This might take a bit to explain - please bear with me. I have been heavy for many years. I went from around 270 to over 300 lbs. when I quit smoking in 2005. As I got heavier I found moving around to be challenging at times and when I pushed down with my arms to do something like getting off the floor I would get pain in my shoulders, chest, arms.
About 4 months ago I started going to a gym. Along with cardio I have been doing some weight training. Again I have been having pain in my shoulders, arms, chest and shoulders.
Today I was at the Doctor's and mentioned the pain that I have been having and suspect that I have pulled something across my chest during weight training. He said it probably is that but he wanted me to see a Cardiologist. This has terrified me!
Being 53, very overweight, family history of heart disease I know puts me at risk BUT I am sitting up, unable to sleep and imaging the worst. I even told my husband I wanted to see a lawyer about our wills!
So I guess all of this rambling is because I am scared. I also wanted to knoe if anyone else has had this kind of reaction to a Doctor's appt. or been referred to a cardiologist.
You really probably are fine. The doctor just has to respond accordingly, just in case.
But I have a lot of anxiety regarding my health. For example, even though Ive always been responsible as far as sexual activity goes, I was terrified after I had an HIV test that it would be positive, for no real reason. I have a couple moles and I was sure it was skin cancer. I have a bad cold and there's a little bit of blood when I blow my nose and I'm sure it's lung cancer. So, I understand that sort of fear. For me, understanding that I'm aware of my body helps. It calms my fears to think that I know how it functions and what to look for as far as changes in my body go.
Good luck, go to the cardiologist to be sure you're ok, but don't worry yourself too much, it really serves no purpose. I totally understand, though!
I haven't been scared in this way - but yes, definitely gotten news or spooked unpleasantly from a doctor appointment before. In my case not potentially life threatening.
Do take it easy. Since you can't see the cardiologist right way. I am going to think good thoughts for you that it is not cardiac but that you will get some good baseline information.
I am so sorry you are having to worry about this. I can see that you are trying hard to lose the weight and that is a good thing. Maybe take it easy on yourself while you are nervous and unsure exactly what the pain is. Hopefully you can get in for your appointment soon.
Vicki- first of all, I hope that everything turns out okay after your visit to the cardiologist. I think that your reaction is totally understandable, but you won't know until you know.
I have suffered from many medical issues in my life, and it is hard not to be worried when we are referred to a doctor or for a test that has a scary association. I think people who have cancer scares would be able to relate to what you are feeling.
Instead of being terrorized by the fear, you could try to explore it. Ask yourself what you are afraid of, even if the answer might be obvious. Maybe it's a fear of dying. When I asked myself the question, realized that I was afraid of not being in control. I realized that I wasn't so afraid of dying (I've lived a full life, no regrets, etc.) But I'm single, no kids and I've been writing bucket lists since I was a teenager and crossing things off. I clarified and named my fear and found peace in that. Maybe when you explore your fear, you will clarify that there are specific experiences that you really want to have, like a deepened relationship with spouse, being there for children/grandchildren, going to Ireland- whatever it is, you will know it more clearly than ever before. The desire to keep those opportunities available to you will give you strength and motivation, which you may need to face a medical challenge, or which could spur you forward on your weight-loss journey.
Hope this didn't come across as preachy. Please keep us posted.
I was referred to a cardiologist because of an irregular heart beat. It scared me terribly, though it turned out to be fine.
Ironically, I was misdiagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis, an extremly serious, often fatal autoimmune disease, and that was far less scary. "Knowing the worst," was worse than not knowing. In fact, when we discovered that I did not have Wegener's, but doctors didn't know what I DID have, I was almost disappointed. Having a "name" was reassuring.
My doctors told me that most autoimmune diseases are identified by the pattern of damage they do, and if I was "lucky" I would never know the name of my autoimmune disease (because we would keep the organ damage from occurring by periodic courses of steroids to treat symptoms).
That was really hard to accept, knowing I had a "mystery illness" hanging over my head like a sword of Damocles. Now that I seem to be in at least partial remission, I really am learning to appreciate the saying "no news is good news."
It's ironic though that when I thought I was perfectly healthy, I was in constant fear of my health. Now that I have had to live with serious and chronic illness (and that of my husband), I've lost most of my fear.
It's kind of crazy that the fear of the unknown is often so much worse than actually living with what we're fearing.
Oh! I am so sorry you're going through this. I freak out about medical stuff, and though I've never had any heart problems, I'm always paranoid that I do. One thing I would take solace in is that he didn't get you in to see a cardiologist right away- I mean, if he thought it was truly serious, he would have said, "ZOMGGETTOTHEEMERGENCYROOMRIGHTNAO!" (or something more doctorly). And there is SO much they can do even if you DO have something wrong with you. An ounce of prevention...
