Several of you have asked me to recount the story of why I went to the hospital and what happened once there. I will gladly share with you what I can remember - most of the details will have to come from my hub...
Friday 5 am... woke up with severly sore throat (thought it was strep to begin with), upper back (left shoulder blade into left shoulder) pain and couldn't breathe. Vomitting and diarrhea started before we left the house. Once in the car, I began to settle down and thought the worst was over. Little did I realize....
Arrived at ER where they began to run tests. Everything came back neg and they decided to send me home that evening. Right before I was due to leave, the doc ordered an EKG at the last minute - not sure why, but I'm glad they did! The results were abnormal so they ordered a CT Scan with contrast, however, I couldn't lay flat so it was next to impossible to do this test, too. They brought in an ultrasound machine, looked at my heart and the cardiac doc said everything looked fine. At this time, they admitted me because my lungs were full of fluid, which made me think I now had pneumonia. Once in CCU, they tried to get rid of the fluid with lasix IV's and antibiotics.
Saturday morning, they decided that the fluid wasn't going anywhere fast and that they needed to rule out the heart before looking at the lungs (for pneumonia) so they took me for the angioplasty, which took about three hours - they called in a specialist to do this. Once it was over (I remember being fully awake for the whole thing), they told me that they had found blockage on the back side of my heart - 98%. They also found two other blockages that are about 60% at this time, however, they're hitting them with medications, hoping that will work. My cardiologist said that most people walking around in their 40's have about 40% blockage - it's not unusual.
I stayed in CCU for another day and a half. They moved me out to the Cardiac Floor a couple of days later to recoop.
During one of the doctor visits, he was quite candid with me, trying to help me to understand everything that had happenend. At one point, he looked me in the eye and said, "You had a heart attack. You almost died."
I understand I have a long road ahead of me and many, many emotions to face (any, boy, do they hit me fast and out of nowhere) so if you ladies could continue to lift me in your prayers, I would appreciate it more than you know!
Now, as we've all been told, women do present their symptoms differently than men some of the time. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen to me! If you are experiencing upper back pain, arm pain or chest pain, please see your doctor and don't let up until he takes you seriously. For the last several years, I've felt terrible, had horrible pains in front and back, shortness of breath, etc. My doctor is no longer my doctor. The day I left the hospital I fired him and told everyone that would listen to me. I also asked my cardiologist to 'speak' to him for me if he got the chance. He looked at me, grinned and said, "What's his name?"
How do I feel today? I have to say that it's kind of 'weird' to be able to breathe, not have the constant anxiety and dread. I don't know if anyone can understand what I'm about to say, but it's almost like a relief that it happenend. I just feel calmer inside and am sleeping like a rock at night. Now, not everyday is easy nor do I understand what my body went through. I'm mad at myself for not taking better care of myself. I'm told that I'll be better off for this happening, but right now, all I can wonder is when will life as I knew it return? As I begin Cardiac Rehab next week, they also tell me that the support received there is immeasureable so I look forward to that.
If any of you have questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me anytime.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Full Version: My Story
Stephanie,
I'm so happy to hear you are doing well. You've been walking around for so long with this blockage apparently. I'm glad you fired your doctor and hope the cardiologist gives him a call. What was your dr. telling you when you went in with these symptoms. I couldn't find any thread about is. I take things very seriously. When something doesn't feel right, I go to the doctor or the ER. I don't care how many times I go....at least I know I'm doing all I can to make sure nothing I'm experiencing has been serious so far.
I have read too many posts here about symptoms women have that should really be checked out by a doctor. Just because someone here tells you not to worry, it's just hormones doesn't mean that is always the case.
I sure hope you keep us posted on how you're doing.
