Rach, You don't even need an answer - you got it right. The heart rate going up is one of the first indications that you are not doing well. If you had an oximeter, you would probably see that your O2 stats are going down too.

Maurice, Thanks for putting that info up there. I was too tired to retrieve it last night.

Here's a tip about the French, and I'm being serious here. They like people who are "proper" and formal. That's why Americans are sometimes not received well over there. They like to have us treat them formally and then they feel we respect them. It's often the opposite over here, where informality is more accepted. But, hey, you probably already knew that too!

So start learning some simple etiquette like Bon Jour, Merci Beaucoup, etc. Even though Pr. Eymard speaks English, I'll bet he would like you to make an effort. If you end up going, that is.

Annie

Hi Maurice,

Thank you so much for putting the info on here for me, I really appreciate it. Its so very kind of you.

Annie- thanks for letting me know that Im on the right track. Its been happening for a while. Well since I last had the pulse ox on in May and held my breath (heavy sarcasm!)

I really dont know what I would do without the forum. Thanks again for everyones support.

Love
Rach

Rach, You could always go to one of those free translation sites and translate English to French if you email them. Maybe send both versions. I bet they'd appreciate that!

And Pr. Eymard can run a couple of the main CMS blood tests too.

http://www.freetranslation.com/

It doesn't provide an "exact" translation but close enough.

You just hang in there. I have to believe things will be okay. I am worried about your health in the meantime though! Geez, a person doesn't have to "convince" an auto mechanic to fix their car or a plumber to fix the pipes in their house. Why do we have to do so much convincing with doctors to "fix" us?

Thanks for that.

I think it was you that said ( if Im not I aplogise to the person that said it) "Drs are the only profession in the world where they can say I don't know and walk away from a patient and still draw a pay check" (Im paraphrasing). Its become one of my dads favourite sayings. Im incredulous to understand why Im being treated this way and horrified to learn that Im not alone.

I went onto the site that you posted the link for. They are so thorough going through your familiy tree etc and taking an acurate history. Plus seeing a cardiologist etc. Ive never seen one. The pulmanologist is the one that told me I could be a free diver as I could hold my breath for so long LOL!!

My parents are staying close by for a couple of days so I will talk to them about it. I will certainly e-mail the guy to see if he can help me.

Thanks again

Love
Rach

Rach73,
So, so sorry for what you have gone through. You have really tried so hard. Maybe France will be the right place for you to get some help. Hang in there and don't give up. Take care.
ckitty

Rach, as french is my mother tongue, if I could be of any help should you need translation or verification of translation, etc…, you can use PM to contact me.
Maurice.

Thank you so much for your kind offer of help.

At the moment I need to speak to my parents as they would be the ones helping me get to France. Hubby would have to stay at home due to our three large dogs.

Its also a difficult time here for me as my disabled sister is about to have a baby (8wks) and will need all the support she can get as her husband is in the armed forces and will be on a tour of duty. So as you can see things are a little complicated.

Im very excited by the idea of the french clinic.

Thank you everyone for their help.

Love
Rach x

Hi,

I've just spoken to my parents and my dad has said they will take me to France, basically I think he'd be clueless with a new born baby LOL!

Ok, my brain is not working Im not very well today my eyes are struggling to follow things, can't watch TV etc so this will be very short. I need suggestions on what to put in my opening e-mail to the professor. Any suggestions appreciated as Im drawing a blank here!

Thank you all so much for your help, and Maurice I will be taking you up on the offer to translate as I will send an English and French version to be polite. I hope thats still ok?

Thanks
Rach x

Hey Rach,

So sorry to hear of what has happened! It must be really tough, I too hate those docs treating us as if we're pretending all our symptoms. If we were all so good, think there's no need to have acting classes anymore. Lol.. The french doctors sound like a good idea, I too would do anything to get a better idea of what's going on. Just that resources are so tired.. Sigh.. But if you do go, let us all know how it goes!! Am so proud that you're doing all that you can. =)

Love,
Connie