MS isn’t the only health concern that I should keep an eye on
There's more to me than one disease, as a cardiac checkup reminds me
I had a visit with a local cardiologist recently. Since my 2017 retirement from the Army, I’ve had most of my medical care at the Department of Veterans Affairs and haven’t been to this particular practice for about eight years. Fortunately, the people there still remembered me. Unfortunately, the provider I saw begin the visit with, “Wow! It’s been a while. The last time I saw you, you drove yourself here and walked into the exam room under your own power.”
That’s very true, but the truth hurts a little.
I started seeing them back when I was searching for a reason behind the symptoms that would eventually lead to my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. With a family history of cardiac problems and a 2013 diagnosis of chronic Q fever, which has a tendency to attack heart valves, it was recommended that I keep an eye on my heart health.
I underwent a complete workup in the past, which included a cardiac stress test. Back then, I walked on a treadmill to get my heart rate up, but that wasn’t an option this time. Instead, I was given a drug to accelerate my heart rate while I was sitting in my wheelchair.
I didn’t like the experience at all. If I’d been at home and that happened to me, I think I would’ve called for an ambulance.
The entire exam lasted about three minutes, and while it helped that I knew it was about to happen, it also hurt because I sat there overthinking it. Maybe “sitting” there was part of my unease. I liken it to getting motion sick when your eyes and inner ear are reporting to entirely different parts of your brain. In this case, I felt like my brain was confused and anxious about why my heart rate would be so high when I wasn’t moving.
To top things off, I’ve always had a few premature ventricular contractions, but never thought much of them since they’re fairly common and usually harmless. When my heart rate went up, I had several in a row, which the helpful tech pointed out on the EKG and asked if I could feel. I assured her that I could indeed feel it every time my heart missed a beat, and I was then unable to think of much else. Zero out of five stars — would not recommend.
Well, wait, actually I would.
The big picture
There’s a lot more to me than my multiple sclerosis. That means there’s a lot more to my healthcare, too — for instance, those couple of factors that put me at a greater risk for cardiovascular problems.
Despite theories and speculation, I really don’t know how I got MS and have no idea whether I could’ve prevented it. I’ll do everything I can to ease the symptoms and combat the disease, but the fact remains that I’m stuck with it, and it affects everything else.
That sounds a little gloomy, and maybe it is, but it actually motivates me to be extra diligent about the rest of my health. At present, my heart is fine. I have some age-related issues, but nothing overly concerning. I count myself lucky that there’s a way to conduct a stress test for people with degraded mobility. I’m sure that not all cardiovascular problems can be prevented, but I don’t plan on any sneaking up on me the way my MS did.
I’ll turn 50 next week, and even though I feel a little high mileage, I don’t feel old. Normally I’d say that 50 is just a number, but it’s apparently a number that gets the attention of a lot of doctors. I imagine my number of healthcare appointments is just going to go up, and that’s OK. I just wish that I wasn’t about to be the same age as what I’ve always considered to be old people.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Ian R
Ben,
Given how grim advanced MS is, I wonder if it’s really worth worrying too much about other potential health issues. It’s a bit like the engine in your car has blown up and all the tires are flat, yet you’re worrying that the car clock is losing a couple of minutes a month. When my MS gets to an advanced stage, I won’t want to extend the torture.
Note: just a different point of view on this issue.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Hi Ian! That's certainly food for thought and I can't resist a good car analogy. My PPMS is pretty advanced, but I still see it as the flat tires in that scenario. I'm still going to maintain the rest of the car so it doesn't stop running entirely due to something preventable. Maybe there will be a development in the future that will repair and re-inflate my tires, but that's not why I'm doing it. There could also come a day when maintaining the car isn't worth it anymore and I've got an advanced directive /living will in place to cover that.
Lisa Kandel
I just recently saw my primary care doctor. He informed me I had high cholesterol which has nothing to do with my MS. I like to blame everything on the MS, but I couldn't do it this time. I am starting to eat better, and I already feel lighter. My doctor once told me I was would be healthy if it weren't for the MS. But I'm turning 55 this month, so I have to be aware there could be other problems. My father died at 55 of a massive heart attack, so it's getting me to thinking. I'm just trying to be more well-rounded and stop thinking that everything is the MS. Good article. Stay blessed and keep writing.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Lisa! I tend to blame everything on MS as my default, but I know that's not the case. It certainly doesn't give me an excuse to ignore the other aspects of my health because it's, "just part of having multiple sclerosis I guess". I'm getting better about it, but there's room for improvement lol
Lisa Cunningham
Hi Ben, I look forward to your column on Thursdays. As always, it is relevant and usually timely for me.
With a family history of cardiac issues and my own condition of PVCs and hypertension, I had a complete cardiac workup that included a stress test using medication and a nuclear stress test. It was quite uncomfortable.
That being said, there are many other conditions that can affect those of us with MS as well as the rest of the population. I joined this research study called ALL OF US which is building one of the largest health databases of its kind. The data is available for scientists to use for their research. https://www.joinallofus.org/learn-more
As always, staying vigilant regarding health and being your own advocate for care, is so important.
Best regards,
Lisa
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks for the comment Lisa! Yeah, the stress test with medication will not make my top 10.
Thanks also for the link to the all of us program. I'm already a part of it, but I would encourage everyone with MS to join.
Nancy Rochelle
A very happy birthday next week Ben. I’m envious, you’re at the beginning of a new decade, I’m approaching the end of it!
Thank you for your insightful posts, I love reading them.
Nancy
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you so much Nancy!
Shelia Hofmeister
And how well I remember that May 20th...after teaching school all day I went to the tiny little Hahira hospital to have you @ 9:25 p.m. You were the only grandson for 11 years and brought much joy and consternation to the family. Too many snakes and derring do. LOL
Benjamin Hofmeister
Mooooom, you're embarrassing me in front of my friends!
(I love you too.)