To preface this post, I hadn't planned on talking about this, or telling anyone about it... but as I was out for a run this morning, it was put on my heart that I needed to write about it... if only just for me.
This past Friday, I had my first ever visit to the Emergency Department (yes, you read that right, I'm 26-years-old and I've never, ever been to the ED—no broken bones, no stitches, no crazy illnesses or really anything—and now let's all knock on wood together for that last little statement). Friday afternoon as I was driving home from work, I had a horrible, chest-grabbing pain over my heart, and it didn't go away for a couple of minutes. Shortly thereafter, I began feeling a dull ache in my left shoulder that lasted a good few minutes. I didn't think much about it, except for that it was very uncomfortable and unlike anything I'd ever felt before. It didn't occur to me to tell anyone about it—because it was there and gone in no time—until I got searing pains in the base of my neck later that evening while we were at an event for my work. Intermittently with the neck pain came the heart pain, and then my left thumb and half of my hand went numb. It was all really odd. I wasn't worried, but I told Daniel about it anyway. After looking it up, the symptoms were not typical for someone my age... they were all the classic symptoms of something bigger and... well, daunting.
After speaking to an on-call nurse after the pain kept getting worse, Daniel drove me to the ED around 10:00 pm. I was wheeled back to a bed (right away, I might add—they don't mess around with chest pain) and had a number of tests taken. I was shaking so badly... not because of the pain, but because I was in a new and frightening situation. After a few hours of waiting and no red-flag results being revealed, I was released home and told just to rest. Rest, rest, rest. It seems, though they didn't know for sure, that my chest pain was a result of stress. Lots and lots of stress. I know I'm pretty open on this little blog... but I sure don't write about everything on here. There is a lot going on at home that I've kept to myself... and almost all of it is great... but it's just a lot. I'll be talking more about it in the upcoming months... but sometimes I don't realize how much my "to-do" stack has piled up until it all tumbles down on top of me.
Since Friday, my heart has gone back to normal. And you know, it's not like I'm not fit... I mean, come on. I'm training for a marathon, I've got a huge race this weekend... it's not like my heart can't handle it. I think that's why it was so scary. Sometimes we forget the little, perfectly functioning things in life (like our hearts) and take them for granted. While laying in that hospital with cords coming off my body, tubes up my nose, an IV coming out of my arm... I just thanked God that I'm not in this situation all the time. It made me hurt for the people who have to make regular visits to the hospital—who go there all the time for treatments, and procedures, and who are used to being within those sterile walls. If you are one of those people... I feel for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Listening to the pain that the woman in the room next to me was in... it was awful. I got to walk out of that hospital Friday night... some people don't get to do that. I'm just very thankful for all the good care I received (I went to the hospital I work for) and the fact that my heart is OK. I think it's time for me to remember and re-evaluate what's important... because you just never know when life may throw you a curve ball.
Now, if you remember the first sentence of this post about me being out for a run this morning... I want to let you know that yes, I was cleared for exercise yesterday, and my training has resumed as normal. I'm just going to listen to my heart a little better this time, and if I need to take it easy, I'm going to take it easy. In addition, if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed or all pent up... take a second and write down 10 things you're thankful for, take a deep breath, and get rid of all those things that aren't truly important. You never know how much that one big, deep breath may help.
Now, if that's not an "on my heart" post, I don't know what is. Sheesh.
59 comments:
I'm so glad you are okay. So, they are saying it was anxiety?
How scary! I had something like that happen to me a few years ago. My right hand and arm went numb by the time we were almost to the ER I couldn't talk. I knew what I wanted to say but my body wouldn't let me form sentences. Found out I was dehydrated & super low potassium. Was super scary though! Glad you're alright!
I'm 19 and I haven't been to the ER yet either, but gosh that is scary! But the most important thing is that you realized something wasn't right. So many people ignore it, but the fact that you listened to what your body was saying, that's so amazing. I'm glad you've been cleared to exercise and that you're feeling better!
Thats SO scary! Im glad you are okay darling!!!!
Hugs and kisses to you!
