Cardiology Appointment

This afternoon I saw Dr.P for my cardiology appointment. We love Dr P. he is so nice, calm and really takes his times with his patients. Today, was just like other appointments with him. THey did all my testing then Dr P spent about 30min with me going over my results and medication.

First of all the nurse who did my testing I dont think really knew what she was doing, I had the little heart sticky things put on and pulled off three different times- not cool!! She also couldnt find my pulse and took my blood pressure 3x. Then when Dr P came in he had to redo the EKG that was done (i get one every cardiology appointment). So, it was a little strange at first.  

The Heart... needs more exercise and to get stronger :(  He is a little worried about it and is really want me to go swimming or do the elyplicatal on top of working at least 2x a week. He understands I had no control over the weight and with my horrible joints it makes things difficult. So, 2x  is manageable but still a lot seeing as though I come home from work and can barely walk. But, once I get to the Sports Center I think I will be ok. He then had to explain to me how my heart is not "normal" because of the inflammation, the orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia, so I am at a higher risk for a heart attack and stroke - Ive known this, but when you hear it all over again its not cool. So Dr P had to explain to me which symptoms I can ignore and which ones I shouldn't.

RA and the heart. Anytime I go into a flare, like two weeks ago I need to seem after I get ASAP becuase they want to start monitoring my heart flares and inflammation of the heart more closely. 

AI and the heart. This is the bigger issue. I have the orthostatic hypotension because of AI. It is being managed through medicine, but he is NOT pleased where we are with the things in terms of the heart. I still have really big blood pressure changes when you lay me down then when I stand up. Being on the medicine I am it should not being changing that much, so we did a lot of talking about how I need to really be careful with this and not ignore my symptoms when I feel dizzy or lightheaded. I also need to be much stricter on when I am taking my heart medicine. Its hard becsuse I have to take three times a day and they are at unique times so I often forget a dose- i know its not good but I am so much medicine it is hard at times to keep it straight. 

So, overall it was a  "good" appointment, its just never fun to hear how your heart is not normal and how you are at high risks for some not very fun things. I am thankful for good doctors and medicine that are helping me.