Quote from: luna on February 14, 2012, 04:50:29 PM
It seems life keeps throwing hurdles for me to jump over. I won't get into the gruesome details of my entire health situation, but most recently I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (quaintly nicknamed afib by those afflicted with the condition). While my heart is currently functioning properly, any amount of stress on my body throws m heart yback into a fit, and I have to go to the ER for a happy shock session, in stereo -- because for a variety of reasons, chemically stopping my afib does not work.
Anyhow, my cardiologist proclaimed that all of the medications I've been on in my life (there is... a considerable amount, though no illegal drug use or anything like that) has caused permanent damage to my system, leaving me in a state of constant danger of heart problems and stroke. So, I'm left here wondering...
No more anti-depressants (no problem there anymore, really - it's been a few years) or anti-anxiety medications or asthma medications (...decidedly awful). I'm not even allowed a bit of caffeine. Heaven forbid I have an asthma attack! But more importantly... what do I do about HRT? I haven't started it yet, but I was getting close. Now I'm being expressly forbidden from going on any more medications with fear of life-threatening disasters flitting about in a cloud of despair above my head. Is there any alternative for me out there? Has anyone else experienced anything close to this?
I'm barely 31 now, I don't want to even consider giving up transition. But I honestly don't know what to do.
I'm not in your position, and I don't envy it, but I can relate.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just prior to my transition, I was 20.
I know how it feels to have competing medical problems and feeling so overwhelmed that you can't even be scared. That's how it was with me anyhow.
I'm truly sorry that you're in this position.
You need to talk to your cardiologist.
You probably can take HRT, but it would have to involve very very careful oversight.
Spironolactone, the common anti-androgen, is a potassium sparing diuretic so it will lower your blood pressure. And is in fact indicated in the treatment of certain cardiac problems. I can't even begin to say if that would be good or bad for your condition, but it's something that needs to be brought up with your cardiologist.
There's many different anti-androgen medications, your cardiologist would be best at working out if you can take them and with what risks.
As for hormones, hopefully you can take them too, using as safe a method as possible (injections perhaps).
That you can't take anxiolytics is interesting.
Talk to your cardiologist. I honestly wish you all the best. I was browsing the forum on my phone and when I saw your post I immediately got out my laptop so I could write a reply.
It may turn out that there is a solution that can be worked out.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/clc.20914/abstractCheck out that link and related ones for indications of spironolactone and cardiac problems.
Hormones are fairly benign medications, but they can increase certain risks. You might be able to use a milder estrogen like estriol or something if you can't take estradiol because of your condition.
Don't give up hope, again, I wish you all the best.
