Severe Reaction to Near Auto Accident

[KimC]

OK, guys ... I was driving home today with my two youngest children in the back when I noticed that the three-year-old had unbuckled her car seat. This glance coincided with a near miss of a car racing around a corner. We were almost hit, and I fell forward on my steering wheel after experiencing a brief but powerful, prolonged palpitation. My hands went numb. The episode lasted under a minute. I didn't black out and continued to drive, although I was shaken up.

When I got home I called my cardio and spoke to his partner who was on call and doesn't know me as well but has a good reputation. He suggested that I experienced a hyperventillation event. I agreed that I was panicked but didn't experience any hyperventillating.

I'm sure my reaction was stress-related, and perhaps nothing at all to give further thought to. But given my condition, would YOU let it ride? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

 

[Ross]

In this instance, yes I think I would let it ride. It won't be reproducible and most likely won't happen again.

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
What you described as far as palpitations and numbness may be a reaction to the adreneline (sp?) that was released with your close call. I've had similar reactions to sudden unnerving events. If you find you have similar symptoms in the next day or so, call the doc, otherwise, let it ride.

I'm very glad it was just a close call and not an accident.

 

[geebee]

Hi Kim

Hi Kim

Kim,

I had a similar experience a few years ago. I was a passenger in a car that had to stop very fast and with quite a "jerk". My heart rate instantly shot up and I had a number of palpitations. My cardiologist said it was most likely a combination of the sudden movement forward and the stress.

Since things settled down very quickly and there was no indication of any lingering effects, he said it was not something to worry about other than noting it happened.

Hope this helps to alieve some of your concerns.

Gina

 

[Harpoon]

It's sort of a more or less "normal" physical reaction to a high stress event.

I've gotten that once in a while too, usually while in the car during/after a near miss with some FRIGGIN IDIOT who doesn't know to stay on his/her side of the road...


For the record, minus one speeding ticket I got 6 years ago on an interstate in Pennsylvania for doing 60 in a 55 about half a mile before the speed came up to 65 (PA troopers are d&cks and I don't mean ducks) I have a spotless driving record.

Granted, it kinda helps that I know most local cops and the county sheriff and local judges on a "friendly" basis and I have all kinds of press credentials to lean on....


I think it's where that expression, "heart-stopping" comes from... A suprize so sudden, so unexpected, that it just seems to stop your heart for a moment.


If you don't recover right away from it, then it's worth noting to your cardiologist (if not calling for an ambulance to the ER) but if your heart goes back into a normal rhythm after a few moments, it should be fine.

 

[KimC]

Thanks for the reassurances, everyone. I really love that I can express myself here in this forum, even re: the little things. My three-year-old is at a MONSTROUS age! I saw the car speeding around the corner at the exact moment I noticed Samantha in the rearview mirror standing up in her car seat. What a sight.

Thank God for angels!

Blessings,

P.S. Harpoon, I have a PAST record of many speeding tix. Key word here is PAST. The first child changed me, but every now and then (not yesterday), I like to put the pedal to the metal, especially if I'm listening to Mick Jagger or Led Zepplin which should give you an idea of my age.

 

[Karlynn]

I like to put the pedal to the metal, especially if I'm listening to Mick Jagger or Led Zepplin which should give you an idea of my age.

Jagger and Zepplin - now I know why I like your style! Just purchased the newest Stones CD for my Ipod.

 

[Marguerite53]

Very glad!

Very glad!

Kim. It sounds like you already got some great answers, something I can't share in. But I do have 3 kids,(close in age) now pretty grown, but when they were young it was always a wonder how 2 hands kept 3 bundles of sporadic energy safe. I swear I grew my daughter's hair long so I could catch it when she started to run!!
Thank heaven's you're all okay. I don't know what to say about the car seat. I was dealing with first generation car seats (22 years ago) and they fastened like padlocks. I never did let the kids fasten them themselves, ever. I don't know if you do, but perhaps if you relegate the job just to mom, she'll not fiddle with it. Give her a different job in the car to replace it, like straightening up brother's jacket or whatever. Just a thought.

Again, thank goodness you are safe. That would have scared the bajeebers outta me!!

Actually now that you mention Led Zeppelin and Stones, I used to have my little ones listen carefully to the musicians and learn to idenitfy them by their voices and their beat. When my oldest was 4 he heard Sade across a crowded beach on someon'e radio!! He was so proud. I remember telling him that James Taylor had a very distinctive voice. The next time he heard him play (in the car)he exclaimed, "oh mom, listen, it's the man with the stinky voice!!" Kids! They're amazing.

Hope today is better for you!

Marguerite

 

[Ross]

HaHa! I ain't the only old hippee around here anymore. Yippee! This place is starting to turn into a headshop.

 

[tobagotwo]

Kim,

That type of violent, internal reaction is common in those situations, including the palpitations. This is where the expessions like "heart-stopping," "heart-pounding," and "I darn near _____ myself" (fill in any bodily function) came from. The shakes can come and go for hours from something like that. I agree with other posts that the trauma is intense, but temporary.


As far as the old days, I know what you mean.

I saw Led Zeppelin live at the Yale bowl, just before they released the Immigrant Song. They weren't that good in person.

I saw Renaissance at Southern Connecticut State University in an outdoor, natural grass amphitheater. Annie Halsam was amazing. Her voice, strong and clear in the night, brought tears to my eyes with its beauty. I still get shivers when I think of it, after all these years.

No, I wasn't stoned.

I lived on The Doors, and listened to Led Zeppelin, Motown, Hendrix, Buffalo Springfield, the Allan Parsons Project, Beatles, Renaissance, Steppenwolf, Cream, Moody Blues, and so many others. What a variety we had back then.

Best wishes,