Cold Water Escapades

? 9/14/2005 - Slightly worried

Its been a bit since my last entry, many apologies. I couple weeks back, I noticed my heart beating slightly funny. So I went to the doctor to have it checked out. They did a 1 min EKG and found some premature ventricular contractions (PVC). Now many people have these and its nothing to be overly concerned with presuming you have a normal heart otherwise.

They drew blood and had me come back a week later. In my visit yesterday, my doctor said I should wear a holter monitor for 24 hours. This was an interesting experience. For one, they had to shave a circular area on my chest. Thats quite attractive. I'm looking forward to getting the results. I think it will be cool to see a history of a day like that.

I took the opportunity to ask my family about their history too. Turns out my Grandpa, Dad, and Aunt (on Dad's side) all have some irregular stuff like this. I said to my Dr, "Aha! I know who to blame now!" He replied, "But you know who to thank for all the stuff that works perfect too." He sure can be a buzzkill. :D It'll take a couple days to get all the data analyzed. Hopefully it won't take too long.

I guess the reason that I'm entering this into a dive blog is that there is a chance that if I have something else wrong, the Dr is going to tell me not to dive anymore. That will really bum me out as I was just starting to get back into it and its something I really enjoy. I know its not worth putting myself and my buddies in danger. But that doesn't make it any more fun to think about.

Hell, maybe it'll be all ok and the Dr will clear me. Or maybe there'll be some treatment that can fix it. Why worry when theres nothing I can do about it....easier said than done.

Another bad thing, I was just about to set up some dives for next week when I'm in Monterey, CA. Maybe I'll schedule something in the hopes that I'll be cleared before vacation.

Sorry for the crap post. This is supposed to be filled with fun stuff, not boring crap like this.

? 9/15/2005 - :(

Posted by Missy

I hope it turns out to be nothing serious.. Keep us updated here and hang in there! With any luck, you'll be fine and diving in no time :)

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? 9/15/2005 - I know how you feel...

Posted by Mishelle

I received news from my DR two weeks ago and when I asked, "Well, can I dive?" I got, "No." Not for now. It sucks! And I have thought about just diving anyway, I'd rather be happy! But I am waiting it out for now... but I am not sure I can wait forever. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers hun and wish you all the best!

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? 9/15/2005 - Bummers...but keep a good outlook...

Posted by BlowinBubbles

As you said, they are not uncommon and usually benign. Sometimes some minor dietary and supplement changes can clear them up. I had some similiar funny heartbeats, although they originated in the atrium, not the ventricles. So they were PACs instead of PVC's. Per my electrophysiologist, I went on just a couple supplements for awhile, vitamins and such, and cut down (but not out..THANK GOD) the coffee and they lessened. I was given the ok to dive. So keep your spirits up. And enjoy Monterey. Really pretty area. And PS...the chest hair sometimes doesn't grow back..did they warn you about that? J/k... :)

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