Reality Is Setting In.. I Had A Heart Attack..

[SeaBreeze]

Hi... I'm so grateful to be in here...

For the last couple of months I've had this 'weird' feeling in my chest, it felt heavy, like something pressing on it.  That feeling would last a few minutes and then go away... I continued along...

This past Friday I felt lousy all day at work, tired, weak (typical) but then started feeling that heaviness in my chest, couldn't get a satisfying breath, and I had 'new' pain across my upper back and in my arm... I got really bad and I got nervous.. So I went to the ER... good thing............

After 2 abnormal EKGs in the ER and a bunch of Nitro that 'relieved' my pain, at one point the Nitro dropped my blood pressure to about 50 and had to get another IV put it... (that made 3) and I have the worse veins ever.. they sent me to a Telemetry unit where I was teathered to a lot of equipment, 4 different IV medications.
My first set of 'enzymes' taken in the ER were negative, they did a second set of blood and EKG after 8 hours and they were abnormal and my 3rd set of bloodwork and EKG were "significantly worse" than second set. A cardiac echo indicated muscle damage of some kind..
I had a cardiac catheterization done on Monday morning and my circumflex artery was 100% blocked so they did an angioplasty. The pain is 99% gone, they said I have 2 other arteries that are going to need stents eventually even with lifestyle changes because the plaque has already taken hold too much...
I came home yesterday, on 4 new meds, (I have NO insurance) and one med is Plavix which is $200 and absoultey cannot go without because the stent is a Plavix-covered stent.. the new meds me feel lousy, so tired, so weak its horrible... I see the cardiologist in a week to discuss cardiac rehab and when I can get back to 'work'

I'm ready to rip my hair out trying to figure the meds out ... not a good time for brain fog..
I'm so dry, the hospital is not a very 'SjS' friendly place... I was given drops etc and they brought in a humidfyer, but it was a bit too late..

So I'm having a big pity party for myself... My family has taken the 'she's out of the woods' because the pain is gone and Yes, the blockage is fixed and the pain is gone, but I'm on a HUGE emotional rollercoaster. I just can't believe this happened. 
I guess some positive input would help me and you guys are so good at that !

[Reenie]

Oh my goodness, Seabreeze, we're so grateful that you're still here too! 

It's okay and normal to have a pity party.  What an ordeal you have been through and are still going through!  You are such an upbeat and sweet person, and I always enjoy your posts.  I'm sure it's hard for you to be so down and going through the wringer like this. 

Just remember, we're here for you, and WE LOVE YOU!

Reenie

[Tinker]

OMG, SEABREEZE!!!

How shocking!  I'm glad you made it out of there.  A rollercoaster would perfectly describe your events of late.  I understand what you mean about family thinking you are totally out of the woods since you are out of the hospital and in no pain.  It just doesn't end there does it.

It's got to be scary.  I sympathize with you, Seabreeze.  I had all the tests done a couple of wks ago and find out the results this Friday.  I'm getting older, and had met my deductible and out of pocket, so it seemed like the time to get it done. 

I'm 60 yrs. young (I've been told I don't look that old), but I figured it was time to get this out of the way.  If you don't mind disclosing your age, I'd like to know.

Let us know how you are doing.  How many days were you in the hospital?  Sorry the med is making you feel so badly.

Have you thought about the Montel Prescription help?  I forgot the name but I'm sure if you google it you can find out something.  You would surely qualify. 

Saying a prayer for you and sending good wishes and a speedy recovery.  ♥♥♥♥ Tinker

[Linda196]

Seabreeze, I'm actually glad to be able to read this account, because the alternative...that you wouldn't be able to tell the story, is just unthinkable!

Doesn't the telemetry/cardiology unit provide follow up and emotional counselling following your ordeal? It just seems wrong that they sent you home to deal with the aftermath of this terrifying experience on your own. If there's any kind of support I can give on line, please just ask...I wish I could offer more, and I'm sure everyone here feels the same.

Meanwhile...{{{{{BIG HUGZ}}}}}

[cteena]

My husband had 3 heart attacks in 16 months.  He is doing fine now but depression was a major problem after each one.   Give yourself some time..cardiac rehab helped my husband a great deal.

[Scottietottie]

Hi SeaBreeze - OMG - I don't know where to start.

I'm sooo glad to went to ER. I can't imagine how you're feeling. That was a close call.

All I can say is that we're here to sound off to.  I hope the cardiologist can bring something positive to the equation and its importmant knowing that there are arteries that need to be dealt with.

Rest up well and truly. It's a lot to get your head round.

((((((( SB )))))))))   Take care - Scottie  

[genko_b]

Seabreeze!!!! Wow, I'm so sorry about this.

No doubt your family was really scared too, and just want to keep sailing down Denial River. It's understandable, but of course no help to you right now. Cteena is right, that depression can be a real problem after a heart attack, or other cardiac events as well. My father, who was one of the most even-keeled people you could ever hope to meet, was on an emotional roller coaster for a full year after heart surgery, and a surgeon friend of mine said that is not at all uncommon. I would think that counseling would be routine under the circumstances.

If the hospital does not have counseling or this would be a problem in terms of insurance coverage, perhaps there are support groups at the hospital for cardiac patients which would be free.

As Linda says, we are so glad you are here to tell us about this. Your description of how you felt leading up to the ER visit is very valuable as well, as a reminder to all of us to pay attention to these things. Just think, you probably saved a life here.

Please take care, many hugs, and let us know how you are doing.

