.
...there is no verdict. The jury is still out.
How frustrating is that?
The good news is, the stress test did not kill me. The staff was extraordinarily pleasant and it was actually a fairly pleasurable experience.
Until I saw the doctor.
That's the bad news part. Apparently there is a shadowy part of the pictures that could be nothing, or could be something. Yuck.
The doctor dropped the "c" word (catheterisation) and, the other bad news, she's going to let me decide. I'm not big on those kinds of decisions, frankly. I'd rather someone just tell me what to do.
Apparently I could go either way -- be perfectly fine, or have the big one. She gave me a prescription for nitroglycerin tablets (not a good sign, I'd say).
My biggest issue with this whole thing is not fear for myself, but for my children. Having lived through the sudden death of a parent, I never want my children to experience that. On the other hand, I really don't want to wig them out by unnecessarily going through an invasive procedure. Between a rock and hard place, I am.
I appreciate your thoughts and prayers today, my friends. And I guess I need to get to work praying on this.
.
.
praying...
ReplyDelete...and now you have shoes to go for a nice walk (not strenous, but not too slow either).
...and popping over here, I see your new photo. You look so beautiful!
Prayers Barbara.
ReplyDeleteyour new picture looks GREAT!!! :))) Love your hair!
ReplyDeleteWith my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have gone through this test twice, as an adolescent. So I can tell you it's not too horrible, if that helps any.
Your new picture is great!
Thanks friends -- you are SO kind (for both the prayers and the compliments).
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- I AM going to walk. I have plantar facsiitis in my right foot and I'm hoping the support in the new shoes will help.
Cheryl -- The "old brown" should be gone by the end of the month -- there are only tips left. Then I will be completely silver -- it's hard to get used to! Am I older AND wiser or just plain old??
Barb -- is that the heart cath you've had done twice??
ReplyDeleteI have plantar fasciitis in my left foot, but it's only for 5 minutes in the morning. Have you tried stretching it?
ReplyDeleteIn the picture you look blonde, not silver. Your face is young.
Praying for you Barbara (and the new hair IS super-cute!)
ReplyDeleteYou know, my mom had these tests a few years back and they came back with the same "we see a shadow, it could be nothing OR something major" diagnosis. She too was recommended for a cardiac cath, but she wasn't on board with it. She went to a different cardiologist, who repeated the test and determined it was just a shadow created by her breast. I don't know if yours is a similar case, but I thought I'd just throw it out there. (my Mom is totally fine by the way, and has not had any other kinds of heart problems, thank God.)
Praying here too!!
ReplyDeleteI love the new photo as well - you look sooo good!
elaine
Michelle -- It's definitely silver. I think the little tips of brown still showing must make it look blond.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done stretching exercises (have a link?), but I've been wrapping my ankle/foot to help keep it in a stretched position. It doesn't hurt when I walk/stand, but when I've been on my feet a lot, it smarts (a lot) after I've rested. I've been hesitant to walk for exercise because I don't want to pay the price later in the day. I've been to the podiatrist for previous flairs, but I'm avoiding him because I don't want the shots!
Aimee -- that's exactly the situation -- could be breast, could be big blockage. What gives me (and the doctor) pause, is my strong family history.Thanks for telling me about your mom!
Elaine, Thanks!
I'm so sorry there wasn't the quick resolution you were hoping for. Fear not! God is with you. You remain in my prayers and the prayers of many others...
ReplyDeleteBTW: I thought your hair was blond! Very youthful, dahling! Not getting older, getting better!
You look just lovely, and I'll be praying!
ReplyDelete:)
Barbara, first, your picture is beautiful!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteSecond, you are in my prayers. Don't worry you are catching it early. Look at all the people you have praying for you!!
You are such a wonderful, giving person. I will be lifting you up in prayer!
Oh my goodness Barbara, what a scare. My Mom has had several heart caths with no problems. She still has something wrong with her heart in terms of the beat, but thankfully all the procedures went well. I'll be praying for you to make the right decision and get resolution.
ReplyDeleteHere's one link for plantar fasciitis exercises. I rarely get mid-day pain. If I stretch before I get out of bed (heel flexes), I'm fine. But I rarely remember.
ReplyDeleteIf you have options on walking surfaces, go for soft: asphalt over concrete, packed dirt or grass over asphalt. A track at a school is ideal, but boring.
Also, maybe I'm wrong, but there is a big difference between standing on one's feet all day and walking. The muscles get used differently. I would suggest starting with a 15 - 20 minute walk (about one mile) 3 times a week dutifully followed by 5 minutes of stretching (especially the heel stretches) just to see how it goes.
Hey, you might like it! What to join me in October at the Army Ten Mile run? :-)
Thank you, friends. You are so kind and your prayers and kind thoughts are greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- I think I'll stick to walking. :o)
Prayers on their way from Boston!
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Oh, my. I'll be praying for you, Barbara. I'll have a few minutes with Jesus this afternoon, and I'll be sure to remember you to him.
ReplyDeletePraying for you Barb! I LOVE the new picture!
ReplyDeleteJust read the comments about your plantar fascitis (I know I spelled that wrong but I am too tired to look it up). I tried wearing the supportive tennis shoes to help mine and it only helped a little bit. What really worked was wearing Birkenstock type sandals during the day. I don't know why but it worked and I have heard others say the same thing. I only had one pair of real Birks (they were on clearance) but after I wore them out, I bought some Betulas which are made by Birk. Might be worth a try!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, yes, 2 heart caths.
ReplyDeleteI will offer up my next Holy Hour for your intentions, Barb.
ReplyDeletePS. Trying hard to decide which aspect of your new photo I like more--the glamor or the wisdom!
PPS. Why'd I just call you Barb? I don't think of you as a Barb...
ReplyDeleteMatilda -- I was just wondering what I would do during the summer because I would die in running shoes (I would actually prefer barefoot). Thanks for the recommendation -- I was thinking Birkenstocks but probably wouldn't have taken the plunge without knowing for sure.
ReplyDeleteBarb -- So no big deal then?
Margaret -- Thank you for the prayers; they are most appreciated. And you can call me anything you want -- my mom still calls me Barbie. Can you imagine a gray-haired old Barbie? Ha!
Barbara, the test was really not all that bad. And I'm sure they've come a long way to make it even more user-friendly in the past 30 years :)
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I've had plantar fasciitis in both feet. I agree with Matilda--Birkenstocks work wonders (that and stretching).
ReplyDeleteI'm at a loss for advice but you have my prayers.
I love your new photo! You look lovely!