That's what they think. I had a whole assortment of tests... and I'm not a "needle" person, so as soon as they put the IV in, I got all shaky. I'm such a baby. Ha! But yes... they think it was just stress and so I took the whole weekend and didn't do anything crazy (you know, like run a half marathon). I just relaxed. And it all calmed down. I had a follow-up chat yesterday, and if I experience more pain, I need to go back in. But until then... it's all good :)
Oh wow! I didn't know that could happen. Glad YOU'RE OK and figured it out!
I tried to ignore it. But then my amazing Daniel (and his parents), wouldn't let me just go to bed. they knew they would have worried all night. So I played it safe. And for me, no results is a good thing. ;) Thanks again, Laura.
Thank you, Yuli! I really appreciate it!
They sound like me worrying all the time! And yes, no results are a good thing in a time like this!
So glad everything turned out to be okay!
Glad it was nothing serious. When I was a child, i had unexplained chest pains, daily, for about 6 months.. They had me on a halter monitor and everything, trying to figure out what the triggers were... As I said.. UNEXPLAINED. They faded away after 6 months or so... and now as an adult, I get them from time to time... Maybe it's God trying to draw my attention to something important. Dude, can't you just text me?!
Hahaha.
That is so scary- I'm so glad you are okay!
I've always been a hypochondriac and never know if something is serious or not. If only we only had a way to find out at home if something was life-threatening before you go to the hospital. I get anxiety thinking about going there which honestly doesn't make my body feel any better. I despise that place.
I'm so happy this was nothing serious and you are okay! XO
Take care of your self girl!!!
Wow, that's so unbelievably scary! I'm so glad everything everything turned out okay.
Yeah so now even though we weren't together when it happened my husband is super paranoid about making sure I get enough potassium it's amusing, "sweetie you already made me eat one banana I don't need another".
My goodness that's scary and I'm so glad you're okay! But you're right, stress, even good stress, can really push you to the edge both physically and emotionally. Sounds like taking a moment to rest was a good idea!
I got as far as EKGs, blood tests, and pregnancy tests for my doctor to tell me I was stressed. I know that feeling, girl! I'm glad you're all right and that you were cleared to continue your training too. Take care of yourself, friend!
This sounds like something that happened to me at work. My chest started feeling tight, my pupils were dilated, and my left arm was tingling. I thought I was having a heart attack at age 33! I had one of my co-workers take me to the hospital. Anyway, after everything was said and done it looks like I had a panic attack. I had to go back to do stress tests, blood tests, etc. and they said it was stress related. My heart was just fine. ;-)
The following few months and year I would sometimes experience the same thing, but I recognized it as just being another panic attack. I would try to close my eyes and relax for a while until the symptoms passed. I went through this for about a year and half until I talked to my doctor about it and they prescribed me a very low dosage anti-anxiety medicine.
Since I started taking the medicine I haven't had any attacks. I'm not saying this is the route you should take but at least wanted to share my story. I was always dead set against ever taking any sort of medication but figured it was better having my body in a constant state of panic.
SO glad to hear you are OK! I have done the ER 2x (both as an adult), and I can totally relate that it is not fun, and kinda scary!
Hope you are feeling better & taking some down time :)
I'm used to being healthy, and lately I've been having some random and unpleasant health problems--which I think are largely related to stress about everything going on in life. Most of the stuff going on is happy...it's just, like you said, that things can get a little much sometimes....health is truly something to be thankful for!
this is so scary! glad that you're okay! i have anxiety attacks and they feel like heart attacks. terrible! good luck, lady! and feel better
kw ladies in navy
Scary! But so glad you are ok.
Darling, I am so, SO glad you're ok. Deep breaths and gratitude can go a long way, but so can the heartwarming notion that many, many people are so glad you're healthy again. Good luck on training, but remember to give yourself a break now and then. We all need that reminder. We all need to be a little easier on ourselves (especially those like you and me who expect the very best of who we are all the time ;) ) . Sending positive vibes your way.
So happy that you're okay! Listening to your body is so, so important. A few years ago, I had intense pain in my chest for days, which then lead to weeks.... after 5 doctors they finally discovered I had blood clots in both lungs... and when they finally found out was it was, I was met with a doctor who said, "don't go anywhere. don't walk anywhere. we're getting you a wheelchair, you could die."
At 19, it was a serious wake up call. Amazing what can set your perspective straight. Life is a beautiful thing, mixed with amazing messages and life lessons to pick up on. xx
I am so happy you are okay! That seems like such a stressing experience. Best wishes to you and the marathon.