Genko

[Billydude]

Oh Seabreeze....I'm sorry to hear of this but glad you went to the ER.   We are thinking of you.
Steve

[SeaBreeze]

thanks everyone...
Its still a bit surreal... I was/am a bit freaked out to say the least. When I signed the release, it included coronary bypass if necessary, they weren't sure until they looked. 
I've run the gambit of prescription assistance, most will give you no help if you have Med D, which I do.  They do have a hospital run program here, to whom I spoke today but the waiting list even to 'fill out' the paperwork is 5 working days, then 4-6 weeks to process, they told me by the time the paperwork was completed it would be Jan 09 and I could start new with Med D.  I told everyone who would listen that I couldn't afford the Plavix, they just kept saying, "don't worry" we'll figure something out, you don't have a choice". One nurse said maybe you should get a job with some benefits, I wanted to swat her.. Amazingly, the housekeeper overheard our conversation about the Plavix and told the nurse that she had picked a bunch the Plavix trial brochures them off of the floor and went out to get one... it was for a free 14 day trial of Plavix !!! A housekeeper !!! thank God for her... they would only give me one...
There was not a lot of support avail at the hospital, I did see a Social Services worker who told me about the prescription services, but I didn't qualify for any of them... In her opinion I should apply for Medicaid... I don't have the energy to go down there yet... I can't think about that right now, but it should be done before end of year... I will look into groups around here, thank you...

So those of you out there who experience chest pain, arm pain, back pain above shoulder blades... please get it checked out. I'm only 49, with practically all of the risk factors, but they were still surprised it was that bad w/out a lot of warning... My worry now is my anxiety is always accompanied by some kind of chest pressure, I have anxiety attacks 2 or 3 times a day despite ativan.  I had 4 anxiety attacks in hospital, 2 while teathered to the bed and couldn't get up and walk it off, the O2 made it worse, couldn't convince nurses of that though... they would just come in with IV ativan... what a nightmare !
I worry about depression as I am bipolar more on the depressive.  The new meds lopressor and capoten make me sleepy and dizzy.
thanks for listening again...

Someone asked how long I was in the hospital... it was 4 days, doctor felt I needed another day but didn't leave an order changing the discharge, so I just left as scheduled...

[Pooh]

Holy cow Seabreeze, I'm so glad you are doing alright now.  That was a pretty scarey thing to go through.  I sure hope and pray things improve a whole lot in the coming weeks for you. 

I don't know about the Capoten, but with the Lopressor the sleepiness will wear off after you are on it for a while.  I've been taking it for years. 

Also check out some of links under our Links topic for different places to get free medications.  There are several there.

Take care and rest up as much as you can.  Keep us updated on how you are doing.  It's sure nice to know we can still talk to you and not about you.

((((Hugs,)))) Pooh

[irish]

Seabreeze, My gosh, what an ordeal you have been through. I am so glad that you went to the doctor when you did. Sounds like you were working up to that attack.

The lopressor and capoten are both very good drugs and help improve heart function and strength. They also come in generic at the 4$ a month or so. My hubby is on both of them. Hopefully someone from the family can take you down to apply for medicaid so that you don't have the worry about the meds. Also, I know that some of the drug companies have programs for people who can't afford meds. Try googling for direct medication company drug programs etc until you find what you are looking for. There are so many companies with drugs that you may get help from several of them.

Please know that I am praying for your strength and endurance. You know what to look for with the bipolar and hopefully you won't get too depressed. Remember depression is normal after a severe illness---just have to know when to get help.

I would bet that getting back to work will help you because you will not sit and worry. Just don't try to do too much too soon. Please keep us updated. Lotsa Hugs Irish

[kimbo]

SeaBreeze,
I am so sorry to hear what you have been thru.  But so glad you caught it and was treated with awareness for the problem.

I hate that depression has to get in the middle of every bad body malfunction. As if health issues aren't irritating enough.

Please think on good things, relax , listen to tranquil music gaze out a window and watch nature. Do those slow deep breathing exercises.

Hug kimbo

[Katybarstool]

Seabreeze

Your poor thinkg. What a nightmare you have been through. I'm so glad you made it back to the boards to tell us.

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for a peaceful recovery and some free meds.

Kathyx

[Chana M]

Seabreeze

You're amazing to come through all this, and to be thinking about how your experience can possibly help other people.

You must be so deeply exhausted from the trauma and the fear - my heart goes out to you.  Silly phrase, put like that I know!  And not much use because I have two dodgy heart valves, but the sentiment is real. 

What I do know from my own experience is that there's something fundamental about heart problems, something that goes to the core of who we are.  So please take time to nurture yourself, to rest and to recover.  We are blessed to live in a really beautiful world, despite the frustrations of the medical world and profitmaking drug companies.

Chana x

ps 49 is VERY young - I'm 48!

[pudmott]

BREEZY HONEY!!!!!!

We leave you alone for a bit and you go have a heart attack. what were you thinking girlfriend? What is SJS and bipolar not enough of a challenge for you. You need some more excitement in your life?

Seriously my friend you must have been freaking out.  And yes Depression is something that is gping to definately accompany a cardiac episode. The good thing though is that you're aware of it. I wish there were some words of wisdom i could offer about the meds for you. DO your PCP's hand out samples at all? Its wrong that you have to worry about the cost of such vital stuff.
I am praying that you regain strength and health homey. I the meantime you might want to parttake in some cheese burger therapy. And you know i dont mean the eating kind.....lol. Check out them pussy cats and let them put a smile on your dial.

You have my email. Use it whenever you want my friend

Pud