A bit too much about me

I had my Dr appointment with Dr Ivor Gerber at Greenlane yesterday. Aunty Livvy came with me which was invaluable as most of the session covered the family tree. Livvy knows all about it (she is married to Mum's brother, John) while I'm a bit clueless how everyone fits in.

Ivor seems pretty convinced that my left bundle branch block and Guy's cardio myopathy are related, though the severity of Guy's condition so young would suggest other 'factors' are at play (possibly mix of genes, environmental or a gizzilion other possibilities). A nice bit of parental guilt to throw in.

Ivor's theory was only reinforced with a number of young deaths from heart issues through mum's family tree (including my maternal grandmother and her brother). We are seeing if we can get coroners reports to assist the discovery process.

It turns out that Uncle John also has Left Bundle Branch Block. Isn't that nice - bonding! His was discovered 16 years and hasn't changed, which is encouraging. Again, the familial link.

LBBB is basically faulty electrics in the heart which "usually indicates underlying cardiac pathology". It may do nothing, or it may get worse and become a serious concern, such as cardio myopathy. Ivor isn't recommending drugs at this stage (similar concoction to Guy) but has said I am free to seek a second opinion. I'm not sure I will, but I'm sure many of you will give me yours (not sure they count as 'second opinions'!).

What now? I've had blood taken which is being tested for heart function - measuring enzymes heart muscles produce (or something!?). We expect it to all be normal, given the minor state of my LBBB. Ivor will also refer us to the genetics team and we may get our blood genetically tested. It is pretty hard to identify genes, but there's a slim chance...

The only (earth shattering) advice Ivor gave was that I shouldn't drink heavily. I probably should also get off my chuff and do exercise... but that sounds a bit extreme to me! Ivor suggested I should be concerned if I wake up tired... umm... who doesn't?! So added the more obvious racing heart, breathless, fainting bits in (go on, sister G, you've already diagnosed yourself!).

Immediate family members can use my notes to get ECG's wanted. The results checked by a cardiologist and send them to Ivor (mine were so small they were dismissed at first). Extended family members - (particularly Pinfolds and Macs) all knowledge of family trees would be great!

Great news - Guy has had a couple of hours at CK (daycare) this morn and loved it. He and Meg are in great form and looking forward to meeting their "4th cousins" (!) next week.