It seems every year around Thanksgiving to New Years is the worst for me. This year is no exception. It seems like less than a week ago I was in the ER. Wait, it was. But here I am again, just home from the ER. This time was probably the worst ER trip yet. Upon arrival at the ER (being driven by a friend who ran red lights and floored the gas pedal) I presented with 2 major symptoms…chest pain (which when it started I thought wast Chostrochondritis acting up) so I took some aspirin. The second symptom was the reason for my rush to the ER…left arm pain. At 24 years old I had a nice little heart attack. What fun. So I was rushed back immediately, given an EEG, and put on monitors galore. Turns out that the aspirin likely saved my life. If it weren’t for my arm starting to hurt I wouldn’t have gone to the ER for another night full of needles and tests. But on the bright side, the nurse was rather nice and cute. Lol.
Well morning Jason,
Christ almighty mate it's a good job you had a mate to rush you there because otherwise god knows what could have happened and to go through this lot at 24 it's alot...i know i've not had an heart attack but it was your age when i was having all sorts happening to me besides strokes etc.
I know you may not want to hear this but what's happening with you now, is actually making you stronger and mainly mentally wise for whatever can come at you...that's what my issues of illnesse have done to me over the years made mentally stronger.
My love and thoughts are with you dearly & keep hanging in strong mate.
((Hugs)) Terri :)
So sorry for your misfortune, for lack of a better word. I, too, seem to experience more pain and flare-ups during the holidays. I sometimes think it’s related to the change in weather. Other times I think I may be pushing myself too hard. Luckily I haven’t seen the inside of the ER this season. Try to hang in there the best you can. I worry about your heart. What does your dr think it’s due to?
Take care of yourself!!!! So sorry to hear that all that happened to you. Thinking about you and wishing you happier holidays!
I have always had it worse from the Onset of autumn right through the holidays. I too attribute the flares to weather changes and the stress of doing too much… Physically & psychologically. Need to remember our health is threefold… Body mind and Spirit. You are in my Prayers for a peaceful Holiday Season.
Last year my daughter came to live with us a few months. She has lupus and from Thanksgiving to Christmas and so on, we spent a lot of time in ER. One time the ER wait was 18 hours.
I too think that during the holidays we over do on everything - cooking, cleaning and everything else. The cold weather doesn't help either! I have a heater under my desk as we speak. I always feel worse during the cold weather - we don't play well together. This next early part of the year is probably going to be difficult for me - my father has stage 4 Lymphoma and is not expected to last too much longer. Right now it's most prominent in his jaw and that's where they're doing Radiation (so he can swallow and breath). On January 8 (after 22 treatments) he will be evaluated to see if there's been any changes.As we approach Christmas I want to wish all of my very dear friends here on LWL the best to everyone and thank all of you for your love and support.
Jason,
Well, thank God for small favors!!! the nurse was nice and cute. If you could notice that, then you were bound to recover. :')
Geez, what a frightening experience. I know, I've been there for other reasons numerous times. Last time the best thing that I can remember is that the gurney that I layed on four three hours had a super thick cusion on it and didn't hurt my tailbone like they usually do.
God bless you, I'm so glad you made it through. As a former critical care nurse, I can just advice you to stay on top of any unusual symptoms that you may have in the future, don't deny them. Also, if this happens again do not have friend drive you, call 911!!! You're lucky you didn't flatline on the way in their car, with no paramedic or way to administer care to you. People don't realize this. Just know for future reference, please. I don't want anything to happen to you.
Ally
Although my actual diagnosis is recent (Nov) looking back I realize I have spent the last 3 of 4 holiday seasons in the hospital. I try to be careful and wipe the handles on shopping carts, stay wam and bundled, however like you I think it has to be related to the stress upheaval during this itme of yearl you were so VERY lucky to think quickly on your feel and take the aspirin. It very likely did save your life. May you get through these holidays and not experience any oher set backs. Do what you can do, but that was your body giving you a warning...heed it my friend.
Hugs,
DeAnne
Hello Jason,
How are you now after your terrible experience...an update would be nice when your able to.
Hugs Terri :)
Hi Jason , glad that you are ok !!! Yes this time of the year is something -smile The stress brings on alot of things . Relaxe and stick to your pain management cycle (if you have on ) . Don't get overwhelmed with people and things that are going on (don't feel bad if you can't make to a family planned fuction ) Control what you want to handle ..... If they (family/friends ) will understand if they respect you ...Beverly L.
Jason,
I agree with Beverly, please give us an update on your current health. Please relax when you can and enjoy the holidays as best you can. We are all concerned about your recovery. Best wishes for a Happy Holiday.
DeAnne
Jason,
I am so thankful you are OK. If you are a type A personality and expect a lot of yourself, you may need to lower your expectations and create a "new normal." Personally I have found this to help me a lot.
As sad as it may sound. I did not enter a store to shop, bake a single cookie, or host a Christmas celebration in our home. I am more relaxed. My husband and children are happy I am not stressed and I am OK. Maybe one day I'll do it again, but I'm learning my health and well being now takes a priority. I cannot believe I'm saying this but Thanksgiving until Jan. 1 will be the best in many years. Jason. I feel for you...been there, done that. Take care and re-evaluate
We care!
Faye
Okay, so I took a few days off from pretty much everything. Rearranged my work schedule and assignments, haven’t been on line at all other than some minor things. Sorry it took so long for an update. But her it is: the doctor believes that the cause of the heart attack was a combination of hypertension and excess stress. They have upped my BP meds and told me to cut it back at home and work for a bit. I have to constantly check my BP and record it and follow up with the docs (cardiologists added to my entourage, rolling 8 deep now) beginning of January. I can’t remember who said to call 911 instead f a friend driving me, but in response to that, my friend that drive me is an ER nurse part time and Paramedic full time. I was in good hands and only a few miles from the hospital. We got to the ER before an ambulance would have gotten to us.
Jason,
So glad that you are feeling better. You know your body better than anyone else and quite appropriately knew what to do. I am with Faye on this...cut yourself some slack (I know, easier said than done) but a heart attack is a pretty good indicator that you might be overdoing a bit. :). Just having been diagnosed, but not new to the holiday hospital visits, this year I made a concerted effort to do as little or as much as possible depending on what my body said. Keeping a log not just of my BP but other things has well (naps, etc.) has helped me on my visits to my numerous docs as well.
Have a wonderful rest of the holiday season and give yourself a break...it's hard to do ANYTHING if you aren't around. :)
DeAnne
Jason,
Thanks for giving us an update. It sounds as if you're on the right track with not overdoing. I really feel for you and pray the increase in bp meds will help. So thankful you have a close friend who is an ER nurse and Paramedic and you weren't that far away from the hospital. The nurse who suggested the ambulance I'm sure took all the emergency factors into consideration
...and had your best interest at heart. You know we all Care!
Faye
jason092088 said:
Okay, so I took a few days off from pretty much everything. Rearranged my work schedule and assignments, haven't been on line at all other than some minor things. Sorry it took so long for an update. But her it is: the doctor believes that the cause of the heart attack was a combination of hypertension and excess stress. They have upped my BP meds and told me to cut it back at home and work for a bit. I have to constantly check my BP and record it and follow up with the docs (cardiologists added to my entourage, rolling 8 deep now) beginning of January. I can't remember who said to call 911 instead f a friend driving me, but in response to that, my friend that drive me is an ER nurse part time and Paramedic full time. I was in good hands and only a few miles from the hospital. We got to the ER before an ambulance would have gotten to us.
Been there and know pretty well how it feels. My trips to the ER were monthly. Praying the update brings good news.