Friday, November 26, 2010

Lub Dub

Yesterday I had my first ever echocardiogram.  The referral was generated during my Emergency Room Adventure.  Although I'm feeling better now, I figured I'd keep the appointment, partly because it literally doesn't hurt to have the test done, and partly because there is value in keeping one's reputation as a compliant patient.  I try to do everything my doctors suggest, within reason.  If I think I won't like their suggestions, I don't consult with them in the first place.

The test was not as interesting as I thought it would be.  I had hoped to watch the monitor so I could see my heart in action.  Sadly, I was told to lie on my side, facing away from the technician.  I did get to listen to the various sounds made by my heart and by blood circulating, which was pretty cool.  It didn't sound all serious, like a heartbeat heard through a stethescope.  It sounded, in fact, like there was a guy with a microphone hiding in the supplies cupboard, making silly sounds with his mouth.  Maybe there was.  What do I know?  I was lying facing the wall in the dark with my glasses off.

One thing I remember from other ultrasounds I've had in the past: they sure do slop on a lot of gel. 

After the test I got to see the doctor, who was a nice fellow in his early 40's.  He asked me to tell my story.  I said I'd had a virus, that I felt the rapid heart rate was purely due to stress on my body from that virus, and now that I was getting well again my heart felt fine.  He said my heart looked and sounded completely normal, and that he agreed with my assessment.  No reason to do any further tests. 

He did say that it was worthwhile to run the Echo, because some viruses can cause lasting damage to the heart.  Good to know.

So that pretty much wraps up the heart issue.  I wish I could say that I was back 100% from the virus, but not yet.  I need 9 hours of sleep lately just to get by, and even so I'm VERY cranky by the end of the day.  My stomach is finnicky about what it will put up with.  It's getting tiresome, but there's nothing much I can do but be patient.

In other news, I'm trying to get used to a new electric toothbrush.  My dentist said it does a better job than hand-brushing, and considering I'd like to keep these teeth for another 50 years or so, I figured it was a good investment.  I charged it up, and then used it for the first time this morning.  I managed to spray toothpaste all over the bathroom, for one thing.  For another, dang, it is irritatingly loud!  The handling will take some getting used to.  I thought it would be easier than brushing by hand, but for now it's way more awkward.  We'll see.  Hopefully I'll figure it out soon.

13 comments:

Jameil said...

The right electric brush can be life-changing! Maybe your readers can help you out w/some suggestions.

Anonymous said...

You got sucked into the commercialism of the electric toothbrush. It's all lies. LIES!

Juniper said...

I think electic toothbrushes *sound* like they're doing a better job, but is it getting in the nooks and crannies? I am trying to floss more (it's amazing what comes out when you do) but keep forgetting.

Pleased to hear your heart is back to normal, and hope the virus is gone soon. I need 8 hours a sleep as normal otherwise I'm cranky!

G. B. Miller said...

Just think that every time you use your electric toothbrush, it's actually letting you know that your next dental visit is coming up soon.

How?

Well...doesn't an electric toothbrush sound just a little bit like a drill?

kenju said...

I'm glad to know that you need no further tests on your heart! Listen to your body about the need for sleep!

Ileana said...

I'm glad to know your heart is in tiptop shape. Hope all's back to normal again soon. As for the toothbrush, I don't think I've ever tried an electric one, although I'd like to at some point. I think it would make me feel like a kid again. For some reason, I associate them with kids.

DarcsFalcon said...

I'm so glad everything is looking well! That's good news! Woo!

LOL, I guess don't turn the toothbrush on until it's in your mouth?

San said...

I'm glad your heart's in good condition--you'll need your strength to clean up all of that toothpaste.

LL Cool Joe said...

Good news about the heart.

I'm a great fan of the electric toothbrush. I'm sure it's more efficient than a normal one.

I normally sleep 4 to 5 hours a night, I'm sure it's not enough, but I'm used to it now.

Sparkling Red said...

Jameil: I bought the one that my dentist recommended. I'm hoping that it won't take long to get the hang of it. It's completely different from a plain-old brush, more so that I expected. I'm certainly open to hearing tips and tricks on proper usage.

wigsf3: You're just jealous.

Juniper: I floss every day, religiously. I would never skip it, having seen what can hide away in the cracks. Thanks for the good wishes!

G: Yes, it does sound like a drill. It gave my whole skull a good rattle.

Kenju: It's hard to get enough sleep when there are other things I want to do, like talk on the phone or read my book. Last night my husband sent me to bed at a quarter past nine because he could see my eyes drooping. Good thing I have him to look out for me.

Lulu: It does have a childlike feel to it, I guess because it's almost like having your teeth brushed for you. Also, the little timer that comes with the brush shows a happy face at the 2 minute mark, when you're supposed to be done brushing. If you go past two minutes, it starts winking at you.

DarcsFalcon: I swear, I didn't turn it on until it was wedged back by my molars! It got out of control when I was cleaning my front teeth. I'm not too sure how to avoid that. I guess I have to work on my technique.

San: And here I thought that an electric toothbrush would require less exertion.

LL Cool Joe: I can't imagine getting by on 5 hours of sleep, let alone 4. I'd be a wreck. However, I bet it would be great to have that much more time in the day!

DarcKnyt said...

Glad to hear you can close the door on the heart issue on an upbeat, if you'll pardon the pun. :)

Get well soon.

Lynn said...

I had an electric toothbrush when I was a little kid - we all had our own color to use. I didn't know they still made those.

Jenski said...

I'd say don't throw out the manual toothbrush and to use it once in a while. I started getting cavities when I started using an electric and the dentist was no help when I challenged her about this. A friend's dentist told him to use both - the electric is good for your gums. My electric beeps every 30 seconds so I spend enough time on each quandrant of my mouth. You may be able to get smaller brush heads too if you are having a hard time brushing with your mouth shut to prevent splatter. :-)

Anyway. I see nothing wrong with 9 hours of sleep a night! Hope you continue to get better day by day though.