Just saying hello...

[Kimlouise]

Just thought I’d come out of the bushes and say hello. I’ve been ‘lurking’ for a while, reading all the posts with interest and almost feel I’ve got to know some of you already! Such a friendly helpful group. I feel a bit pathetic being so anxious about my own cardiac health as don’t really know if it’s a huge cause for concern or not. I’ve got a strong family history of early onset heart disease ( brother & Dad both had cardiac arrests in their 40’s). I have systolic high blood pressure (currently taking beta blockers) and anxiety. Recently been referred to cardiologist for sudden bouts of tachycardia. So far I’ve had an echo (normal) and MRI (calcified plaque in 2 arteries with score of 48). 5 day holster ( showed a few episodes of SVT) and am having stress echo next week. All of this terminology is new to me and as you can imagine I’m googling frequently ( not always a great idea). I just have a feeling I might be at the start of a ‘journey’ here. I am so full of admiration at what some of you bravely take in your stride whilst I am an anxious wreck. Sorry for such a long post, promise I won’t ramble on so much in future!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Welcome, Kimlouise Many people round here (myself included) have had a long time to get used to our situations. Pretty sure we were ALL anxious wrecks in the beginning, and still have our moments. Just last night I had an anxiety dream about my heart rate reaching 290 and waiting for my defibrillator to shock me, so we can all empathise. To me it sounds like you are already impressively accepting of your situation and I'm sure you'll handle the journey (whatever form it takes) very well. Keep us posted with your tests/results/progress and lots of luck x

PS Rambling posts are my favourite, so don't hold back!

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi kimlouise and welcome to the forum or the madhouse.

It's never pathetic being anxious and you have every right to be. As Laura says we have all been there and probably for the rest of our lives will be again at some stage.

You must have a million questions, leave Google alone haha, write them down, ask your cardiologist, ask here, phone the BHF helpline for advice as well.

And we do love a rant and a ramble here too

Take care

Mark

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome, feel free to ramble and moan (which I think I am tops at!) it's lovely to hear from you, if you are worried about any tests or procedures there are usually someone on here that has had it done and can help with reassurance, take care and keep us all posted char xx

[Jo_BHF]

Hi Kimlouise - welcome! Lovely to see a lurker coming out into the open

I think places like this are really important when you're dealing with a health problem and anxiety around that, so please never feel like you need to worry about rambling or anything.

Hope to see you posting more; let us know how the stress test goes next week? And remember we're always here if you have any questions around terminology or tests - that's right up our street!

Jo

[Kimlouise]

Thank you so much everyone, I am really touched by your replies and already feel there is a supportive group around me while I take these first baby steps into the ‘cardio world’ . Stress echo on Monday & hopefully an appointment with my cardiologist in the not too distant future to discuss all the results. I’ll keep you posted 😊 x

[CarolW2121 in reply to Kimlouise]

Hi there

This is all new to me too and my emotions go from “sod this” to “I’m a ticking time bomb” - this group has posted some supportive comments in response to my panic laden post for which I’m really grateful.

I’m seeing a cardiac nurse for the first time tomorrow and I’m full of doubts and concerns.

Let us know how you get on.

All the best

Carol

[dagger1947]

Welcome to the forum Kim.

This forum is very unique in that it is an oasis of human kindness and decency in an increasingly hostile, anonymous and insensitive environment the Internet sadly is(sorry rant over).

Although its a massive shock to the system, you are on the medical radar now so thats a great thing.

All the best and enjoy the forum.

Cheers

Nick

[Freebird4ever]

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you on board 😊

[mariancolyer]

It's natural to feel uncertain about your future with this diagnosis. I completely understand where you're coming from.

I was diagnosed (out of the blue) with dilated cardiomyopathy. It's hereditary apparently but I feel it could have been so much worse.

It's a huge adjustment but overall once you accept your situation you will begin to "live" again. Try not to "google" too much. It only escalates your worries.

I am just grateful for every day and feel I am living life to the nth degree because of my diagnosis. I hope that soon you will feel the same.

[Shandypants]

Hello and welcome, rambling, ranting and moaning posts excepted and hopefully anxiety calmed and questions answered. 😊

[MKB38]

When you join a forum like this it makes you realise how common heart problems are, and not just in the elderly. It's excellent to be able to compare symptoms and treatments with like people. You're never alone. Best wishes. Margaret x