First I guess I need to read this thread more often, so much going on.

I am so excited for you, I am thinking back to that night you came over to Talula's and was wondering if this was the right move for you, I never doubt it.

Everything is going to be fine, don't worry. I know you and that is going to be hard but really its the step you have been waiting for, for years.

Enjoy the moment,

Hugs,

River

I've done iffy EKG's before, not a big deal second time - do some relaxation calming first. you're too damn young for any of that crap, so chill out!

...

Danya (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:28 pm His opinion was that everything is fine. He also told me I worry too much. He's not the first to have mentioned this. After I briefly reminded him of my financial and career situation, he admitted that he was a bit out of touch with what real world existence is for most people.

Still, he wants me to see the cardiologist he would go to if he needed one. I should hear sometime tomorrow when I will see the specialist. Presumably, the cardiologist will either rerun the EKG or offer his interpretation of the charts I bring with me. He may then want a stress or other type of cardiac function test.

...

I don't comment often but today, I see your nerves and your worries. All dancing around and getting the better of you. That's all this is. He is being cautious and he is allowed to be cautious.

Don't worry so much.

Danya (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:28 pm First, a reminder. My physical exam and blood work results are excellent.

....

This morning, I went to a clinic for my pre-surgery EKG. I've had this test several times and it's always been fine. Unlike other times, though, today I felt very anxious. I've already sent in a lot of money for GRS that I will not get back if I cancel. That was on my mind, in addition to my uncertain job situation.

As part of my generally foolish behavior of the day, I asked the technician for his unofficial take on my results. He said, totally off the record of course, that a certain part of the heart rhythm could indicate a problem. I might need a stress test.

As I left the clinic, I was teary-eyed thinking I am so close to reaching a dream that now might be beyond my reach. At least for now.

I returned to the office and called my physician and saw him mid-afternoon. I had copies of the EKG's with me. He examined them and stated that the technician badly exaggerated and misinterpreted the results. He gave specific examples. His opinion was that everything is fine.

...

Still, he wants me to see the cardiologist he would go to if he needed one. I should hear sometime tomorrow when I will see the specialist. Presumably, the cardiologist will either rerun the EKG or offer his interpretation of the charts I bring with me. He may then want a stress or other type of cardiac function test.

This is working again. Writing out my fears greatly reduces their intensity. This still amazes me.

Over the years I've had a number of jobs in hospitals or medical settings. I have sat through several lectures on patient privacy and what you can and cannot say in front of patients, If your doctor is rigorous about that sort of thing, as soon as you left he called the clinic and that tech, if not fired for cause, has, at least, a reprimand in his personal file. His behavior is totally unprofessional. There have been malpractice awards for misinformation given out by support techs. If you are addicted to research (like me) you might look at false positives in ekg's. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 103435.htm)

The study of 500 patients found a false positive reading between 77 and 82 percent in patients screened by electrocardiogram, and a false negative reading between 6 percent to 7 percent in the same patient population. In allocating your worrying time, I would give much greater weight to the opinion of your doctor over that of a tech who wasn't well enough trained to keep his mouth shut when ethics demand he do so.

Transward

Many thanks to all of you who wrote. I read your messages this morning before heading to the office. I was surprised that several of you kind people responsed. This helped get me through the day. I haven't given up worrying altogether (that may take longer than a day) but I was not as worried today.

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:53 pm First I guess I need to read this thread more often, so much going on.

Hi River, I hope things are well with you.

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:53 pm I am so excited for you, I am thinking back to that night you came over to Talula's and was wondering if this was the right move for you, I never doubt it.

Yes, I remember that night well. Talula and you handed me drinks so I would unwind. A long distance instigator, oops, I mean concerned party, was also involved. That was a very special evening for me. I felt totally accepted and part of a family of caring friends.

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:53 pm Everything is going to be fine, don't worry. I know you and that is going to be hard but really its the step you have been waiting for, for years.

I like to think that no one notices that I worry. Now I c

kristoff wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:57 pm an give up that illusion.

My friend, although I am doing better than yesterday I'm still moderately worried. I am hoping all will work out.

Hugs,

River

Hugs,

Danya

I've done iffy EKG's before, not a big deal second time - do some relaxation calming first. you're too damn young for any of that crap, so chill out!

Hi Kristoff,

I've never had an iffy EKG before, so this one threw me for a loop. I'm still wound up over this,

Dave (imported) wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:11 pm although it's not as bad as yesterday. I'll insist that the clinic staff give me 5 - 10 minutes alone time so I can run through my relaxation techniques. They really do work and I do need to chill out.

Hugs,

Danya

I don't comment often but today, I see your nerves and your worries. All dancing around and getting the better of you. That's all this is

transward (imported) wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:05 am . He is being cautious and he is allowed to be cautious.

Don't worry so much.

Hi Dave,

I was very happy when you first posted on this thread. I'm delighted you wrote now with common sense advice. I need to hear things exactly like that now and then.

Hugs,

Danya

Over the years I've had a number of jobs in hospitals or medical settings. I have sat through several lectures on patient privacy and what you can and cannot say in front of patients, If your doctor is rigorous about that s

ort of thing, as soon as you left he called the clinic and that tech, if not fired for cause, has, at least, a reprimand in his personal file. His behavior is totally unprofessional. There have been malpractice awards

transward (imported) wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:05 am for misinformation given out by support techs.

