I NEED YOUR HELP!

March 13, 2017 242 Comments

SPRING TIME is CREEPING UPON US.

RIGHT SIDE

LEFT SIDE.

See my WILD PLUM trees a BLOOMING?

NOW FOR YOUR INPUT!

I have not been feeling SO good.

For a long time now………..since last MAY!

I am tired ALL THE TIME.

I found out last MAY my HEART VALVE is leaking once AGAIN!

I had that repaired 6 years ago.

IT FAILED.

But NOT enough to under go the HEART SURGERY AGAIN!

GOOD THING?

I suppose cause that wasNOT something I want to experience AGAIN!

MY problems now are EPISODES as I call them where I lose my SIGHT and FEEL like I will PASS OUT!

NOT FUN EITHER.

These have been going on now since before NOVEMBER of last year.

In NOVEMBER I started to write the EPISODES DOWN in a cute little polka dot notebook.

The EPISODES last between a minute to TWO and I have NEVER fainted.

A couple of weeks ago I had an EPISODE in my BANK.

It lasted 20 minutes.

911 was called.

From this I have seen a NEUROLOGIST.

Who thinks it is CARDIO.

I have spoken to a family friend who is a professor of NEUROLOGY

Who also thinks it is CARDIO.

I have spoken to a SURGEON who is a relative

Who thinks it is CARDIO.

Now, I have seen my MD TWICE ABOUT THIS before the 911 call.

I also have been enduring headaches EACH AND EVERY DAY for over a MONTH.

I have low BLOOD PRESSURE in general.

This last month it has BEEN HIGH!

DO WE SEE ANY RED FLAGS HERE?

SO, lets review.

THESE TESTS have been done an MRI and a CAT SCAN; will have an EEG tomorrow!

Seen a CARDIOLOGIST from HELL.

Mine was not available.

But she does own a chicken with a hand knitted sweater!The things I can pull out of people!

I had HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE in her office.Especially after the ASSISTANT told me my CARDIOLOGIST has moved on.

I adored my DOCTOR as he has been with me from the GET GO and had dirty white sneakers on during my first procedure with him.

ABOUT 15 years ago.

I believe that was an ANGIOGRAM.

I remember telling him as I was lying on THE TABLE your shoes are dirty!

He also wanted to do the PADDLES on me as the A-FIB had come back after the surgery and I said NOT TOMORROW It is my OLDEST SON’s BIRTHDAY and I have to cook!He allowed me to leave and come back a day later for the PADDLE SHOCK in the hospital.

YOU KNOW THOSE PADDLES THAT WE SEE ON TV where they bring YOU BACK TO LIFE!!!!!!?

YES!

BEEN THERE DONE THAT to correct an IRREGULAR HEART BEAT.

Back to my little book.

NO one has asked to see my little book of EPISODES from MD to SPECIALIST.

I have kept a log since NOVEMBER 8,th 2016 all episodes and feelings that were not NORMAL.

THE EPISODES happen on AVERAGE ….. every 10 days.

There have been about SEVEN really terrifying EPISODES.

What was I doing?

1.DRIVING

2.Sitting at my computer.

3.Having lunch in the city.

4.Talking to a gentleman at a party.(SO STANDING UP )

5.Sitting on the toilet pushing for number TWO.

6.Pruning my roses.

7.Sitting at my bank making a deposit.

FIVE of these I was sitting down.NOT Out of breath just SITTING!

SO,

WHAT IS MY PROBLEM?

TRUMP made it to the WHITE HOUSE without paying taxes for years.

WE PUT PEOPLE ON THE MOON.

WE HAVE CARS THAT WILL DRIVE FOR US SOON.

BUT NOBODY can FIGURE out or has the DESIRE to figure out what is happening with little old me!

I have heard from THE PROFESSIONALS

“TAKE CARE”

“I HOPE YOU MAKE YOUR TRIP IN MAY”

“THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU”

YOU MIGHT SAY I AM A BIT FRUSTRATED.

ANGRY could be another ADJECTIVE.

The CARDIOLOGIST has put me on BLOOD PRESSURE medicine HER WORDS not mine

“TO CALM ME!”

MAYBE I am suffering from HIGH Blood PRESSURE and this is the RESULT?

They have also started me on MIGRAINE Meds……

for the headaches

which I took a pill yesterday and it did NOTHING.

Mind YOU I can function with the headaches.

Headache starts at the back of the neck then works it’s way to my temples.

I know YOU are a SMART GROUP of PEOPLE.

SO, Iam asking for YOUR INPUT.

I need to know WHERE TO GO NEXT.

AS you all know I have a TRIP LOOMING in MAY ;I must be IN TIP TOP SHAPE!

I have PEOPLE TO MEET and places to WALK.

