First hand look being a cardiac patient

Bobw235

Bobw235

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
So, yesterday I had some tightness and shortness of breath after carrying in some groceries and going up the stairs. Then I had it again a short time later after bringing a propane tank to my car. My wife saw something was amiss and I admitted not feeling quite right. Today I find myself awaiting a bed in the cardiac unit as they want to see what's wrong. I'll be a guest of the hospital overnight pending a stress test tomorrow. My first ever overnight stay. Oh the joy. Have already been lectured by my sister and mother (former nurses), the triage nurse, the ER doc, the floor nurse and the resident that I should have come to the hospital last night. Something is wrong, but no heart attack thank goodness. The quest for answers continues.
 

There can be many heart issues without it being a full blown 'attack'. I started getting palpitations 12 years ago and was eventually diagnosed with 'atrial fibrillation' which is essentially erratic muscle movements in one of the upper heart chambers. I was put on various medications for several years then was eventually recommended to have a catheter ablation procedure, where they enter your heart by keyhole surgery with a camera and a laser and proceed to cauterise some of the errant muscle tissue. Not always guaranteed to work first time as was my case. But a second procedure had more positive results. I now get the occasional bout of fluttering. I will be be on blood thinner meds (free in the UK) for the rest of my life. But at 71 years old I am feeling remarkably healthy and agile and looking forward to a few more years yet.
 

I had Atrial Fib for 23 years and in 2010 I had a Pulmonary Vein Ablation in San Francisco by a Internationally known CARDIOLOGIST/ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST that developed the procedure.. No problem since.
 
I hope you will be okay Bob. At least you are there now and getting things done so you are doing all the right things.
 
Thanks everyone. An eye opening experience. I suspect sleep is going to be a problem. All hooked up to monitors. Stress test tomorrow. We'll get to the bottom of this. Glad for wifi. :)
 
Good heavens, how frightening! If anything your blood pressure goes up worrying about everything. I'm sure you're in good hands though...sending big hugs and purrs your way:)
 
Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Hope they can figure it out and that you return to good health very soon!:)
 
Yes. Sorry Bob. It goes without saying. In my earlier post, I never offered any well wishes to you. I do hope it all turns out for the best for you.
 
Thanks to everyone who has sent supporting messages. It is much appreciated. I probably got 4 hours of sleep at most. Slept with headphones and a great Spotify playlist for sleeping since my roomie is a LOUD snorer. Just had breakfast (pretty good food too) and will be going for a nuclear stress test in a little while. Hoping I can go home later today, but won't know until I see the doctor. Caffeine headache coming on as I can't have any coffee. Boooooooo. Everyone here has been very kind.
Thanks again for the well wishes. Blessing is that I didn't have a heart attack. No heart damage.
 
Bob, hope everything is okay! Yes, hospitals are not great for a good night's sleep.

A few months ago I got worried because I would occasionally have chest pain when working out and it scared me. Finally went to GP who sent me to the cardio clinic within days. Had the full checkup and tests and was told I had a great heart! I asked why I got that pain in the my chest and doctor said it was likely just stress on a chest muscle since that was my only symptom.
 
Bob, so glad you're in the right place with the cardiac team to help get some answers and good care. I'm sending best wishes for great test results and hope you feel better soon!
 
So, good news is my stress test was normal and they found no blockages! Sitting at home and eager to sleep soundly in my own bed tonight. Following up with my primary care physician tomorrow to see if there's something else going on, but at least a heart problem has been ruled out. Good to be home. Thanks again for all the well-wishes and advice.
 
Ameriscot said:
Good to hear Bob. Any idea what the problem was?
Click to expand...

Not sure. Doctor is puzzled, but felt I could go home if I was comfortable. Suggested maybe a blood clot, but no other symptoms of that. They did give me a blood thinner in the hospital of course. Just glad to be home in my own bed, but totally exhausted after so little sleep.
 

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