A quick rundown. Last year started feeling ill, very ill, local doctors chalked it up to flu and menopause. After weeks of trying to get competent medical help, I drove 2 hours to a caridologist for emegency surgery. My place of work folks thought I was just "nervous" almost lost my job. Through the past year, I have had a stent put in and double pass surgery last Sept.
After a few months started to feel pretty good with a few minor yet suprising angina attacks. Another angiogram said grafts looked to be 60% open and shouldn't be the problem, diagnosis then was probable heart spasms and a change of medication helped. Then I got double pneumonia, really set me back.
Two weeks ago I had a major attack and ended up in an ambulance again and an overnight stay at local hospital. Thankfully, no signs of heart attack. The local admitting doctor suggest it was an esophagus spasm and I should go seek counseling for stress. He gave me a scipt for Prilosec. Keep in mind a previous visit there he told me if I just had a small heart attack my angina symptoms would go away. My cardiologist was unamused by that. A follow up visit with my cardiologist (which the other dr. said was unnessesary because this was all in my head) said it was a probably angina or another heart spasm, common he said in some women after surgery like mine. He gave me time released nitro which seems to be helping except for the headaches.
I am under tremendous stress I do recognize, I am losing my home, I am in massive debt and my new job is on the line. I have had two major angina attacks in the woods (I work for the Forest Service) and will lose my field position if my supervisor finds out. I am going to counseling for stress and told her I am no longer inclined to call 911 due to my symptoms (again, local dr. said he wouldn't call unless I am pouring down sweat and can't breath, would be too late then considering I can work an hour away from any help) and she found that a "suicidal" attitude.
Question to my readers: since I am largely dismissed at local hospital with my very real pain, and symptoms of a possible heart attack do I continue to react with emergency care when it seems so bad or just ride it out and hope for the best? Despite insurance each run to the hospital costs me a great deal of money. It shouldn't be an issue but it is. My atherosclorosis is accelarated and advanced, I just turned 52 and my mother was 53 when she died of it. I am vegan, I follow the Ornich diet mostly and can't take statin drugs and still have very high cholestrol. What can I do different to continue living as long as I can? I have run out energy and ideas and literally I feel I am hanging from a thread. I'd appreciate any advice. Thank-you
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continued heartache
- By Annette_Bernadette
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 2:06 pm · 14 replies
- Shared with the public
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Explore topics in this journal entry and replies:
Heart failure MRSA Surgery Counseling Bypass surgery Pneumonia Anxiety Angina Menopause Stent Stress Heart disease Advil Fever Pain Heart attack Depression Mental health Prilosec
14 replies
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- By mariecee
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 1:46 pm
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I had open heart surgery and a valve replacement a few years ago. I feel ok now but just tired most of the time. I also am under tremendous stress and when it gets too much to handle, I do get pain in my heart. Have had ekg's,etc w no problem found. I finally did ask for anti-anxiety meds. Dr. ordered zanax for me and it helps a lot. Pain is much less frequent since taking the zanax. Just a suggestion.
- By iowachris
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 1:55 pm
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Hello, I am new here and I sure wish that someone would have answered your question because I too am still frightened and I just had surgery.
I am a 56 year old CABG. My triple bypass was April 27th this year. I didn't even know I had HD. I went into the ER in January for pain in my upper stomach, twice. The first time they ran a few tests, handed me some pain pills and sent me home. They took an EKG and never mentioned there was a problem.
In the mean time, every time I ate anything other than a clear liquid diet I suffered for it. I'm talking just a bite of banana or a piece of dry toast. This went on for almost 6 weeks.
Of course I went thru a lot of outpatient testing but they couldn't find anything. About two weeks before I went into the ER again - I noticed a different pain - a tightening in my chest just above where I had the stomach pain. I was short of breath so I went and sat down for about 20 minutes and felt fine. I blew it off mostly because I felt that it can't be my heart, I just had an EKG.
Went into the ER a second time, this time they kept me because my liver counts were up in the danger zone. I was in the hospital for 3 days running more tests. They put me on an antibiotics to get the liver counts down and I left there still with no answer to why I was in such pain. But, I was able to eat again and I was happy.
