A bit scared if I'm honest

[yurtgirl]

Had NSTEMI in June 2021 and have been doing everything I can to be and eat more healthily since. I have noticed my lower leg has some swelling and it leaves a mark when I press my finger into it. I've been to the gp who wasn't particularly worried but has asked me to have a blood test. He says that it will show if the swelling could be cardiac related. I am waiting for the blood test to be taken and am totally frozen with anxiety at this point and cannot wait to take the test and get results so I know what I'm dealing with. After my NSTEMI I was told I had no heart damage and wasn't expecting to have this difficulty now. Is there any other cause that could be responsible? Or is it certainly my heart?

[Lezzers]

Do you know what the GP is testing you for? Kidney function? BNP level? What you've described normally means you're having fluid retention but it doesn't necessarily mean it's due to your heart. It's usually easily sorted with a diuretic.

[yurtgirl in reply to Lezzers]

No he didn't say what test it was, he said it was one which will show if its cardiac related. That's all I know. I have another gp appmt for something else later this week, and with another doctor, so I'll ask her to explain it to me.

[Lezzers in reply to yurtgirl]

Sounds like it'll be a BNP test. Yes, definitely ask for an explanation, I always find if things are explained properly so we're able to understand then it's less scary. It's shocking that you've waited 2 weeks & not had the test, I would be getting onto the surgery to make sure it's not been missed.

[yurtgirl in reply to Lezzers]

Thankyou, I have an appointment for it this Friday morning.

[yurtgirl]

Thankyou, I have quite an active job running around after sheep and agricultural students so I don't sit or stand still for too long. I don't use salt either so I'm pretty sure it isn't that. I have been focusing on drinking a little more too as I was told it can sometimes be too little fluid that causes it. I am just so worried that it will be some cardiac changes that are concerning. As you say I don't want to wait too long... its been almost 2 weeks since I saw the gp and I still haven't had the bloods taken. Trying to stay calm but somewhat failing!

[DWizza in reply to yurtgirl]

Hi , are you on amlodipine? I know that can cause swelling in ankles ?

Just a thought .

I had an Nstemi in July this year , thought it was trapped wind .. ended up as blocked arteries, had 4x bypass surgery.. recoveryi g remarkably well.. I look after our small holding , mud and sh1te this time of year 🤦🏼🤣.. do you have any social media ? Would love to follow 👍

[yurtgirl in reply to DWizza]

Hi yes I'm on Facebook, just put in zarla in I'm the photo of the old woman with rhubarb on her head. I'm not very exciting to follow...be warned! 😉

[Hidden]

Dear You,

Please try and not worry { so simple in words, I know } but the water retention can be for all sorts of reasons.

It sounds like your Dr is following standard protocols and has lined up a few tests to see why this is happening to you. { most of these tests are mundane and boring }

Once those results are in She/He/Them { or whatever they like to be called } can then decided a plan of attack for you working to a positive outcome.

In the meantime raise that leg as much as possible { pillow in bed } as see if that helps { it does mine } a good walk and plenty of toe flexes, toes/foot pointed, good toes, toes/foot pulled back, bad toes, but remember I am not medically trained

You are in my thoughts

[yurtgirl in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou

[Hidden]

I am also in the NSTEMI club. I joined about five years ago. I am also in two or three other medical condition clubs of similar standing or worse none of which I would like to have joined. But I don't worry about my medical conditions and what they might bring. I manage what I have got through medication, lifestyle and medical intervention as required. If anything new arises I will consider what it is and then if it requires it I go and seek medical help and then up to a point rely on a professional opinion backed up with the fact that I know my own body. So my suggestion is to relax for a few days, having put your trust in your GP at least for the time being, and then when the cause of your condition is known deal with it , just like you appear to have successfully dealt with the aftermath of your NSTEMI. Life is too short to worry about things that might not happen or might not be serious.

[yurtgirl in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou, I'm not sure I can say I've dealt with the NSTEMI, especially as my husband and I had to split right afterwards and I am now residing in one room of the house. It's certainly been a difficult time since the heart attack. However I try my best, it's just the not knowing I guess. Z

[yurtgirl]

Update if anyone is out there. I got the blood results just now and all seems fine with the BNP test. I have made another appointment to see what they suggest next to get to the bottom of this. I'd like an echo or something if I'm honest.

[Arizona18]

Hi, I have had two NSTEMI S in the past two years 17 months apart. The first one I took in my stride, the second one was extremely disappointing, traumatizing, and frightening as I had made huge lifestyle changes, followed meds religiously, and felt invincible! I have learned that heart events play with your mind and body. I still feel that my body has taken over my mind, but that is a discussion for another day...I have also learned to stop looking for problems behind each and every corner and overthinking. Things will settle down, but your body has a timetable of its own. In the end, just do the best you can, ask questions, do your own research and then try to relax and, most of all, have hope! My best, Sylvia