Thursday, July 22, 2010

A Tale of a Hospital Stay

Well, what a week this shaped up to be.
Just when you think you have the world
by the tail and all is well, leave it to
your health to step in and take things
in a totally different direction.

In all honesty I haven't felt well for
quite a while. Here is hoping that the
last couple of days are the resolution to
that.

Over the past couple of weeks we have
started a journey of a change of diet
and weight loss. Chelsea is our coach.
She loves all things to do with nutrition
and food and has lost a lot of weight over
this past year...in fact too much....but we
are addressing that, as well. Our goal as
a family is to be healthy, whether that is
losing or gaining weight, as needed.

Anyway, I had promised Jonathan and Chelsea
breakfast at our local family restaurant on
Monday. Even though I felt terrible I wanted
to follow through. I forced myself to order a
bagel, even though I had absolutely no appetite.
As I ate it I felt terrible. Pressure and pain
crushing my chest, nausea and sweating with a
very odd sensation in my head. I looked for
a waitress to get them to call 911. However,
I did not want to leave the kids there and have
all of that chaos for the other diners. Breathing
deeply I waited for the sensation to pass, quickly
paid the bill and we left. I decided to go directly
to the doctor's office. As we went the pain went from
my chest to my shoulder and up under my chin. 
I prayed that I would make it the 
couple of blocks to the doctor.

We did. The kids headed home on foot. 
It is nice that we are close enough 
that they could do that.
In their defense, I had not
let on to them exactly how badly
I was feeling.
As soon as they left the tears began
streaming down my face.
(Isn't it funny how you can hold
things in for the sake of those you love?)
I told the woman at the
front desk that I had chest pain. 
She called the nurse and very quickly 
things were underway. 
The E.K.G. showed
changes and nitroglycerin was 
given while the ambulance
was called. 
I tend to withdraw when in pain so I didn't
really enjoy chatting with the EMT's 
as they took me
north to Lancaster General Hospital. 
Several attempts
to start an IV were unsuccessful.
I do recall getting
angry with the one student EMT as he 
poked and prodded with
the needle in at least two places. 
Finally his buddy gave it a
try on the other arm...no success. 
At the hospital it
took at least two tries, as well.

Nitroglycerin gives me a nasty headache. 
If you've ever
used this you'll likely know what I mean.
But, it did seem
to ease the chest pain. 
So, it was a catch 22. 
My blood
pressure was 164/100+ 
and my heart felt like it was working
so hard at 123 beats per minute. 
Later, the Cardiologist
would ask me if I was 
a nurse because I was repeating the
numbers as I retold the story to him. 
I laughed and asked why?
He said because I knew all of the numbers. 
I didn't tell him that as a 
financial analyst numbers 
are my business
too.

Long story, shorter....
They decided to keep me in the 
Outpatient Observation Unit. 
A stress test was abnormal with reduced
blood flow to the front of my heart. 
My echo technician was very thorough and
very concerned.  
I felt that if there was something to see
he would find it.
In fact he added contrast halfway 
through the test because he said he
didn't want them to miss something he saw.

It was interesting to see
how the different nurses handled my pain. 
Most were very fast
to offer nitroglycerin 
but one, a guy named Chris, was not.
I liked him. 
I do dislike those headaches. 
He would wait the
pain out and always said that if it got worse 
he would give me
the nitro.

Every doctor and nurse 
I met were fabulous. 
I cannot say enough
good things about the treatment I received.

But, now to the mystery.

My heart cath came back just fine.
Weird.
My mother-in-law, an RN, is not very
satisfied with my release without additional
investigation. But, I figure I will try the
treatments offered and will see if they help.
They have added an additional blood pressure
med as the Cardiologist said that there is a
lot of pressure in my heart. They are also
starting me back on meds for acid reflux.
A known issue with me. 

I wouldn't know why a busy person with three
teenagers would ever have stress, (lol) but I seem
to thrive on it...until it eats holes in my
digestive track. We will see if this is part
of my problem this time.

I'll be seeing doctors over the next month
for follow up and will be taking it easy
for a while. Got to get better before candle
season kicks in this September. I am so excited
for this year's orders to begin coming in!!!
I've been planning and working on the website.
I ordered postcards to send out to non-profit
groups. It will be so much fun!!!
Got to be better!!!

Also, Chelsea and I have so many plans for
this school year. So much to do.
I want to be better.
So, I will continue with the healthy eating
plan, take the meds as prescribed and follow
up with the doctors. I might take Georgia with me
to ask the right questions as I tend to just
accept whatever they say...if I am the patient.
I am a great advocate for others, though.
Need someone to go along with you?
I'm there.
I'm a shark!
But for me?
Not so much.

So....now you know more than you
ever wanted to know.

Your prayers and comments were the
highlight of my morning as Warren would
bring in the laptop.
I didn't have the energy to comment back
or read many blogs but I knew you cared.

Many hugs to you.................

