Just Got Home From Er I Fainted In The Grocery Store

[all4family]

Hi,

I was shopping, (I was using a scooter) but started feeling bad. I only had barbeque sauce to get, so tried to get it, but went down on the scooter. The paramedics said I need to go to the hospital, so I reluctantly did. They did an EKG, and then someone came in and said are you ready to go home? I was more than ready. But when I was signing out she told me I need to get a regular phsician so I can quit coming to the ER. then told me how many times I had been there in the last 5 years. So what do I need a physician for? Is the ambulance going to take me there the next time? I told them what I have, and they acted like it wasn't even a real disease. I don't want to go there period. How does every one handle being in public and having this happen? No matter what everyone will believe it is anxiety. And it seems that even with this diagnoses I am a second class person to them and do not deserve to be there. This is the reason I just started staying home all the time. If I faint there no one is mean to me. But armed with the diagnoses I was getting brave and trying more things again. Does the medical comunity in general not take this as a serious illness? I won't be leaving my house again. I feel as though I am a prisoner here. Has most people been to the ER many times before dignoses? How do you have a life when you are made to feel like a criminal or nut case when you faint? When the paramedics first got there my heart rate was 140, and I was starting to feel better. Don't know how high it was when I went down. Some amature doctor in the back said it's anxiety. By the time they laid me on the stretcher and drove me to the hospital I was feeling much better. And of course the comment was well your heart rate is fine now. Yeah, and I am laying down now. I wore my heart rate watch walking out of the hospital, and by the time we were to the front door it was 130. to the car was 140. Now at home if I am standing it's running 130 to 140. Will I ever have a life with this disease?

Thanks for listening and giving me a place to come where I don't feel so bad about myself. It's not bad enough to have this problem, but the lack of control of when and where it happens makes you feel so vulnerable.

Suzy

[lalalisa]

Suzy,

I'm so sorry to hear about your rough time with fainting in the grocery store and then the horrible experience at the hospital. I just wanted to chime in because i'm here to listen and just want you to know you're not alone. I'm so sad to hear that they treated you so poorly when you should be getting TLC and good care in your time of need.

I hope some others will be able to help answer your questions...

Take care and keep persevering.

Lisa

[mjan]

OH MY ..my dear friend!!!

As far as I know.. you CAN refuse to go the hospital..right? ANd..aren't you under a MDs care at Mayo??? Or recently have been?? Its not you WANT to come the the ER for drugs or something..geesh...

Did they do ANYthing for you at the ER??? I know.. I have been there so many times.. its a waste of time and money..but if you are unconscious..you hae little choice.

Did they at least give you IV fluids?? I could just KICk the MDs who blame EVERYTHING on anxiety.. MAJORLY BIG COPOUT!!

Hang in there sweetie.. or I"ll just have to come down there and KICK their BUTTS!!!

Warmly Jan

[EarthMother]

Oh sweetie, I am so sorry you had to go through this. DINET use to sell a bracelet and some small cards that said what Dysautonomia was ... I carry those and give one to the paramedics if need be. No one has ever treated me like a nut case after they read the pre-printed card. I guess they figured I couldn't make that one up!

Do you have a primary physician? If you do, they can call her or him when you get to the ER -- it can really help turn people's opinions around. When they call my Doctor he explains to them what I have and what to do.

Speaking from someone who has been housebound for the last year and a half since I lost my job ... don't ever let anyone's opinion stop you from going OUT and living your life. Its very hard to begin again.

Good luck on your own healing journey.

~EM

[mjan]

Yes.. I wanted to ADD that this should NOT keep you from going out.. but..carry something official to help anyone..esp paramedics..ER docs.. know WHO to call..and what to do. Keeps those that are idiiots quiet..and at bay. Soo.. who DO you have that is treating you?

And...do you have family they can call.. and THEY also help explain??

How did you get home?

Jan

[all4family]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks so much. I need all the encouragement I can get. I am trying to have a good attitude, and not get down. I am trying not to think about it, but it is kind of hard to forget about it. Thanks for listening,and the positive words.

Hi Jan,

I really wish I had refused. I guess because I was so cold, and my heat was going so fast the paramedic just thought I should go. I didn't know what I should do because when I fainted before it scared me, because I didn't know why. I have to admitt this was the first time that I wasn't really terrified. I was embarrassed though.

