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I'm finally back on the forum, still cannot believe what happened...

3K views 31 replies 18 participants last post by  Remali 
#1 ·
It's been awhile. I'd been having a lot of health issues for the past year, nothing that we thought was too serious (well, there was a diagnosis of mild congestive heart failure last spring) so I haven't been on here much at all. But, over the summer, and this fall, I just wasn't feeling well, I just knew something was wrong, but my doctor couldn't seem to figure it out either. I was so fatigued, I was cold a lot (very odd for me, I am never ever cold), and at night I would be unable to sleep because I was unusually warm and sort of clammy (like hot flashes), that would go away and I would then be cold again. It drove me crazy.

So, along comes October and then Halloween, I was about to learn what was wrong. I didn't feel too bad, just the usual fatigue and being cold... I was here at home, had been talking to my neighbors when I decided to go back to my apartment and take a couple of Tums for what felt like the start of some heartburn. Long story short, within 5 minutes I knew what was going on... I was having a heart attack. I couldn't believe it (I still can't believe it). I grabbed my phone, laid down on the bed, and dialed 911 and chugged down an aspirin. Then quickly dialed my neighbor across the hallway to let her know (and to also have her come over here and take care of my dog for me). The paramedics arrived really quickly, I didn't pass out but felt like it for a short time. Anyway, after a short stop in the ER, they whisked me away to the cath lab, I had a blocked artery (100%) they did angioplasty and placed a stent. I felt better right away. I stayed overnight in CCU, and most of the next day spent time on the telemetry floor, all tests came back good the next day, and the echocardiogram showed that there had been no damage done to my heart (whew), then I was home that next night.

I had always read, and heard, that heart attacks can feel like regular heartburn, but when it didn't go away and felt a little worse, and I got very sweaty and started to have fuzzy vision, well, I just knew right away what it was. I think my dog, Maddie, knew too, she acted really concerned and stayed right next to me while I was waiting for the paramedics. I was relieved my neighbor was home to be here for Maddie, and feed and water her, and come over to talk to her. Not the way I planned to enjoy Halloween. So far I'm doing OK, tired of course, but doing better, and am following up with cardiology tomorrow, and will be starting cardiac rehab next week. Life sure can throw you some wake-up calls, I'm so thankful I came thru this alright. I've had heart issues before, most of my life, with cardiac arrhythmias, I always thought that would be what would give me trouble, never did I think for one moment that it would be a heart attack. In the past my cholesterol had always been really good, that sure changed quickly. And, yes, I am now going to eat much better -- no more mayo and heavy sauces, ha. I'm not sure I can stop eating Mexican food though, but I can cut back on it, I actually don't eat it real often anyway. Going to buy a bike soon as a I can, I had sold mine 2 years ago when I needed some extra money... that was a big mistake. Nothing like a heart attack to motivate ya.
 
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#5 ·
I am so glad you came through this, wow, scary stuff. My husband had an angiogram a month ago, his came back clear (pre-transplant testing, they check every darn cell in his body), but all the others around him had blockages and stents. They were all released in the afternoon. My husband was as well, however we live 5 hours away from that hospital, so we had to stay close to the hospital for 24 hours afterwards. Angiogram and angioplasty is not a minor thing. The cardio nurses showed me how to stop the bleeding if that should happen, they said "I" am the one who is responsible for keeping him on this side of the grass. This was for someone with no heart issues, and angiogram said 0% jeopardy, I can imagine it's much more serious for someone who did actually have something wrong with their heart. FYI, my hubby has pulmonary fibrosis, he will be having a double lung transplant after all his testing is done, just 3 more tests, one of them being a colonoscopy, poor guy.

OP, hang in there and take charge!
 
#12 ·
Thank you everybody, so much!

