the little voice and that is why we are on this forum - so that our friends can help us keep it quiet.

[Cloudancer in reply to Hidden]

Fabulous reply Littlepom .I recently had another stroke couldn't drive and at the same time hubby had a 6 the craniel nerve palsy affecting his eyesight so he couldn't drive either.We also live in a village with very limited bus service and had to pay £106 in taxi fares to Walsgrave hospital.

I do understand the fear you have Ledge and obviously the choice is yours as to if you take the advice the medics offer.

Do make your decision having discussed your fear's with your medical team.

Take one step at a time.

Let us know how you get on

Best wishes.

[panda22 in reply to Cloudancer]

I can't drive now but can get hospital transport which is a God send. Ask your clinics if they have the phone number to ring. It's well worth trying.

[Cloudancer in reply to panda22]

Thank you we did try and were told I wasn't eligible!!!!The local volunteer drivers have had their budget slashed and can no longer cover weekends whilst our bus service starts at 9.30.To get to Walsgrave entails 3 bus changes and takes between 2 and a half and 3 hours.

Our local hospital which is excellent shut their stroke unit last year so everyone is funelled through to Walsgrave. I think many folk who rely on public transport especially in rural areas have similar issues.

I can see the economic arguments for consolidating care but it's a nightmare travelling wise.Stay warm and keep well in this cold weather.

[sassy59]

You’ve had a great reply from Littlepom and I would just add that Pete has heart problems (2 heart attacks and three stents) as well as COPD but still drives.

Please attend your appointment ledge. Xxx❤️

[ledge in reply to sassy59]

Thanks for the reply xxx

[CDPO16]

Great advice from Littlepom and reassurance from sassy. Please keep your appointment so that your specialist knows how best to treat you.

[Homely2]

My brother and sister have a host of serious heart conditions. There is no issue with either of them driving. If you have a heart issue then there are loads of very effective treatments.

My brothers heart condition became serious because it was ignored for 3 months. The delay caused such trouble he had to stay in hospital for nine months.

[O2Trees]

Im glad you have a consultant who is on top of the game Ledge, and lots of reassurance here - you do need to know, and knowledge IS power! Happy driving

[Alberta56]

Being logical some people must have larger than normal hearts and some smaller than normal. When I had a heart attack the consultant who patched me up told me I had a small heart. It still seems to function perfectly well. Who knows, it may even be advantageous to have a larger heart. Please try not to worry until you know there is something to worry about. The consultant told me to inform my insurers about the heart attack. The insurance agent said very firmly 'no need'. He pointed out that consultants are not insurers, so do not know the rules. 🙂 Homely's post suggests you should be all right. xxx

[6hortensia]

this is not going to go away and it would be very foolish not to attend . you are looking at the worst scenario so why not wait and see with real evidence jean barker

[Cookiemonsterr]

Hello Ledge, Respiratory problems make your heart work harder. So do have your checkup and do not worry too much. Your car also gets checked up from time to time

Cheers

[Tykelady]

Lack of oxygen due to lung problems can lead to heart problems which can often be resolved by the right treatment for both. Take it one day at a time.

[Digger0]

Thery are just trying to find out what is wrong. Very few conditions stop you driving - I checked when I was informed I had heart problems!

[Patk1]

The way I deal with things is " its time to worry when ypu r told there is something to worry about".dont torture yrself with what if.whn those thoughts pop in yr head,tell thm yr not listening.it really does work! Pls have yr scan.we r here for u xxx

[Izb1]

You cant hide from the probelm Ledge so tackle it head on, it may help you in the long run. I am sure everything will be ok x

[JJ_7]

Hi ledge. I have just had a coronary angiogram and will see my GP next week for results. I understand and share your fears but I think treatment and well being far outweigh any concerns I have about driving. There is excellent advice here ! Please go to your appointment and keep in touch with all of us. Best wishes and good luck xxx

[Bardear]

BETTER TYO FIND OUT NOW IF ANYTHING IS WRONG SO THAT TREATMENT CAN START RATHER THAN IGNORE THE APPOINTMENT AND PERHAPS PAY FOR IT AT A LATER DATE. KEEP THAT INNER VOICE QUIET AND GO FOR THE APPOINTMENT NOW. XXXX

[gardenalan]

my husband has heart failure due to massive heart attack has a defibrillator fitted and both times couldn’t drive for a short while but got back to driving no problem so I don’t think you need worry good luck with your scan

[Ergendl]

One chamber of my heart was slightly more enlarged than the rest, which told the consultant my problems were actually due to a lung condition rather than a heart condition. Go and attend the scan and appointment. If they know what's wrong with you they can give you the best treatment for keeping you whole as long as long as possible.

[ledge in reply to Ergendl]

thank you for your reply, I honestly know the head in the sand is not the way forward, but neither can I quell the little voice in my head. However, I will go and I thank all of you who have replied, it is very much appreciated and its lovely to feel so supported

[Greenthorn]

Hi Ledge - I'm going to be lighthearted here. If one went for a driving test and the instructor remarke "Mmm, you've got large hands" is he inferring you have a problem steering the car? Of course not. Big hands, small hands, makes no difference.Littlepom is a blessing on this forum. We are all passengers on a journey. PS Big heart for courage. ♥️