The only thing they did in the ER was a EKG. The doctor didn't even come back in the room and let me know he was releasing me. Or why. The nurse walked in, and acted like I shouldn't have come there and wasted there time. Then said real rude are you ready to go home? I said yeah. She left and the other one came in, and said real nasty call this number. (physicians referal) and get yourself a doctor, and stop coming to the ER. I am sure you have been told this before. You have been here 66 times. (yeah in the last 5 years, and I didn't know what it was that was making me so sick. And I have been to many local doctors who treated me the same as the ones in the hospital.) I tried to stand up to her, but she pushed the pen in my hand, told me where to sign the paper and walked out. My husband was with me, and he was really angry. Yes it was a waste of time and money. I tried to make light of it joking about how I wanted my barbque sauce, awful bad.

No they didn't give me I.V fluids. So I am drinking lots of water. I was picking out gatoraid when I started feeling real bad, so I am going to go drink those next. I have been downing water.

Lets go kick the butts together. With friends like you I can see me standing up and fighting. Thanks for the support.

Hugs and thanks

Suzy

[all4family]

Hi EarthMother,

Thank you so much. I sure wish they still sold those. I tried to tell them more than once what the name of it was. I used pots, and orthostatic intolerance, and dysautonomia. The paramedics were real nice, but one really wanted me to go to ER. I don't know if I refuse, if they will come back for me if I do need them next time. I was fine with the paramedics, but the ER staff who at least one remembered me was very hateful. If I would have had a card like that I could have at least given it to them, and not had to talk to them.

I have a primary physician officially, but when I had my second bout with this illness I asked her to check me for rare things, and she said you don't just run off testing people for things for no reason. (I thought fainting was a good reason) so when I told her as nice as I could that I really didn't think all this sickness was in my head she told me to go to Mayo clinic they would test me like I wanted to be, but when I was done there, and they couldn't find anything either would I come back and admitt it is mental. So needless to say I have not gone back to her office, because I can't just tell her it was mental. I haven't found a new one, because I went through most of them trying to get diagnosed with something. And after each one ran one test, if they even did that they said I can't help you if you are not willing to take medication for deppression, or anxiety, or whatever that doctors flavor was. We have very few doctors here, and even less good ones. There is a tight knit between them all, and I was told that they run the hospital. whatever that means. I at least know I am not the only one who has had extremly bad problems here. It is well known in our town that the medical is rather poor. I am sure there are some good docs, but have been told they leave quickly because of all the problems here.

I am so sorry you have been housebound. I know how painful that is. And if you tell someone(at least for me) they say you have that social phobia that I can't even remember the word for. When I decided I wasn't going to let them lock me up or do some of the other things they have done to me in the past I quit leaving my home. My husband does all the shopping, and I usually don't go anywhere without him. But it is so limiting, and I want to so bad. He has been feeling sick, and I wanted to make him a nice dinner, so that is why I went to the store. The only thing I needed to finish the dinner was the barbque sauce.

Do you know why they stopped selling the cards? Thanks for the support. Maybe I will find something on it I can print.

Hi Jan,

I would like to keep going out, but am really worried about ending up there again. That is a good idea though about carrying something. As I said above I am going to find something to carry. My husband drove me home from the hospital. I started feeling bad, and they had already called him so he could come and drive us home. He just didn't get there before I fainted.

Suzy

[EarthMother]

The card that came with the DINET bracelets reads:

Dysautonomia Information Network --

DINET.ORG

Dysautonomia can affect all automatic (autonomic) functions in the body, including the vascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Each day may bring health challenges for those with this syndrome including abnormal fluctuations in the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. the simplest activity, such as standing up, may be a challenge!

It is fairly easy to print up your own card. It sounds like you need a new primary physician. When you find one it would be wonderful if you could print up a card and have him/her sign it with a contact number the hospital can use to call should you ever get dragged kicking and screaming again to the ER against your will

Good luck.

~EM

[all4family]

Thanks again EarthMother. That is a gem, and I will make me some, and do like you say.I knew I would eventually have to get a local doctor, but hoped I would be able to go to Mayo for everything. And yes they will have to drag me kicking and screaming. I knew I swore off ERs for a reason! They are bad for your health.