Tomorrow back to regular stuff.
Hope you got your fill of 
hospital stuff...because unless something
unexpected happens we will be back
to subjects like
Chelsea's gorgeous brownie biscotti!
With raspberry drizzle!!!!  Oh my!!!
It is amazing!!!
You'll see it tomorrow....
So, if you haven't fainted and are still
reading you have a treat to look forward to.

Consider it a reward, of sorts.

Becky K.

17 comments:

Bee said...

I'm glad you're home....
I'm also glad you got emails. I was hoping you would. :)
Take it easy for a while, my always busy friend...rest and let your body heal.

detweilermom said...

Sorry to hear about your health problems. I will be praying for you. If you want more books to read I have some here for you so just let me know when you are ready for them.

Unknown said...

G'morn, Becky ~ I am sorry I missed all of this but you are lifted in prayer for health.

Prevacid is the best product on the market for acid reflux ... I have it severely & this has taken care of it.

Being a heart patient myself, do NOT give up on finding the root of the problem ... so glad you are home & ok. Do take it easy tho.

Best wishes come your way, sweet friend, keep me posted. May I do anything for you?

Have a lovely day ~
TTFN ~ Marydon

Tracy said...

Oh, Becky... I had no idea what was happening! I've been a bit sporadic online--busy days. I am so sorry to hear about your ordeal, but VERY glad you are OK. As you know my Dad had a heart scare in June, so learning about your recent health issues had my heart racing! Do be taking good care and hope you will be well. Please let us know how things go. And what a great goal you have as a family for weight loss/management & overall health makeover--brilliant! Wishing you all well on the journey. :o) ((HUGS))

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I got to taste that brownie biscotti with raspberry drizzle today! So glad you are doing ok...we will keep an eye on you too! So happy to hug you in person this morning!

Beth said...

Oh my goodness, I didn't see this part on your blog! I usually read the Homeschooling blog and for some reason I didn't know this was going on! I had the same kind of experience last month and it was scary! I am now on blood pressure medicine and WOW do I ever feel better! I also have really bad and painful acid relux.
I forgot that I also am supposed to go follow up with my doctor. I didn't do it. I am really bad about that kind of thing!
I hope you feel better and either get to the bottom of it or nothing else happens! I think part of mine is stress...imagine that.

Phyllis said...

I am sorry I did not send you a comment but at the kids house I could not get any computer service. I did pray for you my friend which I knew you would appreciate more anyway. Ha ha I am thankful you are home but I too think you need more tests. I am glad Georgia will be going with you next time. Just rest and if I can do anything for you please let me know. Love you

Unknown said...

God has been speaking to me to make changes, too. At one point, I fasted with my church for 21 days (mostly fluids) and my body never forgave me. So, at 52, my weight has soared and leveled out at an unhealthy place. I'll pray for you and you can pray for me.

From my own experience, God does have a way of "using" medical issues to slow me down and — sometimes to get my attention. It's not that He inflicts me with issues but while I'm being healed, He is an opportunist! Or a God-portunist.

So, enjoy your down time. God is always ready to speak and to show His love to us. I will be praying for wholeness and recovery.

Hugs, KJ

JD/ Jill said...

Becky! So GLAD that you are feeling better. Prayers that you continue to do so.
Please, Please take of yourself and listern to the doctor (From Jill who doesn't always practice what she preaches....smile)
PS. I know you will do a great job with the tags you have to do...If I lived closer I would help...but I think you will do just fine.

LV said...

I will be a challenge for you. But, when it becomes a health issue, you can do it. Sorry you are having problems, and trust you will feel better soon.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home, Becky. Hoping that you get your health back!

Terri Steffes said...

I am so glad that you are out of the hospital. I didn't know! I am putting you on my prayer list PRONTO.

Simple Home said...

I'm sure this was all so scary, not to mention painful. I hate headaches too, and I get plenty of them. I would want to avoid anything that brought them on too. I'm so glad that the results were good, and you are still in my prayers my sweet friend.
Blessings,
Marcia

Elena said...

Dear Becky, I am glad you are doing better and I pray you will recover fully. Take it easy dear freind and try not to over do:)

Melissa G said...

I don't check on you my blog friend for a few days and this is what you get yourself into? What are we going to do with you? =)
But seriously, I'm sorry to hear you've been sick! That sounds scary! Glad you're feeling better but i hope they can figure out what caused it. Praying for you!

Vee said...

Becky, I think my bp is up just reading this. Taking your mil along for the ride next time you have a dr. visit sounds like a very good plan. Letting the kids in on your health does, too. Kids are very good at doing the right things when needed. Even very little kids and yours are savvy teens. We all must learn to do better taking care of our stresses and stressors. Now go and get a nice cool drink and cozy up to the AC near you with a good book!

PJ said...

oh darling and precious cousin! I've been so wrapped up in the goings on of my own life lately that I have been ignoring others so I missed all this drama.

much love and many many prayers are being sent heavenward for you.