I did a follow up with my MD afterwards and asked him what the results to the two EKG's they took during my stay in the hospital. I told him that no one ever said what those results were and I explained about the chest pain I experienced earlier before. He looked it up and it said "abnormal". He told me with the way I was in pain and because my liver counts were up so high it could of just had my heart a pumping. But, to play it safe he ordered me to have a echocardiogram stress test.
I had that test which showed possible heart damage. Next test was an angiogram that showed 100%, 90%, and 70% blockages to my heart. Next I'm scheduled for open heart surgery - triple bypass!!!
I know what you mean regarding going to the ER or calling 911 because you are having pain. Your afraid that they are going to say "its all in your head" like they made me feel the first time I went in January. And everytime you walk in a hospital ER the bills start adding up.
What's even more upsetting is that when they can't find anything on tests they don't take your pain serious. Send you home and you still have a problem that gets worse. I wish I could have held them accountable for not looking into those EKG's they took.
My only advise to you is if the pain is real to you and it frightens you - get help! Maybe it's time to get a second opinion on your heart condition. I wish you the best.
- By grace5
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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Hi Annette and Chris, you're new here so a big welcome to you both.
Annette I'm so sorry your life is in such turmoil, it must cause you no end of stress. You're both not alone in being scared of dialling 911 for fear of not being taken seriously, it's such a common theme on this board and it makes me so angry that women are made to feel this way. You can't ride these things out or trust to luck, it's just too dangerous, your life is a precious thing and every hospital should know that and treat you accordingly, what I find mind boggling is that anyone should be annoyed if it turns out NOT to be serious, surely that's a bonus for all concerned?
Chris, good luck with your bypass, keep posting, lots of good advice here from ladies who have gone through the same thing.
Annette, hang in there, I know finances are a big issue but blow it, I'd rather be alive with massive debts then debt-free dead, don't ignore your symptoms, don't try and ride it out, keep dialling 911, by the way, I don't think what you said makes your attitude suicidal just disillusioned and disheartened by those who are meant to help us when we need them to.
Lidia xx
- By Annette_Bernadette
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 3:51 pm
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Thank-you so much for your replies, I was a graduation party when someone told me about this site and finally reading what others are going thru really helps me feel less isolated. I live in a rural coastal community and never had a chance to get cardiac rehab so I never talked to anyone in a similiar situation. I know stress is so much apart of my health issues and I am trying hard to reduce that. The best thing going for me is my job yet I struggle with the physical aspect of it, I don't have the strength I use to. Probably the most insightful thing I heard from my counselor is I am grieving for my past life and what I once could do and can't now. I use to be a very active person and because of the myriad of health issues, I have become incredibly weak. My fear isn't about dying, it is about living with a debilitating condition. Having watched my own mother die in a similiar fashion at the age of 13 also colors my thinking. Thanks again for your input. To jowachris, please let me know when your surgery is, I will think of you and your healing. Peace to you all.
- By Annette_Bernadette
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 4:07 pm
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I re-read what you wrote, I misunderstood jowachris, you already had a triple. How are you feeling? That was pretty recent, are you up and about? I know after 6-7 months I was feeling like nothing had happened, the scar down my chest the only reminder besides the fist full of pills I take everyday. I read today in the paper someone having open heart 7 times. I can't imagine that, once was more than enought for me. I know I won't overcome or beat my heart disease, words I try not to use anymore because I don't want battle or win anything. I just want to accomodate this monster enough to get on with living a full life, not being dependent on anyone. I have alot of terrific friends and 2 sons but I don't want to relie on anyone for care. I wish you all well, take care.
