This morning I went in for another test on my heart. I did a tilt table test. You can see the picture below to see more of how that works. Basically they strapped me to a table that stood me up vertically and then would lay me down flat. They monitored my heart while they did this for about an hour and a half. After that they pumped a chemical form of adrenaline into my IV to see how my body reacts. That was the weirdest feeling and I had a bit of a panic attack during that part. My heart rate got to about 190 bpm. It's the weirdest feeling to have your heart beating so hard and fast when you aren't even moving at all. 

They found out that there is definitely something wrong (obviously) but at least now they have a little better idea. The problem is in my atrium and they are going to have to do an electrophysiology study to find the exact root of the problem. My heart randomly starts racing and beats way faster than it normally should. The only thing that is different about my heart is that it has a pretty abnormal rhythm.  This is not too uncommon and a simple procedure. 

They are going to put me out and then the doctors go into the heart through a vein in either the thigh or neck with a catheter to gather information about how electrical signals travel through my heart. Next they stimulate the heart using a catheter. Once they find the part of the atrium that is firing the improper chemical messages they zap the area and hopefully that will make the heart start beating correctly. They stitch the catheter site up and I should be good to return to work within a week. Dr. Hwang said after this procedure I'll be able to walk up a flight of stairs and exercise without my heart pounding and racing. (So exciting!!) 

This is right as the test was starting. I definitely wasn't smiling for the rest of the test!

I cannot believe that it is already March. Time is flying by!! Here is a little update on what has been going on in my life. 

• I've been feeling quite a bit better, but not back up to 100% quite yet. I still have a dull stomach ache almost constantly which isn't too fun. I've also been on my period for just about 23 days now which is miserable. TMI?? Sorry. 
• I got super out of shape the last month or two since I haven't been feeling well but I finally got off my butt and starting working out again and it feels so good! It's amazing how quickly you lose strength and endurance when you stop working out.
• I bought my wedding dress! I have been online window shopping for a few weeks now. I walked into a bridal store before work thursday and fell in love with the first dress I tried on. I went back the next day and bought it on my lunch break. I was even able to get it for almost 50% off the original price, woohoo!
• Tim turned 24! We both had school all day but afterwards we were able to go out to dinner, I gave him his gifts and then we relaxed the rest of the evening. 
• Tim is in Boston and will be there for almost a week. He is taking his final test (MTEL) for Teach for America as well as doing some interviews, career fairs, and hopefully scoping out some potential places for us to live when we move out there in August!

• I am super happy with my life. I love where I work, it is seriously perfect for me. It motivates me to eat healthier, and the people I work with/customers at the store are super friendly and sweet. School is so interesting.  I definitely know that I am going into the perfect profession for me. I have a blast learning new things everyday and can't wait until I get to practice what I've learned in the real world. 
• My mom is coming to visit at the end of the month! My mom and I are super close and I love getting to spend time with her. The last few years I have only been able to see her a few times a year so I definitely cherish our time together, I love her so much!
• I was able to chat with Tim's niece and nephews last night and it was the cutest thing! I am so excited to become the aunt of 7 when Tim and I get married! 

Our conversation went like this: 

Annie: Hello! I love you! Are you getting married? 

Brigham: My name starts with a B. I learned about St. Patrick's Day today! Hello.

Me: I love you guys already too! I can't wait to meet you. Maybe I'll see you guys soon on the computer screen! (skype)

Annie: Okay. Your letter was very funny. I can count to 100. I'm excited to have you in the family. That's all. I'm going to send you a banana chip.

Brigham: The banana chips are yummy. 

Life is good my friends.