I had two massive heart attacks and survived.
On September 22, 2009 I woke my husband and said I wasn't sure if the pain in my arm was heart related or something else. He suggested that I take a nitroglycerin tablet to see if the ache/pain was relieved by the medication. After the third nitro we went to the hospital. I was given an EKG and Blood work and stayed until 5 a.m. when I was released and told to follow up with my cardiologist. I made the appointment for the follow up.
On September 27, 2009 I again awoke with an ache in my left shoulder joint and aching going down both arms. I could not go back to sleep. I took a nitroglycerin after the third tablet I called 911 and chewed two adult aspirin. When the paramedics arrived they were very nice and I explained my symptoms. I was given baby aspirin and another nitroglycerin in the ambulance. That was the last thing I remember until I woke up in the intensive care unit almost two weeks later and was told that I had had two massive heart attacks.
The symptoms I experienced were nothing compared to my heart attack in 1995. That attack felt as if someone had punched me in the middle of the back. I began sweating and vomiting. The pain went down both arms and into my jaw. I was only 40 years old. In fact the paramedics told me I was having a panic attack!
My most recent experience was just an annoying ache. On October 16, 2009 I underwent a triple bypass. I am still recovering.
Since my surgery I have found that I have memory lapses, extreme fatigue, sometimes slur or confuse words. My chest is still very sensitive and my left leg (where they took the vein for the bypass) is numb and very painful at the same time. I also have extreme discomfort in my should joints and cannot raise my arm above my head without difficulty. My hands and feet will get cold and will go numb from time to time. I have told my cardiologist about this and he says it is "normal." He said that I do not realize just how critically ill I was before my surgery. I came very close to dying. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow and hope that I can get answers besides "normal."
Again, if you even think that something is not right get it checked out! Go with your gut instincts. You know your body and you know when things are not "right." I have told my friends fear kills more people than the actual knowledge of what is happening.
Yes, I was frightened that my symptoms on September 27, 2009 was my heart but I wasn't going to sit around and wait. If I had I am told I would have died.
Add A New Comment Report Abuse
Add A New Comment2 Comments
Hi Mary - You have an amazing story, thanks so much for sharing it with us. Even though heart disease is the leading cause of death in women we don't seem to hear a lot of information about prevention and or about how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.
Would you let us know how today's appointment went, and what information your doctor provided? If you left with more questions than answers then please let us know and we'd be happy to assist you. We definitely agree that it's important to know your own body, and be aware when things aren't right and to then seek the resources you need to be at your best. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Take care,
Pat
Pat:
The echocardiogram showed that I am healing well but there is noticeable damage. I am being referred to a neurologist for some of my symptoms. (Forgetfulness, mispronouncing words, tingling in hands and feet, shoulder problems) to name a few. The earliest appointment date was in February. I will update after my visit to the neurologist. All of my symptoms are "normal" based on my condition when the "event" happened. It might be normal for the doctors but it is not normal for me. I am used to attacking life at 90 to nothing. Right now I feel as if I am at nothing. However, I am expecting too much at this time. Guess we will have to wait and see! Until then I will keep following orders and continue with Cardiac Rehab. If anything I would encourage everyone to go to Cardiac Rehab it is very helpful and you do learn a lot. Not to mention that eveyrone there knows what you are going through! I have made new friends which helps alot! I am not too thrilled with the DASH diet but oh well I am learning to cope. :-)
I really wasn't given any new information as for my condition. I guess it is difficult for me to comprehend because I have nothing to relate to the symptoms/problems I have experienced. As I said, I did not have extreme pain just an annoying ache and then nothing. I only know my condition from what family and friends tell me. I was in intensive care for two weeks. My family was told nothing about my condition other than that I was hanging in there. They would not give my husband a percentage of my surviving. I only know this from what my husband has told me. I guess that I think that if you're in intensive care you should have a memory of something. I do remember the ventilator and how much I fought it. I do not ever want to experience that again! On the bright side (ha-ha) I lost 25 pounds. However, I do not recommend the diet. Har-har.
I did see a therapist who told me that it is normal for me to have a problem understanding what happened. She said it is difficult for us to realize our own mortality. I have to agree with that. Sooo, I am hoping to continue on the road to improved health and returning to work soon! I must say that I have been blessed by a very understanding employer. I have been out of work since September 28 and my job waits for me. I have a great boss! :-) great friends and a very supportive and loving family. I am truly blessed.