#HealthUpdate – #GoodNews&BadNews

/ Marcia Meara

As many  of you are aware , I’ve had some ongoing health issues for the last couple of years, including two breakthrough cases of COVID among other things. But as I found out last October, my extreme dizzy spells and heart palpitations were not pandemic related. It turned out that I have a heart condition called “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” Essentially, the wall of my heart has thickened and is blocking full blood flow through the arteries that lead to the brain. (Not enough blood was getting to my brain, resulting in  dizziness, palpitations,  and various other issues.)

Good News #1: My cardiologist immediately put me on a beta blocker (Metoprolol) to slow my heart rate down, thus allowing more blood to flow through to my brain again. It worked GREAT from October through January. 

Bad News #1: In February the dizzy spells returned and began getting worse and worse.

Good News #2: Saw my doctor again last Tuesday and he added a new medication to the mix: Amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels so even more blood can get through.  Next, I’m to be set up with a heart monitor for two to four weeks to get an exact readout and an overall idea of how it’s all working, and then, we will be doing new imaging, too. So … we’re on it!

Bad News #2: Sadly, I’ve been told to cut back on many of my activities–especially anything that can cause physical exertion–at least until we are done with the testing and can reassess my heath status. I’ve had to cancel my wildlife talks for now, and won’t be doing any gardening, hiking, bending over, heavy lifting or other things of that nature. 

Good News #3: After a truly awful day last Wednesday, my new prescription was filled and I took my first Amlodipine that night. Within two hours, the dizzy spells stopped and the discomfort disappeared. And the last few days have been far, far better. I have a good feeling that we are on the right track now, and will find a way to manage my condition. (That’s my story, an’ I’m stickin’ to it!)

The main reason I’m sharing all this is because I may not be around as much as I usually am for a few weeks, However, I’ve already scheduled a lot of posts ahead, so things will still be going on, and I will check in as often as I can.  I also wanted to share because it occurred to me that some of what I’m going through might be of interest to anyone else who has  heart-related issues, too. 

I’ll keep you updated as things progress, hopefully with plenty of good news! For now, I may only have time or energy for “Liking & Sharing” everyone’s blog posts, but I know you’ll forgive me as I try to behave in  way that would make my cardiologist happy. And if any of you have similar issues you’ve dealt with, feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments section. Maybe we can learn from each other.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back to business as usual as soon as possible. Blogging isn’t on my “Forbidden List” like planting roses in 90 degree heat is, so I should be able to to handle it as my condition stabilizes. That’s my clever plan, anyway! 😁

And that’s it for now. Will update as the situation progresses!

83 thoughts on “#HealthUpdate – #GoodNews&BadNews”

  1. Oh geez. I’m SO glad your medical team is on this. My mom had something similar (among other things…) and they were able to get it handled after a time. Please do rest and take things slowly. Thinking of you and sending only the grooviest of vibes from Illinois!

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    • Thank you, Robbie! I really was doing better … until I wasn’t! 😲But I think I’m on track again and will do exactly as the doctor recommends until we get this under control! 😀 ❤

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  8. Best of luck, Marcia. Do take care, and thanks for letting us know. My Mom has been dealing with heart problems for a while now (and my father also had the condition), and I know it is difficult to get the medication right. Sending you positive thoughts.

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    • Thank you, Olga, and thanks for sharing the info on your parents. Yes, the trick is to find the perfect balance for each patient, and I have faith my doctor will get me there. I’m going to do MY part, for sure! 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you, Wendy! I’ll gratefully accept positive thoughts and prayers all day long, and will be working hard in conjunction with my doctors to get this under control.
      😀 ❤

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    • Thank you, Joan, and yep, they both work to reduce high blood pressure and help blood flow more easily to vital areas … like say the BRAIN! 😀 It’s amazing how much better it functions when it isn’t starving! 😀 I do think we will figure out the best way to manage this for me, and are on the right track. 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you, Cathy, and I promise I’m being good. I believe we are going to find the best way to manage this and I’ll be able to get back to most of the things I love, though digging flower beds in 90+ degree weather may have to be someone else’s job from now on. 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you, Craig, and yes, both of my new meds reduce blood pressure, Metoprolol by slowing the heart rate down and Amlodipine by relaxing the blood vessels to make it easier for the blood to flow through them. Plus I’ve been on Losartan for my blood pressure for years. Guess it just wasn’t doing enough to handle the added problem of my heart. But I do believe we’ll find a way to manage this, and I’ll be able to get back to at least some of the things I’ve had to put on hold. :D<3

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  17. Hi Marcia,

    I tried to leave a comment, but somehow I got sent back to the beginning of the message you posted.

