Matters of the Heart?
June 27th, 2007 ·
As I mentioned previously, I experience shortness of breath when I do moderate exercise and physical activity. (For example, briskly walking up a single flight of stairs while talking makes me winded.) So, yesterday, I saw my doctor for a follow-up test and results. I have good news, and I have bad news. Ironically, it’s the same news.
I don’t have asthma.
When it comes to breathing, the lungs and the heart work together as a team. So, since my lungs appear to be fine, the next test is on my heart. I’ll have an echocardiogram at the hospital on the afternoon of July 10. Less than 2 weeks away. I’m trying not to stress. It’s nothing to worry about, right? Best-case scenario? My heart is fine, and I’m just wired such that physical activity winds me. Everyone’s different. I might have a body that just doesn’t like to breathe as much as it should. Worst-case scenario? Um, I don’t know. It could be anything. It could be nothing. I have a family history of heart valve problems. So, I could have a bicuspid aortic valve. Or, again, I could have no problems with my heart at all.
The only thing that’s certain is this: any worrying that I do between now and July 10th won’t change the results of the test on July 10th. So, to the best of my ability, I’ll just continue to do what I normally do. I’ll work. I’ll write about my life & my dates in New York. I’ll spend time with my friends. I’ll go jogging in Central Park. I’ll flirt with boys. Life will go on. And, as usual, I’ll definitely keep you posted. “Think of it this way,” says my friend Bro, “everybody’s gotta die. If you’re dying, it only means you’re just like the rest of us. Don’t go around thinking you’re special just because you can’t breathe!!” Bro makes my laugh. And, sometimes, for matters of the heart, that’s the best medicine there is.
Hi, I'm 
Yor fabu postiitve attitude is what keeps me coming back day after day, Funky! Here’s hoping it’s nothing serious…
That was supposed to be “your” and “positive”. Bad typing day, I guess.
Hm. From reading your stuff it sure sounds like you have a heart of gold. Can’t be anything wrong with that, eh? Besides, you’ve captured all your readers’ hearts, so you have plenty of spares.
Perfect attitude to take, FBC. No sense worrying about things you can’t do anything about right now, right? I will be sending tons of positive vibes your way.
I had similar issue a few years ago–mine did turn out to be asthma.
You’re a wise woman! Nothing to be gained from fretting! We’re all with ya and our hearts, as always, go out to yours.
As a famous prophet once said, “You can’t add a single hair to your head by worrying.”
I’m sending lots of happy thoughts your way.
Don’t worry. They’ll figure it out. You’re taking care of yourself. At first thought, if your lung volume is low, that doesn’t sound like a heart issue.
MamaChristy: Thanks!! And, no prob about the typos. I do that all the time!
Baba Doodlius: THANKS!
Amy: Thanks for the positive vibes!! Any, who knows. It could turn out to be absolutely nothing at all.
Laurie: Yeah, I’m trying to stick with the whole “don’t worry about that which you cannot change”. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but I’m trying.
GrizzBabe: Exactly. And the only thing that worrying will do it turn your hairs prematurely grey. We don’t want that now do we?
John Enright: Yeah. Who knows. My doc was pretty big on the lung - heart team thing. I get the impression that the EKG is just a check (especially considering the fam history of heart probs.)
You are freaking awesome…I’m so impressed with your positive attitude about this! Yes, everything you say here is true, but to think it and actually believe it are two very different things. Stay busy and these two weeks will fly by. And no matter what the outcome, I have no doubt you will have the right approach to handle it well and with determined vigor. Can’t really ask for more than that, now can you? :o)
You definitely have the right attitude. I feel the same way in any sort of “waiting” scenario: if worrying won’t change anything, then really what’s the point?
Crossing my fingers that your heart is healthy and sending positive vibes your way! :-)
AmyD: You’re great!
Stefanie: THANKS!!!! :-)
Take care of yourself, Funky Brown Chick–we need more funkiness in this world :-)
Thanks, Ro! :-)