Cardiology

So I went to a cardiologist today about my fast heart rate (tachycardia in doctorese). He said that nothing in my medical history can explain it. I don't use a lot stimulants (even caffeine), my thyroid function is fine, and my blood counts are fine. So at the end of July I have an appointment for and echocardiogram (an ultrasound of my heart) to see if they can find anything structurally wrong with it. But the doc doesn't think they will. So we'll see what happens. But he doesn't seem to be worried about it.

CF means....

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what CF (and fibromyalgia) means to me. So here it is.

CF means having to think about everything that goes in my mouth. How much insulin will that drink require? How many enzymes do I take for this burger? Sometimes its too much work and I'd just rather not eat or drink.

It means planning my day according to how much energy I have. One day I will come home from work and clean my kitchen from top to bottom. Other days even taking a shower is just too much work.

It means unconciously slowing down when I'm walking up hill.

It means hours of nebulizer treatments, vest, percussor, and cleaning equipment every day.

It means doctor's appointment after doctor's appointment. I don't remember the last weekday I had off that I didn't have an appointment. I have my pulmonologist, rhuematologist, nurse practioner at the diabetes center, my general practiotioner, and soon a cardiologist.

It means holding my breath every time I walk by someone who is coughing.

It means having one of those little Purell bottles on my purse, and refilling it often.

It means actually having a good reason to worry about catching the swine flu.

It means always coughing like someone with a 2 pack a day habbit. And constantly having strangers ask if I'm sick.

It means being able to speak the same language as a doctor or pharmacist, and being able to read there handwriting.

It means impressing new doctors with the ability to speak their language.

It means my teeth crumbling in my mouth.

It means knowing what infected mucus looks, and tastes, like.

And that's all I can think of for now.

I know I'm a bad blogger!

Ok, I know I haven't blogged in a while! So here is the latest news.

I am having all my top teeth removed on July 13th. And I am very happy about this. They have been in horrid condition for years and when I lost a front one I decided I was done. I am getting an imediate denture, which means that the doc will pop it in right away. It will act as a band aid while I heal up and the denturist will give me unlimited adjustments for 3 months. Plus, my mommy is coming to take care of me! I have always gotten along great with my mom and I am looking forward to spending some real time with her. I haven't seen much of my parents since they moved 4 hours away a couple years ago.

I am seeing a cardiologist on the 29th for my tachycardia (high heart rate). I am also going to ask them about my lips and nail beds turning purple at random times. I am not happy about that since my PFTs are in the mid 50s and I have very little lung damage according to my last chest CT.

Handbook for anyone who shops or banks.

So I had this up on a myspace blog that I later had to delete and didn't think to save it. Basically its a guide for anyone who uses any sort of service. Mainly, if you are ever a customer, read this. Some of these are things that friends added. I will try to remember as many as I can.

*I do not remember you. I help 100 people a day, and I'm supposed to remember you after one visit? I don't think so.

*If I do remember you its probably because you were an asshole.

*Swearing at me will probably get you the exact opposite of whatever it is you want.

*I don't get paid enough to deal with your shit, don't treat me like crap.

*I don't need your life story, and to be perfectly honest, I don't care.

*You saying "I'll never shop here again!" is never going to break my heart.

*When at the produce section of the grocery store and the clerk cuts something for you to sample, don't leave the pit or skin on someone eles' future tomatoes. No one wants your spit up crap on their food.

*TAKE A FUCKING SHOWER YOU SMELLING BASTARD!

*Fully exhale your cloud of toxic smoke before entering my establishment. In fact, in some states you shouldn't be smoking within 25 of the door anyway. Keep that smelling shit that makes me cough outside.

*Don't ask me out......ever.

*Don't undress me with your eyes......ever.

*I'm not afraid to call the cops on you.

*When we say "This is a one time thing." We mean it. You don't get to do it next time.

*There is a trash can for a reason. I'm not your maid, your wife, or your mother.

*Keep your brat of your kid under control. I'm not your babysitter.

*If your little hell spawn hurts himself while doing something he shouldn't be, I will have to try very hard to contain my laughter.

*Don't leave comment cards with comments about my anatomy.

*No one works in customer service because they enjoy it. Have you ever thought that maybe my company just has really good benefits that keep there? I am not happy to see you, but I'll try to pretend.

The latest.

This week I saw the dentist (uhg, horrid people all of them!) for a tooth that was hurting. He couldn't find anything wrong with it but gave me antibiotics anyway just in case there is an infection in there. I'm debating about taking it because it hasn't hurt since then. It probably got freaked out. Tooth's internal monologue: "Oh crap! I've seen what happens when one of us bothers her, they get yanked out!"

Anyway, the oral surgeon I saw about yanking all my top teeth had written the dentist a letter that boiled down to: She doesn't need this, just fix the cavities. Asshole. After he told me he agreed with me. So my dentist ran the numbers and said that he would pull them and it will cost me $800. I will be maxing out my insurance and beyond. But who cares!!! No more teeth issues, at least on top. I will also have to come up with $675 for the denture then another $675 when all the adjustments are made. That is unless I can qualify for this line of credit deal they have. My mom said she would cosign it so we'll see. Yay for moms.

I also went to my GP about my migraines. I've had three or four a year for a long time but lately its been more like three or four a month. Very obnoxious. So I got some Imitrex for that. I haven't had to take it yet so time will tell how it does.

I also brought up the issue of my high heart rate and the Denver doc's concern over it. So we ran an EKG right there. My rhythm was normal, but fast of course. Then she wanted to check my thyroid because that can have an effect. That blood work was normal so she put in a referal to cardiology for me. So I am waiting on a call from them. If I don't hear from them by Wednesday I will call them (that will be a week).

So that's what's up in my world. I hope everyone out there is healthy and ready to enjoy their summer!