Thank you so much

Suzy

[momofsara]

Dear Suzy, I'm so sorry about your terrible experience. As if fainting in the grocery store isnt bad enough, medical personnel(who are supposed to be compassionate) treat you like you are being a bother to them. After all are they not getting paid to take care of people who come in the ER? Do they make less money if you are not having a heart attack, or have cut your leg off?????? Beats the heck out of me why they want to act this way. Sara has had experiences similar to yours, and let me tell you, it *****!!!!!!!! I would be willing to come and help you and Jan kick some white clad butts........ Just hang in there, sweetie, and dont let the jerks get you down. We all understand and are here for you anytime.,

Hugs and healing thoughts.

Susan

[all4family]

Hi Susan,

Thank you so much! I needed a good laugh like that! I feel so sad because I love the town I live in it is beautiful, but the hospital here is really bad. I don't mean to gripe so much, but they really leave a bad taste in your mouth for the medical community. I know I am not the only one,because I have heard so much from so many others. And have seen so much too. During my 66 visits of course! And you know I thought about that, that only works out to just a little over one visit a month. Considering the number of days I was sick for that is conservative! Almost anyone you talk to in our town has had a bad experience with it, so that should make me feel a little better.

Maybe we could start a sick person mafia! We will kick all mean medical peoples butts!!!! Thanks so much for the support. It's the people here who's oppinion matters more to me anyway! The people here have hardships that most of these people will never understand! If they ever had to struggle or watch a loved one struggle they would have a different attitude. ( I would hope anyway! ) It's hard for me to get down, when I know so many people here understand and care! Not only that they know how to laugh at stuff!!! Thank you so much!

Hugs

Suzy

[firewatcher]

Suzy, I am so sorry you had to go through this...again. The attitude of the ER staff is deplorable, but predictable. I hope you feel better now.

Take care!

Jennifer

[janiedelite]

Maybe we could start a sick person mafia! We will kick all mean medical peoples butts!!!!

I love it! I'm an RN, and if God ever gives me the ability to work again I will have a totally new perspective. I think I've been pretty compassionate in the past, but there's nothing like going through it all yourself. Janie

[mjan]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks so much. I need all the encouragement I can get. I am trying to have a good attitude, and not get down. I am trying not to think about it, but it is kind of hard to forget about it. Thanks for listening,and the positive words.

Hi Jan,

I really wish I had refused. I guess because I was so cold, and my heat was going so fast the paramedic just thought I should go. I didn't know what I should do because when I fainted before it scared me, because I didn't know why. I have to admitt this was the first time that I wasn't really terrified. I was embarrassed though.

The only thing they did in the ER was a EKG. The doctor didn't even come back in the room and let me know he was releasing me. Or why. The nurse walked in, and acted like I shouldn't have come there and wasted there time. Then said real rude are you ready to go home? I said yeah. She left and the other one came in, and said real nasty call this number. (physicians referal) and get yourself a doctor, and stop coming to the ER. I am sure you have been told this before. You have been here 66 times. (yeah in the last 5 years, and I didn't know what it was that was making me so sick. And I have been to many local doctors who treated me the same as the ones in the hospital.) I tried to stand up to her, but she pushed the pen in my hand, told me where to sign the paper and walked out. My husband was with me, and he was really angry. Yes it was a waste of time and money. I tried to make light of it joking about how I wanted my barbque sauce, awful bad.

No they didn't give me I.V fluids. So I am drinking lots of water. I was picking out gatoraid when I started feeling real bad, so I am going to go drink those next. I have been downing water.

Lets go kick the butts together. With friends like you I can see me standing up and fighting. Thanks for the support.

Hugs and thanks

Suzy

Ok.. I understand where the ER staff is coming from and 66 times is a lot....but....they dont have the FULL story. So you faint? They think. By the by.. the ER doc does not come back unless he has something imp to say.. learned that. Its always the RN who has to Discharge you..

You know you have heard the phrase.."your life flashes before your eyes".. well.. one thought when we pass over to the "other side".. is that you get to review your live.. and what you couldve done differently. These uncaring..unsympathetic kinds will have to face there stuff.

ANd.. many ..too many use the ER as a clinic..cuz they have NO insurance or doc. I know..I used to be their casemgr and kept helping them get set up in a clinic..and stop running to the ER. ER is for emergency..well.. YOU came in as one. But yup.. unless you hit your head.. are bleeding try to avoid them. All they do is rule out life and death stuff.