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Hugs,
Karen
I'm so happy to hear you are doing well. You've been walking around for so long with this blockage apparently. I'm glad you fired your doctor and hope the cardiologist gives him a call. What was your dr. telling you when you went in with these symptoms. I couldn't find any thread about is. I take things very seriously. When something doesn't feel right, I go to the doctor or the ER. I don't care how many times I go....at least I know I'm doing all I can to make sure nothing I'm experiencing has been serious so far.
I have read too many posts here about symptoms women have that should really be checked out by a doctor. Just because someone here tells you not to worry, it's just hormones doesn't mean that is always the case.
I sure hope you keep us posted on how you're doing.
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Hugs,
Karen
You are so right, Kar! Not every symptom has to do with hormones. We need to be more active in getting educated on our bodies and make our docs listen to us! As for me, my primary care doc kept giving me nexium or anitibitics or AD's and telling me I'd be just fine. Obviously, I was never just fine. Just last year in February, I'd had a spect scan while in the hospital and no blockage was found! Go figure!
Stephanie
Stephanie
You are so right, Kar! Not every symptom has to do with hormones. We need to be more active in getting educated on our bodies and make our docs listen to us! As for me, my primary care doc kept giving me nexium or anitibitics or AD's and telling me I'd be just fine. Obviously, I was never just fine. Just last year in February, I'd had a spect scan while in the hospital and no blockage was found! Go figure!
Stephanie
Stephanie
Gyz,
I have to be really honest with you. I have been thinking about you every single day. I havent' been on PS much these days, not because I dont' need it anymore but I've been busy, married (LOL) and alot going on with my son. But tonight, I thought to myself, I have to look and see if gyzie posted anything.
I'm so glad that you are feeling better, I've been really worried about you. I will keep praying for you every day, like I have been.
Someone at work came to me yesterday and said that she had gone to a monestary on the weekend and gave the sisters there a letter and in that letter she had asked for prayers for my son. I almost burst out crying. So gyz, even though, we dont' know each other in person, we have been close and I want to tell you in this note, that I am sending "heart" felt hugs and warm kisses.
Thinking of you my dear gyz,
Moozie
I have to be really honest with you. I have been thinking about you every single day. I havent' been on PS much these days, not because I dont' need it anymore but I've been busy, married (LOL) and alot going on with my son. But tonight, I thought to myself, I have to look and see if gyzie posted anything.
I'm so glad that you are feeling better, I've been really worried about you. I will keep praying for you every day, like I have been.
Someone at work came to me yesterday and said that she had gone to a monestary on the weekend and gave the sisters there a letter and in that letter she had asked for prayers for my son. I almost burst out crying. So gyz, even though, we dont' know each other in person, we have been close and I want to tell you in this note, that I am sending "heart" felt hugs and warm kisses.
Thinking of you my dear gyz,
Moozie
my sweet moozie-
thank you so very much for your prayers and concern!! i truly appreciate our friendship and am so thankful for this site with all the wonderful ladies and such amazing support!
please know that i pray for you and your son... i know things haven't always been easy. many of us have been where you are and, one of these days, you'll be helping someone with their child, too.
take good care of you and your sweet family, mooze!
i'll keep you posted on my progress and i'm hoping you'll do the same, ok???
hugs, hugs and more hugs!!
stephanie
thank you so very much for your prayers and concern!! i truly appreciate our friendship and am so thankful for this site with all the wonderful ladies and such amazing support!
please know that i pray for you and your son... i know things haven't always been easy. many of us have been where you are and, one of these days, you'll be helping someone with their child, too.
take good care of you and your sweet family, mooze!
i'll keep you posted on my progress and i'm hoping you'll do the same, ok???
hugs, hugs and more hugs!!
stephanie
QUOTE (gyzwyf83 @ Jul 17 2009, 04:47 AM) 
Several of you have asked me to recount the story of why I went to the hospital and what happened once there. I will gladly share with you what I can remember - most of the details will have to come from my hub...
Friday 5 am... woke up with severly sore throat (thought it was strep to begin with), upper back (left shoulder blade into left shoulder) pain and couldn't breathe. Vomitting and diarrhea started before we left the house. Once in the car, I began to settle down and thought the worst was over. Little did I realize....
