About 14 months ago I got a sore spot on my breast plate of my chest. I ignored it. Time wen on, (about 6 months ago) the pain radiated through my chest and into my left shoulder blade.. I ignored it. 2 months ago I had a 3rd pain added to the mix. A pain behind my left ear & down my neck. Again, I ignored it thinking that maybe they would all just go away.
Not a chance.
My mother died of an aneurism, my oldest brother nearly died from an aneurism and a 1st cousin did die from one in 2003. I began thinking I might have one as well. I went on the internet and read about them and really started to worry BIG TIME. I made a post on OS about how I needed my space, (or some dumb shat) and was going to take a break from OS for awhile.. then settled into a case of BIG TOP WORRY.
Finally, Theresa got so worried about me we got in a BIG hairy fight because I was to CS to go to the ER. One of those 2 day fights. I blew my top, then felt like a total prick. I told Theresa on this last Friday, "enough is enough.. I don't want to die. Let's go to the ER." And we did.
I found out that my blood pressure is so bad, Stroke ought to be my middle name. My Cholesterol is about the same, off the chart. But they couldn't get any of the numbers under control and so they checked me into the hospital.
Friday night was terrifying. Saturday night I was so scared I was in tears. I just lost it, because of all the tests that were run on me, the one I really needed to see the aneurism, (CT Scan) I couldn't get it because I am deathly allergic to the contrast they inject you with in order to see the leak.
At the moment I am, (for lack of a better word) fucked until I can find a contrast that can be used with a CT Scan that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The doctor and his staff looked into it but I don't know what they found other that the fact that I couldn't do it and then they checked me out, today, Sunday.
Here I sit, typing this and still not sure that I have one or that it might burst any second and kill me dead and a $40k hospital bill.
Happy New Year... Ric
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daisyjane
Dina Horwedel
CreekEnd UK
Procopius
Christina Simon
Ed Stein
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Prayers and paws crossed, Ric.
Do you hear me?
GET BETTER!
I'll think about you in good ways.
Come back with GOOD news.
Am pulling and praying for you Ric.
I am so sorry.. prayers and hugs coming your way.
HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGg
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" You should be pretreated with Prednisone 50mg 13, 7, and 1 hour before the procedure and benedryl 50 mg 1 hr. before the procedure. Low osmolality contrast media ( LOCM) should also be used. It is more expensive but allergic reactions to this dye are less. Talk to your dr."
Just FYI, Most adverse events occurring after contrast media are NOT allergies. Feeling warm, flushed, nauseous and even vomiting are side effects of the drug, not allergic reactions. Some people are very sensitive to contrast, but not allergic. It usually helps to slow the rate of administration of the contrast media; this will usually reduce symptoms.
Shellfish 'allergy', btw, is unrelated to response to 'iodinated' contrast and would not be a cause to skip use of CT contrast. (there are many resources on this, see http://www.vhl.org/newsletter/vhl2004/04dcalrg.php)
Look at it this way, they've shown that you should do unto them as they are doing unto you. I don't see any message more clear than that one. Please find a way to save yourself. Please.
I have no complaints at all about the Nurses, & CNAs. They were angels and treated me with respect.
But I am really beginning to believe I was booted for lack of insurance, of course there is probably no way to prove it. And why would I want to cause a hassle anyway? They did find I was one step away from a stroke and now I am working on getting myself back from the abyss, so to speak.
Had I not gone to the hospital, like I did, My blood pressure and cholesterol was going to kill me. Not if but when.
I need that other test and have gotten some great tips, (like gabby abby's) that has set me in a new direction because a friend of mine in the UK sent me an email saying basically the same thing as her. This is what has led me to think I was canceled out of the CT scan when they suddenly realized I was a charity case. It's what they call a reality bummer, no doubts about it.
Thank you all for your comment and encouragement.
Lezlie
With love.
Good wishes for your buddy too.