Tuesday, March 3, 2009

I learned something new yesterday...


Did you know that if you go into the ER with chest pains as a symptom, they pretty much get you seen as quickly as possible? I found that out last night.

I have been having pretty annoying chest pain for about a week now, along with abnormal fatigue, heartburn, back and neck pain, and a pretty bad headache. Last night, Rick convinced me not to take it too lightly and go get some things checked/ruled out. So, off to the ER I went, feeling pretty miserable. I was seen in record time considering the amount of people in the waiting room and went in before a bunch of other people (which made me feel pretty horrible).

After an EKG, wires all hooked up to my chest, oxygen thing on my nose, chest x-ray, blood work, checks for clotting issues, some esophagus numbing medication, and a "routine" IV shunt.... nothing was found to be wrong with my heart (thank goodness!) or blood clotting (also thank goodness). All my blood work, EKG, and chest x-ray were completely normal. The numbing medication for my esophagus was suppose to make it feel better, but only gave me really bad heartburn, so their best guess is that I'm having some sort of irritation in my esophagus that is radiating pain into the rest of my chest. It was a long night, but I'm thankful they were so thorough. I woke up with the same chest pain and headaches and other pains this morning, but at least I know my ticker is alright. The Pepcid prescription they gave me isn't 100% guaranteed safe while nursing, so I'm going to hold off on taking it for a few more weeks. Until then... live with the discomfort I suppose!

7 comments:

MSB said...

Scary...
Jeff had something similar and we found out he had strictures in his esophagus (he had an upper GI to figure it out).
Hope you feel better... and, good job to Rick for making you take care of yourself!

Alaskiana said...

GLAD you're okay. My goodness what a scare. I'm glad you went in, and no they don't mess around with chest pain. In some cases here they'll have you on the table in the cath lab inflating a balloon within 90 minutes of walking through the ER door.

I get weird chest pains sometimes too, and am afraid something is wrong with my heart, especially with all my family heart activity lately. Hopefully I'll be as lucky as you!

Heather said...

Oh, I hope you feel better...maybe it's a 31 yr. old thing. I had the same issues last year...all spring...they found nothing. Thankfully. Did the pepcid thing, they told me it was anxiety, the works. Still frustrating. I decided I was short on some vitamin or mineral, and now take a good daily vitamin...seems to have helped greatly.

Anyway, I hope things settle down in that department for you. It's still nice to know all the important things are working as they should! Take care over there!
PS - My goodies should help. :)

Lisa Christine said...

Oh goodness! I am glad you are OK!

As far as ER visits go....I have never had to wait with Elisabeth either. We always get to jump ahead of the line {and I never feel guilty about it!}

Take care, get some rest, and feel better soon!

David said...

you and Elisabeth should get together and share hospital stories lol

also, how come when i went to check airfare on southwest.com, i didn't see any of those good $99 fares they advertise on tv?

Lisa said...

Glad you're okay. Chest pain is scary! Can you not do some other medicine like Zantac or Prilosec? Those are safe in pregnancy, I presume they'd be safe for nursing.

Brianna said...

I'm glad you are ok, but sorry it will be a while before you can get some relief!