Yeah, I have to say... it was worrisome, my biggest fear and worry was my dog, Maddie. While my neighbor was kind enough to look in on my dog for me, my neighbor is very disabled (she actually has home health care to help her) and she was unable to really do much, although she was able to put down new food and water for Maddie and that was the main thing. But she wasn't able to do anything else, fortunately Maddie is paper-trained, so I put down piddle pads, the neighbor isn't able to take dogs out or go out to the trash, so it was a bit of a mess but it worked out, and I was very relieved to be home the next evening.

Thank you natisha! It all happened so fast, I never had much time to think. I did feel better than I thought I would, after I got home, but I was rather weak and tired, so I pretty much took it easy when I had to go out for errands, and I kept any grocery shopping or pharmacy trip really short. I applied for Meals On Wheels and that finally started just this week.
 
#14 ·
Welcome back!

Very glad you were able to recognize the signs and get yourself help. As others have said, please don't push too hard during the recovery phase as your body finds its new normal. Are you still feeling cold since the procedure? Scary to think that was a sign of impending heart trouble.. will certainly remember that in future!
 
#18 ·
Thank you!

I still can't believe it happened... every day, at least a few times daily, I think... "that didn't really happen, did it?!". I had just turned 60 the week before... so watch out for 60, HA. On the positive side, it wasn't as awful as I had imagined a heart attack would be. I was oddly calm, maybe because I only had a small amount of discomfort, and the time where I felt woozy was very brief and I then began to feel better just before the paramedics arrived (jeez, and they were all very good looking by the way, ha). The 911 operator asked me if I would like for her to stay on the line while the ambulance was on its way, but I thanked her and said that was OK and I would be fine... I wanted to actually spend that time with Maddie, my dog, talking to her and giving her hugs, she was sitting next to me on the bed... yep, priorities, I was worried if something happened I wanted to be with my dog, and not on the phone, and well, the ambulance was on its way.

But, yes, my early symptoms were unusual... since about August I had been feeling very cold, especially my hands and feet, but then after some time I was just chilled and cold all over (and I am always too warm so I knew something was up), all the time. But at night, when I was trying to sleep, I would get these terrible "hot flashes", although they were not really true hot flashes if that makes sense. And I was very fatigued, and had to go to bed early all the time, just totally wiped out by 6:00 pm, and I used to stay up watching TV till 1 am. My family doctor didn't seem to think anything of it (it may be time for a new doctor, I am pretty unhappy with him right now, I felt he didn't take me seriously, I plan to talk to him about that, pretty sure he won't like me much after I talk to him but oh well). The day of the heart attack I was feeling OK that morning, but then started having some heartburn, until it went up higher above my sternum and got worse, and the Tums I had taken didn't help... then I knew, after about 5 minutes, I just had a bad feeling, and sure enough, I started to have some slight pain along my left collarbone, and started to get very sweaty and woozy, I started to get pretty worried about that time. I grabbed my phone, and plopped onto my bed, and called 911. And also called my neighbor across the hallway here in my apartment building. But, I wonder how often people have those symptoms of being cold, and then having "hot flashes" at night, before a heart attack?

And... nope, I am no longer having those cold chills, and no longer having those strange hot flashes at night. They went away immediately, my first night after the angioplasty(while still in the hospital), and ever since, they are now gone. That is why I am quite certain those symptoms were caused by that clogged artery.