My thoughts are with you! Please let us know how it turns out!
Oh Vickie I am so sorry for you - I am also 53 and my starting weight was 348. I would be petrified also and at the same time so mad at myself - probably madder at myself for letting it get there but that's just me. I hope the cardiologist is kind to you and understands the significant changes you have already made. My doc is now my #1 champion.
You're doing all the right things - keep taking care of yourself!
I started having chest pain when I was 41. My BP tends to be a little high whenever I go to the dr.(I monotor it at home and it's always fine here). My GP did an EKG in the office which was fine, but she wanted me to see a cardiologist immediately. After some tests(echo, stress echo) everything came back fine. I then had an endoscopy - again fine. It was finally a chiropractor who diagnosed me(a rheumatologist confirmed it) - I have something called costochondritis. It is an inflammation of the sternum/ribcage area..kind of similar to fibromyalgia(sp?) but localized. The way they test for it is to push down on points along your sternum to see how loud you yell. Ouch!!!
If it's cardiac pain, it will generally be felt with increased heart rate - running up a flight of stairs, for example. I always try to remember this as it has become chronic(most of what I read claimed it only lasted a few weeks, but I've talked to many people online who've had it for years). Mine is much, much better now - the pain was so bad that when it hit at work I would have to find an empty office to ice myself down and lie on the floor and cry when it started. Now it's more occasional twinges. But I still feel that flicker of fear whenever it hits.
I now carry anti-anxiety medicine wherever I go. I hardly ever take it - I've used maybe 20 pills in 2 years - but just knowing it's there helps me.
Did your dr. do an EKG in the office?
Make the appointment ASAP. From what you describe it sounds more like something muscular, but better to be safe. Oh and make sure they don't just rely on the standard stress test - much less effective in diagnosing women than men(typical). I did a stress echo but I think there are other tests that are even better.
Oh Vickie I am so sorry for you - I am also 53 and my starting weight was 348. I would be petrified also and at the same time so mad at myself - probably madder at myself for letting it get there but that's just me. I hope the cardiologist is kind to you and understands the significant changes you have already made. My doc is now my #1 champion.
You're doing all the right things - keep taking care of yourself!
I completely am like that! I am mad - mad at myself! It's not like this weight appeared over night. My family doctor said nothing to scare me except the word cardiologist - he was thrilled with the progress I have made.
Vicki- first of all, I hope that everything turns out okay after your visit to the cardiologist. I think that your reaction is totally understandable, but you won't know until you know.
I have suffered from many medical issues in my life, and it is hard not to be worried when we are referred to a doctor or for a test that has a scary association. I think people who have cancer scares would be able to relate to what you are feeling.
Instead of being terrorized by the fear, you could try to explore it. Ask yourself what you are afraid of, even if the answer might be obvious. Maybe it's a fear of dying. When I asked myself the question, realized that I was afraid of not being in control. I realized that I wasn't so afraid of dying (I've lived a full life, no regrets, etc.) But I'm single, no kids and I've been writing bucket lists since I was a teenager and crossing things off. I clarified and named my fear and found peace in that. Maybe when you explore your fear, you will clarify that there are specific experiences that you really want to have, like a deepened relationship with spouse, being there for children/grandchildren, going to Ireland- whatever it is, you will know it more clearly than ever before. The desire to keep those opportunities available to you will give you strength and motivation, which you may need to face a medical challenge, or which could spur you forward on your weight-loss journey.
Hope this didn't come across as preachy. Please keep us posted.
You don't sound preachy - in fact your words have helped. I will spend some time really exploring what this fear is because really I know anything at this point - just that I have to see a specialist. Thank you.
There are so many kind words here. Thanks for the reassurance - over the next few weeks I am sure I will come back here to read these entries if I get panicky.
I finally got a few hours sleep and my head is a bit clearer. I so appreciate the lack of judgement.
Hi Everybody! I had my app't with the cardiologist today. I had an ECG & a heart ultrasound and then met with the Doctor. Good news - he saw no blockages and believes that the chest pain I have experienced is caused by some tearing I could have done to muscle tissue while working out with weights.
He said it is not uncommon that when people first start working out they overdue it and cause injury to themselves. He wants me to come back for a stress test but as a precaution.
He advised me to contine at the gym and to stick to doing cardio - he wants me to stay away from weights for a while.
Saw the Doctor and now scared!
