The countdown to my 6 month cardiologist checkup appt.

[Everyday Sunshine 108]

It feels like I am some sort of doctor junkie sometimes.

In 9 days I will go for my 6 month checkup with my cardiologist.  I am a heart worrier due to bad family history and oncoming (or already here) middle age (I'm 47).  I went for my yearly physical about a month ago and everything was fine - numbers good, ecg good, bp passing, they even did a special Apopb check (at my request) that is supposed to check for potential heart risks - my score was optimal.  So we're all good, right?  Right?  

Nope.

Right and Left arm pain near the elbow that sometimes tingles the fingers.  Other times its the stinging chest pains.  Feelings of doubt every time I miss a day at the gym or climb the 3 floors of stairs in my office and I am out of breath.  tight shoulders, you name it - I got it.  Its all building and building.  I think I'm going to die almost every day now.

I know when I get to my appointment (assuming its like all the others) he will smile, check me out, answer some of my questions - all of which usually come with "I wouldnt worry about that."  A pat on the back and another "i'll see you in 6 months".  And I'll have my fix.  I'll be glowing, leaping tall buildings.  I'll feel normal.  And it will be great.  But until then, 9 more days....

In truth I know that nothing physical has changed me. In sitting here typing this I know how ridiculous I sound.  Still doesnt keep the feelings away though.

Thanks (once again!) for listening my friends.

[bin_tenn 1252]

Good luck, and hang in there. You have the right attitude about it, despite the anxiety that the anticipation is creating. It's kind of funny mention the elbow pain with tingling in hands/fingers. That actually sounds more like ulnar nerve compression or similar, and I have the same problem from time to time. A nagging ache in my elbow, then comes the tingling/numbness in fingers (primarily ring finger and pinky), and sometimes a sort of "pain" from the inside of my elbow down my arm. If you're not familiar with ulnar nerve compression, look it up and see if the symptoms match, then perhaps ask your doc about it.

In the meantime, again, just hang in there. I'm wishing you nothing but good news, and please let us know how it goes.

[H_Anxiety 6]

I'm right there with you, I have heart HA. I have been having the same symptoms recently (arm tingles, back/shoulder pain etc. it re-sparked my heart HA. Now every arm or jaw pain is related to heart (in my head). Actually had a stress test a couple days ago (looked great) and now I have freedom from the anxiety and should have a good year or so before I start to wonder. You'll be fine...I'm probably my cardiologists healthiest patient, lol. 

[Everyday Sunshine 108]

11 hours ago, bin_tenn said:

A nagging ache in my elbow, then comes the tingling/numbness in fingers (primarily ring finger and pinky), and sometimes a sort of "pain" from the inside of my elbow down my arm. If you're not familiar with ulnar nerve compression, look it up and see if the symptoms match, then perhaps ask your doc about it.

Mine is on the first 3 fingers.  I have a feeling its the start of carpal tunnel (its been off and on for months now) since I work at a keyboard all day. But I will take a look.

 

[bin_tenn 1252]

2 hours ago, Everyday Sunshine said:

Mine is on the first 3 fingers.  I have a feeling its the start of carpal tunnel (its been off and on for months now) since I work at a keyboard all day. But I will take a look.

 

Ah. Carpal tunnel is possible, too, I suppose. I don't know if it can cause elbow pain, however, but I know ulnar nerve compression can. Ulnar nerve compression is basically carpal tunnel syndrome in the elbow.