I have an appointment today with cardiology. Hoping it goes well, I was mighty disappointed with them while I was in the hospital... I got no discharge instructions at all (but I sort of figured what I should and should not do), also after they moved me out of the CCU, and then transferred me to telemetry, I was not hooked up to anything... nothing... not even to telemetry (no EKGs, nothing), not even a BP cuff. It was as if they totally forgot me then... no one came in to see me, and the RN never fixed the bed, did nothing. It was then that I decided I may as well go home so asked if I could go home that night, and they did agree to let me go home that night. I did call social services at the hospital with my concerns over my hospital stay, there were some other issues too. Anyway, I think the bad experience at the hospital had everything to do with one particular cardiologist I was unfortunately stuck with, I did not have my regular cardiologist (who is very good). I'm glad I was feeling well enough to notice these things and to voice my concern (they even messed up my meds, but I noticed). So, yes, I am taking it easy... watching TV and relaxing. If I have to run an errand I stay close to home and only go out for about a half hour (pharmacy and groceries can both be gotten down the road here at Super Target, so easy one-stop shopping). Another thing I need to do, and want to do, is get back into a regular exercise routine... when I am able. So, I am going to put a comfort/hybrid bike on layaway over the winter, and I will have it by early Spring... I need to get back into exercising, and biking is easiest on my lower back troubles (walking kills my back, biking doesn't, I have some old herniated disk/stenosis issues), so I am looking forward to that. Years ago when I biked on a regular basis I felt really good. And I am scheduled for cardiac rehab next week.

So, what a crazy Halloween... yeah, it happened Halloween afternoon. Interesting that exactly one year ago, on Halloween, I had ended up in the ER that time too (I had been loosing/passing a lot of blood, sorry TMI) with a new diagnosis of either colitis or Chrohn's disease back then. I'm already wondering about Halloween 2017, maybe I will stay in bed and just sleep thru it.
 
#23 ·
Thank you!

I still can't believe it happened... every day, at least a few times daily, I think... "that didn't really happen, did it?!". I had just turned 60 the week before... so watch out for 60, HA. On the positive side, it wasn't as awful as I had imagined a heart attack would be. I was oddly calm, maybe because I only had a small amount of discomfort, and the time where I felt woozy was very brief and I then began to feel better just before the paramedics arrived (jeez, and they were all very good looking by the way, ha). The 911 operator asked me if I would like for her to stay on the line while the ambulance was on its way, but I thanked her and said that was OK and I would be fine... I wanted to actually spend that time with Maddie, my dog, talking to her and giving her hugs, she was sitting next to me on the bed... yep, priorities, I was worried if something happened I wanted to be with my dog, and not on the phone, and well, the ambulance was on its way.

But, yes, my early symptoms were unusual... since about August I had been feeling very cold, especially my hands and feet, but then after some time I was just chilled and cold all over (and I am always too warm so I knew something was up), all the time. But at night, when I was trying to sleep, I would get these terrible "hot flashes", although they were not really true hot flashes if that makes sense. And I was very fatigued, and had to go to bed early all the time, just totally wiped out by 6:00 pm, and I used to stay up watching TV till 1 am. My family doctor didn't seem to think anything of it (it may be time for a new doctor, I am pretty unhappy with him right now, I felt he didn't take me seriously, I plan to talk to him about that, pretty sure he won't like me much after I talk to him but oh well). The day of the heart attack I was feeling OK that morning, but then started having some heartburn, until it went up higher above my sternum and got worse, and the Tums I had taken didn't help... then I knew, after about 5 minutes, I just had a bad feeling, and sure enough, I started to have some slight pain along my left collarbone, and started to get very sweaty and woozy, I started to get pretty worried about that time. I grabbed my phone, and plopped onto my bed, and called 911. And also called my neighbor across the hallway here in my apartment building. But, I wonder how often people have those symptoms of being cold, and then having "hot flashes" at night, before a heart attack?

And... nope, I am no longer having those cold chills, and no longer having those strange hot flashes at night. They went away immediately, my first night after the angioplasty(while still in the hospital), and ever since, they are now gone. That is why I am quite certain those symptoms were caused by that clogged artery.

