Saturday, April 28, 2007

Pericarditis "If you think something is wrong with you then there probably is"

So for any of you who have been around me for any amount of time know that I have not felt well since November. Yeah, November. That's a really long time to feel bad. An abscessed toothed and sinus infection after sinus infection were the initial things that were bringing me down. By January I was still not feeling well and felt short of breath most days, especially after working out or even cleaning house. It was not my usual shortness of breath. I say "usual" because I have occasionally/seasonally used an inhaler since I was little for wheezing. I was using my inhaler constantly and it did not seem to be doing anything. Long story short I have had a lung profusion, CAT scan of my lungs, x-rays, blood work done 4 times, and finally the internist I went to, Dr. Nathan Hall, decided I should have an EKG done bc surely the pneumonia that was not showing up in my lungs anymore would not be making me short of breath everyday. So after two "minute clinic" visits, going to my GP like four times, one emergency room visit, then an internist, finally leading me to a cardiologist bc my EKG came back abnormal. The cardiologist visit I had anticipated for a week and a half was Friday. I went to the cardiologist where he told me my heart sounded fine but he wanted to check everything so to be sure my shortness of breath, chest tightness, night sweats, and weight loss had nothing to do with the heart. So one more EKG , a 3D echo, and blood work here we come. Turns out that it looks like I have Pericarditis. What? Exactly. Inflammation of the sack around the heart. Good news to know what is wrong, bad news that they are not yet sure of the severity, cause, or if there is any scarring that will not heal. This means I might never have the full capacity of breathing that I once did. Which is slightly upsetting since I like recently discovered my like of triathlons and have a long term relationship with running. God is good and I know he will take care of me. Maybe this all happened so that I would have to slow down and draw closer to my Lord. That and have more time to BLOG of course. My doctors are suppose to get together to consult with one another at the beginning of this week and decide what needs to happen next. So please pray for the doctors who have been so committed to finding out what is wrong and for full recovery. I know only those who truly care for me have made it this far into my post, so THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

11 comments:

The Hadfields said...

I'll definately be praying for you Heather!! I hope this is temporary and that you won't suffer any long term effects!!

Rachel said...

oooh, sounds like we're both in rough shape! Yours sounds more serious though. Keep us posted and I'll be praying for you!

Christine said...

Hey,
I wish I could have gotten to talk to you more in depth today. We are praying for you that everything will be okay!

Carrie, The Modern Housewife said...

Yes, and I am one of the ones who made it all the way through the post, as you said. I am so so sorry that you've been feeling bad for so long. I have been & will continue to pray for you that you will regain full lung capacity & then will continue to make me jealous with all of your triathalons!

Elizabeth said...

I knew you had been feeling bad, but not for that long! I'll keep you in my prayers! I'm glad you went and saw Nathan. You know he's my uncle, right?

Misty George said...

heather,
I am so sorry! Sounds like you have been through a lot since seeing you last! You will be in our prayers.

Courtney said...

Hey Heather- I will keep you in my prayers. I am so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could have seen you at Beau's party as well! It has been too long!

Jennifer said...

I will be praying for you! Good luck with the upcoming tests and keep us posted on what they figure out!! Hang in there!

Josh and Lindsay Story said...

You poor thing! I will definitely keep you in my prayers!

josh and darci said...

You'll be in our prayers, Heather! Hang in there and let me know if you need someone to take Brooks off of your hands so that you can rest. I'm sure that Brax would love a play buddy!

Dee-Dee said...

Sorry about the pericarditis, Heather. I will keep it in my prayers. I was happy to see you all at the party Saturday. Thanks for including it on your blog! See you soon. Dee-Dee