My trip to the ER (a bit long, and probably of no interest!)
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive January 2004:
My trip to the ER (a bit long, and probably of no interest!)
Just feeling like telling someone about my ER visit, but not wanting the whole neighborhood to know, so I thought I would tell you, my "non-neighborhood" friends 
Well, it started out awhile ago. (like a year ago) I felt like I was probably having anxiety/panic attacks. I looked them up online and I matched up to all the symptoms. Just out of no where I would just get flushed, and then feel tingly in my hands. Sometimes I thought I was going to faint. Never did though! It started happening more and more. I kept thinking I should see the doctor about it, but just never did it.
On Thursday, I was sitting at the computer, and felt a slight chest pain. It wasn't major at all, but steady. I went into panic mode. I was so stressed over the chest pain, I just new I was going to have something seriously wrong with me. I started getting tingling again. The pain would come an go, but wasn't ever unbearable. Once I calmed myself down I called the doctor. Then called DH home from work so he could take me to the doctor. Ended up seeing a PA-C rather than a "real" doctor. I filled out some questionair (sp) papers and he said I have severe anxiety. He said the chest pain was most likely from that, and also stressing out over it. Gave me some pills and a prescription.
Friday I felt OK. Tired, but that was expected with all the stress from the day before. Yesterday (Saturday) I felt OK as well. Got my hair cut and took the kids to a birthday party. A few times I felt a burning sensation in my chest, but didn't think too much of it.
Today (sunday) I felt pretty good all day. We went shopping this morning (should have been at church...maybe ER visit was my warning ;) ) and ate lunch out. Well, later this afternoon I was researching some health things online, and though for sure I had found something that matched me...some major heart problems. I immediately started with the tingling, I felt my heart speed up and I started to panic. I knew in my head it was probably an anxiety attack, but it was still so scary. My chest had a deep burning sensation that went down my arms and legs. I hated it. DH helped me relax, but everytime I relaxed, the burning through the chest would come back. Eventually we decided to go to the ER.
I did some blood tests and an EKG and they were both fine. The doctor said that anxiety and stress can do some weird things to you. He said that my heart looks just fine. He said that I could be experiencing stomach problems related to stress (gastrio-something) and that something related to the stomach is near the heart and can cause some heart pains. Anyway, he gave me some prescriptions for gastrio-something and some relaxing pills He said to see him again in a week or so if I'm not feeling relief from the anxiety. He didn't agree with the dosage that the PA-C gave me on Thursday, he said it should have been a lot stronger. He also said that after starting an anxiety medicine that sometimes the attacks get worse before they get better.
So that's it in a nutshell. I felt like such a dork at the hospital, but the DR was very nice about it. He really explained anxiety/stress in detail and I feel much more comfortable with the diagnosis now. On Thursday I felt like it was just a quick fix thing.
Now that my novel is complete, and my heart is looking good, I'm off to bed. First I will be taking some of the meds I got from the hospital. Hopefully I wake up feeling better tomorrow, DH has to work...but he will be close in case I need to call him.
Thanks for listening
Yes stress can do some strange things to the body. I also have panic attacks, and also stomache problems that is associated with the attacks. The way it was explained to me, was that my body produces to much acid in my stomache, then my stomache throws up, in turn burning the lining of my stomache.The first time, I was at my mom's and it started with burning in my stomache, it got so bad, I relate it to being in the final stages of labour, I was in so much pain. I finally had the scope done, and when I was half out of it, the doctor said well no wonder she is in pain, my whole stomache was inflamed. They prescribed me sulcrate, which is a chalky pill, or you can get it in liquid form, works really good. One thing about going through theses panic attacks is most people just think " oh god! but if you have never had a panic attack you just have no idea what we go through. Also you can be under no stress at the present time, going on with your day, and then bang you get thrown into an panic attack. The tingly fingers I was told, as that happened to me too is that you are starting to hyperventilate, get a paper bag, get your breathing under control.
