Panic attack seemed to be my diagnosis almost two months ago. It puzzled me. My life seemed smooth and under control.
But I’d presented by ambulance, seriously scared, at a public hospital emergency department. My blood pressure was high and my heart pounded, raced then seemed to stop. I felt lightheaded, sick.
My daughter and I sat on hard, blue plastic seats under harsh flourescent lights for most of the night. Other people came and went. Finally, I was sent home with no diagnosis, no treatment and instructions to see my general practitioner.
The general practitioner suggested I should not take my own blood pressure, because, she said, she thought it made me anxious. She suggested I should continue all my normal activities including swimming.
I wore a Holter monitor attached to my chest over my heart for a week, to rule out more serious problems. The results, however, suggested I should see a cardiologist.
Finding a heart specialist
I discovered that receptionists carefully guard their cardiologists.
‘No emergency appointments, sorry,’ they said, one after the other.
While I waited for the opportunity to see the heart specialist, I experienced more events within a few days. I resigned myself to dying alone, and lay on the bed, not wanting to bother anyone. I’m not sure if I crossed my arms over my chest. Probably, not!
‘If I have to die now,’ I thought, ‘at least I’ll be tidy they find me.”
Not a panic attack
Early morning, when it was still dark, palpitations woke me from sound sleep
‘This is nonsense,‘ I told myself sternly. ‘This is not a panic attack. Get help!’
The paramedics in the ambulance were kind, competent and concerned. They didn’t once mention panick attack. Instead they agreed to take me to a private emergency department located at a hospital close the the one to which I’d already attended.
Within a few minutes of arriving, a nurse helped me into a bed. She inserted a canula in my arm and sent blood to the pathology department. The emergency doctor read my Holter monitor report. Without hesitation he told me I’d be admitted to the coronary care unit.
Such relief to be taken seriously!
Diagnosis
An hour later I’d been admitted to the unit and attached to a device monitored in the nurses’ station. A resident doctor interviewed me and a registar came to ask more questions. A cardiologist appeared. Magic!
He diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrilation and talked about treatment options. I agreed to medication to control the heart rate as well as a blood thinning drug to help prevent clots forming and causing a cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
Three days later, the hospital discharged me. I now take a medication that has six vowels in its ten-letter name. Sounding out the name and saying it challenges me.
Here’s hoping it will do the trick.
Gratitude
I’m grateful to my family (especially Jenny and Simon) and friends who have supported me and shown great kindness as I worried my way home.
The nurses, doctors and other staff at Holywood Private Hospital treated me with kindness and patience, as well as providing highly skilled health care.
I got this notification of your post almost immediately, but I had to sign in with my details all over again. But at least I’m here on time!
I’m sorry to hear about your heart problems, but equally, I’m delighted that the private hospital took you seriously and carried out tests. Let us hope you are now on the road to recovery.
Dearest friend it has been a horrific journey. ‘Tis indeed so great to see how bravely you faced it. Thank you for sharing with us. Together, we pray that you continue to travel the path to a significant improvement.
Thanks, Eliza B. Not sure there’s any other way to deal with stuff, except to grit one’s teeth and get on with it. Thanks for the prayers.
I’m so glad you finally got the right treatment and that your family is right there for you. It is lovely to hear you sounding much more like yourself, relieved and back on track, taken care of. 💝
Yes, Susan. Thank you. I was really scared, as you know, but feeling much more confident now.
Maureen, such a worrying time for you and your family. I am so happy that you have received a correct diagnosis and are taking medication to address your heart problem. Onwards and upwards! With much love from Thailand until I return to Brisbane on Wednesday.
Thank you for your concern. Enjoy the rest of your time in Thailand which is probably my favourite place in the world after Perth, my hometown.
So very relieved that you were immediately seen & then fully treated. My experience at the same hospital.Having a cardiologist that will now see you as needed is very reasuring for you & a contact point for your GP. See you soon.🎶🎶🎶
Hi, Maureen, Yes, it was such a good idea to bypass the public hospital system and go to Holywood Private. The care was exemplary. Being admitted to a ward under a cardiologist, and asking him to provide ongoing care was the trick to knowing I can see him when I need to. I’m looking forward to catching up and the sheet music, but not driving just yet.
How scary and worrying for you. So glad you have got to the problem solved and seen by specialist at last. Onwards and upwards, slowly of course. Best wishes
Very slowly, Kathryn. Thank you for your comment and y our kind wishes.
HI Maureen
My goodness, how you so bravely weathered that storm, as you have so many of the storms that have come your way of late. Your tenacity is truly inspirational. And I take it your resolve to keep up your private health cover, could have been just the things that saved your life in this case. Most importantly, the outcome is wonderful with you now being back home with the medicine to keep you in fine fettle. Such a relief to hear.. I have said it before and will say it again, I have so much respect and admiration for the way you approach life and live it to the full.
Thanks Maureen and big happy and healthy heartfelt wishes for your on-going recovery and loads more blogs and swims to come.
xTrish
Dear Trish, Thank you for your affirmation and kind wishes. It’s been a bit of a battle of late, but hopefully there is an end in sight. Much love, M
Glad you’re ok Maureen our health system sucks even private cover is a hit & miss
I so agree with you when you need a specialist their front desk staff think they’re doing you a favour by saying No’😙
Yes, Nena, it’s been quite a saga that goes on and on. Old age seems to suck! But I’m set to beat it.
I am so sorry y have had such an experience-how frightening! My own heart was anxious as I read this! You are a strong and intelligent one, so I know you will deal with this. I am so grateful you are on the mend. love Michele
Thank you for your support, Michele. The saga went on for some time after the post you responded to. Mx
It is a concern that it takes so long to get to see a doctor when you need one.
Glad it worked out tho.
Thanks, Steve.