- By gracie62
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 4:31 pm
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Annette and Chris:
Welcome to WomenHeart. Annette, you mentioned that you were told you were probably having heart spasms. Have you educated yourself at all about coronary artery spasms? A lot of ladies on this board have this supposedly rare condition. It is also known as Prinzmetal's angina. These spasms can take over your life when the occur frequently and the pain can be the same or even worse than a heart attack. In some instances, they can lead to a heart attack. I was diagosed with coronary artery spasms several years ago. I got my first stent at age 39, 2nd and 40 and had triple bypass surgery at 41. 18 days after my surgery I had a heart attack caused by a combination of a blood clot and spasm in one of my new bypasses.
The only way to diagnose these spasms 100% is for them to be seen on the screen happening during a cath but many doctors will treat based on the symptoms. Mine have been seen on multiple caths. Calcium channel blockers are the only drug that seems to help these spasms. If you are not on one, ask your doctor about one. If you are on one, you might want to have your dosage upped or try a different one. It took me trying 3 different ones before I found one that worked for me and the dosage has been changed a few times. It can be a hassle, but finding the right CCB at the right dosage gave me my life back. I got off the nitro and my spasms only flare now during times of extreme stress or when other triggers flare I can't control. The temp got to 100 today and hot or cold weather is not my friend. Since my bypass, I can't handle temp extremes either way.
I was told several years ago that I had to live with angina. I have since found out different by getting the right medication that works for me. Living like that was not a realistic possibility for me. My attacks were painful and long lasting and often back to back. I am so grateful that I found a solution. Keep looking and you will find one too!
Dianna
- By NewAllie
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 10:53 am
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Dear Annette and Chris,
I echo the welcome and sentiments of the wonderful women who have responded. I'm not sure why we women have this fear of being told something is in our heads. But it seems to be universal with us. And I so don't get that a lab result or monitor screen holds so much more merit than a human and what we say. It would seem to me that looking at patients as humans first, then tests as tools would be the better order.
I'm glad you both found this site. I agree with Lidia. Forget the debt, just live. After having this insurance policy for eight years and not using it excptt twice, they've paid out close to $150,000 this year on my account, but I'm still left with about $20,000 to pay myself. And that's so far. Medications and copays stretch the budget and my job is the looming question...but none of that really matters.
Forget being a burden. Remember that you matter. You are intelligent. You know your body better than anyone. You may not know the details, but you know when it's not right. You deserve support, information, encouragement, acknowledgment, help, kindness, compassion, respect and quality health care and rehabiltation.
Posting here, venting has helped me so much. The connections made such a blessing. I've also learned so much and have spent hours reading the old posts. There's not much you won't find here, somewhere.
Blessings to you both, Allie
- By iowachris
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 12:56 pm
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Annette & Everyone,
Thanks for your support . Annette, it seems since I had the bypass I feel great one week and I'm not so good for two. One foot forward two steps back.
Two weekends ago I was having sharp pains in my chest and back. Every time I took a deep breath it felt worse. It woke me up in the middle of the night on Friday and by the time Saturday eveining came around it got to the point the pain was radiating up my neck and into my jaw. The pain pills were not easing any pain, and the pain on breathing was giving me "brain freezes" (like you get when you eat something freezing).
I called a 24/7 nurse and she told me either to get to the ER or call 911. My husband took me to the ER.
They ran an EKG that came back normal and a CT scan to make sure that I didn't have a blood clot. It came back showing mild atelectasis w/small pleurel infusion. My blood test showed an elevated white blood count.
The ER doctor sent me home with a script for an antibiotic and had the ER nurse give me a pain shot to knock an elephant out. I was told to see my MD on Monday as a followup.
Well by the time Monday came around I had a low grade fever between 100.8 - 101.6. I called my MD's office to set up the follow up and they couldn't get me into the office til Wednesday afternoon.
Well, I carried that low grade fever til Tuesday eve. By Wednesday, I was feeling maybe 40% better. My MD had a blood test done and ordered a Echo Cardiogram of the heart for the following morning. He ordered that, because like me he doesn't trust EKG's on me. The results don't come back on me true.
Well, I had that done the next morning and a follow up appointment with my cardiologist. I walk in that office later in the day and my cardiologist said someone read my ECG wrong. It showed me in worse heart shape than before they did the bypass. I looked at him and he calmed me down some and said he read it showing a fluid build up in my chest and around my heart sac. He gave me some type of "gout" med and told me to finish the antibiotics. Follow up this coming Friday.
