Most times we ladies are on the losing end of this battle. Does that mean you shouldn’t go to the ER if you experience extreme symptoms? I won’t even dignify that with a response. Well; maybe a short response.
I’ve gone to the ER no less than 10 times in the last five years. Each time I go, I question whether or not I should have gone. Inevitably, I’m sent home with few answers and worse for the wear. And yet, if it happens again, I have to go. So do you. Here’s why.
It is the job of the ER at your local hospital to make sure you aren’t going to die. The tests they run are intended to do just that; ensure that you aren’t having a heart attack. Here’s the burn; Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) cannot be detected with an EKG. A chest X-Ray cannot determine IHD. But what can help you is a blood test, which checks your cardiac enzymes. This will provide conclusive evidence as to whether or not you’ve had a heart attack.
And that, my friends, is why you must always go to the ER.
Yes, the doctor may think you’re a loony. So what! You may be made to feel as if you are a hypochondriac. Who cares!! You are experiencing some major symptoms and you’d be a fool not to confirm that it’s not a heart attack.
Keep in mind, too, that they are not there to identify chest pain yet to be diagnosed. Only regular visits to a good doctor can determine that. Very specific tests are done to check for IHD; none of which are performed in the ER. So, if you have experienced symptoms (pressure, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, etc.) go to the ER. STAT! Just don’t expect validation of your condition.
So how can we come away from another 8-hour overnight stint in the ER feeling the victor?
- Be proactive! Before another trip to the ER comes, have your treating physician write your condition down (including which tests are best in the event of an emergency). Keep this with you at all times and give it to your treating ER physician.
- Understand that you most probably have more information about your condition than your Emergency Room doctor. That’s ok. Share what you know.
- Realize that you have an obligation to yourself and your family to take your condition seriously.
- Last but not least, take it all in stride. A good sense of humor goes along way.
Rebecca Fortunato
http://rebeccasheart.wordpress.com/
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Hi Alison : )
Thank you for responding to my discussion. I'm rather new to EmpowHER, however, I do have a few other articles on here which talk a bit more about my condition. But, now that you mention it, I don't think I've gave the specifics.
My chest pain began in 2002 for no good reason. Over the course of the next five years, I had seen a handful of doctors in a vain attempt to figure out what was wrong. My symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, pressure in my chest; all most often times without exertion. It was only in December of 2007 that I finally received a correct diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease (aka Syndrome X).
Its an often misdiagnosed condition that affects the smaller vessels in a womens heart. Traditional testing (EKG, stress tests, halter monitors) don't always detect anything wrong. Women are often send home with a 'chill pill' and told to avoid stress. I was told at one point that I should see a psychologist. EEEP!!!!
I've been on both ends of the matter when entering an ER; before I knew what was wrong and after I had a diagnosis. Either way, one must be prepared.
As I mentioned in the article, if a woman is experiencing chest pain, she must go to the ER. If for no other reason than to have her cardiac enzyme level checked to ensure that she did not have a heart attack.
For more information on my condition as well as a few other posts I've written, please visit my blog at
http://rebeccasheart.wordpress.com/.
Good Health To You!
December 17, 2009 - 6:36pmRebecca Fortunato
This Comment
Rebecca,
Thank you for your post, and it is nice to not only read informative tips, but also with a little humor.
I have not read your other articles, and am wondering why you have gone to the ER ten times? You mentioned that one of the proactive measures is to be, well, proactive and have your physician write down your condition so you can provide it to the ER doctor.
Are you saying that you already have heart disease diagnosed, and are telling women how to protect themselves from further complications from their diagnosis (rather than that women are at risk for heart disease who are undiagnosed)?
What symptoms did you experience, and are there any differences between symptoms when a woman should go to the ER vs. stay home and monitor themselves if they have already been diagnosed with heart disease and are being treated by a physician on a regular basis?
December 17, 2009 - 3:28pmThis Comment