At first I thought I wouldn’t share this in my blog. After having slept on it, I’ve decided to, because this is about my life on the road, and the new situation I’ve encountered effects that, a lot.
I’ve been seeing all my doctors while I’m here and getting good reports….up until yesterday, when I hit a bump in the road, so to speak.
The “Welcome To Medicare” physical includes an EKG. The machine called mine normal but the doctor disagreed. She showed me on the print out how a couple of heart beats were farther apart than the rest….irregular, she called it. She asked me about symptoms related to this kind of arrhythmia like dizziness? Heart palpitations? Fainting? NO. NO. And NO. Chest pain? NO.
My coping mechanism of choice….denial. I’m fine. No symptoms. I’ve got beautiful places to see and things to do. Let me out of here! It’s a fluke. It’s normal for me. This is going to lead to a lot of unnecessary tests and mess up my plans to boot. Damn. Damn. Damn.
That’s what I was thinking and my face must have reflected those thoughts because my doctor began to talk rather urgently to me about being on the road, driving. Alone. A lot. Not necessarily near any hospitals. And since for me it’s all about the dogs, my mind goes to the scene where I keel over and they are left alone somewhere out there. So I get scared and begrudgingly give in to the doctors insistence on more tests. Damn. Damn. Damn.
Yes, I know, I was an RN, however, I make a very unwilling patient, bordering on “noncompliance”. In this case fear wins and I am now scheduled to wear a Holter Monitor for 24 hours starting the morning of May 27. Then because I opened my big mouth and mentioned I had Rheumatic Fever as a kid, I’m scheduled for a 2D Echo on June 1, to see if there is any heart valve damage.
I was supposed to be well up state on June 1. The time in my vacation rental is over on May 29. My friend Mary (the Prius RVer), is welcoming me with open arms to her home, so I will have a place to stay. My friend Terri is insisting on going with me to my appointments for moral support.
At this point I’m canceling reservations I had for my first 4 nights on the road.
See, this is when some Zen-ness would come in very handy , and this is when it’s harder to come by.
Looks like I’ll be getting some practice in that area now….!
The pictures below, from my file, create some peace in me. Maybe some of them will do the same for you.
Wandering Spirit 
Right now your health is more important that traveling around. Positive thinking will get you thru all these tests and on the road again…..with your 4 legged mates!!!
Hi Pam,
Yes positive thinking is a good thing. The irritation I’m feeling right now is probably raising my blood pressure, and…um…making my heart skip beats. 🙂
Seriously I wonder if White Coat Syndrome causes skipped beats like it causes BP to go up and pulse to increase? Cuz I have WCS bad.
Take care and do what is necessary. I hope this gives you comfort. I, too, have worn the monitor twice. Once for a month, then for 24 hours. I have an irregular heartbeat and feel it. I know when my heart is acting up. I’ve been thru many test, most not a problem, a couple weirded me out. With regular visits with my cardiologist I’m still ticking. This has been going on for over a year.
Hi Linda,
I’m glad your heart is under control! Thing is, I have no symptoms. I don’t feel the irregular-ness. Oh, maybe once a year or so, I might feel my heart ‘skip a beat.’ I think most of us do. I’m not dizzy. I don’t faint. I’m not having pain, chest or otherwise. I like to stay away from doctors and hospitals as much as possible. My experience as an RN taught me that. (Well, working there was different.)
As I’m sure you’re already aware, be very careful when taking the word of a GP. If she thinks your heart may not be functioning right, save your Medicare money having test done by her and instead go straight to a cardiologist. I listened to a GP that insisted I had mitrovalve prolapse and took his prescribed rx for 25 years. I had no energy and just generally felt terrible. After suffering from a heart attack, the (real) cardiologist said I had NO mitrovalve prolapse; that if I had had that problem there is no way he would have prescribed that big a dosage for my size; etc. Makes me wonder if taking that medication for all those years caused me to actually have the heart attack. Again, please get a second opinion.
Seems like I’ve noticed as we get older, some doctors want to have us taking more and more medicines and more visits to their offices whether we feel well or not. You have to use your best judgment. I’ve told my doctor flat out, “I’m not taking a handful of medicines so don’t even think about prescribing them and I’ve got more I want to do in life than come to your office every month. If that’s what you want me to do, tell me now and I’ll find another doctor.” You know your body better than anyone else and that includes the doctor.
Take care. Let your body be your guide.
Cat Lady
Thanks for the advice Cat Lady. Results from these tests will be read by a Cardiologist. I’m not a fan of medications, doctor visits or hospitals either. Seems often it’s more about avoiding law suits and making $$$ than it is about health. I’ve decided to get this checked out though, grudgingly. VERY grudgingly. Gritting my teeth. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it turns out.
I had an episode last summer of shortness of breath with tachycardia. Finally ended up in ER (yep I’m a retired RN procrastinator too). BP was high (can you say STRESS and White Coat Syndrome). Spent a day and night there with lots of tests plus in cardiac step down unit for monitor, and had an echo. Conclusion- other than low MG which they fixed via IV, they had no clue. My Dr was finally notified next morning, came right over (thank goodness as he is one of only two in the city who see their own patients, the rest let hospitalists take care of you). Weeks later, all tests back, no reason found- new conclusion, it was a allergic reaction to the particulate matter from the King Fire burning 50 miles uphill from us and putting a ton of junk in our air. I gradually got better and no problem since. It was good to know my heart is fine. Take the time to let this happen and try to take a deep breath and relax so you can be reassured you are good to go. Will keep you in thoughts.