My doctor put me on oxepam, it works really good, to get things under control, ( for the panic attacks, I have not taken it for years though, st. johns wort usually works so I usually have that on hand, but you have to watch what other medicine you take if you go for the st.johns wort, does not mix with some other stuff. I am glad to hear you do not have heart problems, but that is exactley what you think of when you get that kind of a pain. I am sure tommorrow will be better, now that your mind is at ease, one more helpful hint, if you start a panic attack do the breathing you did when you were in labour, it will calm you down. It will be a better day tommorrow
{{{Robin}}} How scary! No personal experience with this myself but I'm glad you're seeing a doctor about it.
I had such stress related symptoms a couple years ago I was sure I had MS or ALS. I was twitching, had numbness and tingling and dizziness. Looking up symptoms on the computer is not a good Idea for anyone anxiety prone.
Like you I had several Dr. visits til I finally got it figured out it was anxiety. Anxiety can definately be chemically related - meaning you need meds to " reset your Brain" But you should also consider seeing a counselor you need to Change your thought patterns. Short term counseling and meds are usually the best way to deal with anxiety or depression. I took Effexor for about 1 year and saw a counselor for about 6 months and now I feel like a different person. I still can start to become anxious about something and be sure disaster is going to strike but now I can use the things I learned to talk myself down. So really think about seeing a counselor. My MD said to me if most people were honest they probably have 2 to 3 times in their life where because of anxiety or depression
they need short term meds, but a lot of people won't admit it. Good luck, it is an awful feeling.
Robin, I could have written your post. I have MVP, and see a cardiologist anyway, but a few years ago I started having all the symptoms you had. I was convinced it was my heart and I called my cardiologist and insisted they see me right away. After a few thousand $$ of tests, they told me my heart was fine and it was *just nerves*. It continued. In the same time period, I was diagnosed with asthma. The pulmonary doctor told me the same thing, it was *just nerves and stress*. I changed primary care docs. She ran a bunch of other blood tests, etc. The *spells* were getting worse and more often. One day at work I was convinced I was having a stroke. My head felt like the top of it was going to blow right off. My vision was blurred. My heart was pounding. My chest hurt, my arms and hands and feet were numb and tingling, and I was actually disoriented and couldn't really follow a conversation, and I felt like I was going to pass out. My coworker was scared to death and took me to the ER. I learned there that most of those symptoms were caused from hyperventilation. They diagnosed panic/anxiety attacks. I saw my PCP the next day and she put me on Paxil. I was resistant, but I agreed to try it. I've had very few, very mild panic attacks since then. At some point I'd like to get off of it, but I don't think now is the right time for me to do it.
All this being said, I truly understand how you feel. I looked things up online and was convinced I had this or that, until I was officially diagnosed. It sounds like you've done the same thing. What meds did they give you to take? I hope you're feeling better today!
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}
Thanks everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
The DR on Thursday gave me Effexor. So far it seems to have gotten worse instead of better. But, the ER DR said that that could happen. Hopefully yesterday was the worse, and now it's going to get better. The DR also gave me a name of a therapist. I should probably think about calling her. The ER DR gave me a prescription for prevacid (hearburn, acid etc.) and another anxiety pill (can't remember the name) which also has a "relaxer" in it. I took it last night, but didn't seem to work all that great. I was still really tense. Once I got to sleep, I was fine.
Today I'm feeling pretty good. The burning isn't there. I'm trying to concentrate on NOT thinking about it.
Karen, I've made a decision to not look up personal health related issues on the internet anymore. It will drive me insane. There is way too much info online. And, you can take one symptom and find one article that says things will be fine, and another that says your on your way to your grave. Of course, I would believe the second one!
Robin, that's interesting they suggested a therapist. When I first went on the Paxil for these, my PCP brought that up. Recently I talked with her about getting off of the Paxil, and she said something like, *if you do that, you might need to go talk to someone*. I KNOW what I'm worrying and stressed about, and I know it's up to me to find a way to either solve it or deal with it. The things that are causing me so much worry aren't things that can be solved; that is out of my control - my mom's cancer and my DH's past heart attack aren't things I can do anything about. But I HAVE learned that the thing I DO have control over, for the most part, is how I react to them. Obviously, there are some things you can do nothing about, and in those cases, I've just tried to accept that, and *go with the flow*. Speaking for ME, I honestly don't think a therapist could help me deal with things any better than I already am, but if I ever did think I needed more help in dealing with stuff, I wouldn't hesitate to call one. Good luck!