Last week I felt about 75% better. Enough to do some light housework and light treadmill walks. My breathing got better. Well, yesterday it started again. Not horrible pain, but this morn I woke up with 100.4 temp and my chest hurts when I take a deep breath.
And this time it's on my right side and the pain is radiating up my right neck.
That is why I got on this site yesterday, because I'm tired of not feeling well and just fustrated. When I say your "continued heartache" I just related.
- By Linda_RS
- Posted June 21, 2009 at 2:32 pm
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As the number 1 killer of woman, it frightens and disturbs me that so many of us have been confronted with medical professionals that assume that our conditions are "in our heads". On the other hand, (between us girls) since my heart failure, I have found the mental health support that I have been receiving as helpful as some of the pills that I have been taking.
In short, don't discount stress on your life as a contributor to the affects on your health. I learned that the hard way.
I wish you well. Linda
- By MMaslek
- Posted June 22, 2009 at 7:28 am
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I get irate when women are blown off. Post tramatic stress syndrome, right? That was my official diagnosis when the pain started after a double bypass. Oh yeah, the bypasses had closed off but what the heck, we'll stick depression & ptss on the record so everytime you walk into a hospital everyone will assume you had a bad day & the pain is in your mind. 9 stents & a triple bypass later & I still get asked if I'm under any abnormal stress. "Yes, my doctors think I'm nuts when in fact I'm sick. It's very stressful!!" Don't even get me started on the docs who think we're there for pain meds....
Sorry, had to vent...
Chris, you may have an infection at your internal surgical site. Fevers after surgery are not good. Make sure you didn't pick up mrsa at the hospital. Ask the doc how you can be tested for that.. it can be very serious. I have a problem with the fact that your doc couldn't see you until Weds when you had a post op fever & plural effusion. I would insist on seeing the doctor today. You're already on an antibiotic so you need to find out why you have a fever again.
Annette, at least your cardiologist sounds together. Is there any way you can go to another hospital when these attacks occur? Or can you set it up with your cardio that when you go into that hospital he orders tests immediately, bypassing Doogie Howser there?
Don't lose you mind over your finances. There has never been a better time in history to be in massive debt. Like 40% of the population is in the same boat so it doesn't hold the stigma that it has in other financial climates. Worst case senario, file bankruptcy. Better your credit is shot than your life, honey. Don't skip the ER. But do make sure they call your cardio when you get there so he can order useful tests.
Hang in there ladies!!!
Amy
- By iowachris
- Posted June 22, 2009 at 1:05 pm
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Amy,
Yes, I agree with you that I shouldn't have a post surgery fever. And that is were my fustration comes in. How does one communicate that to people who just will not listen?
I know what my body is telling me. I know when it just aches and you take two Advil. Or when those don't work you take a pain pill. But, when those don't work and you are in such pain that your body just screams you seek medical attention.
I know when I have a fever or chills. I take my temp. And if I can remember correctly my post surgery instructions said to let the Heart Center know if you have a fever.
I did that after I couldn't get into see my MD til Wednesday. The head nurse to the surgeon told me that she didn't think that a low grade fever was a concern??!!!! That it could wait til Wednesday.
I won't even go into how the ER doctor made me feel two weeks ago. He told my husband that he couldn't see why I was in such pain because the tests showed a small pleurel infusion. In other words she's over reacting.
No I'm not!!! I hurt - I'm in pain. I just had open heart surgery - I'm scared! Why am I not better? What is going on? Why do I have a fever going on and off for the past 3 weeks? Even after finishing off the antibiotics a week ago? It's been two months since my surgery - why am I getting worse instead of better?
No one seems to hear me! Is this what my future looks like. Have more blockages and die because their stupid tests show nothing? Or be told in so many words it's all in my head?
Sorry - I'm ranting! It just upsets me like it does almost everyone on this site. How do we change that?
