So I finally went to the doctor...

[PaulSage]

Sinus infection and one of the worst cases of bronchitis he'd ever seen. I got the meds though - heavy duty antibiotics, steroids & a decongestant. I should be better pretty soon, which is good because I have been sleeping up to 12-14 hours a day and I have NO energy.

Anyway, I talked to him about the heart issue. Here's the funny thing, I was researching the antidepressant that I've been on and came across some info on potential "although rare" side effects. Heart complications are one of them, just like they were with a different antidepressant I was on five years ago that caused my tachycardia.

I quit taking the antidepressant four days ago because my chest was aching again.

My chest hasn't ached at all for three days.

Apparently if I want to survive I can't balance out my brain chemistry with an antidepressant or it'll stop my heart. Cool. I guess I'll just have to go back to being my bitter, crabby, angry self.

Anywho, I think it's time for another nap. I just thought I'd post a little update.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

So, what did the doctor say about your chest pain??????????????

 

[PaulSage]

After telling him about my episode with the tachycardia and the Effexxor that I was taking at the time, and after he listened to my ticker and asked me a bunch of other questions, he said that the chest pain and heart attack were very likely caused by the Citalopram and that I should report to my psychiatrist.

I didn't tell him my psychiatrist is in Wisconsin.

I asked him what he thought about me being able to take ANY anti-depressants other than Welbutrin (which works differently than most other anti-depressants) considering the heart complications due to my congenital "non-functioning" heart murmur. He said I should follow up with my psychiatrist to discuss alternative medications.

Whatever.

I'm already crabby and irritable. Fortunately, my sinus infection, congestion and bronchitis aren't bothering me much at all right now. I wonder if the meds are already having an effect...

 

[PaulSage]

Also, I got a call from my mom today and she told me they believe Ranger, one of our Shelties, is suffering from Cushing's disease. That's the disease my Kineesa died from. Ranger is Kineesa's uncle, and apparently Cushing's can be hereditary.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

That sucks all around Paul! I hope things start getting better for you. If nothing else, I can't wait to see you again in Tinley!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

You aren't having a good day, are you Paul. (((HUGS)))

 

[PaulSage]

You aren't having a good day, are you Paul. (((HUGS)))

That's exactly what the guy at the bank said when I told him I didn't have time for this shit (his investment advice) and I just wanted to make my deposit and go home.

I don't need investment advice from some punk who just hit puberty yesterday.

 

[PaulSage]

Oh yeah, and in the mail today was the bill from my little ER visit six weeks ago. Apparently they sent it to my WI address and it got caught up in the forwarding system.

Looks like it's time to work a little harder at selling geckos!

 

[Mel&Keith]

Paul, first off..talk to the hospital about the bill and they may be able to work with you on the total. (My dad had all of his heart attack bills written off because he was a student at the time.)

I'm so sorry to hear about Ranger. Hopefully they will be able to find out that it's adrenal and remove it or at least treat it more successfully than they were able to with Kineesa. I really appreciate the long conversation we had about Kineesa even though it was hard for you to talk about. Like I said before, Penny has responded really well to her Lysodren treatment so there is hope for some Cushingoid dogs to live longer healthier lives than others. Try not to stress out about Ranger too much...I know, easier said than done. If you want to talk about it all feel free to give me a call anytime. And I hope your sinus stuff gets better soon!

 

[Jeanne]

You know what you need Paul..... A FULL body massage! Oh and while you are there, throw in a facial, and parafin wax! This remedy is garaunteed to releive some stress! Ok, I am mixing up what you need with what I need.

I am so sorry to hear about Ranger, I hope it turns out ok.

 

[nwheat]

I'm sorry you're feeling so crappy, Paul! Hope your sinus infection has cleared up by now.

It is good that you've figured out that your medication was what was triggering your heart problems. That's a step in the right direction! I really think you should still go see a cardiologist rather than just a general practitioner, though. Perhaps a psychiatrist that actually lives in Texas would be a good plan, too!

I am one of the worst offenders in putting things off because finding a new doctor is a pain in the ass, but the sooner you do it, the sooner you'll get these issues resolved. I hope that you will tell me that you already have!

Sorry for sounding like a Mom, but well, too bad!