I’m coming out of a dip in my mood that started yesterday. I’ve felt disappointed and ripped off. My husband is working a lot of hours right now, which is wearing on me. I miss him and honestly, overwork puts his brain in a different place. I remind myself that the reason I miss him is because he is so wonderful.
I also came to the realization that it is perhaps not a good idea for me to travel to rural areas, far from good hospitals, given that it hasn’t even been a month since my last heart attack. The week long do-it-yourself meditation retreat I was going to do on my own has now been cancelled. I just cancelled a weekend away that was coming up in about a week. This morning, I realized that the camping trip I was excited about going on next month, is a bad idea. This is not the time to be up in the mountains, gazing at the Milky Way, with no cell phone coverage.
I am, however, gaining in other ways. I made an appointment for a second opinion assessment and treatment review at the Mayo Clinic’s main campus in Minnesota. I am going there during what was to be my retreat week. I am getting pressure from people to take my husband with me. This was supposed to be my retreat week! I want to be by myself. I am just getting a bunch of scans done and talking to a cardiologist. I may change my mind but I am adamant that it is my decision to make. Take that, world!!!
I also had a follow-up appointment with my local cardiologist today. We had a nice chat. I got to keep my clothes on and everything. He was excited when I told him that I was going to the Mayo Clinic. I took that as a very good sign. Also, when I told him about the SCAD Alliance website, he immediately pulled up the site on his computer and started reading it. We reviewed my scans and he explained everything very well. He seems very bright and enthusiastic about his profession. He told me that SCAD was the likeliest cause of my heart attacks. The other possibilities are heart disease and spasm-ing of an artery.
Now that I’ve written about this, I am feeling a bit more upbeat.
I will keep you posted, friends.
❤
[…] Elizabeth is processing her recent heart attack. […]
Elizabeth, I am thoroughly impressed with Mayo! The care the doctors and staff gave to Terry’s uncle, Father Nicholas, was thorough and heartwarming. From his oncologist Dr. T being one of the most ‘with-it’ doctors I have ever met, to the nursing staff presenting Father Nicholas with a prayer shawl, I feel very confident that you will find the insight to your condition that you are looking for. Also, I found the people of Rochester to be some of the kindest people I have met. If you come back for a second consult, I may just have to drive up for a visit. 🙂
That is very reassuring. I decided to stay for a week in case I need follow-up assessment, which means being able to spend a weekend in Minneapolis! I’ve never been there. I am excited for that part of the trip.
That sounds like a great plan! I hope they are able to give you some answers.