I am going to pay mucho for my last ER visit.. as its the end of the year.. new job..and I did not meet my deductible. PlUS the co pay is $100 they collected while I lay in their BED!!!

I only went in because 2 nurses I was working with insisted...I had taken all my meds.. even my emergency PRN hypertnsive med and my BP was still climbing WITH a migraine which was all new to me. Now I truly regret it.

HOw are you feeling today? Did you hurt yourself when you fainted??

Please stay in touch.. I look for your posts..messages daily. YOu'll like Brain Talk .. and MS World.. they LOVE to be helpful.. know what it feels like..and are much bigger than this forum.

Warmly Jan

[all4family]

Hi all, thank you so much for the support.

Jennifer, thank you again for the support. I am feeling a bit better, but think that my ear infection is making things worse for me.

Janie, Thanks for appreciating my humor. I have met many wonderful medical people also. I am sure you were very compassionate, but will probably be even more so now having been the patient. I would wish for a nurse like you for anytime I needed help.

Jan, yes I agree 66 times is a lot of times to go to the ER. But like you said they don't know the whole story. Most of the visits were in the very begining 5 years ago. When I was on different medications. They were not recognizing the severe symptoms I was having as reactions to the medications. I lost 120 pounds in about 6 months. My urine was brown, and every drug I took had different reactions on me. like shooting my hr to 170 where it stayed for over an hour. My urine had turned dark rusty brown, and while I know that is not an emergency that is just the level of sick I was. Many of the visits were faints. About 15 were transfers from other doctors who said my EKG looked like an MI. I tried going to the doctors, but wasn't getting anywhere there either. 2 were injuries from falling. several were I called my doctor and told them my symptoms and they said they can't treat me for that I need to go to the ER. Not knowing what was wrong I was trying to get help. One day I realized that no one was going to help, so I stayed at home in bed because that was the only life I could have. That is when I quit going there. And if they looked they would have seen that other than one fall, 2 faints, and 2 transfers I hadn't been there in 4 years. I also had quit going to doctors. I quit the medical comunity all together, and decided whatever happened would just have to be. I didn't want to be at the doctors any more than they wanted me there. Even less.

My heart rate for some reason is shooting up really bad today, and I don't know why. My oxygen at the hospital was only 90. Don't know why. But this is how it gets just before I have a real big fall. I hope that is not the case. for the last couple days even sitting seems to be something I can't do. I guess I shouldn't care, but I do.

Suzy

[Miriam Poorman-Knox]

Suzy,

I actually have a couple of those bracelets and some cards. If you PM me your address I will mail them to you. M

[pat57]

You can refuse treatment (in the US) and they cannot touch you. I tell them people panic when they see a faint but its not unusual for me, I'm on ................(insert your meds).................. for.......(insert your DX), and see Dr. .............(.insert your Dr.) .....he has assured me I'm in no danger and there is no need to go to the ER. However I will arrange a ride home.

2 additional things. In the US if there is a second call in the same day, you have no choice, the law is that you go to ER.

And, I am in no danger, I can't speak for you.

[all4family]

Hi Miriam, Thank you so much. That is so thoughtful and generous of you. I will PM you tonight. Can I send you some money for them? I know you paid for them. I would feel much better if I could. Thanks.

Thank you so much Pat57. That helps to know. I have been "informed" before that if you refuse medical help they can refuse you. That is why I went. That is also a gem to know that I cannot refuse a second time. At least that gives me one faint per day! ha ha. I don't think I am in any danger either. It has happened enough that I am less afraid. But others really freak out, as a friend of mine said. (Hi) I was even joking with my husband about the bbq sauce to try and keep a good attitude, but then they just think you are playing around. Guess I just can't win.

As for me I had another I guess faint yesterday. I explained it in the post about the fainting with the cookies. I am vomitting again, can't even keep liquid down which doesn't help. and am back to almost as bad as the begging of this journey for me. I am back to being unable to do anything. I don't know if the ear infection has anything to do with it. The last time I had one I thought it wasn't an infection. Still do. But it started a year of completly disabling symptoms.

I am back to being sick enough to not really care WHO thinks I am just anxious. I have a EGD scheduled for monday, but do not think I will be able to do it. I hope things are going well for everyone. Take care of yourselves. Do what you can when you feel good enough.

Suzy

[Miriam Poorman-Knox]

I would rather "pay it forward". M