NO TIME for FAINTING SPELLS

AND

MY GOD I NEED TO SEE THE LAND OF THE QUEEN!

JUST UP from a NAP the both of us.

I sleep between 8 to 10 hours a night and still need to NAP!

If his TUFFET was big enough for the TWO of US I would be hugging him as we nap………..

He loves to be touched and to have his Tummy Rubbed.

He brings JOY.

MOUNDS of JOY to MY LIFE!

DO YOU HAVE JOY?

I have decided THAT is my NEW WORD for 2017.

OH,JOY!

THAT use to be my message on my cell phone!

Time to bring it BACK!

PS.I decided to ask my VET just to see if she had any advise.

DO you know she has the same thing happening to HER!

Except she FAINTS.

She has even been to the MAYO CLINIC in SCOTTSDALE.

THIS IS A MYSTERY which needs to be SOLVED.

ANY input I would GREATLY APPRECIATE.

The medical profession is FAILING ME at the moment and I just had ANOTHER EPISODE before POSTING this BLOG POST!

TOO YOUNG FOR THIS

NEVER MIND MY DRIVING IS LIMITED as I have NO WARNING to when another EPISODE will APPEAR!

XOXO

THESE PEARLS came in the MAILBOX.

THEY ARE CALLED “CONTESSA PEARLS”!!!

A DESIGNING JEWELRY LADY

that

LIVES LIFE LARGE

CREATED THESE.

THESE HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO ME!

IF you feel YOU need a pair

PLEASE

visit

TAMERA BEARDSLEY

on her BLOG and see on the LEFT sidebar the word SHOP!

Let Your Fingers Do The REST!

GO!

http://www.tamerabeardsley.com

THEN COME BACK HERE AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS!

I would be EVER SO GRATEFUL.

242 Comments

Leave your reply.

Naomi Preston
· Reply

April 20, 2017 at 8:54 PM

Sorry to hear about everything you’ve had to endure. I’m not a doctor and will ask around and think on your situation and get back to you if I come up with any ideas to help your situation. In the meanwhile, I am wondering if you have consulted any Reiki practitioners. I have known at least a couple of people who consulted Physicians and got nowhere, but went to a Reiki practitioner who was able to help figure out what was wrong with them and even help heal them. I can’t guarantee that you will find a Reiki practitioner that will figure everything out for you, but it can’t hurt and you have nothing to lose but a little bit of time and a modest amount of money. Good luck to you and I hope to be back to you with something else that may help you soon!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2017 at 7:48 AM
  
  THANK YOU…………YES, I tried REIKI TOO!
  XX
MB
· Reply

April 20, 2017 at 8:42 PM

I was directed here from Facebook by a friend. So glad to read in the comments above that you have been directed towards some new (and hopefully helpful) medical professionals. I have one small thing to suggest which may or may not help, but I will put it out there for you.

Last May, and again this past January I was having terrifying cardiac symptoms. After thorough medical work up (blood tests, imaging, heart monitors, stress tests), they found nothing. But I finally linked the symptoms to additives/ingredients to seemingly innocuous things I’d been consuming. Last year, I’d started taking Emergen-C to avoid colds and this past January I started drinking a berry flavored tea. The only thing I can think of is that I am sensitive to the flavorings. I’ve read about people also experiencing severe symptoms from ingredients in Diet Coke.

I am not generally hyper-sensitive to food ingredients so was very surprised to find a possible correlation between my symptoms and the ingredients in Emergen-C and berry-flavored tea. All to say, you might consider closely examining things you are consuming — looking especially closely at anything you might have added to your usual diet at the time the symptoms started. And of course follow up with medical professionals suggested above. I hope you feel better soon!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2017 at 7:52 AM
  
  I too had thought of that but eat pretty well…..NO DIET COKES EVER!I am gluten FREE so that means eating FRESH not pre-made foods.
  I had changed from coffee to tea than went back to coffee the headaches left for three days……..THEY ARE BACK AGAIN!I thought maybe the tea leaves were tainted with something!THis has been going on since LAST SEPTEMBER………at least.I started keeping a record in NOVEMBER of 2016.THANK YOU for your ADVISE…………..I appreciate your time to read and comment VERY MUCH!
French Basketeer
· Reply

March 26, 2017 at 12:17 AM

Sending you much love… but time for a more advanced workup…if they can’t figure it out keep going…scripps also doing great afib work..I’ll phone this week.
suzanna
· Reply

March 21, 2017 at 6:25 AM

gosh with all the glyphosate from Monsanto (and more, who invented Agent Orange) and flouride in our water, and other poisons from GMO foods, who knows what we are all accumulating in our bodies these days….we all forge ahead ~ just saying ~ support local organic farmers ! xoxo
Lisa Self
· Reply

