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THR, Right Bundle Branch Block and Echocardiogram

Posted , 5 users are following.

susie74530
susie74530

I posted on this when it came up about a month ago, and surprised that nobody else has run into a similar situation.

​Pre op ecg revealed the RBBB and the Clinic advised that their cardiologist wanted to have an echocardiogram, which is due this coming Monday, April 11.  The Clinic advised that the condition is non life threatening and I have since learned that this finding is "incidental" to an ecg.  I had an ecg in December last year, as well as blood work.  The RBBB showed then, and nothing was done to follow up - until the words "major surgery" were introduced into the equasion!

​Lung exrays were taken as were bloods and medical history, etc.  I have been a long term smoker, but did not smoke every day.  Some times there would be lapses of about 3 - 4 days without a cigarette, and it was very much in the category of a reaction to stressful situations.  I haven't smoked tobacco now, for about ten months, but with the occasional lapse, when under stress.

​I have been monitoring my blood pressure and pulse which are normal, and for the past couple of days, although I am in pain, and hobbling around on a stick, I have taken "brisk" ten minute walks, walking against the wind, which howls around here, more for my own peace of mind, in terms of what my BP and pulse will do now, and how quickly they return to normal.  There have been no ill effects, so far, but I would not expect there to be after only 10 minutes or so.  I used to run seven miles  day in San Francisco, but that was quite some time ago, now.

​Needless to say, I am concerned, as the purpose of the echo is to establish whether there is an underlying cause, or whether this is a condition that has developed with age, or genetic.  At age 74, and in relatively good health, it has come as something of a surprise.  My worry is that it may be a valve or artery problem, which is ot uncommon at my age. 

I have no symptoms, other than occasional fatigue, but that depends largely on what sort of sleep I have had.  Sometimes, not that good.  In general, I am quite active, but emotionally rather depressed and worried, and that is not a good state to be in.

​I would be grateful for any feedback if anyone has had this situation and what their outcome was.

 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Loral
    Loral susie74530

    Posted

    I had commented on this, I have the same thing and Dr's. shrugged it off as abnormal but my normal. EKG's show the same thing all the time. I also have low heart rate aroud 48-54 beats per minute. It did not keep me from having surgery, but I did have oxygen in my nose for two days in the hospital. I too was a smoker, I quit in 2006.
    • susie74530
      susie74530 Loral

      Posted

      HI Loral:

      ​Thanks for getting back to me.  I stopped smoking about 10 months ago, but was never a daily smoker.  It was mostly a stress response, but I did smoke for more years than I care to admit to!  The echocardiogram is coming up on Monday, and I just hope they don't find anything scary.  I have been forcing myself out on 10 to 13 minute walks for the last few days, and have been doing pretty well, although a walking stick, pain and a limp slow me down.  A far cry from the 7 mile runs I used to do to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco many years ago!

      ​My GP said that other than the RBBB, which is "incidental" the ecg was fine.  So, why they want the echo is a little odd.  Did you have an echo re the RBBB?

    • Loral
      Loral susie74530

      Posted

      After the first EKG that I had, the tech thought it showed that I had had a heart attack at some point...I went to a Cardiologist who had me have another EKG and a Echo, she compared the results and said it's not normal but it looks like it's my normal, and no heart attack... I questioned that too....The last three EKG's I have had show the same thing, and depending who reads them they come up with different assumptions. My GP isn't too concerned and he watches my blood pressure closely. It's usually around 117/70, but has been 140/90. Many things can effect BP especially pain. I think you'll be good to go, but better safe than sorry. So I think they are doing the right thing for you...Good Luck!
    • susie74530
      susie74530 Loral

      Posted

      Many thanks for the reassuring feedback. Been monitoring my BP and pulse, and sent the results through t my GP who said they were normal.  It is unnerving, and of course, the surgery was schedued for this last Monday which neans that by now, I should be at home and recovering!

      I will post after the echo, but am anticipating that they wont tell me anything, so will have to wait for the results.

      ​All very frustrating!  At least it will be over on Monday, and then I move onto the next things, whatever that is...!

  • renee01952
    renee01952 susie74530

    Posted

    hi susie,  

    Another new discussion I received on April 9 when you posted it 3 days ago -- there were some issues with the server ...

    Sorry I can't give you any feed back on this matter - my pre-op incuded blood- and urine test, EKG and that was it - both times - In Los Angeles I had additional x-ray taken from longs - I am on blood pressure medication and my pulse is always around 90 (high, but apparently my Normal?) -

    Good luck tomorrow and hopefully you will get more clarity and reassurance -

    I know you told us that you don't have anyone who can come with you, but maybe someone \can come with you tomorrow??? It helps to have another pair of ears listening ... It is so easy to get overwhelmed -

    peace and calm be with you, darling

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • susie74530
      susie74530 renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee:

      ​I am somewhat apprehensive about the echo tomorrow.  The main fear being that should they find something that they cannot handle at the clinic, I shall be referred to RUH Bath, and that willl place me right at the end of an 18 week + queue for surgery, added to which, the constant cancellations of elective surgery, that can occur just as you are gowned and walking to theater!  So, if that situation arises, it could be another six months before surgery, and that is unthinkable.

      ​I am hoping for a positive result tomorrow, and surgery will be scheduled a month or so from that point.  As it is, I have waited five months, anyway. 

      ​My daughter had, without advising me, scheduled time off from work, so that she could be here with me for a couple of days post op last week,when the surgery was originally scheduled.  She had to take the time, due to the nature of her job.  It is highly unlikely that she will be able to schedule more time a month, or even two months from now, should the results of the echo permit surgery to go ahead. 

      ​I do not have anyone who can accompany me anywhere.  My friends are scattered far and wide, as I have lived in San Francisco for so long.  Those that I have made since returning to the UK, I have not been able to maintain, due to the campaign of harassment and stalking on the part of my upstairs neighbours.  Impossible to return hospitality because of them, or participate in any sort of activity and make new friends due to the bad hip.     It is very difficult to explain this situation to new people, because it will naturally cause eyebrows to be raised, and questions asked as to my own credibility as a new friend!

      ​My sister, in Warwickshire cut me out of her life when my Mother died 20 years ago, and that is a long story.

      ​In general, I am able to retain information, although my feeling is that the echo will be a straightforward procedure, and few of my questions, if any, answered in any meaningful way until I actually speak with my GP.  I shall be glad to have it over and done with, and know what I can expect.

      ​As I have said in my most recent posts, I have been taking "briskish"  ten minute walks during the past few days, without taking any silly risks.  Difficult, obviously due to the pain and hobbling along on a stick, which is extra work, and strain on my back and the rest of my body supporting the bad hip.  I am doing this is for my own peace of mind, and to monitor what my blood pressure and heart are doing before and after exercise.  I have my own BP kit, and although it may not be totally accurate, it is the same equipment, so a good barometer of how my body is reacting .

      ​It would be nice to have a supportive person with me, but I have found that most of my friends rely on me for support and mysteriously are unable to return the compliment!  Probably because I am usually the stronger and more supportive person, and have always been a "leader" due to holding quite responsible roles during my past career.  It is my personality, and always has been, fortunately, or unfortunately.  When I need, the call is unanswered.

      ​I will post again tomorrow after the echo, and hopefully, may have at least an inkling of something.

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 susie74530

    Posted

    Susie I have no knowledge of this. Best of luck for tomorrow and keep us posted
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