Sissy's Journal

I am a fit and healthy 53 year old woman with an odd history for having the distinction of acquiring illnesses that are usually extremely rare. My husband and I joke that whenever I feel ill it will end up being some random thing that only happens to 5% or less of the population. One doctor told me that my body is extremely unique in its sensitivity and although I'm healthy and strong, my body is actually considered fragile because of this. on her recommendations I eliminated all chemicals from soaps, lotions, shampoos, detergents, food products, etc. it helped a lot and I felt better, overall much stronger. So, it was a complete shock to wake up in the middle of the night with severe chest pain. I had been having a pleasant dream and suddenly awoke, sat right up and clutched my chest. It felt like a little bird was inside, beating against my ribs trying to get out and a horrible burning pain. Long story short, I went to an urgent care center and had an ekg. It was normal. Got an rx for pain and told it was chest wall pain. Went to my doc on Monday, another ekg, another normal reading. Still having pain. Told probably chest wall pain but referred to cardiologist. Over the next 6 weeks gradually felt better and had various tests done. At my follow up with the cardiologist I was feeling like the chest wall pain could be managed and eventually would go away. I wasn't concerned with my heart as I'd come to believe it was all muscle pain. And I was feeling better. I was shocked to be told I have mitral regurgitation. I got diagnosed 2 days ago and I'm still in shock. Not sure what else to say right now but I'm scared and saw that it happens in about 2% of the population and thought well there you go. Can't wait to tell my husband that tidbit! Some humor will help a lot!