Mended Hearts Open Forum

My heart rate has been high, around 100 at rest and can be 140 when I'm at the peak of my exercise (taking 3 - 4 mile walks).  My pcp wanted to see me for this, bc he felt it should have gone down by now if it was just my heart still trying to get back to normal after the OHS (5/18/20).  He sent me for some blood work, and my sed rate is pretty high (more than 4x normal), indicating an inflammation.  He thinks between the tachycardia and the elevated sed rate, I might have pericarditis.  I'm going for an echo on Monday to see if that's what it is.  Has anyone else had pericarditis?

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

please keep us updated with your progress


Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
Mobile: (214)850-0655

Will do, thanks Marilyn.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2020 12:26
From: Marilyn Rosenhouse
Subject: Pericarditis??

please keep us updated with your progress


Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
Mobile: (214)850-0655

I've not had this but I've heard of a case or two.  I'm under the impression it can happen in various degrees of severity.  I wouldn't delay on getting this sorted out and treated. its good you're pcp took action and that you're getting an echo.  I imagine that means the cardiologist is involved which is appropriate.  All the best in getting this resolved.  Keep us posted with your progress.

------------------------------
Ed M
------------------------------

Thanks, Ed. Yeah, my pcp sent me to my cardiologist, and I will be going back to her office today for the echo.  My feeling is that it's either NOT pericarditis, or it's a mild case.  So if the echo looks fine, my brain is already forming the question of what is the cause of the inflammation?

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2020 17:19
From: Ed M
Subject: Pericarditis??

I've not had this but I've heard of a case or two.  I'm under the impression it can happen in various degrees of severity.  I wouldn't delay on getting this sorted out and treated. its good you're pcp took action and that you're getting an echo.  I imagine that means the cardiologist is involved which is appropriate.  All the best in getting this resolved.  Keep us posted with your progress.

------------------------------
Ed M
------------------------------

Hi Anne. I had it after my OHS last year and it is not fun. Symptoms vary for different people and to different degrees of severity. For me, it started with the heart racing and a heaviness in the chest when I would lie down, then I started having the worst pain I've had in my left shoulder. It felt like my shoulder was being pulled out of socket. I was ending up in the ER and back in the hospital every couple of weeks until they finally diagnosed it and treated it properly. Once I was finally diagnosed and treated for the right thing, it went away pretty quickly. Your fortunate in that your doctor seems to have found it early. Praying you get to feeling better and back on the mend soon.

------------------------------
Brett Temple
Project Manager
Sarasota FL
------------------------------

Thank you, Brett.  Sorry you had to go through such misery!  I know I don't have anything near that bad.  They did ask me a lot of questions about pain/discomfort lying down, which I don't have.  I do still have chest pain, but that's to be expected two months out I guess.  Well, hopefully I'll know more after this echo today.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2020 08:03
From: Brett Temple
Subject: Pericarditis??

Hi Anne. I had it after my OHS last year and it is not fun. Symptoms vary for different people and to different degrees of severity. For me, it started with the heart racing and a heaviness in the chest when I would lie down, then I started having the worst pain I've had in my left shoulder. It felt like my shoulder was being pulled out of socket. I was ending up in the ER and back in the hospital every couple of weeks until they finally diagnosed it and treated it properly. Once I was finally diagnosed and treated for the right thing, it went away pretty quickly. Your fortunate in that your doctor seems to have found it early. Praying you get to feeling better and back on the mend soon.

------------------------------
Brett Temple
Project Manager
Sarasota FL
------------------------------

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

It sounds like you're on the right path in getting to the bottom of this.  With regard to the less than clear way in which you were given your echo results or "weird" as you termed it, I've had many verbal interpretations that have raised as many questions as they've answered.  You are not alone in your sentiments about that call from the tech.  I've found that an easy way to get the information you want and deserve is to request the doctors written report of the ECHO.  Usually this involves filling out a simple form.  When you read the report you will learn much more than what the tech told you.  Don't be afraid of any medical terms sprinkled about that you're unfamiliar with. It may not even matter to get the unanswered questions resolved but if it does, just Google the terms one by one and soon you will understand enough to serve as someone else's expert!  Trust me, knowledge is power.  When it comes to your health, you deserve that!

------------------------------
Ed M
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Thanks Ed, great advice!  95% of my docs are within the same system, and I can view the results of every test in the patient portal. This one is not (one of the reasons I'm switching cardiologists), hence the very basic phone call, and from the tech instead of from the doc.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:56
From: Ed M
Subject: Pericarditis??

It sounds like you're on the right path in getting to the bottom of this.  With regard to the less than clear way in which you were given your echo results or "weird" as you termed it, I've had many verbal interpretations that have raised as many questions as they've answered.  You are not alone in your sentiments about that call from the tech.  I've found that an easy way to get the information you want and deserve is to request the doctors written report of the ECHO.  Usually this involves filling out a simple form.  When you read the report you will learn much more than what the tech told you.  Don't be afraid of any medical terms sprinkled about that you're unfamiliar with. It may not even matter to get the unanswered questions resolved but if it does, just Google the terms one by one and soon you will understand enough to serve as someone else's expert!  Trust me, knowledge is power.  When it comes to your health, you deserve that!

