Abnormal, it's the new black.

I've managed to add another abnormal test result to my growing repertoire. At least this one indicates a problem we already know about, but it has been worrying me that this is the first time it has shown up during this kind of testing. As I like to research everything, put pieces of puzzles together to figure something out, feel as though I have read everything I can about a subject I am a little disconcerted by the lack of information out there about my particular medical issues.

Perhaps I really am so abnormal there's been no one else like me.

To be more specific (I get distracted easily don't I?) I went in for a follow up with my cardiologist on Thursday evening. With the severe flu I had and chest infection two weeks ago, I've struggled with quite bad fatigue again plus episodes of tachycardia requiring medical attention. My GP's office were being less than helpful so I rang my cardiologist and self-referred. So after being told by the nurses at my GP's office not to bother the cardiologist (Not to bother him? So letting him know about deterioration in my condition is seen as bothering a doctor? What exactly is their job then?) it turns out he was quite concerned by the issues I have been having lately (Fainting, feeling unwell, tiredness, swelling).

I was sent down for an ECG which came back abnormal. My ECG's in the past have only ever shown sinus tachycardia (Annoying but not dangerous) or PVC's (Again annoying but not dangerous). This time it showed something called LVH or Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. It basically means the voltage from my heart indicates to the ECG probes that my Left ventricle has thickened. This is a marker for Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Concerning to me is the fact this abnormality is only just showing up. Does it mean my condition is getting worse? Does it mean the possible inflammation in my heart is effecting how well my heart is pumping blood around my body? Is there a lot of damage or scar tissue from the Dilated Cardiomyopathy? At this point no body knows for sure. My cardiologist is calling a colleague to hurry along a cardiac MRI which will give us the answers to all these questions and more.

So yes, to be honest I am worried. This is scary, the uncertainty and the long wait. All I can do is what I'm already doing - Cardiac rehab, adequate rest and a healthy balanced diet.

And hugs. I like hugs.