I just came back from my Dr. and good news is that I don't have asthma. I have really bad allergies, so no more Meds for that.
Upsetting news is that she has found in my medical reports from another Dr., that I have had a heart attack sometime in the last couple of years and no on told me. She is not happy!!
New Meds for that. The wall if the heart is damaged.
I was talking to my friend about this development and we went over anything that could tell us when it happened. The day that We were given Kevan's diagnosis, I came down with a major headache and what thought was heartburn. He took me to the hospital and they did a scan to check for a strike . They gave me morphine to kill the pain and what they called ab" pink lady " for the indigestion.
When I think about that chest pain I now realize may not have been indigestion but a heart attack. I start the beta blocker today and I am to lower the stresses in my life.
I did have a pleasant visit with Kevan before that appointment and don't know if I should tell him or not. I have called the social worker at his LTC and asked for his advise on this. I don't want to frighten or add to his worries.
Jazzy - I would not tell him unless you think it would change his behavior which I doubt. He might even try to use it as a 'weapon' as to why you need him at home to help you.
I am glad you found out about it now rather than later. Sometimes I do not know why they don't tell you things.
When I had my mammogram this year they ordered the one I had done 7 years ago in Vancouver. When I received the report this time it was detailed and said 'Chronic benign nodule of the left breast, unchanged as compared with 2007." That was news to me. I even dug out the report I was sent back than and it just said it was normal. Excuse me? A lump should be told to the patient so it can be watched.
A heart attack showed be told to the patient so they can take all precautions they can to prevent further damage to the heart.
Keep this news to yourself..If you tell him, knowing his reactions to you in the past, he might be likely to use it against you but most likely he won't comprehend what you have told him anyway, then use it to browbeat you when you don't visit...nothing to be gained but more stress for you..
Just keep in touch with your doctor and it may be you need a cardiologist on deck for your health concerns as well.
Jazzy, why would you tell him? Will he be sympathetic? Will he care? I truly am so very sorry for this upsetting news, but hopefully you will be getting the treatment you need.
I called my brother last night and he asked me to describe what it felt like and then told me that that us what he had. He said it was like a bad attack if indigestion. No pain down the arm and a bad headache. That was over twenty five years ago and he is still going so maybe I will not be leaving this world yet.
I feel a little better today and am off to shop for a few needed items.
I have decided not to tell Kevan and as I expected he called to find out about my appointment. I was able to give him the good results of a few tests I had so he was content with that. I think he would immediately decide to come home and care for me or he would be hounding me about eating and exercising and just about anything he could think of. "Get walking" don't eat that, eat ......" He would drive me nuts for sure.
I have told two of our kids but I might as well have told Willy my Yorkie. I get more sympathy and concern from him and he has no idea what I am telling him.
Oh well I have lived for two years now not knowing I had a heart attack with out their help or concern and I guess I will make it through a few more.
Someone suggested that I get one of those medic alert type necklace or bracelets for calling for help. I'm not sure what to do. I live alone.
Jazzy, you might want to get one of those alert things. I'm thinking of getting the one by 5star because it can go anywhere. small price to pay for peace of mind if there's an emergency.
5-Star is great. You can take it anywhere and they can track where you are and will call 911 if you don't answer. I carry mine everywhere, mall, shopping, walking the do. It's on my bedside at night.
Jazzy and Charlotte, you should verify with your doctors that that the medical record and mammogram result are indeed yours. When we moved and I had my records copied and sent to my new doctor, we found several lab test and doctor note sheets were not mine. They belonged to a gal with the same first and last name but a different middle name or initial.
It doesn't happen all that often now since most records are computerized and the doctor types your info right in the room, but when records were paper, filing mistakes often happened. I was an Admin Asst/Office Mgr in a medical record department of a large teaching hospital. Our section dealt with coding and/or sending photocopies of the records per patient request. Unfortunately, we found numerous cases where chart notes, tests etc were misfiled.
I am sorry about your recent discovery, however, as late as it is, you now received a diagnosis and with the correct treatment and making alternating lifestyle changes you will live a long and productive life.
I am in total agreement with the board members as to not share any of your health issues or concerns with hubby. First of all, he is not able to fully understand the impact of this. Also, because the dementia affects reasoning abilities he will not react as you wish causing you greater distress. As Joan G in her June 16, 2014, blog "Alzheimer's Disease Alters Married Lives" so accurately stated it rips the permanent life of a marriage like a hurricane 5. Depending on the stage of the disease and the part of the brain attacked each Alzheimer's victim will react differently, but ultimately ALL marriages will be destroyed. When you feel the need you must share find a close friend, relative, clergy, or this blog, but never share with him!
I wish you the best. Please take care of yourself. Remember, give yourself the oxygen first!!!
Yes get medic alert..I have one because I can't take certain antibiotics. Just do a search on Medic Alert. You will pay a small fee and get a bracelet or something on a chain if you like that better. The one I have has an 800 no on it and they have the names of who to call in an emergency.
As a matter of fact, all caregivers should be wearing a medic alert bracelet..and it should say "caregiver" the one I had gave a no that was assigned to my hubby. Then if something happened to me, hospital personnel would know to call that no and the medic alert folks would contact the person listed or ensure someone would be with hubby until help could be secured. Who knows if they will be in an accident...that is worth everything. On that same form it can list your condition and meds as well.
Jazzy, you said that you were to lower the stress in your life -do they have any suggestions on how you manage that?! Caregiving for a dementia patient isn't exactly stress-free! ;)