Sunday, December 16, 2012

Better Safe Than Sorry

Spending the day and night in the hospital was not what I had in mind for Saturday. I was supposed to decorate my home, do some shopping, cook dinner and cruise the internet as usual. 

But......my body had other plans. I worked six hours on Friday and ate a late lunch/early dinner around 4:30; taking food home to mr. kenju. I spent the evening in my recliner; napping and waking sporadically, to make comments and read others posts about the news of the day. 

I was very upset about the events in Connecticut. This latest episode of mass killings hit me especially hard, probably because there were so many very young, innocent children mowed down. What senseless acts. 

After several hours of reading posts on Facebook and making comments, I made my way upstairs to go to bed. At that point, my chest began to hurt; with heavy pressure, a feeling of fullness and bloating, nausea and a few other symptoms of speedy onset. Lying horizontal proved too uncomfortable, so I took some Pepto and returned to my recliner, where I proceeded to read for two hours.  At one fleeting moment, the thought "heart attack" crossed my mind, but I dismissed it  (as many women do.)

At 4:00 am, I shut out the light, determined to get some sleep before the morning arrived. I woke at 8:15 am, feeling a bit shaky. A phone call from daughter # two led to my calling the doc on weekend duty at our medical practice, and he advised me to go to the ER without delay. 

Daughter # One (the RN) was working, but she came asap to take me to the nearest ER. After preliminary testing, they decided to admit me to the main hospital for observation and further tests. I've never been in an ambulance before - and that was an interesting experience. I hope I never have to repeat it. 

I am pleased to say that all the tests came out negative (save one that hasn't been read yet), but the cardiologist agreed to release me today, with the promise that I will return early in the week for a stress test. You can bet I will call them first thing in the morning.

Mr. kenju was catered to overnight by daughter # Two, so I didn't have to worry about him being alone, which was good. Outside of a raging headache, I am now fine, I think. Please do not feel that you have to leave a comment. For those who already knew about this and said prayers, I thank you!  I will give an update as soon as I have one. 

27 comments:

Thumper said...

Whoa... Fingers and toes crossed that your stress test comes out well, too.

And yeah, I've been in an ambulance once. That was not pleasant...

Sending tons o'Mojo your way!

poopie said...

love you judy...scary stuff!

Anonymous said...

What a scary experience, Judy. I'm glad you're home and feeling better. Please keep us posted. Sending best wishes from the Sierra foothills to you.

::: said...

Glad you are doing well now. Call me
hypochonder, but I immediately think of ER when I hear about any kind of chest pain...
I have never been in an ambulance!

Arkansas Patti said...

So glad you are getting all the tests and care. That sure sounded scary. Please do the follow up tests as the doc wants and let us know. Praying for good results.

Pat said...

Darling Judy I know you will be fine. Do everything they tell you to and give Judy top priority for once.

MaR said...

Glad you are doing well now. Call me hypochonder but I immediately think of the ER whenever I hear about any kind of chest pains.
I too hope your stress test comes out well.
I have never been in an ambulance, it's not on my bucket list...

tiff said...

The title says it all. Glad to hear you're OK!

rosemary said...

Been there, had the heart attack, Judy. Women have very different symptoms....I did for sure. Glad you addressed this and the stress test is an interesting experience all by itself...no pain, just hard to get an A no matter what you do! Take care of yourself....please.

grannymar said...

Glad everything so far is negative. Try to take things easy and never worry about the decorating for this year. I have needed an ambulance on several occasions and I have great respect for those guys. They made sure all my windows were closed, put on the alarm and locked up for me.

Good luck with the stress test.

Grannymar

Eddie said...

WOW,, My thoughts are with you Judy.

Celia said...

Keeping you in my prayers. Ambulances, necessary but no one's favorite ride. Tis' the season.

Eddie said...

Judy, I'm not sure my comment. I just made took or not. The only thing I said was WOW!! My thoughts were with you. I wish we had 2 daughters.
Eddie

Bernie said...

How was your blood pressure at the time, elevated at all??

I'm glad that you (albeit eventually) sought medical attention...

Perhaps its time for you to start slowing down, and enjoying a little retirement?? I know that's not a nice 'term' to use, but I am generally exhausted just trying to keep up with all of the work you're doing lately!!!!

Please take care!!!!

kenju said...

Your responses are heartwarming and it is nice to know that you took the time to respond. After a nap, I feel much better.

Both my daughters have made me swear to call them (and 911) immediately if anything like this happens again, and I have promised to do so - even if it IS the middle of the night. YOU should make the same promise to yourself.

Reflekshins said...

sending some love

Looking to the Stars said...

thoughts and prayers for you :)

VitaminSea said...

You did the right thing, Judy. If you ever feel that way again, don't hesitate to call 911! That's what you'd tell your children, right? ;)
I was in an ambulance last year and it's not an experience I'd care to repeat, either. I remember the noise and the sway of the ride made me dizzy. Unfortunately for the paramedic, it also made me barf.
Anyway, I hope you're feeling better and get some rest as much as you can!

Jean Campbell said...

Scary. Glad you are home safe.

VitaminSea said...

Oh my goodness, you did the right thing by calling for help! I'm so glad you're feeling better, Judy. Rest and be thankful, as my Dad always says, LOL!
By the way, I had a ride in an ambulance last year and it wasn't an experience I'd care to repeat, either. The noise and the sway of the ambulance as it went around the corners made me sick. Unfortunately for the paramedic, I ended up barfing it all up! eck.

VitaminSea said...

Ok, my comment disappeared and I had to retype it. If you get two comments, just delete one of them!

Granny Annie said...

This should set an example for women everywhere. You MUST call the doctor or go to ER with any signs of heart attack. Heart Attacks are the number one killers of women and nothing can be taken too lightly. With all the sadness of the weekend, it's a wonder you didn't have to stand in line. God bless and keep you dear friend.

Anonymous said...

I am so relieved you are ok!!! Hoping your tests come out ok!

Nancy said...



Judy,

I am so sorry that this has happened to you but happy that it was not a heart attack.

Please take good care of yourself.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear Judy!! Sorry you are going through this---You were smart to go yo the ER....I've got my fingers, legs and toes crossed that the strees test goes well....
Take Very Good Care, my dear...Sending Healing Hugs....
((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

LL Cool Joe said...

Oh no! Sorry I missed this post I was working so much this weekend. I hope all the tests they do prove that there is nothing wrong with you. Take care and look after yourself.

kenju said...

I got the all clear today via phone. There is nothing wrong with my heart - and that is very nice to know. It doesn't explain what did happen, but I have a theory about it.

Thanks to all of you for your nice comments.