Progress but no answers just yet...

Yesterday, I went to the medical center to see yet another cardiologist, as well as an Electro Physiologist (EP). I felt better much after talking to them, than I have thus far in this fickle process. After re-sharing my medical history and any pertenient family medical history, I was educated by the EP about what the next steps are.
I have to wear a heart monitor for a week or two. It's basically a small cell phone with wires that will record my heart beat and hopefully pick up any abnormal arrythmias that might give us a clue as to what is going on with me. I'll be traveling a bit in the next week so I am unable to carry it on-to the airplance because of how sketchy it could look in a carry-on baggage or with me wearing it.
If the heart monitor does pick up some abnormalities, there is a slight chance that we can 'fix' the issue without having an EP study done (the procedure mentioned last blog). If it doesn't or maybe if it does I'll have the EP study done, hopefully, before Christmas.
There is another chance, if the EP study does not allow us to correct whatever issue I might have, that I will have to have a diagnostic device inserted into my chest (for what could be up to 3 years) to monitor my heart beat. This device called an ICM (Insertable Cardiac Monitor) is the size of a thumb drive and would be placed about where a pacemaker would go. Supposedly it's not a big deal and I can even deploy with one.
As of now my deployment for early spring is still on the books. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as we hope that my arrythmia is able to be recorded, thus speeding up the diagnosis and and getting this taken care of.

I was very happy that I was able to lead PT today, although I had to stop in the middle of my class and watch because I became extremely dizzy. I was able to rejoin. It's small steps but it's good to be able to do something to exercise. I am still unable to drive and do too much working out which is driving me crazy and really stressing me out.

Thank you everyone for your care and concern. Hopefully this is just a minor speed bump that will be gone for good very soon.

The one thing a triathlete never wants to hear...

No strenuous exercise, no driving, no stress; until we figure out what's wrong. I'm terrified, I really can't find any other word to describe it. About 2 years ago, I noticed that I occasionally had heart palpatations. I was worried so I went to my doctor and a cardiologist and was told they were normal and probably more pronounced in me because I put alot of strain on my heart as an endurance athlete. It was something I would have to, 'live with.' I had one incident in those 2 years where I had to stop a race. It was my first half-iron distance triathlon. While I was on the bike my heart was going crazy 'skipping beats.' Luckily, my mom, who is a Nurse Praticioner and also has heart issues, recognized the symptoms right away and convinced me I needed to stop the race. I was devastated. I was able to do a half-iron 2 months later with no heart trouble, so we assumed it was an isolated incident.
About a month ago, I was in training for work in Montgomery, Alabama. I had been training for the Marine Corps Marathon. On Tuesday, I had run 18 miles for training. On Friday, my class had to do a PT challenge that consisted of 1 min of push ups, 1 min of sit ups and a 5k run. I was pretty excited about it because I was sure I would do well. I did 60 pushups, 55 sit ups and started out on the run. The day was gorgeous, I had made sure to hydrate and was ready to do well. A mile into the run my heart started palpating (skipping beats) and I was a bit concerned so after the second palpation I decided to slow down. As I was slowing down and moving to the grassy area I passed out. I remember falling and hitting the ground. The rest was a whirlwind. I went to the clinic where I had an EKG (normal results). The PA that saw me believed that I possible have more of an 'electrical' issue than a 'structural' issue.
Flashforward to this past week. I went to my Dr at work and he referred me to the Cardiologist. The Cardiologist spent 2.5 hours with me yesterday going over my entire history, doing an EKG and other procedures. I am being sent to an Electo Physiologist at Bethesda Walter Reed Medical Center next Tuesday to start a new course of action. Which could include a minimal invasive procedure on my heart that could correct my issue for life! I'll post when I know what is going on.
The bottom line is I'm OK and I will be OK. I'm very shaken and rattled. It's a frightening thing when you hit the ground without any control at all. I'm devestated that I cannot run or do triathlons at the moment. I've been instructed that if I can't talk while I'm exercising then I can do it. If anyone knows how to talk while swimming let me know!