My blip on the " heart road" and I haven't even packed yet !!

[bluefields409]

Well....just after my first post and a very warm welcome.. I was eager to and anticipated being available to encourage, listen and learn....as we all walk the "heartroad"

My intentions were interrupted after a recent evening, when I was sitting on couch and out of the blue "something was "amiss" . My first thought was WOW..now this is the worst perimenopausal moment I have had....being cold and clammy and almost morning sickness to boot. Curses to perimenopause I thought.:mad2: then WHAM....it was like the worst charlie horse with a tight lasso around my chest right down to the tips of my left hand.

I was home alone...trying not to jump to conclusions. Now I have had something similar to this before...both during day and being awoken by similar symptoms but in past it was a more gradual tightening starting in mid/upper back although it leads to a rocking and deep breathing til 'cramp' is over..but this was sudden, MORE intense and lasted longer. I was thinkin' this was more than a stitch in my side but not like angina .

I think my "inaction" (* besides stupidity) was due to the recent addition last BP med addition Olmetec from which I have had some side effects. Perhaps someone here can relate to the " wicked make ya jump outta bed with leg cramps..toes trying to touch belly button". :eek2:

Now I am tall ( 5"11) but I didn't think my legs muscles extended THAT far.

By the time my husband was home, the worst was over but he did say...what happened to you ?? I
guess my pallor was a bit pale ..my freckles looked like brown paint spattered in a white canvas.

I already had appointment with family dr set up ...and i told her what happened...and she did a :eek2:..sent me to see my cardiologist right away....

Who knew it wasn't just a cramp but a "cardiac episode"????? I sure felt :redface2:


Now have strict instructions to make haste to nearest ER should it recurr. I have not been in top form since this "blip" but would caution all to say...

it is better to GO TO ER and be told s'alright than to not go ...you may NOT dodge a bullet or worse.

The good news is my cardiologist has referred me to the Canadian Adult Congenital Network, and to the Peter Munk Clinic at University of Toronto Hospital in addition to his testing and followup. If anyone has been to this clinic or involved with this network I would appreciate any feedback.

Back to carrying nitro spray....being sure not to mix up with breath spray :biggrin2:

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Best wishes to all wherever they are on the "heart road"

 

[kfay]

Sorry you had the scare, but I agree with your Dr., it's always best to head to the ER and be made to feel silly if it is turns out to be nothing than not go and have it be something serious. I don't know anything about Dr's in Canada, but we have quite a few members from Canada who hopefully will be along to put in their two cents worth.


Kim

 

[Bina]

I have taken a few trips to the ER, both before and after surgery. It's well worth the trip to have them do the blood test and EKG just to be reassured that there hasn't been any heart attack and/or damage. Then you lay there on their monitor for a while and get sent home with instructions to see your GP or Cardio for follow up. Take it easy, try to get some rest.

 

[Duffey]

What a scare! It sounds as though you're being referred to a top notch facility so I suppose that's the "up" side of this.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Many (most?) of us HATE to go to the ER,
BUT, That was an ER Moment, hands down.
IF it happens again, get thyself to the ER ASAP!

Hope all goes well for you during your travels on the 'heart-road'.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Lily]

Hi Blue - Definitely follow your doctor's orders and go to the ER. That episode you described sounds very similar to some few and far between sudden-onset-angina episodes I had during the last few years before my valve replacement.

 

[Johan]

This sounds so familiar, 5 years ago, way before my AVR, I one Sunday morning had those symptoms you describe. Was also alone at the time and while very much aware of my stenotic AV and all the associated symptoms such as AF, short of breath etc, still felt this was different and unfortunately delayed for an hour or so before driving to the ER (only 5 minutes away). They diagnosed it as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and I was immediately hauled off to the cath lab while my cardio was summoned. He placed a stent in the offending artery and took the opportunity to again measure the gradient over my AV while in there.

My cardio berated me for not coming in sooner but agreed that one can confuse valve related symptoms with those from a MI. Unfortunately the delay in treatment has left a thumbsize section of my heart "dead" or as they describe it in all my subsequent echo reports a "hypokinetic segment".

Quess what I am trying to say is that one should not hesitate with these vice grip chest symptoms, but get to emergency as soon as possible.

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Hi Bluefields (lavender maybe?)..:wink2:

I enjoyed reading your post mostly for your humor/humour, but sure am glad you got to the ER. Yep, we don't like that place very much even though it's sometimes a necessity. Welcome to the "tall gals club"..:thumbup: and good-luck on getting your "cardiac episode" sorted.

 

[bluefields409]

Thanks for all of your kind words.....

Now the goal is keeping busy so any possible overactive imaginings does not perceive the hiccups or "after taco terrors"..(whispers gas in brackets) as a precursor for a ride in a special limo with flashing lights and a siren.

As travellors on the heart road..we got ourselves a convoy........

 

[Orangebrittainy]

That is a scary moment and I am glad you are ok. I hope things get better for you soon.