Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Heart Happy

Thanks for all your thoughts today-

I was really pleased with the cardiologist--he knows a lot about the link between heart issues and pregnancy, and was able to give me enough information to feel at ease about what is going on with my ticker.

I have what is called PVC, or premature ventricular contraction. Not serious, though--just the medical term for why my heart is skipping beats. He estimates my heart has grown about 30% and is definitely pumping lots more blood through my system. All my pulse points checked out OK, and my blood pressure is still good. No need to wear a monitor right now--just have to pay close attention to the frequency, and if my heart rate actually starts to accelerate and stay accelerated for a period of time.

He said with the combination of the PVC and if my previa persists, Im most likely looking at bed rest again in the near future--so now Im doing my best not to stress about getting too much done in the next 4-5 weeks (when I get checked for the previa again).

Speaking of previa, I made the mistake of posting on a board today, asking if anyone had complete previa and then had it move, and all the responses were so morose: "ooo plan to bleed and be on bed rest with a c-section in your future." Not doing THAT again....sheesh.

36 comments:

  1. Glad everything checked out ok and you are prepared for what could happen. Fingers crossed about the previa. I get mine checked at my next appt, too, but have forced myself not to think about it at all!
    *hugs*

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  2. Yea, Debbie Downers do not help certain situations!

    Glad to hear YOU are ok!

    Big hugs all around

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  3. So glad to hear you're okay!

    Stay away from message boards! They only serve to scare us!

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  4. Ack! No message boards for you, JJ!

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  5. Even complete previa often moves at the end, so keep checking, even at the very end.

    So just keep visualizing,"Placenta up, baby head down, hands on heart and back to mom's belly."

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  6. My heart started acting kooky once I hit the 3rd trimester. It turns out I had a very minor congenital heart defect that only the huge increase of fluid volume pregnancy brings would show. I had buku edema- 20 pounds worth- by the end, and once it was all peed off my heart returned to its normal.

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  7. that is the reason I can't do forums. Blogging is WAY more positive/supporting feedback. Hang in there. Way to go with thegret news from the heart Dr.

    PS. my word verification now is hughero! ... SO i am huggin you!

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  8. I'm so glad everything checked out ok - must be a huge relief. And Uggg to the boards - I tried but I just can't go there...

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  9. Wow, I had a lot to catch up on here! So glad you got your heart checked out. I know how scary it is to feel like something is wrong with it. Mine has been racing since I got pregnant. From my hospital stay, we have determined that a heart rate of 120ish is "normal" for me now. Scary thought.

    I have hope the previa resolves itself soon. There is still hope!

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  10. It's great to have a knowledgeable doctor, isn't it? I'm glad to hear the good news.

    Message to placenta: move, move, move!

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  11. What great news! Awesome!

    Message boards induce fear. Did they also say THAT? LOL.

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  12. I'm so glad to hear that all went well with the cardiologist.

    I stopped going on message boards for the same reason--anytime I would ask a question I would get this horribly negative response.

    I'm praying that the previa resolves and you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy (relatively) worry-free. ((HUGS))

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  13. I'm glad things checked out okay. and, definitely don't listen to the horror stories. SO not helpful!? Why people insist on doing that, I'll never know. It would be like us going off everytime someone mentioned having kids someday. "Ooo...wow, be prepared for years of infertility, heartache, needles and drugs."

    People need to get outside themselves to realize that everyone's experience can be very different!

    My cousin had a previa and the specialist she went to explained that most did move up. Hers did and she had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. No matter what, just take care of that heart and take it easy. :-)

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  14. I'm glad to hear it is just PVCs and not something more sinister. I love to be right when it's something minor!! (Do I win some sort of prize for identifying it correctly?) :-)

    Step away from those boards. No good can ever come from them!

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  15. JJ - glad to hear that everything is ok. Don't get too caught up in the message boards and the like. No one knows what life has in store for you. I'm pulling for you (as always) and hope everything looks great at the next ultrasound.

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  16. Glad is doesn't seem to be anything serious! Will it continue to grow and will it go back after the baby is born?

    Sorry the board people weren't more help. I was gonna tell you to look at Mama Wannabe's blog today, but I see you already did!

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  17. I've seen more previas move than not. Try not to worry too much. (ha.)

    And glad your ticker is just being an over achiever!

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  18. Glad to hear everything is okay! As everyone says, don't listen to the horror stories--every pregnancy is different. And I have no doubt you will be strong enough to deal with what ever happens (which will be all good!).

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  19. Glad you had a good appointment and I'm glad that they're following you closely. I'm so sorry you're previa is still there. Not sure if this helps to make you feel any better or not - but my complete previa moved in my third trimester (even with my wacky uterus) and we ended up delivering vaginally at the last minute. Now how's that for crazy? Maybe you'll be the same - and if not, we'll help you each step along the way. You're a tough cookie and we'll get through this together, okay? Lots of hugs!!

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  20. Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog today, I really appreciate your good wishes. Congratulations to you; I'll be following along :)
    Betsy

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  21. so glad that everything checked out ok with your heart, I am sure that was scary. I will keep you in my thoughts about the previa. Move it....just keep reciting that to it, so it knows that is should move!

    *hugs*

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  22. I'm glad that everything is ok. Hopefully everything continues as such :-)

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  23. Glad the heart stuff checked out ok. I hope the previa is moved at your next check. Hugs to you.

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  24. I'm glad you are ok! I'm hoping the previa will resolve itself.

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  25. Thank goodness everything was OK! What a relief. If you end up with a c-section...eh, who cares...I've endured it and it's not all that bad. You're going to do great either way.

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  26. Can't say anything knowledgeable about placenta previa, but I'm also prone to PVCs. I find that Co-Q 10 works well for me and doesn't have any side effects that I know of. I take a high dose, though. If the PVCs really bother you, you might try asking your doctor about Co-Q 10 - at the very least, the placebo effect might make it work for you!

    I'll send "move move move" thoughts toward your placenta...

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  27. Go awwwwaaaaayyyy previa! Shoo!
    I'm glad the heart thing doesn't sounds too serious, though still nervous-making.
    Um. I think English is starting to fail me.

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  28. It is very good to get a heads up of what might come but I'm quite sure you'd prefer to just skip that and finish out this pregnancy with good health for everyone and an erect position. As always, I'm so excited for you and Ron. You are just a happy positive person, JJ

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  29. I'm crossing my fingers about everything!

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  30. Take a deep breath and relax.

    I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the "I Love Your Blog" award! I love coming here to see how things are going. You are so funny, I need to come every day for my fix.

    xoxo

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  31. Glad you got some answeres about your heart. I was quite nervous for you! Whew!

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  32. Glad to hear that its PVC. And YAY for a doc who was supportive and knowledgable.

    Move, Move, Move previa!

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  33. I'm glad to hear you're okay--hang in there!

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  34. Sorry you're still dealing with a lot of uncertainty. I hope you can avoid the bedrest but no matter what Ron's health is the most important thing.

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  35. I am just catching up, so I am late to this. But wanted to say that my previa moved, though by the time it was seen (after a bleed) at 31 weeks it was partial (since it moved, it probably was complete at some point). So yes bedrest, and some bleeding. But eventually a vaginal delivery. Hope this helps.

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  36. So glad to hear you're okay!!! I'm with Kate...stay off the message boards! I've found them to be quite scary and aggrivating!!!

    Thank you so much for the baby gift! I cried when I saw it was from you!! You are a true treasure, and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know you! I am so excited about little Ron, and I can't wait to celebrate with you!!!

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