This week, my heart rate has been over 100 since Monday. I saw my PCP's office twice, once for labs and a vitals check, and the next for a visit, EKG, and 24 hour monitor. Everything but the EKG looked fine, the monitor showed a normal, but fast, rhythm, averaging at 100, but peaking at 150. Usually, my heart rate is in the 50's.
Friday, after having not a lot of answers from anyone, I had worsening shortness of breath, and couldn't walk the shortest distance without sitting down or taking a break. I left work to go to the ER at MGH after talking to my endocrinologist. I have had lab abnormalities for about 3 weeks, and this would be a good opportunity to investigate more.
So, I spent 1 night on the ER observation floor, got lots of monitoring, some walks which showed that my oxygen levels went down significantly with activity, a chest CT to rule out a blood clot in my lungs despite a normal D-Dimer, and some sugar and insulin to attempt to draw potassium out of my blood stream. That lead to a blood glucose level of 40, lots of sweating, gingerale, and graham crackers. Not the greatest feeling.
I had done some research on my own to try and see if there were any tests that we were missing. Sure enough, the first search result was a condition called methemoglobinemia, and I take two medications that can cause this condition.
I mentioned it to the new doctor on the floor I was admitted to this afternoon, and after the CT came back clean, she agreed that this was a logical next step, because I couldn't have an echocardiogram or see cardiology until Monday.
The test for this is an arterial blood gas. Talk about uncomfortable! The doctor tried twice, but didn't want to try a third time tonight. We will try it again tomorrow after some fluids and steroids.
This is so frustrating because I had just used up all my sick days for my last admission right before Christmas, and this shortness of breathe is not something I can live with. I can deal with a lot of discomfort, pain, even kidney stones and get by going to work, but this is unbearable. I can't live my daily life, I can't take Huck for walks, or even out to the sidewalk, I can't work, I can't even walk to the restroom without some help. Hopefully answers and solutions will come in the next few days. Otherwise, I am stuck here.
Friday, after having not a lot of answers from anyone, I had worsening shortness of breath, and couldn't walk the shortest distance without sitting down or taking a break. I left work to go to the ER at MGH after talking to my endocrinologist. I have had lab abnormalities for about 3 weeks, and this would be a good opportunity to investigate more.
So, I spent 1 night on the ER observation floor, got lots of monitoring, some walks which showed that my oxygen levels went down significantly with activity, a chest CT to rule out a blood clot in my lungs despite a normal D-Dimer, and some sugar and insulin to attempt to draw potassium out of my blood stream. That lead to a blood glucose level of 40, lots of sweating, gingerale, and graham crackers. Not the greatest feeling.
I had done some research on my own to try and see if there were any tests that we were missing. Sure enough, the first search result was a condition called methemoglobinemia, and I take two medications that can cause this condition.
I mentioned it to the new doctor on the floor I was admitted to this afternoon, and after the CT came back clean, she agreed that this was a logical next step, because I couldn't have an echocardiogram or see cardiology until Monday.
The test for this is an arterial blood gas. Talk about uncomfortable! The doctor tried twice, but didn't want to try a third time tonight. We will try it again tomorrow after some fluids and steroids.
This is so frustrating because I had just used up all my sick days for my last admission right before Christmas, and this shortness of breathe is not something I can live with. I can deal with a lot of discomfort, pain, even kidney stones and get by going to work, but this is unbearable. I can't live my daily life, I can't take Huck for walks, or even out to the sidewalk, I can't work, I can't even walk to the restroom without some help. Hopefully answers and solutions will come in the next few days. Otherwise, I am stuck here.
Oh Danielle I am so sorry to hear your news. You are a smart and strong young woman. You will get through this.I will keep you in my daily prayers. ♥
ReplyDelete