How to deal with ignorance

[Brwneyedchica]

I drove 45 minutes to work today only to stay 10 minutes and turn around and come back home. I was short of breath, dizzy, shaky, my palms were clammy and I had chest pains. I called my electrophysiologist who wanted me to go to the ER. So I sat at the ER for 7 hours and they did an EKG, labwork and a chest xray. They took my blood pressure sitting which was 126/72 and then standing which was 149/85. My blood pressure usually runs about 100/70. They didn't give me any IV fluids, didn't do anything actually, besides prescribe for me "Antivert" for dizziness. So basically I threw away 7 hours of my time, not to mention the HUGE bill i'll be getting all for them to give me some medicine that pretty much has nothing to do with anything... I was at least hoping that they would increase the inderal from 60mg to a higher dosage. I'm just very frustrated. I did call the other day, and make an appt with Dr. Foaud at the Cleveland Clinic for March 25. I really hope she can help me.

[MomtoGiuliana]

Those symptoms are just awful. I am sure many of us have gone through a similar episode or episodes of being unsure how to handle an onset of these scary symptoms and ending up going to the ER (I certainly have)--then only to get no help or relief there. And then comes the big bill for all that useless time.

The only thing that helps me if I get this kind of symptom (which I don't much these days, but I surely remember such episodes clearly) is to drink a large amount of fluids and electrolytes, take small, protein rich meals, and take the day off, or at least get several hours of down time. Sitting still for awhile (or lying down) and just trying to truly relax can be helpful (for me). I acutally saw a psychologist who specialises in chronic disease in 2003. He used biofeedback to help me learn to relax, and he also taught me some meditation techniques and sitting and lying poses that help facilitate relaxation. I know it sounds a bit silly that you would pay someone to teach you to relax--but it was worth it. I think in general (and this was his philosophy) the body copes better with this condition and with episodes like this--and in general heals faster -- if the body and mind are as relaxed as possible. Not easy--it does take some "training" and practice.

Hope you see some improvement soon and that seeing a new specialist will help pinpoint effective treatment.

Katherine

[joyrose]

I sounds like you had a horrible day-and it hurts more to think that you'll get a bill too! You did the right thing by going to the ER. Hope Dr. Foaud can help get you onto a stable regimen. -Deb

[MightyMouse]

I don't have any easy answer for the ER ignorace issue. Sadly, your experience is pretty universal for people who have health problems that are poorly understood by the general medical profession.

I have heard that some people get better care when their referring physician (in this case, your EP cardiologist) calls the ER and suggests the treatment that's likely to help. So, for example, your doctor might have called as suggested that you've done well with IV fluids in the past for similar episodes asked the doctor attending to you to consider that as a first line of treatment.

I have had two ER visits in the past (out of countless other visits) that went great because my doctor called ahead. Both times, I was going in for non-POTS/NCS issues, the first was for severe pneumonia and asthma, and the second time was for suspected appendicitis. My doc had already spoken to the staff before I even arrived (I was going to the ER from his office).

Worth thinking about and trying to get your doctor to do it if you have to go back to the ER in the future. Better yet, I can hope that you don't have to visit an ER again. A girl can wish!

Nina

[guvna2004]

Sounds like you have what i always get. My doc always says mine are panic attaks. I get them when i go shopping, to the mall, When people watch me, when im alone. I have at least 1 a DAY, but im learning to ignore them. I at alot of chocolate and crisps today, basiclly because i had some alchol from a friend, and decided to pick at food. I wish i neva did it, i will feel it in the morning. Just stick in there : ). Also i think people shouldnt get charged at E.R, there basiclly saying you have to pay, even though you might have died. Stupid.