Unbelievable!

Wednesday 7 May 2008
Once again thank you to everyone that has left such kind and thoughtful messages.

I cannot believe the conversation I had with my dad yesterday. After the stress of the weekend worrying that my mum had a heart problem, it would appear that that is incorrect! My dad got my mum down to see her GP to discuss the ECG results from the hospital. After looking at it, she said that it showed exactly the same as the one that was done at the surgery a few weeks before which was given the all clear. Apparently, ECG machines give a verdict on the reading, which in this case showed an irregular heartbeat, but different machines interpret the same results differently. My mum does have additional beats in her heart, but this is caused by the anxiety and hyperventilating that occurs when she panics, but she does not have a heart problem!! It is also the hyperventilating that is causing the dizziness and feeling faint.

How can machines give different readings on the same report?!?! I've been worrying about this all weekend and am really angry by it all, but also relieved that my mum's heart is okay.

Anyway, the latest on my mum is that she is to start attending the hospital for relaxation classes and stress management among other things. She will go Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and it is meant to last for 6 weeks. Obviously she is a bit anxious about it all. It's a bit like being a child starting their first day at a new school. But ultimately it's what she needs to do to try and come to terms with what has been happening and find other ways of dealing with her anxiety and stress, and hopefully we will start to see an improvement. It also means that my dad can go back to work and try and regain some normality for himself. He needs space too and some time for him as he has been the primary carer since it began 3 months ago.

I'm hoping to start making some cards soon as I have this fair to get ready for. I've got some stamped images next to me that need water colouring and mounting, and then hopefully everything else will come back to me.

Thank you all for persevering with me and my lack of crafting. You are all truly wonderful people and I won't forget the support and kindness that you have shown me.

xx :0)

8 comments:

  1. Laura said...:

    Hi Sarah
    Thank you so much for your lovely message, I have just read about your Mum, sounds like the relation classes are a step forward and glad she had good results from the esg, which I also had and they told me the same, If you read lots of adviceonline etc you will find it a big help to understand that the symptoms of panic can make your mum panic more if that makes sense, I dont know if you have looked at www.mind.org.uk, I have been back on medication for a few months now after suffering with panic disorder and agoraphobia, and the meds take the edge off it.

    Your mum is very lucky to have such a caring and supportive daughter!!! It helps knowing that people are there for you!

    Cor that was a long one, if you need to chat you can always email me, you actually dont live that far away from me lol!!!

    Take care and best wishes for your mum
    x x x Laura x x x

  1. Natalie said...:

    I am glad your mum's heart is ok but that is very annoying about the different reports, all that worrying for nothing. Fingers crossed the relaxation classes go well. I look forward to seeing your cards. x

  1. Well, ECG machines come out with a reading at the top of them however this is not always correct - they are fab machines but are not that clever!! It is the doctor who needs to read the actual readout to enterpret what is going on. Extra beats are common with anxiety. I am sorry that you were not told the correct information in the first place. I am glad that the hospital is doing something for your mum now and I think that it sounds like a good idea. Good luck for the fair :0) xx

  1. Gina said...:

    Oh I am so pleased things are starting to look brighter for you and your family, you have all been through such a tough time, heres to a brighter future xxx
    Gina xx

  1. Andrea, said...:

    Glad to hear things are starting to get better for you all. Take care

  1. Jo said...:

    Oh Sarah, you have really had a tough time of it lately but it does sound like something positive is beginning to happen now. Good news that your Mum's heart is OK and will keep my fingers crossed for you that the therapy will have a positive outcome. Do hope your Dad finds some time to unwind and relax :)

    PS That's a lovely photo of your Mum!

  1. Tracy K said...:

    Here's hoping things really start to improve. Thinking of you.
    Tx

  1. Sharon said...:

    Morning Sarah
    Glad to read that everything is Ok with your mums heart & that they seem to be moving forward with some treatment for her. You & your poor dad must be so worried at the moment. It's really difficult when someone has mental health problems as people don't have as much sympathy for illnesses that are not 'visible'. They make all the right noises but can't fully understand what it is like looking after someone who is ill in this way.
    Everything has a knock-on effect. You're worried about your mum & dad & your husband will be worried about you.
    Thinking of you all.
    (((hugs)))
    Sharon :-)x

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