Well this has genuinely been the month from hell, and even though I am still suffering from an ongoing infection, I am at least at the end of the 'heart saga', that has been plaguing me in recent weeks. As readers of my blog know, over the last fortnight, I have undergone a series of tests, after ending up in the ED here in Australia for unexplained chest pain. While seeing a consultant in the Cardiological Department at Midland Hospital, I was informed that they had discovered a Systolic Grade II Ejection Murmur. They told me, in no uncertain terms, that it could be of concern and I had to follow up with my Doctor as soon as possible — which I duly did!
The one aspect of Australia that I like, is the health care this country provides. Yes it does cost a lot of money for patients like me, compared to The UK, but the reality is, it is worth it. I have built up a good relationship with my GP, who understands me more than most. He is aware of how hyperaware of my health and body I am, and will always advise in the best way possible — not always the way I would want, I have to say.
After referring me for an Echocardiogram at a private clinic in Joondalup, he told me to get it done as soon as possible, so he could give me the go ahead to go on holiday next month. Without the results, it would have been very difficult for me to travel abroad, especially without the express permission of my GP. Thankfully in Australia, I didn't have to wait long for a private appointment and it was done and dusted in a few days, rather than waiting a month for a bulk billed test.
This week I had a follow-up appointment with my Doctor, after an anxiety inducing seven days wait. I was very nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Over the last few months I have suffered with penicillin resistant staph infections, a cancer scare and heart problems — my body really wasn't up to taking much more! However, I plucked up the courage once again and headed to my surgery for the results.
Sitting there waiting to be seen, I was exhausted and full of emotion. I was absolutely sure the murmur they found was serious. In my head I planned for a future of operations, medication and constant trips to the specialist. With all these dark thoughts going on in my head, by the time my Dr called me in, I was a mess!
Sat in his office, I immediately asked him how bad it was. He took one look at me and said, 'it isn't bad at all, in fact the complete opposite'. I do have a murmur yes, but it has likely been there for many years, and is caused by regurgitation, which is quite common and normal for a man of my age. I also have a leaky heart valve and a few other minor issues — nothing sinister, nothing bad, just all part of growing old.
Shockingly, there was an upside to all this. The treadmill stress test that I had to undergo highlighted my current level of fitness. In the consultants words, I was fitter than most 55-year-old men, achieving 13 MET's in my test. Now, I really don't know what that means fully, but I am reliably informed I am at the higher end of physical fitness for a man of my age. My heart health is firmly in the excellent category on the Bruce Scale, which is used to measure just how fit a person's heart is.
I don't mind telling you how shocked I was; I have evolved from a smoking, drinking obese man, to a fit, healthy 55-year-old in optimal health — I couldn't have been happier. My week of anxiety had changed into a week of positive vibes and good thoughts. I don't think I can ever describe the elation you feel, when you are told you are fit and well and more importantly, do not need medication or any form of follow up with the hospital.
After losing 30kg in weight, I have finally been vindicated. To everyone who told me to slow down, I was too thin and gaunt, I can say, you were wrong. This is how I should be, this is what being healthy is all about, and I am bloody proud of myself for the achievements I have under my belt and looking forward to a productive future ahead.
In the words of the Cardiologist who conducted the tests last week, things could have been very different if I hadn't changed my life. Instead today, I am looking at a future I never really believed I had, and I am emboldened to do even more in the pursuit of physical fitness and looking after the only body I'll ever have!
The one aspect of Australia that I like, is the health care this country provides. Yes it does cost a lot of money for patients like me, compared to The UK, but the reality is, it is worth it. I have built up a good relationship with my GP, who understands me more than most. He is aware of how hyperaware of my health and body I am, and will always advise in the best way possible — not always the way I would want, I have to say.
After referring me for an Echocardiogram at a private clinic in Joondalup, he told me to get it done as soon as possible, so he could give me the go ahead to go on holiday next month. Without the results, it would have been very difficult for me to travel abroad, especially without the express permission of my GP. Thankfully in Australia, I didn't have to wait long for a private appointment and it was done and dusted in a few days, rather than waiting a month for a bulk billed test.
This week I had a follow-up appointment with my Doctor, after an anxiety inducing seven days wait. I was very nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Over the last few months I have suffered with penicillin resistant staph infections, a cancer scare and heart problems — my body really wasn't up to taking much more! However, I plucked up the courage once again and headed to my surgery for the results.
Sitting there waiting to be seen, I was exhausted and full of emotion. I was absolutely sure the murmur they found was serious. In my head I planned for a future of operations, medication and constant trips to the specialist. With all these dark thoughts going on in my head, by the time my Dr called me in, I was a mess!
Sat in his office, I immediately asked him how bad it was. He took one look at me and said, 'it isn't bad at all, in fact the complete opposite'. I do have a murmur yes, but it has likely been there for many years, and is caused by regurgitation, which is quite common and normal for a man of my age. I also have a leaky heart valve and a few other minor issues — nothing sinister, nothing bad, just all part of growing old.
Shockingly, there was an upside to all this. The treadmill stress test that I had to undergo highlighted my current level of fitness. In the consultants words, I was fitter than most 55-year-old men, achieving 13 MET's in my test. Now, I really don't know what that means fully, but I am reliably informed I am at the higher end of physical fitness for a man of my age. My heart health is firmly in the excellent category on the Bruce Scale, which is used to measure just how fit a person's heart is.
I don't mind telling you how shocked I was; I have evolved from a smoking, drinking obese man, to a fit, healthy 55-year-old in optimal health — I couldn't have been happier. My week of anxiety had changed into a week of positive vibes and good thoughts. I don't think I can ever describe the elation you feel, when you are told you are fit and well and more importantly, do not need medication or any form of follow up with the hospital.
After losing 30kg in weight, I have finally been vindicated. To everyone who told me to slow down, I was too thin and gaunt, I can say, you were wrong. This is how I should be, this is what being healthy is all about, and I am bloody proud of myself for the achievements I have under my belt and looking forward to a productive future ahead.
In the words of the Cardiologist who conducted the tests last week, things could have been very different if I hadn't changed my life. Instead today, I am looking at a future I never really believed I had, and I am emboldened to do even more in the pursuit of physical fitness and looking after the only body I'll ever have!
