The Saga Continues

I saw my G.P. last Friday and we discussed my stress test and ECHO test.  He really did not know the answer, except it seems to be an electrical problem.  Therefore, I have an appointment with an eletrophysiologist for October 20.  However, not wanting me to leave the office empty handed he gave me a prescription for Diltiazem CD 180mg. I dutifully filled the perscription and took one pill around noon of Friday.  By noon on Saturday I was experiencing 4 or 5 of the possible nasty side effects.  At spin class Saturday morning, it was as if my heart was totally confused. The red line was all over the place when I viewed it after uploading the information from my PowerTap. SO -----no more of those pills for me.  By Monday the medication had worm off and I felt much better again.  This mornings spin class saw my heart rate up to 140.  No spikes, just a steady climb up and back down, no irregular heart beats and non so far today.  I am going to continue to extend riding time, inside or out depending on the weather and start to work out on the weights where I teach spin class.  Also, I plan to take some pilates classes.  I will continue to monitor my heart rate and keep moving the top number up bit by bit.  Maybe by the time my appointment with the eletrophysiologist arrives, my heart will be well.  That is my prayer.  Thanks to all of you that have been sending the kind and encouraging words.  They are tremendously appreciated.  It is not that I do not want to get old,  I am not trying to stay young and foolish by riding my bike.  It is such a joy to me and I have been able to inspire a few others my age to "get out on their bikes" and ride.  I want to embrace it as long as I can!!! And actually competing is such a blast! But, I told God that I would be content if I could do only "Granny" rides from here on and that is probably a real possibility.  Most of you reading this know exactly what I mean.  Thanks again for your kindness, I will keep you posted on the progress.

Comments

[Blue]

best of luck to ya! things tend to work out.... keep smiling!

[Veronica]

Hi Nancy,
Ugh! Ugh! I would like to recommend a couple of things that I am doing that my help your body balance.
1) See an accupunturist. Western medicine analyzes from the outside in and eastern medicine, like accupunture, analyzes from the inside out. I went there for my bad feet (as well you know) and a few other items. I found out my liver function was slow, my circulation was low, and had treatments as well as he told me I should only eat/drink room temperature foods, messages my calves, etc. My podistrist let me know that the improvements in my feet have improved enough that if I keep this up I won't have to have reconstructive surgery as my foot is relaxing. As well my blood pressure dropped 15 points, my menstrual cycle is regulating and my energy level is more consistant.
2) I want to recommend something that has helped my stress more than Pilates. I have started doing Kundalini Yoga at home with a video to help circulation, breathing and other items my acupuncturist recommended. You can try it free online here http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/ or I ordered these videos http://www.raviana.com/ through amazon.com - please start with the beginner. These are not "balance on one leg with a hand behind your back and an arm in the air" yoga moves. These concentrate on stretching, breathing and getting your internal workings balanced.

Take care of yourself.

Veronica