I can't wait any longer. HELP.

[OrganicHairbrush]

I was promised test results from cardiology by last Friday (ie May 7th) at the absolute latest. This past week has passed so slowly... I am not exaggerating in saying that the results could determine everything about the rest of my life, or even possibly the length of my life.

Other than somehow self-inducing a heart attack (I can't even quite laugh at the prospect) there is nothing I can now do about it until Monday morning. And I'm so **ing terrifies that I just don't know how I'm going to cope with the weekend.

What were they looking for?if it had been bad news they probably would have had you back quicker.Are you symptomatic?

The extent/severity of heart block/arrhythmias, and whether I need a pacemaker.

I hope so. Last time it was bad news my results got lost for a month, and I then received a phone call summoning me in on the spot.

I think so. But it's impossible to tell when I'm this sleep-deprived, and now this stressed.

Oh i really feel for you I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in the beginning I was terrified aswell BUT if it had shown anything really dangerous they would have got you in.Try and have a relaxing weekend and don't arrange anything which you might find stressful.Anxiety and arrythmia can be similar and the more you panic the worse you feel.Another few days will be fine I had prob had mine years before diagnosis as it was mistaken for other things.Do you have children?And is there anyone to spport you for this weekend

Thank you for understanding... means so much. But I'm just so sorry you're going through similar.

DD is 6months so I'm scared that pacemaker surgery will interfere with BF.

I fell apart in the waiting area last week because I was the only patient under 70 and the staff kept assuming the appointment was for DH. But everyone was so kind, which makes me think the delay is more than just understaffing/incompetence. My fear is that they're taking advice from the regional centre, as the've had to do before.

He's with me for the weekend... mostly, anyway. I feel so ill that I'm not getting out much at all, though I'm aware that might just be normal sleep-deprivation.

How are you doing?

Well I am ok-ish most of the time.I have other health problems and it was these that made my heart show up as it were.I had probably been living with it for years but when I had some other problems I developed breathlessness and dizzy spells/chest pain.Initially I was told it was anxiety but eventually was diagnosed woth HOCM.It took about a year to get teh medication right but once they did it was great.I still get the odd episode but am 10 yrs down the road and ds has left school this week for gcse study leave and I never thought I'd see it!Now I feel optimistic as the doctors say many of the old people in the waiting room have probably had it since birth too!So if I last as long as them I'll be happy.What are your symptoms

That's encouraging to hear. But I'm sorry you're going through it.

Mostly, I'm just extremely life-interferingly tired and dizzy and can feel my heart doing strange things.

How have you coped with DS through all this?

Well the worry is exhausting so i understand that.how old is your ds?I was formally diagnosed when ds was about 5 but was ill from when he was 1.Dp was a saint an absolute angel tbh he gave up a lot to be at home more and we just struggled through it.once I was sure it was under control I calmed down a lot and had a bit more of a life.I can't do hills or stairs really and after years just avoid them!I don't fight it either if I am exhausted i rest if i notice any changes(rare) I call teh cardiologist.I actually have a better more full life than a lot of my friends as I appreciate every day and once I knew what it was I vowed to be more appreciative and I have tried to live like that.You will get through it with time and good doctors.Things which make mine worse excess alcohol caffeine carbs and stress!

Once I know what's happening, I know I'll find a way to cope. It's just the uncertainty. And I need to make decisions in terms of returning to work, too. DD is 6 months.

Strangely, caffeine seems really to help me. But I daren't have a cup of anything now in case I don't sleep...

If caffeine helps you may have bradycardia a slow beat which can sometimes feel odd so a cup of coffee could help.I hope you manage to sleep It is so worrying in the beginning but there are many good treatments that WORK so stay optimistic xx

Yes, my HR just keeps dropping and dropping, even when I'm anxious.

Trying to stay optimistic. But I just don't know how I'm going to manage until Monday.

I will be thinking of you.I know the worry.Tell your dh how bad it is can he not take the weekend to be with you just this once