I have an appointment today with cardiology. Hoping it goes well, I was mighty disappointed with them while I was in the hospital... I got no discharge instructions at all (but I sort of figured what I should and should not do), also after they moved me out of the CCU, and then transferred me to telemetry, I was not hooked up to anything... nothing... not even to telemetry (no EKGs, nothing), not even a BP cuff. It was as if they totally forgot me then... no one came in to see me, and the RN never fixed the bed, did nothing. It was then that I decided I may as well go home so asked if I could go home that night, and they did agree to let me go home that night. I did call social services at the hospital with my concerns over my hospital stay, there were some other issues too. Anyway, I think the bad experience at the hospital had everything to do with one particular cardiologist I was unfortunately stuck with, I did not have my regular cardiologist (who is very good). I'm glad I was feeling well enough to notice these things and to voice my concern (they even messed up my meds, but I noticed). So, yes, I am taking it easy... watching TV and relaxing. If I have to run an errand I stay close to home and only go out for about a half hour (pharmacy and groceries can both be gotten down the road here at Super Target, so easy one-stop shopping). Another thing I need to do, and want to do, is get back into a regular exercise routine... when I am able. So, I am going to put a comfort/hybrid bike on layaway over the winter, and I will have it by early Spring... I need to get back into exercising, and biking is easiest on my lower back troubles (walking kills my back, biking doesn't, I have some old herniated disk/stenosis issues), so I am looking forward to that. Years ago when I biked on a regular basis I felt really good. And I am scheduled for cardiac rehab next week.

So, what a crazy Halloween... yeah, it happened Halloween afternoon. Interesting that exactly one year ago, on Halloween, I had ended up in the ER that time too (I had been loosing/passing a lot of blood, sorry TMI) with a new diagnosis of either colitis or Chrohn's disease back then. I'm already wondering about Halloween 2017, maybe I will stay in bed and just sleep thru it.
When hubby gets a blockage the palm of his hands burn. He's had 3 stents (1 the first time, 2 the second) placed and a quadruple by-pass.
 
#21 ·
Oh I imagine I will be biking my butt of in cardiac rehab... that's good, I need it, I still struggle with shortness of breath, maybe by spring I can really get out and ride the new bike on the bike trails, and not just around the block. A comfort bike allows you to sit upright, so no leaning forward (easier on the 'ol back), has the upright curved handlebars, usually has shocks on the fork and seat post, bikes are also lower (low entry) so easier to get on and off and have a lower center of gravity (good in case I have more balance issues). They are easier to pedal, too.

Yes, good grief my car... it took me until just a short while ago, there were a few more things that needed work, so it took longer, but thank you natisha, it's back home with me and what perfect timing, so much easier now for doctor appointments, and rehab.
 
#22 ·
Today's appointment went well, the EKG was normal (yay) and the N.P. I saw in cardiology was pleased with my progress. We discussed one of the new meds, Plavix, or actually, discussed two new meds... Plavix and Lipitor. I'm not crazy about their side effects, but then again I'm not crazy about what may happen if I don't take them. Plavix was starting to do a number on my stomach already, so I asked the cardiologist about prescribing some sucralfate, he did, it seems to be helping some.

So, appointments and errands all done for the day, time to put my feet up and be a lazy bum now.
 
#25 ·
Thank you everyone, for the kinds words, I sure appreciate it.

JCnGrace... wow, now that is interesting about your husband's palms getting a burning feeling. It makes sense to me, my hands were always ice cold, something I had never dealt with before, and is now gone.

Just goes to show, never underestimate anything that happens with your hands (or even feet maybe), any sort of changes and difference in how they feel... it can be very serious. And, always question your doctor, and/or go elsewhere if your doc is not taking it seriously... my doctor kept telling me the sensations I was having in my hands, and arms, were due to my neck/spine. I knew he was totally wrong. Unfortunately the cardiologist I got stuck with was no better, though (I could never get in to see my regular cardiologist). I now wish I had gone to the ER when I started having symptoms in my hands and arms over the summer... although the symptoms at that time were mild, but they made me wonder.
 