Arrived at ER where they began to run tests. Everything came back neg and they decided to send me home that evening. Right before I was due to leave, the doc ordered an EKG at the last minute - not sure why, but I'm glad they did! The results were abnormal so they ordered a CT Scan with contrast, however, I couldn't lay flat so it was next to impossible to do this test, too. They brought in an ultrasound machine, looked at my heart and the cardiac doc said everything looked fine. At this time, they admitted me because my lungs were full of fluid, which made me think I now had pneumonia. Once in CCU, they tried to get rid of the fluid with lasix IV's and antibiotics.
Saturday morning, they decided that the fluid wasn't going anywhere fast and that they needed to rule out the heart before looking at the lungs (for pneumonia) so they took me for the angioplasty, which took about three hours - they called in a specialist to do this. Once it was over (I remember being fully awake for the whole thing), they told me that they had found blockage on the back side of my heart - 98%. They also found two other blockages that are about 60% at this time, however, they're hitting them with medications, hoping that will work. My cardiologist said that most people walking around in their 40's have about 40% blockage - it's not unusual.
I stayed in CCU for another day and a half. They moved me out to the Cardiac Floor a couple of days later to recoop.
During one of the doctor visits, he was quite candid with me, trying to help me to understand everything that had happenend. At one point, he looked me in the eye and said, "You had a heart attack. You almost died."
I understand I have a long road ahead of me and many, many emotions to face (any, boy, do they hit me fast and out of nowhere) so if you ladies could continue to lift me in your prayers, I would appreciate it more than you know!
Now, as we've all been told, women do present their symptoms differently than men some of the time. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen to me! If you are experiencing upper back pain, arm pain or chest pain, please see your doctor and don't let up until he takes you seriously. For the last several years, I've felt terrible, had horrible pains in front and back, shortness of breath, etc. My doctor is no longer my doctor. The day I left the hospital I fired him and told everyone that would listen to me. I also asked my cardiologist to 'speak' to him for me if he got the chance. He looked at me, grinned and said, "What's his name?"
How do I feel today? I have to say that it's kind of 'weird' to be able to breathe, not have the constant anxiety and dread. I don't know if anyone can understand what I'm about to say, but it's almost like a relief that it happenend. I just feel calmer inside and am sleeping like a rock at night. Now, not everyday is easy nor do I understand what my body went through. I'm mad at myself for not taking better care of myself. I'm told that I'll be better off for this happening, but right now, all I can wonder is when will life as I knew it return? As I begin Cardiac Rehab next week, they also tell me that the support received there is immeasureable so I look forward to that.
If any of you have questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me anytime.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Friday 5 am... woke up with severly sore throat (thought it was strep to begin with), upper back (left shoulder blade into left shoulder) pain and couldn't breathe. Vomitting and diarrhea started before we left the house. Once in the car, I began to settle down and thought the worst was over. Little did I realize....
Arrived at ER where they began to run tests. Everything came back neg and they decided to send me home that evening. Right before I was due to leave, the doc ordered an EKG at the last minute - not sure why, but I'm glad they did! The results were abnormal so they ordered a CT Scan with contrast, however, I couldn't lay flat so it was next to impossible to do this test, too. They brought in an ultrasound machine, looked at my heart and the cardiac doc said everything looked fine. At this time, they admitted me because my lungs were full of fluid, which made me think I now had pneumonia. Once in CCU, they tried to get rid of the fluid with lasix IV's and antibiotics.
Saturday morning, they decided that the fluid wasn't going anywhere fast and that they needed to rule out the heart before looking at the lungs (for pneumonia) so they took me for the angioplasty, which took about three hours - they called in a specialist to do this. Once it was over (I remember being fully awake for the whole thing), they told me that they had found blockage on the back side of my heart - 98%. They also found two other blockages that are about 60% at this time, however, they're hitting them with medications, hoping that will work. My cardiologist said that most people walking around in their 40's have about 40% blockage - it's not unusual.