Hi Transward,

I was surprised when the tech agreed to share his opinion with me. I thought he'd refuse. Although I haven't had your experience in medical settings, as he was speaking I thought he was very unprofessional.

If you are addicted to research (like me) you might look at false positives in ekg's. (http:/

/www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116103435.htm) In allocating your worrying time, I would give much greater weight to the opinion of your doctor over that of a tech who wasn't well enough trained to keep his mouth shut when ethics demand he do so.

Transward

I suspected that you are addicted to research, just like me. There are several reasons for a false positive in this particular region of my EKG. Thanks for including the link to the interesting article.

I like your "In allocating your worrying time...."

Hugs,

[quot[quote="Dany[quote

Danya (imported) wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:21 pm ="Danya (imported)" time=1298965860]
a (impo

rted)" time=1298730540]

Danya (impo [/quote] rted) wrote:Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:25 pm

Da [/quote] nya (imported) wrote:Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:21 pm

Danya (impo [/quote] rted) wrote:Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:16 pm

I'm sure everyting will be fine on your cardiologist appointment. Please let us know how it goes so we can quit worrying for you!

Very Big Hug,

Stacy

Danya, don't sweat the EKG much, as others have stated. It is *so* easy to mis-interpret certain things on them, and I would always value what the doctor and/or cardiologist says over any tech.

In my case, I have a consistent but VERY slight irregularity in my heartbeat. My GP first noticed it years ago when they obtained a portable EKG machine for their office. Several years and cardiac/nuclear stress tests later and the only thing abnormal about my heart is the over-cautiousness of most anesthesiologists. The last one I spoke with face-to-face before sinus surgery reviewed the entire chart and remarked how insignificant the EKG irregularity was, compared to all the other test results that showed I was in very good shape. I'm currently walking five miles two nights each week, and next month I start walking that route three nights a week.

I seriously suspect you're gonna be completely and totally fine, no worries necessary. I wish you all the success possible and a rapid recovery from your surgery. Good luck and godspeed!

To all of you who have responded to my 'EKG' post: A big thank you! I never expected this type of response, even though I know there are many wonderful people here.

JessicaH (imported) wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:34 pm I'm sure everyting will be fine on your cardiologist appointment. Please let us know how it goes so we can quit worrying for you!

Very Big Hug,

Stacy

Hi Stacy,

In brief, after running his own EKG, the cardiologist said he doesn't think there's a problem. I'll put the details in another post. For now, I

Caith721 (imported) wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:41 pm 'll just say I am confident all is well.

Hugs,

Danya

Danya, don't sweat the EKG much, as others have stated. It is *so* easy to mis-interpret certain things on them, and I would always value

what the doctor and/or cardiologist says over any tech.

Hi Caith721,

Thanks so much for writing! The ca

Caith721 (imported) wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:41 pm rdiologist agrees with what you, and others, have stated.

In my case, I have a consistent but VERY slight irregularity in my heartbeat. My GP first noticed it years ago when they obtained a portable EKG machine for their office. Several years and cardiac/nuclear stress tests later and the only thing abnormal about my heart is the over-cautiousness of most anesthesiologists. The last one I spoke with face-to-face before sinus surgery reviewed the entire chart and remarked how insignificant the EKG irregularity was, compared to all the other test results that showed I was in very good shape. I'm currently walking five miles two nights each week, and nex

t month I start walking that route three nights a week.

My concern was based partly on my last stress test, in 1994. The resting EKG was normal. Because of my family history of heart disease, the cardiologist also wanted a stress test. Toward the end of the stress test, however, the EKG took a big 'turn for the worse.' That cardiologist was very concerned and told me I probably had major coronary artery blockages. A few days later, we did a stress echocardiogram which showed there were no signs of blockages.

The temperatures are starting to really warm up here. Although I took very long walks until November or so at the Chicago Botanic Garden, for the last few months I haven't been walking enough. I will start walking very regularly at the mall (only 1 1/2 miles away) and outside when the weather is good.

A five mile walk sou

Caith721 (imported) wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:41 pm nds terrific. Long walks are great for the body and mind.

I seriously suspect you're gonna be completely and totally fine, no worries necessary. I wish you all the success possible and a ra

pid recovery from your surgery. Good luck and godspeed!

After my visit with the cardiologist today, I suspect everything is totally fine, too. I'll give the details, for anyone who is interested, in another post.

Thank you very much for your good wishes.

Hugs,

Danya

Danya,

Sorry that I was unable to offer you encouragement with respect to your EKG and a possible stress test. I have been away for a few days and just read your posts. It looks like you received plenty of support and encouragement.

As usual, best wishes for your surgery and your life as a total woman.

Danya,

Mac (imported) wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2011 4:57 pm Sorry that I was unable to offer you encouragement with respect to your EKG and a possible stress test. I have been away for a few days and just read your posts. It looks like you received plenty of support and encouragement.

As usual, best wishes for you surgery and your life as a total woman.

Thanks for the good wishes, Mac, as always.

Hugs,

Danya