    This was the first post I read this morning after I got all the cats and dogs fed and comfortable to begin the day.

    I just wanted to say I will be praying for you as you go through this time when you must rest and focus on your body and the healing that is needed.

    I wanted to share a verse from the Bible that means so much to me. We all go through difficult times during our life. I wrote this verse on a card and I keep it on display in my office so I don’t forget who I am. I speak it out loud often and it brings me courage and comfort in the hard times.

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

    My best regards, Lynda

    Lynda McKinney Lambert – Author/Artist

    My MISSION STATEMENT

    Seeking Euphoria through art and writing. * I reveal what is forgotten, lost, or invisible.

    http://www.lyndalambert.com http://www.lyndalambert.com

    Short Bio: Lynda, a retired professor of fine arts and humanities, Geneva College in Pennsylvania, authored 5 published books that focus on spare poems and thoughtful personal essays. Lynda lives with her husband Bob, their 2 dogs and 6 cats. Lynda’s love of nature, fine art, and history provide her dominate themes.

    Visit my blog at: http://www.lyndalambert.com/ http://www.lyndalambert.com * My Books: https://www.lyndalambert.com/books/ https://www.lyndalambert.com/books/

    My Author Page: http://www.dldbooks.com/lyndalambert http://www.dldbooks.com/lyndalambert

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    • Sorry you had problems posting. Lynda, but glad you’re here now. Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words, and the beautiful and comforting Bible verse. I appreciate it, and will save it, as well. 😀 ❤

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  18. At least you and your doctor have a plan of attack and hopefully you can get a handle on it and at least get back to your wildlife talks soon, if nothing else. And maybe you can get some writing done in the meantime 😉

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    • Thank you so much, Jeanne, and I do think we will get a handle on this condition soon, and I’ll be able to resume more activities again. Whether or not I’ll have the energy to continue with the wildlife talks, I’m not certain, but if I can feel well enough and creative enough to write, blog regularly again, and enjoy life in general, I’ll be happy. And I can always share my love of wildlife here on TWS, too. One way or the other, I’m not giving up on anything yet! 😀 ❤

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  19. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, dear friend, but I am encouraged by the fact your new meds are already working and that your cardiologist has a plan of attack. You definitely need to follow all of his orders and take it easy. I will be lifting up prayers for you. I know you’ll miss your wildlife talks and other activities, but this is a temporary setback. You’ll get through this!

    Sending much love and big hugs, my Penderpal! 🤗❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️🤗

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    • Thank you so much for those kind and encouraging words, Mae, and for your prayers and friendship! I do think we will find a way to manage this, and my life will get easier again, with or without a few of the things I’ve been doing in recent years. My schedule has been overfull for a long time, anyway, which has impacted my writing time, so slowing down a wee bit won’t hurt. 😊

      Thanks for being such a great friend and Penderpal, too! 🤗💖🤗

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  20. So sorry about this setback, my lovely friend. It sounds as if you’ve had a really rough and worrying time recently. Like the others here, I take heart from knowing that the new medication is having such a positive effect – and that you’re going to do as you’re told by your doctor! Sending you love and positive vibes over the ether (although I’d say your positivity is already doing a grand job). Lots of love and hugs. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  21. Oh, dear friend, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with heart challenges, but I’m relieved you’re on the path to recovery. Your list of Good News and Bad News is humbling to read. By nature, you look for the good and the hopeful, as only beautiful YOU could. ❤️

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    • Aw, thanks for such kind words, Gwen! I look for the good wherever possible because staring at the BAD all day would drive me crazy! Way too frustrating! 😨

      I’m so happy with my new cardiologist and his team, and I do think we’ll find a way to manage this, and I’ll be able to get back to some semblance of normalcy before too long. And friends like YOU inspire me to do my very best with the curveballs Life tends to throw at us from time to time. Thank you for that, too, my friend! 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you so much, Sue. I’ve been told the monitor will be a smallish patch I’ll wear on my chest, and it transmits information 24-7 directly to the doctor’s office. They’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on in Real Time, and use that info to help determine if my condition is improving. I don’t think it will be too bad, and anything that will help us manage this condition will be worth it, for sure. Thanks for the hugs, too! Sending some your way, as well! 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you so much, Staci, especially for the prayers. (I’ll take all I can get! 😀 ) And I do plan to follow my doctor’s instructions to the letter, in the hopes it will speed us on our way to a solid management plan. I promise I won’t overdo, either! Honest! 😀 ❤

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    • Thanks so much, Yvette, and I agree about having to give up so many things I love doing. SOME of these needed to be reduced, anyway, just due to the fact that I’m getting of an age where I can’t do them so well anymore. But others, I hope I’ll be able to resume.