I stayed in CCU for another day and a half. They moved me out to the Cardiac Floor a couple of days later to recoop.
During one of the doctor visits, he was quite candid with me, trying to help me to understand everything that had happenend. At one point, he looked me in the eye and said, "You had a heart attack. You almost died."
I understand I have a long road ahead of me and many, many emotions to face (any, boy, do they hit me fast and out of nowhere) so if you ladies could continue to lift me in your prayers, I would appreciate it more than you know!
Now, as we've all been told, women do present their symptoms differently than men some of the time. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen to me! If you are experiencing upper back pain, arm pain or chest pain, please see your doctor and don't let up until he takes you seriously. For the last several years, I've felt terrible, had horrible pains in front and back, shortness of breath, etc. My doctor is no longer my doctor. The day I left the hospital I fired him and told everyone that would listen to me. I also asked my cardiologist to 'speak' to him for me if he got the chance. He looked at me, grinned and said, "What's his name?"
How do I feel today? I have to say that it's kind of 'weird' to be able to breathe, not have the constant anxiety and dread. I don't know if anyone can understand what I'm about to say, but it's almost like a relief that it happenend. I just feel calmer inside and am sleeping like a rock at night. Now, not everyday is easy nor do I understand what my body went through. I'm mad at myself for not taking better care of myself. I'm told that I'll be better off for this happening, but right now, all I can wonder is when will life as I knew it return? As I begin Cardiac Rehab next week, they also tell me that the support received there is immeasureable so I look forward to that.
If any of you have questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me anytime.
Hugs,
Stephanie
My dear Stephanie
Thank God you are now doing so well.
Also it is good to be reminded how the presentation of almost 'silent' heart attacks can happen to women especially when symptoms are so different to those of men.
I pray that you continue to do well.
Warm Hugs
Please keep us Posted
Elizabeth
I am thankful that you had a team of doctors that didn't give up and you are now still here with us. Keep up with your healing process and know we are all thinking about you.
Hugs!
Bethanie
Hugs!
Bethanie
I will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs, Barb
Hugs, Barb
Thank you for sharing your story, and Thank GOD that everything turned out the way it did. Reading your story it seems you had an angel over your shoulder, that's for sure... And yes it serves as a reminder that we are own best advocate when it comes to our health, cuz it appears that you did try to do all the "right" things, but your other doctor just missed it (which really ticks me off, as I am sure it does you....). At any rate, and thank God you are going to pull through and be okay. Please know we are all praying for you, and thank you for taking the time to educate women on what to look out for.
You take care, get some well needed rest, and sending up prayers for you and your family for a speedy and full recovery!!!
God Bless, Rebecca
You take care, get some well needed rest, and sending up prayers for you and your family for a speedy and full recovery!!!
God Bless, Rebecca
Oh my goodness, I just now read this. What a scary experience, thank goodness you are okay!! What you experienced is what all of us with palps and other weird heart stuff are afraid of. Even after normal test results, there is always a nagging doubt in the back of your mind.
If you don't mind my asking, did your doctor refer your for heart tests, such as nuclear stress test, echocardiogram, etc. prior to this? And if not, I hope you will go after him. I can't imagine any doc blaming pain such as yours on anything, without ruling out heart problems first.
My very best wishes for a fast, complete recovery.
If you don't mind my asking, did your doctor refer your for heart tests, such as nuclear stress test, echocardiogram, etc. prior to this? And if not, I hope you will go after him. I can't imagine any doc blaming pain such as yours on anything, without ruling out heart problems first.
