NeedCourage
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2014
- Messages
- 73
- Reason
- Lost a loved one
- Diagnosis
- 12/2013
- Country
- US
- State
- PA
- City
- SW
During physical therapy this week, both therapists were surprised by DH’s BP and pulse. These have been perfectly controlled since a heart attack in 1993 with no ‘events’ since then.
This week both PTs registered pulse in low 30’s … using an oximeter. ALS doc and GP both suggested checking with a cardiologist. I’ve taken it with my fingers and counted for a minute several times and it’s about 60 - more his normal range. There were some skips? that might explain their readings.
Now I can’t help but wonder what is the good of keeping a 78 year old heart ticking (with a possible pacemaker) while rest of body is wasting?
We used to kid each other that maybe, if we were lucky, he would go in a flash from heart failure before the worst of the paralysis hits. Humor can get kind of weird with ALS.
We have not even seen a cardiologist about this (have called for appt) but I was just wondering if anyone out there had faced such a dilemma — one of conflict of interest. We know any heart issues have nothing to do with ALS - just happening concurrently. My sweet husband is being an amazingly graceful example of handling stress under fire - unlike myself. But I know this bothers him. Oh, and to add to my fear, this is how my father died: surgery to repair a heart valve and he died as soon as they started anesthesia. Never had had it before. And it’s the same hospital!
I know I’m jumping the gun since no doc has been seen. So as crazy as it may be, I fear any surgery at this point.
If you are able to post a thought - I’d be ever so grateful. I’m feeling numb and terrified at the same time….
Wishing everyone here blessings and peace.
Nancy
This week both PTs registered pulse in low 30’s … using an oximeter. ALS doc and GP both suggested checking with a cardiologist. I’ve taken it with my fingers and counted for a minute several times and it’s about 60 - more his normal range. There were some skips? that might explain their readings.
Now I can’t help but wonder what is the good of keeping a 78 year old heart ticking (with a possible pacemaker) while rest of body is wasting?
We used to kid each other that maybe, if we were lucky, he would go in a flash from heart failure before the worst of the paralysis hits. Humor can get kind of weird with ALS.
We have not even seen a cardiologist about this (have called for appt) but I was just wondering if anyone out there had faced such a dilemma — one of conflict of interest. We know any heart issues have nothing to do with ALS - just happening concurrently. My sweet husband is being an amazingly graceful example of handling stress under fire - unlike myself. But I know this bothers him. Oh, and to add to my fear, this is how my father died: surgery to repair a heart valve and he died as soon as they started anesthesia. Never had had it before. And it’s the same hospital!
I know I’m jumping the gun since no doc has been seen. So as crazy as it may be, I fear any surgery at this point.
If you are able to post a thought - I’d be ever so grateful. I’m feeling numb and terrified at the same time….
Wishing everyone here blessings and peace.
Nancy