Health Update

February 21, 2002

Hi all, just an update ... shouldn't have tooted my horn so loud ...

I was in the hospital last Tuesday for about 6 hours after experiencing the last

few weeks of feeling faint at the gym and almost passing out last Monday.

Tuesday at work all day, every time I stood up, I felt like my knees were

buckling and I would get very flushed. So, my boss insisted that I go to the ER

room (Igor was traveling to Long Beach, CA and Seattle). When all was said and

done, they ruled everything out except stressed induced high blood pressure

(172/112). They gave me a BP pill and an extra one for the next morning and sent

me home. I saw my Dr. on Wednesday and he was not satisfied with the diagnosis.

He changed the BP medicine feeling the drug they gave me was too strong for

initial treatment and they after a long discussion about how much crap is on my

plate with Jane being here, the move, looking for a new job, etc., etc., he

indicated that he wanted additional tests done. Because of the lightheadedness,

he said that he was worried about lack of oxygen to brain (probably caused by

too many years of bleach to the brain) and ordered an echocardiogram and a

halter monitor for me to wear for 24 hours. I had the echo done Tuesday morning

and the tech found a leaky valve in my heart. I don't know what the outcome of

the monitor is yet, because I just dropped it off yesterday morning. So I have

to wait until my Dr. returns from vacation on Monday to get all the results and

what the next plan of action will be for the valve. JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE

OUT OF THE WOODS!!!!! The RP can cause valve problems, so I would imagine

that's where it's coming from, it just took longer to fester than those who are

on the drugs for disease all the time. Igor's in Biloxi this week and of course

did his ranting and raving over the phone and couldn't understand why I was

being so damn calm. What am I supposed to do about it and why get myself worked

up over it ... stress is the biggest factor of a relapsing polychondritis flare

..... so I do my best to let it all go and be calm ... go figure ... me calm!

Will let y'all know the outcome next week. Just me, Kathleen (NY)

February 21, 2002

<<<<< Hi all, just an update ... shouldn't have tooted my horn so loud ...

Re: I was in the hospital last Tuesday for about 6 hours after experiencing

>>>>>

Dear Kathleen,

Don't know if you're aware of this, but since reading the newsletter, you've

become my role model. I admire you because of your attitude and the personal

actions (exercise, diet) you've taken to kick this cRaP in the butt. Sounds

like you've got so many stressors in your life right now. And a leaky valve,

too? Well, you're still my idol because you proactively sought help and know

what you're facing. And, your strength and attitude will get you past this

setback also. Ranting and raving is best handled by someone else. I'm glad

Igor is doing this for you. My husband handles all of the RP worrying around

here. It frees up my time for more positive things like sunny walks in this

great weather we're having. Your calm attitude doesn't surprise me a bit. I've

read it in the tone of your emails often. I wish you could compact all of your

worrys into a little brick, break it into little pieces and hand them out to

this support group so we could each carry a piece for you until you get all of

this resolved. " Oh, what a world this would be " (Barney, 1993).

Please keep me posted as I'll be praying for and thinking positive thoughts

about you and your return to good health.

Take care,

(KC)

Health Update

Re: Hi all, just an update ... shouldn't have tooted my horn so loud ...

Re:

Re: I was in the hospital last Tuesday for about 6 hours after experiencing the

last few weeks of feeling faint at the gym and almost passing out last Monday.