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
I am happy that you are okay and that ER cleared you as medically healthy. Hopefully that was a one time thing and never comes back!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
So glad you're ok!!! You definitely did the right thing by going to the ER. Make sure you're putting yourself first when taking care of that anxiety. I like puppy therapy myself, but shopping and yoga work too ;)
So happy you're okay! That's incredibly scary!
Oh you sweet girl. I hope you start to feel better...
WOW! I'm so glad you're okay!!
No kidding! I wish it were that easy sometimes. I'm glad you're OK and you're so good about listening to your body :)
Aw :( Well, see I didn't want to go, so I called on on-call nurse for my Doc and she was the one who told me to go... that's what made me a little nervous! I always try to pretend like everything is A-OK... so I am so glad we just know now! It was scary, though, so I can see why you don't like it!
Me too!! Big relief!
That's adorable :) honestly. Daniel was so cautious around me... not letting me run or anything! It's all good now, though! (fingers crossed).
Isn't that crazy how it works? It can be the best time of your life and your body still will hate you for it :)
Thank you! That's what they did to me, too... and an X-Ray! It was nuts!
Hey there! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this. It sounds like exactly what happened to me... and I wouldn't be surprised if it was one! This made me feel a lot better!
We take it for granted way too, often. I tell ya. Thanks for that reminder, too! Staying healthy is HUGE!!
That's what another reader said it was! I'm so glad I know what to expect now!! :)
Thank you! I think you're so right. I always push push push myself ... and this time it was just too much. Thank you for your kind words and all your encouragement. I appreciate (and miss) you, Torie!
Allie--that's SO SCARY! How did they fix it? Do you still have to watch out for repeat occurrences? Oh my gosh!
Thanks so much, Rebecca! Means a lot!
NO kidding! that would be best case scenario. Good thinking!
Puppy therapy!! Ha, that would stress me out more than anything... and I would never want to go to work! But... now that you mention it... puppy therapy sounds rather nice :)
Doing much better! I've experienced a bit of heart pain this week... but that's probably my fault because of my big race/life stuff going on lately. Thank you for thinking of me!
Sheesh... me too! Thanks Sarah!
So scary when things like this happen and there is no clear cause. Stress is such a serious thing and one of the hardest to get in check. Have you tried meditation? That's my go-to for stress and anxiety. Hope you have a great weekend :).
Thank you, Sara! I used to take anti-depressants, but at this time I'm not on any meds. It's not out of the question, though!
Hi again! Hope we're talking about the same thing here. Meditation, not medication. Just do a quick search on the old google and you'll find lots of links for Mindfulness Meditation. Hope it helps, sweets!
Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you clarified! I think my mind read medication because of all the other people who suggested meds... but MED-I-TAT-ION. LOL> Got it. And actually, I wasn't seeking meds at this time because I have been praying about it! Sometimes people don't like to hear that solution.. but for me it's the answer to everything!!
It was life changing for me and I honestly think prayer can be very similar. Wishing you a quick recovery!
Thanks! Already on the way there, sister! :) You are awesome.
ah, I wrote a comment but it never saved it.. anyways, you got me very scared for a sec, I'm glad you're OK, Aunie! Please take care and get more rest.. and good luck with the run tomorrow!
It was definitely a very surreal time in my life! I had to give myself a shot everyday for a week after they found out to help dissolve the clots, then I was put on blood thinners permanently...now I get blood tests every 4-6 weeks to monitor my levels... small price to pay though! Just thankful I'm still around haha
i am a nurse on a cardiac floor and you would be amazed at the number of patients we have for stress related chest pain. it's crazy what all can cause chest pain and also the problems stress causes on the body. it's easier said than done, but try to relax a few mins a couple times a day. hope that doesn't happen again (:
Hey! I can't believe all the things we are having in common lately! I am so glad... someone who does this for a living! I've still had sporadic pain, but nothing that has freaked me out (since I know what it is now). I'm just trying to listen to my body & keep calm!
Oh my goodness! That's a lot of work! So happy to hear you're doing well. Seriously.
Thank you so much! Resting is my top top top priority these days! Well, resting and running, anyway :)
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