I know the pain I was having two weeks ago wasn't the heart. Thank God! But, I'm sure the pain I was having didn't help it any.
I woke up this morning with less pain and can breath slightly better. Took my temp and it was back to normal. I didn't call the cardiologist because "what's the use"? I see him on Friday. But, I am keeping a running diary regarding my pain and fever. Three weeks of this is just to long!!!
Thanks for taking the time to chat! I got on this site for inspiration, but I'm finding it's good to vent some of my fustration. Thanks for listening everyone.
Chris
- By lisaheart77
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm
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Iowachris, it is astounding to me that you had to wait days, not hours, until there was a time slot for you to be seen by your doctor. This stuff is way too serious and as you said, you just had open heart surgery which can have a cascading effect on other systems in your body. I am six weeks out of a double heart valve replacement and bypass. I am still unable to walk more than 10 feet or so and can barely put on a pair of pants without stopping to rest and catch my breath. It is beyond frustrating, but mostly I just feel miserable. That said, my doctors for the most part have been wonderful and responsive. Time will tell if they are effective :-)
My advice to anybody having difficulties getting reasonable responses to their distress calls: call around and find a good cardiologist who isn't too busy for you. That's another thing about women, we tend to have loyalties where they haven't been earned. ... But in the meantime, DON'T BE AFRAID TO INSIST THAT THEY SEE YOU RIGHT AWAY! If you are in trouble on Monday and they say come in on Wednesday, tell them you can't wait. Yell and cry, they'll see you, and while you deserve to be seen without the drama what the heck, if it works it works. Who cares what they think. But I really feel that if they are any good, and caring at all, they won't think badly of you for being scared.... if they do, that's about them and the kind of person they are.
- By lisaheart77
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm
- Report post
Iowachris, it is astounding to me that you had to wait days, not hours, until there was a time slot for you to be seen by your doctor. This stuff is way too serious and as you said, you just had open heart surgery which can have a cascading effect on other systems in your body. I am six weeks out of a double heart valve replacement and bypass. I am still unable to walk more than 10 feet or so and can barely put on a pair of pants without stopping to rest and catch my breath. It is beyond frustrating, but mostly I just feel miserable. That said, my doctors for the most part have been wonderful and responsive. Time will tell if they are effective :-)
My advice to anybody having difficulties getting reasonable responses to their distress calls: call around and find a good cardiologist who isn't too busy for you. That's another thing about women, we tend to have loyalties where they haven't been earned. ... But in the meantime, DON'T BE AFRAID TO INSIST THAT THEY SEE YOU RIGHT AWAY! If you are in trouble on Monday and they say come in on Wednesday, tell them you can't wait. Yell and cry, they'll see you, and while you deserve to be seen without the drama what the heck, if it works it works. Who cares what they think. But I really feel that if they are any good, and caring at all, they won't think badly of you for being scared.... if they do, that's about them and the kind of person they are.
- By lisaheart77
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm
- Report post
Iowachris, it is astounding to me that you had to wait days, not hours, until there was a time slot for you to be seen by your doctor. This stuff is way too serious and as you said, you just had open heart surgery which can have a cascading effect on other systems in your body. I am six weeks out of a double heart valve replacement and bypass. I am still unable to walk more than 10 feet or so and can barely put on a pair of pants without stopping to rest and catch my breath. It is beyond frustrating, but mostly I just feel miserable. That said, my doctors for the most part have been wonderful and responsive. Time will tell if they are effective :-)
My advice to anybody having difficulties getting reasonable responses to their distress calls: call around and find a good cardiologist who isn't too busy for you. That's another thing about women, we tend to have loyalties where they haven't been earned. ... But in the meantime, DON'T BE AFRAID TO INSIST THAT THEY SEE YOU RIGHT AWAY! If you are in trouble on Monday and they say come in on Wednesday, tell them you can't wait. Yell and cry, they'll see you, and while you deserve to be seen without the drama what the heck, if it works it works. Who cares what they think. But I really feel that if they are any good, and caring at all, they won't think badly of you for being scared.... if they do, that's about them and the kind of person they are.
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