In need of Reassurance

[MummaSoap]

Hello to all you lovely hearties out there.

My dad is a fellow hearty and has dilated cardiomyopathy, like myself but his symptoms manifest differently to my own and he additionally has a leaky mitral valve (has had it for many years - since before I was born).

Before his diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, my dad was having frequent (almost every other day on average ) episodes where he would become bradycardic and his heart rate would drop to 40 and sometimes lower. He was started on medication, he’s never given me the full picture but I know he takes aspirin every day because his risk of heart attack was high but he didn’t share the dosage and I also know that he’s on a beta blocker but I don’t which one.

He had been doing really well up until November last year when he kept getting chest infections and was put on strong steroids to try and ease the strain on his heart and lungs. His GP then “prescribed” swimming for him to try and strengthen his lungs further.

Since Monday, he’s been having episodes of bradycardia again, feeling feverish, sweating excessively and feeling faint. I have found out that my dad spent Saturday night in A&E/hospital and the doctors he saw have advised him to stop taking all of his medication until he is able to get reviewed by his cardiologist.

Firstly, if you’re still with me then thank you! Secondly, can anyone shed any light on this for me please? Am I worrying unnecessarily? I’ve tried speaking to my dad and honestly it would be easier to get blood from a stone!! Any support, reassurance or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and best wishes

Soap

[MummaSoap]

Thank you for your reply, it’s really appreciated!

He’s under 60 and up until this past week is a fairly active individual, goes running regularly, plays bowls and skittles and as I say had started swimming too.

I can’t help this niggling feeling that stopping all of his medication cold turkey (I know he’s on 3 at least but I’m not sure what the 3rd one is) is a bad idea. My dad also has a type of thrombaphilia but I forget the name. I’m worried it could cause a blood clot and we lost my uncle to a PE when he was in his 50s.

Thank you for your reply and I’m trying very hard not to let my mind run away with itself!

Best wishes

Soap

[Deejay62 in reply to MummaSoap]

I completely agree with thatwasunexpected. Tell him to see his GP before he does anything for a second opinion.

[Czech_Mate]

I'm also no medical expert but want to put in a word for your Dad. If he's like me he's also very confused, not sure what's wrong, can't find answers to the questions which we aren't sure how to ask and so find it hard to explain to those close to us what is going on and what we need. That someone is there and asking these questions is important. We need you. Thank you for all you are doing. Sometimes it is hard to tell people around you how much you appreciate them and what they are trying to do for you. We try but sometimes it comes out wrong.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[MummaSoap in reply to Czech_Mate]

I just want to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks, that’s so kind of you, thank you!

My dad is very private and proud - I know that he actively avoids telling us when anything happens (I’m the eldest of 4) mainly because he doesn’t want to worry us but also I think because he doesn’t want us to “wrap him in cotton wool”. Although I try to respect this, naturally I worry because he’s my dad and I love him, but also because I have 3 young children and I find it difficult to make fully informed decisions, when he’s so guarded about sharing information, for both his safety and not to put undue stress on him but also to preserve my Children’s safety when they’re with him.

I’ve taken the decision for the time being to stop play dates/sleepovers because on Friday my dad drove my son to a hospital appointment without me knowing about the symptoms he had been experiencing and although I know it was fine and they’re all safe, I can’t help thinking about the what if and I just want to keep everyone safe; I haven’t shared this with my dad yet as I’m trying to find the right words to express myself in a sensitive way and hopefully avoid upsetting him in the process.