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Old 03-22-2008, 09:03 PM   #1
dannyp
Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 104
Please offer advice. Things aren't getter better.

I am a 39 year old male with constant pressure in my chest. I have frequent "spells" that begin with tightness in my chest, turning to heavy painful pressure on the left side. It is often very painful and lasts approx' 20-30 minutes before it eases off with the help of 2 to 3 nitro sprays. These attacks wipe out any energy I had prior to the attack, leaving me exhausted and nauseous.



My health dropped very suddenly almost 2 full months ago when severe chest pain dropped me to the floor an my blood pressure spiked to 210/136. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and underwent several blood tests as well as a cardiac cath test, several ECG's and x-rays. Since that time, my symptoms have been treated with Morphene, nitro spray, Ativan and several forms of blood thinners and blood pressure medications. Although I'm not as frail as I was 2 months ago, I am not able to live a "normal" life as walking up the stairs in my home bring on the attacks. Cold air brings on attacks, eating too much brings on attacks, removing a nitro patch brings them on sometimes, laying on the couch watching tv causes them...mild exercise brings them on...there seems to be no rhyme or reason to what causes them. I feel bad most of the time and relief from these symptoms are a rare treat.



I have been told that there is some dammage to an area of micro vains in my heart and that I likely have a sleep apnea. I've also been told that I may have a form of artery desiese but my blood pressure is still eratic and no tests have confirmed what anyone has said. My wife swears that I'm not getting better, I'm simply getting used to this illness.



There's speculation that I may have eusophageal spasm disorder and an upper GI is scheduled for next week. I'm currently taking;

-2 panteloc a day. 1 in the am , and 1 at bedtime.
-a daily aspirin.
-8mg hydro pill
-360mg tiazac xc at bedtime.


If anyone has any thoughts I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Dan
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Old 03-23-2008, 10:35 AM   #2
Kellir
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Re: Please offer advice. Things aren't getter better.

Im really sorry that youre going through all that. It must be really hard to deal with. I really dont have any ideas, just wanted to let ya know I feel for you.
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Old 03-23-2008, 02:21 PM   #3
flowergirl2day
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Location: Canada
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Re: Please offer advice. Things aren't getter better.

Dan,

I was in a similar position you are in and also stayed in the hospital for two weeks. I have severe, drug resistant hypertension and related organ damage. Is your cardiac damage from hypertension? I am sorry you're going through all this.
You could be describing me last year. I could not make it up the stairs without stopping. I could not do anything. Felt sick all the time. I remember going into the garden to weed one day, sitting down to be more comfortable, only to find that moving my arm required too much of an effort and I could not handle it. I just sat there and cried and cried. It is moments like those that make us question whether our lives will ever be normal again.
Our bodies are very resilient. Internal mechanisms work very hard at restoration of all functions. Most existing damage can be lessened or completely reversed. Whenever that isn't possible, our bodies find a way to compensate. Basically, we just need time to heal. Do not give up hope. I never did though came very close to it many times. Things will get better. You have to help make them happen by remaining positive. Do what you can towards that goal - one little thing every day that you can feel good about.
I was able to return to work after a ten month absence late last year.

Your sleep apnea can be treated. Your blood pressure MUST be brought under control. The longer it stays out of control, the worse the consequences. I am sure you've been counselled about your diet and stress management, which are also very important. Anyway, I just wanted to say that things will get better in time. You'll lead a normal life again - well, slightly different normal than before. You are still getting used to your medication and its side effects. That's another reason you feel the way you do. That will also get better.

Best of luck,
flowergirl
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Old 03-23-2008, 02:52 PM   #4
mod-anon
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Re: Please offer advice. Things aren't getter better.

Please post in one Board only. This thread is moved to Heart Disorders.
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Old 03-23-2008, 04:00 PM   #5
dannyp
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 104
Re: Please offer advice. Things aren't getter better.

Let me first say sorry for posting in two groups.
I had one doctor while I was in the hospital saying a big part of my problem is in my esophagus. I go for testing on the 31st. Barrium swallow.
The heart specialist in this hospital pulled my records from the heart center I had the cath test in after I signed a waiver. The heart specialist said the artery damage was in fact from high blood pressure and irreversible.
So his advice is to learn to live with it. He tells me once my medications are sorted out I will at least feel better? I want more that that. I'm fighting and holding on for things to go back to the way they were, or better.

Some days I feel pretty good at times. Never for long. But when I do, I try to do the normal things I used to. Shop for easter for my kids...grocery store. etc. Each time I do feel good I think ah.... here we go...about time I feel normal. Only to fall flat on my face in the form of severe chest pain, or just plain exaustion.

As much as I try to keep my cool it's not easy. My family doctor has me using a nitro patch all day. Then off at night.
Last night I woke up suddenly with this huge crushing feeling in my chest. I could hardly walk. Not from the pain in my chest, but more from my body just being exausted. I took three nitro sprays and a adivan (as much as I hate taking those) to get to sleep. This happened three times last night.

My blood pressure is getting better. My new normal is in the 150 ..160/high 80s to high 90s. But the chest pressure and pain is still there.
Currently I am 170/89. While wearing a nitro patch.

Thanks for your kind words Kellir.

And Flowergirl, I think you and I are having very similar experiences.
At one point I was getting three times the medication I am currently on alomg with the blood thinner needles and chewing platelette declumpers? What they are called I forgot. My diet is 100% changed. I'm trying.
Coffee is gone for good. Alcohol is gone. And salt is gone.
I bet we all have that in common here.


Flowergirl I would like to hear more about you. Tests...results.. etc.
I am more than willing to share with anyone here. Who knows. Maybe I can help someone?

Last edited by dannyp; 03-24-2008 at 12:34 PM.
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