Have You Taken Anything You Shouldn’t?

30 October 05 | 7 comments

I had originally planned to write the whole story, but let’s just cut to the chase.

Last night I ended up in the ER at a local hospital after waking up with a racing heart that wouldn’t slow down, sweating, faintness and tingling limbs, and the worst case of agitation known to (wo)man. To say I was scared would be more than a slight understatement, and I think fucking terrified would still be downplaying it. I had waited about 20 minutes before waking Coffee – I tried to lay down, to curl up, to walk around, to drink water, and I just kept thinking I was going to pass out.

After a bit of discussion, most of which centred around me saying, “I don’t want them to think I’m being stupid…” and Coffee saying, “You’re freaking out…we should go.”, we got in the car and drove to Burlington. We arrived at 3 am, with me trying to avoid hysterics, and they checked all my vitals (pulse:140bpm, bp 160/111) and then ushered me into an open room where I tried to distract myself from my impending death. I kept repeating my mantra, “Family history…family history…family history..” to anyone who gave me a skeptical look.

After the chest xray and the ECG and blood work, which all appeared normal (except thyroid – the results will come back in a day or two, I believe) they sent me home at 6am. I couldn’t sleep – every time I started to close my eyes I’d start to panic (which is a lovely feeling). I finally fell into light sleep around 8, and have spent most of today alternating between feeling fine and feeling anxious and feeling faint.

The highlight was the doctor on call who took my vitals and all that, then asked, “Have you taken anything you shouldn’t?” which legitimately perplexed me, and my pause probably made him wonder what the hell was wrong with me. I said, “I don’t understand the question.” and he said, “Drugs or anything?” which made me laugh. Of course, my next thought was, “Does he mean..EVER? ‘Cause, like I *was* seventeen once..”

Sooooo… I suppose it’s good that I have a cardiologist appointment in two weeks.

7 comments

FlippyO on 30 October 05 at 5:04 pm

Yeah, 17 was my big year for taking things I shouldn’t too.

I’m glad they didn’t find anything wrong in the ER. Could it be anxiety, since you’ve been thinking (read: obsessing…and I only say that because as your new best friend, I’m concerned) about your impending demise? Maybe a little Xanax or Valium would help both the thoughts and the anxiety. But then, I’m not a doctor, although I just read a book about a doctor, so maybe that counts. ;)
Chicklet on 30 October 05 at 8:13 pm

Wow that sounds scary!!! I am glad you are okay, even more glad to know you are going to the cardiologist soon. I can completely understand your anxiety over it all though, I think anyone would be anxious – even without the history! I hope you can sleep really well tonight, I am sure you are tired by now :(

So did you ask Coffee what he put in your drinks last night ??? LOL j/k :P
Michelle on 30 October 05 at 8:33 pm

I’m glad you are ok, sweet pea. Please take care of yourself. The top posting joke is only funny if you DON’T die, see? ;)
Monika on 30 October 05 at 8:38 pm

Hope you’re feeling MUCH better by now, Dana! It sucks to go through that … I’ve been there … hopefully it’s just stress related and will all settle down in the coming days! (((((((((((((((Dana)))))))))))))))))
Karen on 30 October 05 at 10:03 pm

Yikes. I hope everything is OK.
Elizabeth on 31 October 05 at 1:28 am

That sounds really freaky and scary. Hope you’re feeling a lil better today.
Thought you were supposed to wait til Halloween for the big scares! ;]
Seriously though, it’s always a good thing to follow your instincts and go and get checked out. Is there anyway the Cardiologist’s office would move up your appt considering what you just went through?? Cuz it would probably help that busy brain o’ yours!
Chz on 31 October 05 at 5:46 am

Hope you’re okay! I did know a guy back at YU who had it happen twice to him (once in the middle of being “intimate” in the car), but so far as I know he’s been fine since then. It may just be one of those freaky things.

*hugs*