March 20, 2017 at 1:01 PM

Hi my friend, sorry you have been feeling so crappy! It has taken me so long to respond it seems you have had a good response and many suggestions. Wanted to let you know I have had very good results from using a Naturopathic Doctor that is trained to read blood lab results as well.
Given my autoimmune condition the western medical field was not very helpful. I have had terrific results with skilled Naturopathic Doctor, acupuncterist, and chiropractor. I have found them to be a much more whole body, whole person approach not just a symptoms and parts approach. I took me several years and much persistence to feel good again. Hope you find what you need. Much love to you, Lisa
Lola Martínez Iniesta
· Reply

March 20, 2017 at 12:34 PM

WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
POQUITO A POCO…
¡¡¡TOOOODO IRÁ BIEN!!!
YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY LOOOOOOTS OF PRAYERS AND GOOD VIBRATIONS OF LOOOOOTS OF PEOPLE WHO LOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!

¡¡¡GUAAAAAAAPAAAAAAAAAA!!!

CON TODO MI CARIÑO.

BESOS Y FUERTES ABRAZOS,

Lola.
suzanna
· Reply

March 20, 2017 at 9:14 AM

hey Contessa, I have read all your posts. You have great input here and this is a great reference for
others too~ I know you are making appts all over and busy with great suggestions and likely traveling
to your appts. Please let us know how you liked who you met with. Interesting to check carotids from
one person’s comments here. Never thought of that and a complete thyroid panel.
Offer still stands too. 2 days Ellie’s birthday and hope Grace is doing ok these days and her
beloved Bunny ~ XOXO
- ellie's friend from Canada
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 10:04 AM
  
  I wonder what we should do in memory of Ellie? for her birthday!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 11:59 AM
  
  CAROTID ARTRIES all GOOD!
  HAD that TEST on FEB. 19th………..2017.
  XX
cindy hattersley
· Reply

March 20, 2017 at 7:19 AM

Since we have discussed all of this no need for my input. I am just thinking of you every day and waiting to hear late this week! They are all correct we all have to be our own health advocates these days.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 7:56 AM
  
  THANK YOU………….I will POST This afternoon an update on MY FINDINGS and what IAM DOING!
  XX
Jeanne Henriques
· Reply

March 19, 2017 at 6:53 PM

I am so sorry Elizabeth that you have been unwell. It looks like you have some fantastic advice here from friends who care deeply. We all want to see you well, I hope this post provides the path you need to take. Thinking of you..xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 7:55 AM
  
  SO, IS IT NUMBER 43 for THE CASA IN THE SKY?!!!
  XX
ellie's friend from Canada
· Reply

March 19, 2017 at 4:36 PM

Great ideas, Suzana Borlovan! I am not in the medical field but also suggested the ultrasound in an email to La Contessa because my mother had a problem with one of her carotid arteries. And also electrolytes. I am a firm believer that people, as they age, should have a screening ultrasound for their carotids! It is heartwarming to see so many blog friends making such great suggestions to La Contessa!
- suzana borlovan
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2017 at 5:41 PM
  
  Thanks for the comment, I am an intensive care nurse and treat many cardiac patients (too many)! Hope this helps the Contessa in early diagnosis and treatment. Cheers from Australia xx Suzana
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 7:54 AM
  
  MY A~TEAM!!!!!!!
  XX
suzana borlovan
· Reply

March 19, 2017 at 3:09 PM

Dear Contessa,
AFib will cause you lethargy and dizzy spells, if your headaches are not improving ask for an ultrasound of your carotid arteries to rule out stenosis or thrombus which could be leading to your hypertension. So many if’s but keep fighting to get it sorted. xxx Suzana from Australia
- suzana borlovan
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2017 at 3:11 PM
  
  Also, blood work to see if your electrolytes are sufficient especially calcium, magnesium and potassium.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 7:52 AM
  
  HAVE ASKED ABOUT CAROTID ARTERIES.
  THANK YOU!I think I would have had that done in an MRI or CAT SCAN…….will find OUT!
  XX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 11:58 AM
  
  SUZANA………the NEUROLOGIST just called me and YES on FEB. 19, 2017 I had a neck and head scan of the CAROTID ARTERIES!!!!!!
  ALL GOOD!
  XX
Urbanite
· Reply

March 18, 2017 at 7:18 PM

La Contessa, Please pull up your Big Girl socks and head to the Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic (not the mini-me, but the REAL one in Rochester MN), or NY-Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia/Cornell in NYC.

Stop fiddling and get going. Your Internist can get you admitted. Do not go alone. Get admitted for a complete cardio work up. You must have someone with you who can take notes and help advocate for you. It’s difficult to absorb the diagnosis and recommendations/explanations when you are the patient and not feeling well.

