[at-l] NO HIKING ALLOWED!!!

[lvb@syclone.net (Linda Benschop)]

I went to the VA doctor yesterday and she wanted to do an EKG right away.
Showed some irregularities and told me NO HIKING or exertion until more
testing next week.  I have to have a stress test, halter monitor and lots of
blood work.  Several months ago (or was it a year ago?) I shared with OB as
we were climbing Blood Mt. that my pulse rate went up very high when I was
hiking, a big change for me.  I remember him saying that I was in a "V Fib"
range, but I felt okay so I ignored it.  But now, whenever I do exercise or
hike it goes up to over 200 every time, which is not normal.  But it does go
back down quickly and that is a good sign.  I have the strong family hx,
high B/P and Cholesterol....bad genes as all of the women both sides of my
family have died very young (before 50) of heart attacks  I have already had
three cardiac caths done am really bummed out as I feel great and had
planned a day hike Sunday.  I really feel that the doctor is overreacting
and am trying to decide if I am going to hike this weekend or not.  She
insisted that I carry Nitro and ASA with me all the time.  After my brain
surgery they told me I would never be able to hike.  I showed them!  Has
anyone else had this kind of problem?

Does anyone here have any ideas about how to lower CHOL and B/P???  I cannot
take the CHOL lowering meds as I had a major reaction.  Still taking B/P med
and seems to be working okay.

I decided a long time ago that I would rather die on the trail than on the
couch...LOL!  I really do feel great and will do that thru hike soon!

I treasure every day and look forward to getting on the trail!
Hummingbird