My very best wishes for a fast, complete recovery.
just another big hug and thanks to each of you for your support and prayers!
also, wanted to update you on an interesting little something my cardiologist informed me of this morning at my app't... i mentioned to him that i'd had a spect scan in Feb '08 (nuclear stress test is pretty much what it was to determine if there was blockage causing the chest/upper back pain) that came back clear. i wondered why any blockage hadn't been picked up. he explained that the artery in which my blockage was held (on the backside of the heart) is one of the hardest places to pick up on one of those scans, plus if there isn't a fairly significant amount of blockage, it just can't be seen. ALSO, that there isn't one 'normal' or particular place this blockage would present pain. interesting.
tompet... along with this spect scan, i'd had the normal EKG's, blood tests, echo's, ultrasound. all came back normal.
once again ladies, you know your body best. if there is that nagging little feeling that something isn't right, please, please get it checked out by your doc or go to the ER if you're not feeling well. i spent many years not feeling well or right and thankfully, they found the problem, however, as my doctor put it last tuesday, "you had quite a brush with death." i came very close to leaving this world and am now having to learn to live again. i have a second chance. please trust and believe me when i tell you that you do not want to go through anything like this. do it for yourself and those who love you!
xoxo,
stephanie
also, wanted to update you on an interesting little something my cardiologist informed me of this morning at my app't... i mentioned to him that i'd had a spect scan in Feb '08 (nuclear stress test is pretty much what it was to determine if there was blockage causing the chest/upper back pain) that came back clear. i wondered why any blockage hadn't been picked up. he explained that the artery in which my blockage was held (on the backside of the heart) is one of the hardest places to pick up on one of those scans, plus if there isn't a fairly significant amount of blockage, it just can't be seen. ALSO, that there isn't one 'normal' or particular place this blockage would present pain. interesting.
tompet... along with this spect scan, i'd had the normal EKG's, blood tests, echo's, ultrasound. all came back normal.
once again ladies, you know your body best. if there is that nagging little feeling that something isn't right, please, please get it checked out by your doc or go to the ER if you're not feeling well. i spent many years not feeling well or right and thankfully, they found the problem, however, as my doctor put it last tuesday, "you had quite a brush with death." i came very close to leaving this world and am now having to learn to live again. i have a second chance. please trust and believe me when i tell you that you do not want to go through anything like this. do it for yourself and those who love you!
xoxo,
stephanie
Hi Stephanie. I haven't been on this forum in ages (just busy busy I guess!), but decided to take a look today. I came across your story about your heart attack and all that has happened to you lately.
Just wanted to let you know that things do get better, and you will once again become comfortable in your own body and its ability to heal itself over time. In January of 2004 (when I was 47 years old), I also had a heart attack and survived! I also had a 98% blockage in my left circumflex artery (the one that runs to the back of the heart). I thought I was going to the ER with an attack of GERDs (reflux),,,that's how mild and confusing the symptoms were! I now have a stent in that artery, and so far, so good!
I will keep you in my prayers (both for your physical health and emotional health). If you ever want to chat, please feel free to email me.
Chin up!
Just wanted to let you know that things do get better, and you will once again become comfortable in your own body and its ability to heal itself over time. In January of 2004 (when I was 47 years old), I also had a heart attack and survived! I also had a 98% blockage in my left circumflex artery (the one that runs to the back of the heart). I thought I was going to the ER with an attack of GERDs (reflux),,,that's how mild and confusing the symptoms were! I now have a stent in that artery, and so far, so good!
I will keep you in my prayers (both for your physical health and emotional health). If you ever want to chat, please feel free to email me.
Chin up!
Stephanie -- Nice to meet you, too! Received your email,,,I am running out at the moment, but will definitely respond to your email address either later on this evening or latest tomorrow. Talk to you soon
Thinking of you Stephanie and praying for you.
Thank you for writing all of your symptoms etc down here for all of us to read and learn from!!
Blessings,
Meg
Thank you for writing all of your symptoms etc down here for all of us to read and learn from!!
Blessings,
Meg
Stephanie,
Thinking of you and hoping you make a speedy and full recovery.