You cannot let your life shrink to a pinhole b/c of fear of passing out or fear of possible treatment options. You are worth too much to delay.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2017 at 7:49 AM
  
  HAVE PULLED UP THE SOCKS!!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU FOR THE ADVISE AND THE LOVE!!!!!!!!
  EVERYTHING IS ON TRACK to find out WHY!!!!!!!
  XX
Lola Martínez Iniesta
· Reply

March 18, 2017 at 1:41 PM

¡¡¡GUAAAAAAAPAAAAAA!!!
¡¡¡GUAAAAAAAPAAAAAA!!!
Y ¡¡¡GUAAAAAAAPAAAAAAAAA!!!

BESITOS,

Lola.
Marilee Gramith
· Reply

March 17, 2017 at 8:56 PM

Like Meason, I’m hoping that you’ll let us know how your information gathering process has led you to decisions, appointments, or new planning.
In your own time, when and what you want to share is obviously up to you. No need to photograph or present anything.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 18, 2017 at 9:12 AM
  
  NEW BLOG POST SOON………will work on it TODAY and hopefully PUBLISH early next week!
  I am VERY GRATEFUL for all YOUR INPUT each and everyone of YOU!I have a fire under me now…………………
  NO PHOTOS?
  NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
  The written word my me would be TOOOOOOO BORING!
  MUST HAVE A FEW PHOTOS!
  XX
Meason
· Reply

March 17, 2017 at 8:20 PM

Elizabeth, where are you in this now? With all of the suggestions and your own insight do you feel like you can manage this?
Please let us know how you are
Xoxo
Meason
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 18, 2017 at 9:10 AM
  
  NEW BLOG POST ARRIVING SOON!
  XO
Robin Fink
· Reply

March 16, 2017 at 11:49 PM

Looking forward to talking to you.
XOXO
Kerry
· Reply

March 16, 2017 at 11:22 PM

I have 2 people with the same symptoms. One has a funny heart valve and had dizzy head spins quite often. Had all the investigations like yourself then found she was anemic so a colonoscopy and endoscopy was done and they found an 8 cm stomach ulcer which had been bleeding, so now on medication for that and seeing how things go.
The other was my physiotherapist who had an irregular heart and they restarted her several times then did a repair job on her valved but she was so tired all the time she had to give up work which was very sad because she loved her job. Not great advice at all was it, sorry :o(
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 17, 2017 at 8:37 AM
  
  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  MY LIFE has slowed down quite a bit as well…………
  THANK YOU for commenting KERRY…………
  I think I am on the road to a REASON. STAY TUNED!
  XX
Elizabeth
· Reply

March 16, 2017 at 8:51 PM

My brother, an eight year pancreatic cancer survivor, was checked into the ICU with multiple complaints, one of which was A Fib, last Monday (3/13). They still have not diagnosed what his initial problem was. We have learned through the years that you have to be your own advocate. If you do not like your new cardiologist, find one that you DO like and trust. He has had ongoing fatigue for years that his GP has just shrugged off. Recently after reading an essay online by Molly Fisk, he thinks it may be related to sleep apnea, which can be tied to A Fib. Keep searching and finding your way. Western medicine is all about drugs and money which often has little to do with health. Please keep us posted.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 17, 2017 at 8:35 AM
  
  THANK YOU ELIZABETH…………..I do have mild sleep apnea.
  XX
Robin Fink
· Reply

March 16, 2017 at 10:20 AM

Dear DARLING Contessa,
I feel for you so much, with these unexplainable occurrences!!! How helpful for you to put it out there to your readers. So many have posted ideas for you to try. Such a community you have built. How did you find the health care here in Italy? Just wondering. I think you are so smart to advocate on your own behalf. Second, third, forth opinions.
May we chat? I am going to a three year old’s birthday festa on Sunday in Bagno di Ripoli. Believe me I will be thinking of you!!! Then staying in Firenze for three nights. I would love nothing more than to sweep you up {and the Italian}, and have you join us!!! Such fun we would share!
You always look beautiful, I must add. You are always in my thoughts….
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 16, 2017 at 7:17 PM
  
  I will try to ring you tomorrow MY MORNING your late afternoon!
  XX
Lindsay
· Reply

March 16, 2017 at 6:59 AM

Auntie /Contessa!!
I am just now reading this and that is so scary and terrible what you are experiencing! I agree with the comment on seeing an alternative medicine specialist! Ellie had also recommended a book I think called, “the little book of breathing” or something like that! But breathing techniques will at least help to calm your nerves with your health issues and of course this stressful political climate! Please keep us updated on what doctors or other specialists say and how you are feeling! We need to know what is going on and get to the bottom of this! Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and greens like B12 which a lack of can cause fainting!! We are all praying for you to get better and figure this out! Sending lots of love and healing energy!

Rest and breathe!
Xoxoxoox
Love,
FGD/ Lindsay