#29 ·
the symptoms women feel that signal a heart attack are often markedly different from those that are considered 'classic' and recognizable. that's one reason more women die from heart attacks than men. I mean, of people who have heart attacks, for women it is more often fatal.

ok, here's my story, now that I am at a proper typing device. (not traveling)

my husband is very healthy. he'd been doing longer and longer walks in hopes to condition for one day doing the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. he is of normal weight, and no family history of heart issues. he is 63.

this summer, a week after walking 18 miles on the trail, he says that he has an odd pain under the collar bone on his RIGHT side of his chest. says he's had it before but it went away on its own.

so, I say, let's wait and see if it will go away again, no concern there.
it comes only when he exercizes but then goes completely away. Five days later, he starts to cough up some blood. so, we call my doc. can't get in that day, so go to local urgent care clinic. Xray and EKG reveal nothing. doc says may be a bit of plueresy. take these oral steroids for a week, and come back.

no improvement. so, he goes to see MY doc, who is an osteopath. my doc reads the report from the first clinic, looks at husband's slightly 'off' spine and says 'need to aduust your back' THAT was the source of the pain. cracks his back and sends him home.

hubby is fuming. no improvement in pain . ok if he doesn't move much, but even climbing stairs brings on the pain.

finally, he gets a recommendation on a good doc from a friend, makes apt. and this doc says, "you need to see a cardiologist'. Cardiologist saysn " you need a stress test". Stress test says, "you need Angiogram". Angiogram says, "you have 5 blockages and need triple bi-pass surger, SOON!"

two weeks later, he has open heart surgery. up to the day of, he kept thinking, "how could this be? I eat much better than the average person, I exersize, I am not fat, what did I do to deserve this?"

"genetics" the cardiologis says. sometimes you don't deserve it, you just get it. (I think it's often this way)

anyway, the hospital was great, overall. they have so many people in there for heart surgery. it seems a bit like a factory, but the docs and nurses are very kind and overall , he was super well cared for.

came home, two montsh of 'rest' and recovery, and now he is doing 3x/week cardio rehab.

this whole episode was so incredibley stressful for both of us, and took up , from onset til 'normalcy', about 3 months or so. our summer got swept away in this, and our feelings about aging, and being immune to really bad health problems have changed. I have had health issues before, so I know how hard it can be, and how our bodies are imperfect. He, onm the other hand, seemed to feel it unfair and unjust and incomprehensible. he is, perhaps, a bit more 'human' (humane?) now.
 
#30 ·
OMG tinyliny, that is incredible. I don't know what's more frightening, the fact that so many doctors seem to misdiagnose these very serious issues, or the heart attack itself. I'm so happy your husband is now alright. What an ordeal, I cannot even imagine. So very true, genetics plays a huge role. People can exercise, be fit, and eat healthy.... but... genetics.

I'm getting stronger every day, but for a couple of weeks I hit a rough patch and was feeling pretty lousy, I gained a lot of weight from fluid retention, my legs and ankles and feet swelled up so much I was unable to wear any of my shoes for awhile, my rings and clothes didn't even fit. Would you believe that both my family doctor, and my cardiologist, both tried telling me that this fluid retention and shortness of breath I was having was not from my heart issues?! I was livid. I've been thinking of finding another cardiologist, but I will give them one more try, and this time I am going to tell them exactly what I think of their way of thinking. I should add that last April I was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure (one cardiologist told me it was mild, another cardiologist I saw for a second opinion told me it was stage 2 to 3), that alone can cause much shortness of breath, and edema. Sadly, I don't have a whole lot of trust, or respect, for many doctors any more, due to too many misdiagnoses and too many contradictory statements from them. I go to the Mayo Clinic here in western Wisconsin, they should have very qualified physicians there, but I guess like everything else, you never know.

But, I am now doing better, I have totally changed my eating habits, no salt at all (I admit I used a little salt now and then), and my weight has dropped an amazing 10 to 15 lbs, just in water weight gain alone, and well, maybe about 5 or 6 lbs. of that may not be from fluid. Something like this truly does change ones feelings about aging, and life in general. I'm getting back into doing the things I used to do, and living life to the fullest.
 
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