Hi Velda,
Oh my gosh. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Cardiac Step Down for White Coat Syndrome and smoke allergy.
Low Magnesium, yes, my doctor asked me if I take it and I told her I do. Not just in a multi, but I take 200 mg a day extra.
I have White Coat Syndrome too. No matter how much I try to talk myself down from that, it almost always shows up.
Yes, it is good to learn that your heart is in good shape, as a result of all that craziness. I am looking forward to learning the same.
Best to make your health the number one priority. So what if your plans are pushed back by a week …. you have years of travelling ahead to make up for this little bump in the road, right?. If you didn’t do the tests it would just weigh on you, so might as well get it over with.
Seems like every time I go to the dr, they have some ‘concern’ and want to run additional tests. Everything comes back normal . Sometimes I think they’re just making work for themselves … maybe their kids tuition bill is due next month. :>)
Anyway, glad you’re taking care of yourself.
Hi Caroline, yes I am probably being silly to whine about this like I am. Just Do It.
I will.
And I’m with you about the kids tuition!
Yes, they always find a new ‘concern’. Irritating. So darn irritating.
I’m with the rest of your bloggers…get the tests done. Verify that there’s nothing wrong and then enjoy your travels. We will pray for positive results.
However, one comment you made had me thinking. If something happens to you while you’re on the road, do you have PRINTED directions readily visible in the trailer and truck about how the dogs should be cared for just in case? They’re too special for their care to be left to chance.
And thanks for sharing the “bump”. It may help others planning a lifestyle like yours.
Hi Reine,
You know I do have info in two places about my dogs. My friend Terri has told me that if anything happens to me she will take care of them….even come and get them….where ever they are. I have that info and her phone number in my wallet by my drivers license, and taped to the mirror inside WS. Just last night she told me she is going to get a second ID tag for them to wear with her phone number on it too.
That is such a relief for me to know that, let me tell you!
Funny how life is ….. Now you will have some assurance of health! And to give thoughts to what you will want to have happen if you did keel over. A depressing thought but we are not as young as we were! Get some hill hikes in so your tests look great!! xxoo
🙂 Sounds good Patty. Right now I have enough ‘irritation energy’ in me to go climb a mountain anyway. Might as well put it to use!
Just keep looking at those beautiful pictures you just posted and how wonderfully healthy you look (not 2 mentions HAPPY!). This may be just over-caution by the dr. But whatever it is you’re addressing it and will be ‘on the road again’ as someone VERY MUCH rode hard and put out to dry still sings….
And I FEEL healthy too. I took Patty’s advice (above), and went to a place nearby that has a steep incline. I jogged down and walked up 8 times. It felt good! I could have continued without a problem but the dogs insisted on doing it with me and I was worried about Joy. I’ll do it again tomorrow but I’ll tie them somewhere after a few times.
I guess I was kinda testing myself to be honest, but I felt no symptoms that this supposed condition is supposed to bring on. Yay!
I understand your feelings…the hesitancy, the waiting, the unknowns. But most of all, I pray for results, to give you peace to continue your adventure.
Thank you Cindy. It’s very much appreciated.
All things for a reason as they say but I appreciate your wanting to deny it all and get out of there. That would be my first impulse as well. And THAT’S why it was important for you to share this part of your story. Thank you for having the courage to post this. You never know how you handle this may inspire or influence someone else in the future.
Sending you lots of healing thoughts, and prayers. Take care.
I was shocked to read about your unhappy news. You always have been so healthy and full of joy. It is a bit of a downer but I will hope for the best for you. I was wondering if you might come this way for a bit. I saw your dopple ganger today! I was driving to Poulsbo with the doggies and passed an outfit just like yours. when I was returning from the farmers market that white pickup and Casita were one car ahead of me. I tried to see if Mick was the passenger but they turned into Hidden Cove campground before I was close enough…a major disappointment! Please take care and get in touch when you are near by.
Hi Elinor,
The plan was to be up your way late July or Early August and was hoping to visit (but not pull into your driveway!) 😉
However things are in the midst of changing right now and I’m not sure how it will work out. My mom isn’t doing well. Will blog it all soon.
Hi BadgerRick,
Thank you for your healing thought, prayers, and encouraging words. I need them all. Weird series of events going on here now, which I’ll blog about soon.
Better to check out and gain a sense of security especially traveling alone. You’ll be in my thoughts…may it all prove you’re able to keep climbing the hills and have peace of mind, body and soul!
Yes that is true Cozygirl. Otherwise I’d always be wondering…
hope all goes well with your tests, micky, i’m still planning to hook up with you in july. let me hear how it’s going for you via my email address, i think i provided my cell number too, regards, claire and merlin, excellent schnoodle, ps, we end the southern utah tour tuesday, it’s been great but lots of rain/cold in places
Hi Claire, I’ll keep in touch about what happens next. Things got more complicated…which you can read about in the blog I just now posted.
Sorry to hear about the bad weather on the Utah Tour. Bet they can use every drop of rain though.
Yes the photos helped me too.
Micky I’ll be thinking about you and hoping this is nothing! Just a bump in the road for you I pray. Please let me know what you find out.
I’m in Budapest right now. I wish I could help! XO
Hi Deb, girl, you just enjoy Budapest! Thank you for the kind words.
Please let me know how your cardiac tests come out!!!!!! I am also a bordering on non-compliant patient! I detest going to the docs. I’ve had more than enough the past three years! Do, please, let me know what happens with your echo, holter monitor, etc., etc., etc.