So that was exciting

[sessifet]

It turns out that when you call NHS Direct for advice because of shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat and you mention 'tightness of chest', 'irregular breathing' and 'I'm really scared', they send an ambulance!

And then when the EMT (a brilliant guy) turns up, you end up with four electrodes taped to you for an ECG. And later 10, because a 12-lead ECG is more detailed. Then when both show a slight arrythmia he suggests you go to hospital to get checked out 'just in case'.

So after blood tests, a further three ECGs, a chest X-ray, and an examination by a very nice doctor, I'm happy to report I'm not dying of pneumonia, lung cancer, heart attack or COPD. I've got a clean bill of health, apart from the bit where I feel I can't breathe properly (which is likely due to a lingering viral infection). I feel a bit silly in the cold light of day, but at least I can now thoroughly recommend the Major Incidents department of Cheltenham Hospital A&E. Accept no substitute!

(I also highly recommend azekeil for all your hand-holding-and-being-an-absolute-star-about-getting-dragged-out-of-bed-at-half-past-midnight-and-spending-5-hours-in-hospital-with-you-needs.)

Comments

[swaldman.livejournal.com]

I am glad that you are not dying of those things or others :-)

[ciciaye.livejournal.com]

That sounds scary. Glad you're alright! I hope the breathing problems will clear up soon. *hugs*

[cat63.livejournal.com]

That must have been horrible for you both :(

I'm glad it wasn't any worse, but it's better to be safe than sorry when you have those symptoms. I hope you feel much better soon.

[supermouse.livejournal.com]

I've heard and read health professionals (even the really busy, stressed ones) say over and over again they'd rather have fifty outcomes like yours than one who ignored things until too late. I'm very glad you're fine after all. Not being able to breathe properly (or feeling that you can't) is utterly terrifying in a visceral way.

[granny-amber.livejournal.com]

Yikes and hooray!