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Scared

(41 Posts)
Luckygirl Fri 09-Mar-18 15:14:49

At the weekend I had a second episode of epigastric pain followed by complete collapse: unconscious for 20 mins+, blood pressure barely detectable, grey. clammy etc. - basically in shock. I managed to call to OH before I lost consciousness and came round later to find a paramedic hanging a fluid bag from the lampshade over my head. They were trying to push my BP up by running some fluids in very fast. Eventually they succeeded and carted me off to A&E. I do not know what would have happened if I had not been able to alert OH - I guess I would quietly have faded away.

This is the second identical episode - the other happened several months ago. I was not too worried the first time - just thought it was "one of those things", but for it to happen twice is starting to make me worried. It is deeply unpleasant and very scary.

I lay on a trolley in A&E for 6 hours, then a doc came and told me I could go home - he did not even examine me. By then I was fully with it and out of pain. So home I came. All well for a few days, then I seem to have some sort of delayed reaction - I have gone into wimp mode and am a bit weepy and just very worried. OH is not fit and not able to rush round if anything happens to me.

I spoke to GP on phone just now and have been able to make an appointment for Thursday. She suggested I where my OH's alarm pendant as an extra protection; but the paramedics would need to get here pretty quickly to be of any use if it happens again. No-one seems to have any idea what is going on.

I am just plain scared - it is not an ordinary faint (no giddiness etc) - I just have this sinking feeling in my stomach and lose consciousness. She suggested postural hypotension, but it is not that as it happens when I am lying down, not when I stand up; and the lack of BP is profound and does not resolve by itself.

I just need a bit of a hand hold as I am feeling a bit emotionally wobbly - I can't die yet - who will look after OH?

grannyactivist Fri 09-Mar-18 19:03:57

Luckygirl more flowers here from me. In your shoes I would also be feeling wobbly, weepy and in need of a little reassurance. I do hope the cause is soon found and treated so that you can get on top of whatever is causing the problem.

Tegan2 Fri 09-Mar-18 19:32:57

I think it's a good idea to wear your DH's alarm just in case you were, say, outside in the garden when something like this happens. Also, perhaps write down what had happened to you this time, what the hospital had said [bit of a waste of time that, though] etc, so that if paramedics were called out they would know what had happened. When I worked at the medical centre I'm sure we used to give people stickers to put on their doors and a little tub to put in the fridge which had medical history details, details of medication that the patient was on etc. I know that isn't very reassuring and it's almost assuming it will happen again [I sincerely hope it doesn't] but at least you will have taken back a bit of control over the situation if it does. I'm quite appalled at how people seem to be treated these days [eg what happened to Ann's husband when he was in hospital]. I've been experiencing a bit of dizziness recently and I get terribly worried about things like that, so I dread to think how worried you must be. Do hope your GP is more helpful and gets it sorted for you flowers.

Antonia Fri 09-Mar-18 19:54:10

I don't have any medical qualifications, but would just like to add to what others have said. This must have been awful for you and your DH. I find it appalling that the hospital didn't do tests. My husband had something similar happen in France but on arrival at the hospital he had no less than 5 doctors around him and he was kept in for several hours while they did tests and waited for the results, before they would discharge him.
I do hope you get a satisfactory diagnosis when you go to the doctor's. Insist that you really need to know what has happened and do let the doctor know how you are feeling at the moment. You need to be listened to. Sending hugs. flowers

Synonymous Fri 09-Mar-18 20:00:14

Another hand to hold Luckygirl and big ((( hugs))) too. I am appalled that you were fobbed off at A&E. DH and I both understand how dreadful these sort of attacks feel and hope you get some answers soon. flowers

etheltbags1 Fri 09-Mar-18 20:14:34

Goog luck Luckygirl. X

kittylester Fri 09-Mar-18 21:35:18

The tub kept in the Fridge is called 'message in a bottle' and your gp surgery might have some. They should also be available via the Lions Clubs and independent chemists.

You can put lots of information in them and a sticker is placed on the inside of your front door to let the emergency services know the info is in the fridge. Might be worth having.

petra Fri 09-Mar-18 22:34:51

I meant to add that my Dr said I probably pass out because I'm hyperventilating. He explained the science but that went right over my head. He advised that I use a paper bag to breath into when I have an attack.

Mapleleaf Fri 09-Mar-18 22:52:31

? Luckygirl. I hope you get some answers when you see the doctor on Thursday. I can understand it is scary. Here's a virtual hug, too.

Bathsheba Fri 09-Mar-18 23:10:21

Oh Luckygirl that must have been dreadfully frightening, especially given your DH’s health problems - thank God you were able to alert him!
I am shocked at the cavalier attitude of the hospital doctor - I can’t believe you were sent home without proper investigation.
I’m holding your hand and sending you virtual (((((hugs))))) to help you through this wobble. Good luck with your GP flowers xx

Faye Sat 10-Mar-18 02:31:14

That is terrible Lucky Girl, to send you home without examining you. I think you need to put in a complaint. DD2 has had the same treatment twice being told she could go home when she was very sick and they didn’t know what was wrong. Years ago they finally found she had an enlarged liver after I complained to the hospital. Luckily this time her specialist who she had been seeing since last year stepped in and order more tests. She was in hospital for two weeks in extreme pain and unable to walk for most of that time.

Your experience would have been very frightening to not know what is wrong and then be dismissed like you were. I hope everything is sorted out for you soon. flowers

loopyloo Sat 10-Mar-18 11:50:05

Have you had an ECG done? Perhaps you need a pacemaker. .This could possibly be cardiac. Or at least investigated further. Pester the gp . Wish you all the best

Nonnie Sat 10-Mar-18 12:11:27

Very scary. Someone up thread mentioned dehydration which resonated with me. I have low blood pressure and many years ago my GP put me on diuretics (can't remember why) jst before we went on a very hot holiday. It had a very dramatic effect on me. No idea if this is any help at all.

Benji55 Fri 30-Mar-18 05:40:48

Hi I am new to this forum and joined as found the support you all give each other really lovely. I was following Etheltbags1 during your colonoscopy problem but never found out the outcome so seeing you on here I’m hoping says all ended well. I have joined this conversation late but I hope all has been resolved for Luckygirl.

Billybob4491 Fri 30-Mar-18 06:22:22

Do hope you have a positive outcome Luckygirl, your health must be very worrying particularly when you care for another, as I well know from experience.

Willow500 Fri 30-Mar-18 06:34:30

How unbelievably frightening and it's dreadful that they sent you home from the hospital without even examining you! The tub in the fridge is an excellent idea - my parents had one given to them by the local Lions club so definitely worth asking about. Both my husband and I have had gallstones but never had such an experience so I doubt it's that although the pain is excruciating . I hope your GP sends you for further investigation as soon as possible to set your mind at rest and get to the bottom of it. Hand holding from me too flowers