This post contains affiliate links. For the last year or so, I just haven’t felt right. I’ve been exhausted, and more concerning, I could often feel my heart fluttering and sometimes, there would be a long gap between beats. A few times, the gap between heart beats was so long that my upper left arm would start to feel numb for a few moments. I also was having trouble digesting many oils, and my digestion in general felt out of whack.
First Stop–Our Family Physician
I saw our family physician last fall, but she just said if the heart issues continued, I should see a heart specialist. She also said I clearly had malabsorption issues and suggested I take a digestive enzyme. She tested my thyroid and didn’t find any issues. (I’m already on thyroid medicine and have been for the past 10 years.)
Next Stop–Naturopath
When my symptoms didn’t improve this winter, I decided to see the same naturopath who had helped me overcome my mold issues.
She had me do a blood draw and a stool sample test (not fun!). The results showed that I had SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and adrenal fatigue. My DHEA level was almost non-existant.
Last Stop–Cardiologist
Finally, I went to go see a cardiologist. A quick EKG in his offic showed that I had a sinus arrhythmia. He said I needed to take a stress test and wear a heart monitor for 30 days. Last week, I saw him for a follow up. He said the stress test showed that I had some leaky valves, so I’ll need to take a stress test every year and see the cardiologist once a year. The monitor showed that I did have an arrhythmia.
Is This 50?!?
I feel like I’ve hit 50, and I’m falling apart! Just joking, kind of. I’m grateful that most of these situations can be turned around and that it’s nothing more serious.
The Game Plan
So, I’m now in the phase of trying to heal the various issues.
SIBO
For the SIBO, I’m on a low fodmap diet for the next four to six weeks. I’m finding it challenging. When I consider all of my other food intolerances, there are a lot of foods I can’t eat. However, I’m determined to make it work, and my family has been very supportive.
I’m also taking supplements to kill of the bad bacteria and probiotics to increase the good bacteria
Adrenal Fatigue
I’m on adrenal supplements and will be for several more months. I’m also working hard on trying to get good sleep every night. Next, I have to learn stress management.
Leaky Valve & Heart Arrhythmia
The cardiologist said SIBO and adrenal fatigue could both be contributing to the heart arrhythmia. He offered me several things I could do to improve my situation:
- Eat healthy,
- Lose weight,
- Get 8 hours of sleep a night,
- Engage in cardio for 30 minutes a day
- Weight lift or do yoga in addition three days a week
My Thoughts
I do feel a bit like I’m falling apart, but I’m determined to improve my situation. All of my ancestry research has shown me that many of my ancestors had heart issues, and many died in their 60s or 70s. I’ll do my best to avoid that fate.
I’m also thankful that these issues, maybe save the leaky valves, can be turned around.
Do you have experience with any of these issues? What did you find worked best for you?
Leave a Reply