Please take care.
(((((Hugs))))),
Arla.
Thinking of you and hoping you make a speedy and full recovery.
Please take care.
(((((Hugs))))),
Arla.
steph--
i'm still in shock from this news. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO PEOPLE I LOVE! at least it isn't supposed to.
you have a huge heart, steph (i've learned that about you since first meeting you here on PS), so it will likely take some time for that huge heart to heal. be gentle on yourself; be kind to yourself. be the kind of you TO YOU that you have been to others. it's no surprise to me you have an angel riding around on your shoulder.
bless you, my friend, as you embark on a new journey.
oodles of hugs, love and prayers for a full recovery--
(((angel)))
thanking Him for the continued gift of you!
i'm still in shock from this news. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO PEOPLE I LOVE! at least it isn't supposed to.
you have a huge heart, steph (i've learned that about you since first meeting you here on PS), so it will likely take some time for that huge heart to heal. be gentle on yourself; be kind to yourself. be the kind of you TO YOU that you have been to others. it's no surprise to me you have an angel riding around on your shoulder.
bless you, my friend, as you embark on a new journey.
oodles of hugs, love and prayers for a full recovery--
(((angel)))
thanking Him for the continued gift of you!
Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you, and sending prayers your way... Praying that things are going better for you... You are such kind and sweet person, and I am praying for ya...
Blessings on ya, Beck...
Blessings on ya, Beck...
Explain to me haw they found your blockage. If you had all the test and that did not find it then how did they find it ?
Glad you are ok and you will be in my prayers.
Glad you are ok and you will be in my prayers.
cml - the only way to determine blockage is through an angiogram/plasty. the previous tests done can not pick up blockage. also, the location of the blockage that i had is almost impossible to see on a nuclear stress test, esp if it's not a significant amount of blockage. this is the info my cardiologist gave me at my last visit. hope this helps.
thanks so much for your prayers, ladies! i can't put into words just how much your thoughts and prayers mean at this time!
love,
stephanie
thanks so much for your prayers, ladies! i can't put into words just how much your thoughts and prayers mean at this time!
love,
stephanie
QUOTE (gyzwyf83 @ Aug 3 2009, 02:27 PM)
cml - the only way to determine blockage is through an angiogram/plasty. the previous tests done can not pick up blockage. also, the location of the blockage that i had is almost impossible to see on a nuclear stress test, esp if it's not a significant amount of blockage. this is the info my cardiologist gave me at my last visit. hope this helps.
thanks so much for your prayers, ladies! i can't put into words just how much your thoughts and prayers mean at this time!
love,
stephanie
thanks so much for your prayers, ladies! i can't put into words just how much your thoughts and prayers mean at this time!
love,
stephanie
Stephanie,
Thanks for your information, pray you are feeling back to yourself soon. I had a heart cath done back in October of 2008 and they said everything looked great but I still have shoulder pain and arm pain and jaw pain and some chest pain. So I still worry. If I go up a hill I am short of breathe but I know that is from being out of shape !!! I am so glad you trusted yourself to go to the er and can now share your experiece with everyone, who knows the life you may save.
God Bless,
Glenda
glenda -
it's so hard to tell what pain is from what. we're all so different. i had asked my doctor about the pain associated with the blockage and he said that there isn't any one particular location associated with the blockage that i had, even though i'd been having chest pain and upper back pain for quite some time previous.
it's good that you're getting things checked out and that you've gotten the 'all clear'. if the symptoms persist though, please don't ignore them. keep after your doctor to dig further.
great hearing from you... have a wonderful day!
stephanie
it's so hard to tell what pain is from what. we're all so different. i had asked my doctor about the pain associated with the blockage and he said that there isn't any one particular location associated with the blockage that i had, even though i'd been having chest pain and upper back pain for quite some time previous.
it's good that you're getting things checked out and that you've gotten the 'all clear'. if the symptoms persist though, please don't ignore them. keep after your doctor to dig further.
great hearing from you... have a wonderful day!
stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
It's so good to see you posting! You sound a lot better! How are you feeling?