      I don’t think we can “fix” my heart, but I do believe we can find a regime that will help us manage the problem, and I can live with that. (Literally.) 😁

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    • Thanks so much, Jan! If we can just set up a regime to manage this issue, I’ll be totally happy. And yep, Covid and a heart issue are no fun, especially when you are rapidly approaching 80. But everything is relative. I’m still HERE, and that puts me ahead of the game so far! 😀 ❤

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  27. Aw, goodness, that’s crappy news – apart from the new drug making a quick difference. So hope your tests prove to be a great help, and look forward to ‘seeing’ you on the other side, hopefully with a renewed lease of life.
    Take care of yourself, my friend. ❤

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    • Thank you so much, Debby! Yep, the new drug is helping so far, and hopefully, that’s a sign of good things to come. I promise I will do my best to take care of myself, and will keep you posted when I can. 😀 ❤

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    • Thanks, Darlene, and I think you’re right. I really like my new cardiologist, and I do think he’s approaching this the right way. Slowing down is definitely on the agenda for now, and if it seems to be a permanent change, then so be it. I’ll adjust! 😀 ❤

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  30. Oh my, what a roller coaster ride! Glad the new med seems to be working well.

    I have a-fib and am also on Metoprolol. It does a pretty decent job of keeping my heart rate stable. This getting old stuff, it ain’t for sissies, eh!

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    • Funny, I just used that expression yesterday! And ain’t it the truth! 😀 Thanks so much for the well-wishes, Kass, and I’m so glad the Metoprolol is working for you. That’s great to know! It did for me for a few months, but then I needed a bit more. Hope yours continues keeping you on track for a long, long time, and that my new combo works well for me, too. 🤗❤️🤗

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    • Thank you so much for those kind words, Debra! I’m definitely following my doctor’s orders with this one, and am NOT going to overdo it. If it means giving up some activities for now–or even permanently–then that’s what I’ll do. And so far, the newest medication is really helping, so there’s a bit of good news, too! 😀 ❤

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  33. Sounds like you are in very good hands Marcia and Amlodipine is an effective medication. The challenge is finding the right dose but looks like you are finding that. You are very active and notice it far more than many people when you are restricted and I know you love doing your talks but I am sure you will be back doing them again soon. In the meantime we will enjoy the times we do see you and you won’t be far from our hearts and minds… love and hugs ♥♥

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    • Thank you so much for the kind words and support, Sally! I do think we are on the right track and by the time we’ve got all the tests done and info sorted, we’ll know for sure what, if any, adjustments need to be made in order to manage things the best way.

      I do love doing my nature talks, but if it turns out I need to limit them, I will do so. I have books I’d like to get back to writing, and I don’t want anything to get in the way of that. (First things first, you know.) At this point, however, I’m not making any final decisions about anything. I get the heart monitor next week, and that’s going to tell us a lot more about how I’m doing. Fingers crossed it’s good news! 😀 ❤

      Thanks for stopping by today, my friend! Love and hugs right back atcha! 😀 ❤

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words, Valerie. I’m definitely following my doctor’s instructions and am feeling optimistic that we will be able to manage this condition going ahead! I appreciate your stopping by and sending me those positive thoughts and vibes, all the way from Maryland! I’ll take ’em, thanks! 😀 ❤

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  37. Marcia, you must be chomping at the bit to be out in nature wrangling crocodiles! God has certainly blessed you with patience and discipline. May He also continue to bless you with positive health responses to your treatment.

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    • Thanks so much for your well wishes, Nancy! I’m still feeling a bit better each day, so here’s hoping! Oh, and even when healthy, I save all my wrangling for alligators. (Much easier to deal with than crocodiles! 😂😂😂)

      Thanks for stopping by, and hope you are having a great week so far! 😀 ❤

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