------------------------------
Ed M
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

Original Message:
Sent: 8/1/2020 12:33:00 PM
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: RE: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Thanks.  Yeah, like I said, that's one of the reasons I am switching cardiologists.  I don't like the way my current office handles test results and communication in general.  All of my other docs are part of the same system (Penn Medicine) and the communication is much better.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2020 18:02
From: Wm George Hess
Subject: Pericarditis??

 I am puzzled that you are not being informed of what the tests you are undergoing and the results  of  them. Perhaps you need physicians you are more invested in your care than those mentioned in your post. FYI:  A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan is a test used to examine the lower chambers of your heart (ventricles). It shows how well the ventricles pump blood. Healthcare providers will measure the amount of blood that pumps out of your heart with each heartbeat.  scan is a test used to examine the lower chambers of your heart (ventricles). It shows how well the ventricles pump blood.

Original Message:
Sent: 8/1/2020 12:33:00 PM
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: RE: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Oh, I agree, they do not.  That's why I was surprised that the tech was the one who called me.  I had expected a call from the doctor to discuss the results.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 10:16
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

It is so frustrating when that happens, and the doctor puts the tech in a tough position by ordering her/him to deliver the news without any explanation/clarification. But don't mind me. I'm very disenchanted with the medical profession at the moment.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 14:33
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Oh, I agree, they do not.  That's why I was surprised that the tech was the one who called me.  I had expected a call from the doctor to discuss the results.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 10:16
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

Jean, I feel like most of us are very hot and cold with our providers.  We either think they are angels sent from God above, or we're switching practices, lol!  By the way, I love the bird you have as your avatar/picture!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:10
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

It is so frustrating when that happens, and the doctor puts the tech in a tough position by ordering her/him to deliver the news without any explanation/clarification. But don't mind me. I'm very disenchanted with the medical profession at the moment.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 14:33
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Oh, I agree, they do not.  That's why I was surprised that the tech was the one who called me.  I had expected a call from the doctor to discuss the results.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 10:16
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

I'm glad you like my bird avatar. It's a magpie I designed for my webstore (magpiemagic-jmm.com) - I'm a human magpie...you should see the mess I call my study. Or maybe not.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:17
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Jean, I feel like most of us are very hot and cold with our providers.  We either think they are angels sent from God above, or we're switching practices, lol!  By the way, I love the bird you have as your avatar/picture!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:10
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

It is so frustrating when that happens, and the doctor puts the tech in a tough position by ordering her/him to deliver the news without any explanation/clarification. But don't mind me. I'm very disenchanted with the medical profession at the moment.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 14:33
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Oh, I agree, they do not.  That's why I was surprised that the tech was the one who called me.  I had expected a call from the doctor to discuss the results.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 10:16
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

Jean, your website is fantastic, such amazing work!
It's funny, bc as I was reading through your "about" page, I noticed you used the phrase "bits and pieces" a few times.  That's the name of my business, Birdsong Bits and Pieces! I don't have a beautiful website like you, just a FB  page ( https://www.facebook.com/birdsongbitsandpieces/) and a blog ( https://birdsongbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/).  I've sold a bunch of stuff locally at vendor fairs and consignments boutiques, but need to expand. Someday, sigh....

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:32
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

I'm glad you like my bird avatar. It's a magpie I designed for my webstore (magpiemagic-jmm.com) - I'm a human magpie...you should see the mess I call my study. Or maybe not.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:17
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Jean, I feel like most of us are very hot and cold with our providers.  We either think they are angels sent from God above, or we're switching practices, lol!  By the way, I love the bird you have as your avatar/picture!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural


Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 08:10
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

It is so frustrating when that happens, and the doctor puts the tech in a tough position by ordering her/him to deliver the news without any explanation/clarification. But don't mind me. I'm very disenchanted with the medical profession at the moment.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 14:33
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

Oh, I agree, they do not.  That's why I was surprised that the tech was the one who called me.  I had expected a call from the doctor to discuss the results.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural


Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 10:16
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural

Original Message:
Sent: 8/3/2020 10:16:00 AM
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: RE: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------

Yes, I understand that.  My frustration was not with the tech, but with the fact that the doc did not call me.

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 10:13
From: Richard Short
Subject: Pericarditis??

Jean is correct, the technicians are not allowed by law to give any type of diagnosis.

They can only relay test results after the doctor has given the ok to do so as well. Besides that some tests will give a positive result but a condition may still be present. The only person that can give you a diagnosis is the doctor. His/Her nurse or assistant can pass this information on to you but only after the doctor has cleared them to do so.

Richard Short

Chapter 395

Original Message:
Sent: 8/3/2020 10:16:00 AM
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: RE: Pericarditis??

The tech may not have the authority to communicate the details of test results. I've run into that kind of thing several times in the past.

------------------------------
Jean McMillan
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2020 12:32
From: Anne Birdsong
Subject: Pericarditis??

An update: they say no pericarditis.  Although - sidebar - I think it's weird that the tech called me with the results (like 10 days after the echo despite multiple phone calls asking for the results).  She said the echo was fine.  I said, Great, so no pericarditiis?  She paused a bit and then just repeated, the echo was fine.  Anyone else find that kinda weird?
Anyway, I let my PCP know, as he was the one who was concerned about pericarditiis. He wants my new cardiologist (I'm switching cardiologists and will see him in a couple weeks) to possibly do a MUGA scan, which I had never heard of.
So anyway, good news that I don't have pericarditis!

------------------------------
Anne Birdsong
Occupational Therapist
Rural