(((hugs)))
It's so good to see you posting! You sound a lot better! How are you feeling?
(((hugs)))
Hey Stephanie....
Glad to hear from you, I was wondering how you were doing... I so pray things are looking up for you, I think and pray for you all the time, for you are such a kind soul....
Take care, Beck
Glad to hear from you, I was wondering how you were doing... I so pray things are looking up for you, I think and pray for you all the time, for you are such a kind soul....
Take care, Beck
Stephanie,
I am so glad that you are better and they diagnosed you correctly at the hospital. Sending you happy thoughts and lots of prayers for a speedy recovery.
Plumeria
I am so glad that you are better and they diagnosed you correctly at the hospital. Sending you happy thoughts and lots of prayers for a speedy recovery.
Plumeria
QUOTE (gyzwyf83 @ Jul 16 2009, 06:47 PM)
Several of you have asked me to recount the story of why I went to the hospital and what happened once there. I will gladly share with you what I can remember - most of the details will have to come from my hub...
Friday 5 am... woke up with severly sore throat (thought it was strep to begin with), upper back (left shoulder blade into left shoulder) pain and couldn't breathe. Vomitting and diarrhea started before we left the house. Once in the car, I began to settle down and thought the worst was over. Little did I realize....
Arrived at ER where they began to run tests. Everything came back neg and they decided to send me home that evening. Right before I was due to leave, the doc ordered an EKG at the last minute - not sure why, but I'm glad they did! The results were abnormal so they ordered a CT Scan with contrast, however, I couldn't lay flat so it was next to impossible to do this test, too. They brought in an ultrasound machine, looked at my heart and the cardiac doc said everything looked fine. At this time, they admitted me because my lungs were full of fluid, which made me think I now had pneumonia. Once in CCU, they tried to get rid of the fluid with lasix IV's and antibiotics.
Saturday morning, they decided that the fluid wasn't going anywhere fast and that they needed to rule out the heart before looking at the lungs (for pneumonia) so they took me for the angioplasty, which took about three hours - they called in a specialist to do this. Once it was over (I remember being fully awake for the whole thing), they told me that they had found blockage on the back side of my heart - 98%. They also found two other blockages that are about 60% at this time, however, they're hitting them with medications, hoping that will work. My cardiologist said that most people walking around in their 40's have about 40% blockage - it's not unusual.
I stayed in CCU for another day and a half. They moved me out to the Cardiac Floor a couple of days later to recoop.
During one of the doctor visits, he was quite candid with me, trying to help me to understand everything that had happenend. At one point, he looked me in the eye and said, "You had a heart attack. You almost died."
I understand I have a long road ahead of me and many, many emotions to face (any, boy, do they hit me fast and out of nowhere) so if you ladies could continue to lift me in your prayers, I would appreciate it more than you know!
Now, as we've all been told, women do present their symptoms differently than men some of the time. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen to me! If you are experiencing upper back pain, arm pain or chest pain, please see your doctor and don't let up until he takes you seriously. For the last several years, I've felt terrible, had horrible pains in front and back, shortness of breath, etc. My doctor is no longer my doctor. The day I left the hospital I fired him and told everyone that would listen to me. I also asked my cardiologist to 'speak' to him for me if he got the chance. He looked at me, grinned and said, "What's his name?"
How do I feel today? I have to say that it's kind of 'weird' to be able to breathe, not have the constant anxiety and dread. I don't know if anyone can understand what I'm about to say, but it's almost like a relief that it happenend. I just feel calmer inside and am sleeping like a rock at night. Now, not everyday is easy nor do I understand what my body went through. I'm mad at myself for not taking better care of myself. I'm told that I'll be better off for this happening, but right now, all I can wonder is when will life as I knew it return? As I begin Cardiac Rehab next week, they also tell me that the support received there is immeasureable so I look forward to that.
