Echo results & bad news...

[LTich]

I went into my GP to get my echocardiogram results today. It was a really rotten weekend for me with pain, extreme muscle weakness, shaking, joint pain & swelling. The results were not as good as I had hoped. I don't have the results in front of me, with all the proper medical terms, so bear with me please. Two small 'holes' were found in my upper left & upper right heart valves. The mitral valve prolapse was still present. They also found an extra Murmur & hypertension. My flow was at 60% and he said anything above 50 is good. Regurgitation was still minimal in all affected valves, which is really good news as well. Mild inflammation was also noted.

With my recent symptoms of upper body/leg muscle weakness, shaking & Echo results, he believes the probable diagnosis is Myositis. He put me on a much higher dose of Prednisone (which is the recommended treatment) & will leave final diagnosis & further testing up to my Rhuemie (apt July 5th). He also gave me some pain medication style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ok.gif

He recommended I use a walker because I have such a difficult time walking. Tears welled up in my eyes when I gave in & told him yes. Those of you that have supported me, know I have been fighting this for a long time. They will be delivering it tomorrow. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif I hate that my list of problems is growing but I will make it though style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Lisa

[zara]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif hugs, Lisa.

[keebler]

<span style="font-family:Century Gothic"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#CC33CC">Hi Lisa, style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif
Im sending you lots of. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif
I am so sorry about your test results. You are in my thoughts and prayers</span></span>.</span>http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a348/Keebler_1974/flower_14_animated.gif
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif
<span style="font-family:Century Gothic"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#CC33CC">Lyn</span></span></span>

[macfamily53]

Dear Lisa

You must be beside your self hun. We are here for you as you know that. I will be praying for you that this all gets better for you real soon. It is good idea to vent sometimes it helps. So pm me if you need to or want to anytime. This is a lot to go through for you by your self. take care and hang in there okay. Lots of style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif to you .

Tammy style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[LTich]

Thanks Lupie Possee....You guys do know your the absolute best, don't you? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

It took some major pride swallowing today but, it all went down. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hehe.gif

[Douglas]

Aren't echocardiograms fun? Mine showed the murmur, pretty fair regurgitation and at least accounted for the "sprint and stop" mode of living I have had for years. But on a happier note, an echocardiogram saved my brother's life by leading to an emergency triple bypass operation. On the whole, it is better to know..... I think.

[AmandaB]

Hi Lisa,

How frustrating that the list goes on - my thoughts are with you. Keep your chin up girl! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

Amanda

[helloos]

Hi Lisa.
I am glad that they did this test for you. Lets see what the rhemo has to say now. As for the walker, just try to remember, it may just be temporary. The idea is to be able to get around safely with no damage being done. It is hard to swallow I am sure, but you are a strong, positive individual and I believe that part of you will make you hold your head up high.

Hang in there, better days are ahead.

[anna from nottingham]

hi lisa
sorry to hear about your results and im hope you're ok
take carexxx style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif

[lazylegs]

Sorry to hear things have been going so poorly. Hope everything turns around soon.

I fought the walker for a long time. Stupid me. I love mine. It made walking so much easier. It really saves energy. Mine has a seat so if I run into someone at the store and start talking I can sit down. Before I had to cut the conversation off as my legs gave way. When we go shopping at the mall we put the packages in the basket and hang them from the handles. On our last vacation I was able to help get some of the things from the car to the hotel room. I use it when I cook or do dishes. If I tilt the laundry basket just right I can use the walker to carry laundry. It is just so handy, I can get around quicker with less energy spent, I have a built in seat if needed, and I don't have to worry about falling.

Before the walker my legs just kept getting weaker. The walker meant I could go for a walk on my own and get some easy exercise. The increased walking also meant some weight and shape loss. My legs have now built up enough stamina that I can wobble without a cane for short distances. I still use it on my walks because I am not stable for long distances.

The walker gave me part of my life back. I kick myself now for not trying it sooner. Hope you find yours are useful as I do.

Take care,
Lazylegs

[Fishaholic]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

Having to start using a mobility aid is difficult. I have gone from walking stick to manual wheelchair to electric wheelchair (don't worry, I have a very unusual muscle problem and don't know other lupies with it).

I absolutely hated the stick at first. I too cried. Then I wished I'd got one earlier. I'd been falling over but was determined not to "give in". When I got it, I could get around so much better. The same was true with the wheelchairs. I see myself as "wheelchair freed" and absolutely love them.

People with short sightedness or similar things use glasses. A mobility aid is no different. I now regard getting into my wheelchair to leave the flat as no different to putting on a pair of shoes! I don't even think about it.

Using your walker is not "giving in". It is doing the sensible thing. It is no different to having to take some meds for your illness for instance. It is hard right now, but try to regard the walker as an opportunity to make your life better and easier, rather than a bad thing.

Sorry you're having to deal with this. I know it is hard but you WILL get through it.

Big hugs, Sarah.

[lisade]

Sorry you are having such a hard time right now.

Thoughts and prayers are with you

[raggedyann1]

Lisa,

Fortunately the myositis was caught now and treatment has been started. I know it can be difficult to have secondary dx's added as I have had that occur for me. I had a hard time asking for a disabled parking placard and then we borrowed a wheelchair as I was ready to believe I would need one the rest of my life. I still have a manual wheelchair as I can get around ok at home. My problem is not muscle so its a bit different than yours is. Be careful not to start any exercise program without permission from your doctor. Exercise can make myositis worse and cause damage.

Hang in there.

Take care,
karen

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif

Adding my hugs to your collection. (((((((((Lisa))))))))))

Brighter days are ahead. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Pollyanna