Still leaking and now heart issues

[dp66]

It's almost 15 months since my surgery, and I'm still leaking. Sometimes it's minimal, and other times it's more significant. As a result, I'm still in diapers. I'm thinking that wearing a diaper will become my new normal. I'm getting somewhat use to wearing a diaper, and not as nervous/embarrassed having health professionals seeing me in one. In addition, I now have some heart issues to deal with. I have had several tests that indicate I have ventricular tachycardia. On Tuesday, I have a nuclear stress test to determine what is going on and the next course of action. As someone once told me, "getting old is not for sissies".

[Patrick]

Indeed it isn't. Ventricular tachycardia can be lethal, so stay on top of it; do what your doctors tell you, and diaper up, because this could be a bumpy ride.

[RetiredRN]

Yes ventricular tachycardia can be very serious. Get it check out as soon as possible.

[5bugles]

"getting old is not for sissies".

I had my surgery about 8 months ago, and so far not much appreciable improvement, so I understand your frustration. As others have said, the V-tach is a more serious issue than wearing diapers. Good luck with your tests, and diaper up! No sense having additional worries about leaking on top of everything else. Hang in there, dp66

[dp66]

Well, my nuclear stress test showed nothing too abnormal, but since my holter monitor and ecg did indicate some irregularities, I now will be having an angiogram. I believe that is a more inclusive test where a dye of some kind is injected through a catheter into an artery some where in the groin or arm. Again, having incontinence and wearing a diaper is raising my anxiety level. Has anyone had an angiogram, and if so how was it performed? What was your experience. I sure hope this test will give the cardiologists enough data to be able to make a more definite diagnosis.

[justej]

Hi dp66,
My good friend has been dealing with heart issues the last couple of years. I asked him about the test and here is what he said:
It was either similar or the same thing as the procedure I had to December so a little bit scary but ultimately very little recovery time

He actually found out he had had 2 heart attacks but has recovered very well. My old roommate also had that test done I believe. I sent him a text and if he has more info I'll let you know. Good luck with your test.

[Don]

Hi Dp66,
I am going through something similar to you. My cardiologist thinks I could be going through random episodes of SVT. I wear an Apple Watch to track my HR. I’ve been having episodes where I start panting and breathing fast out of nowhere. It’s not anxiety. Before I got my watch, I could never see what was going on. It doesn’t happen all the time. It happened a few days ago. My watch alarmed at me. It noticed an abnormal heart rhythm over 120bpm with no corresponding physical activity. I looked at my watch and it went from 45bpm to 152bpm. So my heart was beating 2.5 times per second. And stayed there for half an hour. I felt sick and called my doctor. My cardiologist wants to do an event monitor for 2 weeks. I’m going in next week for fitting. They just needed approval from my insurance. I had a 24hr holter last year along with an echo and ANSAR test. They were fine. I have had numerous EKG’s showing tachycardia and alternating bradycardia. I’ve had HR’s as low as 30bpm and has high as 200+. I felt like I wanted to vomit. So needless to say, you’re not alone. My incontinence is the least of my problems. I just diaper up and carry on. Usually, to a doctors appointment....

[greenbank]

Hi All

To all of you that have posted here all the very best life can deal a cruel hand at times.

Look after yourself all and take care.

Best of wishes for hopefully stable times!

Greenbank

[dp66]

Thanks for the support Greenbank. We are a complicated machine aren't we.

[Don]

Dp66,
I know you’ve been going through some heart issues. As am I. I am having a LINQ implanted next Monday (7/16). It is an internal ECG that collects arrhythmia information for up to three years. It is done outpatient. The device is roughly 1/3rd the size of a AAA battery. People say you can feel it under the skin but it’s not really noticeable. The device provides a wealth of information to your cardiologist. My electrophysiologist told me there is nothing your heart can do that this device won’t see. Even when you’re sleeping. I have a button that goes with it. If I get into trouble, I can push it and it will notify my cardiologist. I have issues with Tachy/Brady Syndrome. My heart rate is chaotic. So they are using this to track it. A 24hr holter wasn’t enough. My other doctors wanted more information. Have you tried something like this?