Wake Up Call

I have not been feeling myself for a fair few months now, feeling this chest pain and an ache down my left arm but thinking noting more about it and just putting it down to the cold environment I am subjected to work in.  I normally wear thermals in the colder months but with the nice warm weather outside I have chosen no to wear them so I just wear a long sleeved shirt, a body warmer and then my work apron over the top. It has kept my body warm most of the time and so thought nothing more of it.

For many nights I have be awoken by this tight chest pain and a cramp like feeling down my left arm, I thought I had slept in a funny position but realised tonight that it’s more than that. I could not grab my breath and coughing ensued for the next four hours, with chest pains getting tighter, it made me sick literally.

I got to the point I was in so much pain that I sniffled, wanting to cry but the pain was to much I couldn’t even do that.

I couldn’t go on with the pain much longer and it was a case of dialling 111 for what to do next, it seemed like hours answering question after question and then the answer was that it was best that an ambulance was called.

It wasn’t long before there was an ambulance outside and they carried out the usual checks followed by an ECG that told them I needed to go to A&E.  Reluctant to do so knowing there was a possible eleven hour delay to be seen but that soon turned into a six hour wait because of my symptoms and I knew it was where I needed to be. 

I first got my first dose of pain relief before testing started with another ECG followed by countless blood tests and the administration of drug after drug, some via a cannula, some orally and others injected into my stomach, this all ensued between bouts of falling into a short sleep like state due to sheer exhaustion and pain.

My darling husband was so attentive but I could see he was equally as exhausted as I was and as I was getting the right treatment constantly I thought it best he got some rest himself as he headed back to the car to get some sleep in the back seat.

Three more ECG’s, 2 blood tests, treatments for anti-sickness, pain relief and blood thinning followed. The doctor consulted with a cardiologist and while there was no evidence of cardiac arrest, I was treated as if I had a mild heart attack and such, tests were carried as though I had. The final verdict was that I was treated for suspected onset angina and was given the appropriate drugs and guidance for my next steps forward from this.

Despite the lengthy wait at times I have received brilliant care from the A&E team at St.Helier, it has resulted in being fast tracked to see a cardiologist for further intensive investigations and I should get an appointment within the next two weeks rather than the lengthy referral system wait times.

I have been given drug for self administration called GTN, this simple but effective spray will help hopefully prevent any further problems as it can help stop chest pain if an angina attack has already started. It can also help to prevent the chest pain starting.

I feel like I have had a warning sign to change my lifestyle habits before it is too late.