If any of you have questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me anytime.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Friday 5 am... woke up with severly sore throat (thought it was strep to begin with), upper back (left shoulder blade into left shoulder) pain and couldn't breathe. Vomitting and diarrhea started before we left the house. Once in the car, I began to settle down and thought the worst was over. Little did I realize....
Arrived at ER where they began to run tests. Everything came back neg and they decided to send me home that evening. Right before I was due to leave, the doc ordered an EKG at the last minute - not sure why, but I'm glad they did! The results were abnormal so they ordered a CT Scan with contrast, however, I couldn't lay flat so it was next to impossible to do this test, too. They brought in an ultrasound machine, looked at my heart and the cardiac doc said everything looked fine. At this time, they admitted me because my lungs were full of fluid, which made me think I now had pneumonia. Once in CCU, they tried to get rid of the fluid with lasix IV's and antibiotics.
Saturday morning, they decided that the fluid wasn't going anywhere fast and that they needed to rule out the heart before looking at the lungs (for pneumonia) so they took me for the angioplasty, which took about three hours - they called in a specialist to do this. Once it was over (I remember being fully awake for the whole thing), they told me that they had found blockage on the back side of my heart - 98%. They also found two other blockages that are about 60% at this time, however, they're hitting them with medications, hoping that will work. My cardiologist said that most people walking around in their 40's have about 40% blockage - it's not unusual.
I stayed in CCU for another day and a half. They moved me out to the Cardiac Floor a couple of days later to recoop.
During one of the doctor visits, he was quite candid with me, trying to help me to understand everything that had happenend. At one point, he looked me in the eye and said, "You had a heart attack. You almost died."
I understand I have a long road ahead of me and many, many emotions to face (any, boy, do they hit me fast and out of nowhere) so if you ladies could continue to lift me in your prayers, I would appreciate it more than you know!
Now, as we've all been told, women do present their symptoms differently than men some of the time. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen to me! If you are experiencing upper back pain, arm pain or chest pain, please see your doctor and don't let up until he takes you seriously. For the last several years, I've felt terrible, had horrible pains in front and back, shortness of breath, etc. My doctor is no longer my doctor. The day I left the hospital I fired him and told everyone that would listen to me. I also asked my cardiologist to 'speak' to him for me if he got the chance. He looked at me, grinned and said, "What's his name?"
How do I feel today? I have to say that it's kind of 'weird' to be able to breathe, not have the constant anxiety and dread. I don't know if anyone can understand what I'm about to say, but it's almost like a relief that it happenend. I just feel calmer inside and am sleeping like a rock at night. Now, not everyday is easy nor do I understand what my body went through. I'm mad at myself for not taking better care of myself. I'm told that I'll be better off for this happening, but right now, all I can wonder is when will life as I knew it return? As I begin Cardiac Rehab next week, they also tell me that the support received there is immeasureable so I look forward to that.
If any of you have questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me anytime.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, gosh I hope Im doing this right..This is my first night here and the subject you write of, is why I'm here, and I just had to reply. I also had a heart attack, at age 45, one year ago. I was also told, that had I not already been in the E.R. (I also came in because of my symptoms) I wouldnt have made it.I posted in this same forum, asking how to know whether or not its menopause or cardiac, since I find myself in both categories these days too.
Mainly I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for posting this information for other women to read..Its getting better, but its still moreso a mans world when it comes to heart attack symptoms.
BTW, my symptoms were mild indigestion, followed by my arms feeling like they weighed 1000lbs a piece, but no pain in them...Then mild pain in between my shoulder blades. As we got about a block away from the hospital, the pain was up in my jaw, and even though I was in serious denial, somewhere deep inside I knew what was happening.
Thank you again for telling your story, and I hope you continue to heal quickly.
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