I haven't ever been to a therapist before. Never thought I *needed* one. I can see the things in my life that are causing me stress right now. It's not anything that is hidden, so to speak. This spring/early summer is going to be one crazy ride for me. I have SO much going on and so many things I have to do. Lots of people counting on me. On top of that I have the regular everyday stresses that aren't going to go away. Plus a few other deep worries.
I am feeling much better today. I've done quite a few things around the house. DH had a talk with the kids and they are being angels so far I still feel tight in my chest, but I think it's because I can't relax. When I start to relax I feel the slight burning coming back.
I may consider calling the therapist. I'm going to give it a week with these new meds and see how I'm feeling. If I'm still stressing and feeling the burn, I may give her a call. That is, if I can find someone to watch my kids while I go!
I appreciate you guys sharing your experiences with me. It helps more than you know. Not sure what I'd do without Momsview...it keeps me sane.
How scary, Robin! ((Hug!)) What a crazy time you have had. I hope the medication helps.
My step brother used to have to go to the ER with panic attacks. He thought he was having a heart attack. I never knew they could be that severe until then.
I have moments where I have panic attacks(mild ones). Luckily, not very often though. They are always stress related. I have a few Pilates videos that have some really great breathing exercises. Lot of times, I take those exercises and I do them whenever I am feeling stressed out or overwhelmed.
Of course talking to someone is never a bad idea. It's always nice to have someone to rattle stuff off to that won't judge you and will just listen and give you helpful advice. You'll probably really enjoy your time just being able to go somewhere by yourself and just talk for a little bit. Hope things improve soon!
Taking a pill is a lot easier than seeing a therapist - I'm speaking from experience here. Even if you know what you are stressed over, seeing a therapist can help you change your thought patterns and learn to manage your stress and worries better. Robin, I have always had the impression of you from your other posts that you are quite a perfectionist- I am too, a lot of my anxieties came from that. Effexor according to my MD was a great drug for anxiety, hopefully it will be for you too. Calling a therapist is very hard to do but I really think you should give it a try.
Don't feel bad about going to the ER. Chest pain is something you SHOULD go for. How are you to know it's not a heart attack or heart problem? That's what the docs are for. I'm glad it wasn't something more serious (with your heart). I hope you get meds worked out soon. Hugs.
Ugh! I know exactly what you are going through.
I have tons of health problems and am disabled. Chest pain is horrible for me, sometimes it will be so bad, I'll be doubled over with pain. For me, it is caused by anxiety, and inflammation in the chest wall.
Today, my dr. just prescribed Nexium, a stomach pill because the pain is back, even with my lorazapam and vioxx(an anti-inflammatory). He thinks some of the pain may be due to acid as I have problems with digestion.
About the anti-anxiety pill, and the stomach pill, for that matter....both will take a couple of days to fully get in your system and work as they should. Just be sure to take them as directed and give it a few days before deciding it won't work. I have a feeling that with both of these meds, your problem should be well taken care of.
It is always smart to go to the ER. You never want to get too comfortable with chest pain because even if you have a history of it as I do, and I have had numerous tests done because I do have a disease where my heart rate and blood pressure are not regulated that show my heart is fine, you never know when that one time could be something serious. Learn to pay attention to your chest pain, so that you will recognize if something is different or "not right".
Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me if you ever want to talk. ;)
(((Robin)))
You know I'm here if you need me
Robin, it's better to go and find out then not go at all.
My grandfather had a heart attack and we didn't even know it. He had walking pneomonia (SP?) and the symptoms were not clear.
I'm glad everything is ok with your heart. I'll be praying for you.
May e~hugs to you and your family!
I have been having chest pains on and off for the last 3 weeks so did a search here and read all of these posts. I do not feel so nervous now. Probably stress. I was wondering if it was a side effect of sarafem which I have been using 7 days/mo for PMS. (only on my 3rd mo.) It is a scary feeling. I felt the same way that I was being paranoid but this morning had chest pains jsut as I was waking up. That did it - I have an appointment next week for a EKG. I do have the slight burning but beside the pains not much else. Though the other day in the food mart I felt panicky!
Please be careful with chest pains. They mean different things for different people. If it gets worse go to the ER.
Thanks. I will. I know they are nothing to fool around with.
|
Members
