It is hard to say sometimes when the sun rises, just how your day will end up. Me, I personally like to start each day a little better and a little bit happier than the previous day. Some days, however somethings are just out of your control. First comes my disclaimer on any writing or grammar issues as I am on percocet. Don't worry, it has been prescribed:)I am in the hospital and it is 5am.
I woke up yesterday and started my day as the norm. Husband breakfast...check. Son up....check. My last antibiotic from my prescription...check. This in itself was an accomplishment considering I am not a fan of taking anything (even percocet:) but sometimes when feeling sick, you have too. I had been battling a cold/flu.
After swallowing the horse pill, I started to feel some discomfort in my chest. In my mind I went through the analogies. The pill is stuck in my throat, maybe it is anxiety or maybe it was all in my head. About 10 minutes later the pain had worsened and I found myself unable to pick up Carter.
911 and a million apologies for feeling stupid for requiring attention I found myself in the ER being told my cardiac enzymes where elevated and I in all likelihood had had a heart attack. So I had an angiographm and found out I had a blockage. Angioplasty was performed and a stent was placed. I had in fact had a heart attack.
Looking back on the past few days, a few things stand out. For one, when I came into the ER I was greeted by a rather rude nurse who assumed I probably just had a pulled muscle. I am young, healthy, not over weight, don't smoke and not diabetic. Why would I be having a heart attack? The doctors were great though and I can attribute much of that to having a lady doctor who took me seriously and did not make assumptions. Due to my family history alone, she decided to do a work up and not just send me home. They all were shocked. I was/am shocked. I still cannot believe I had a heart attack.
It is because of my family history and volunteering with Go Red and AHA that I was aware of "my" norm and when I should be concerned. That and my son. I remember just thinking I had to be there for him so I need to get this checked out. I felt stupid, silly, in pain and scared. Some initial assumptions made me feel stupid, silly and scared. Bottom line is I had a heart attack. I no longer feel stupid or silly but yes, I still feel scared. I am glad I listened to my body.
13 comments:
Wow!! Bless your heart...literally! Praise the Lord you listened to your body and took the appropriate actions! You could make one heck of a PSA!
My step-dad had this happen on Christmas day. He is 60 but walks 5 miles a day. Picture of health. The twinge in his chest became bothersome and mother took him to the ER. Everything looked fine, but they kept him over the weekend to run a stress test on Monday. He passed the stress test...in fact, the tech administering it said only 2% of patients do as well as he did. One last test, the angio, because "while we have you, we might as well do it too" revealed a 90% blockage, originally dismissed as a shadow on the film and a 70% and 50% that didn't show at all. Three stents later he's as good as new.
It is stories like yours that make me realize I have to come to terms with my own health. I've got 10 years on you...it could have just as easily been me!
I will continue praying as you recover. Love Ya!
Your in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Hello Deanna,
You don't know me, but we share the Mrs. Alabama Title as a common thread. I am so very sorry to read about your very justified scare; and am so glad that you were smart enough and brave enough to call 911.
I was actually looking for you to invite you to appear as our guest during our Mardi Gras Celebration here in Orange Beach Alabama on the 12th of February when I discovered your blog. I belong to a women’s Mardi Gras Organization here on the island and we have a nighttime parade on Friday. We would provide your family with a room and of course a car and throws for the parade. Please let me know. Sounds like you could use a break!
Congratulations on your win and on your performance at the Nationals as well.
I can be contacted at the following e mail address: eva@mirams.info. Feel better and God Bless!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Eva Keesee
Mrs. Alabama International 1999
OMG. I know you have had about two years of non-stop stress from about 4 different stressors including your own frustration with weight management, and that constant pressure has got to wear down and block your body. I know you will find a way to better balance everything - I'm working on that as one of my 2010 resolutions. Last year, I resolved to start recycling paper, plastics, and cans - and I'm still doing that. This year will be harder... Good luck to you.
Sweetie I'm so sorry to read this but SO SO SO glad you got the help and attention you needed quickly. If there is anythign I can do please let me know.
Much Love,
Ang
Sweetie I'm so sorry to read this but SO SO SO glad you got the help and attention you needed quickly. If there is anythign I can do please let me know.
Much Love,
Ang
God Bless You Deanna!!! You have got to be the strongest beauty queen I know. Not to be funny, but your platform just got better! Smile!!!
Evelyn McCleod
Mrs. NJ 2010 and a Linz Fan!
mrsewnjus2007@yahoo.com - email me if you get a little extra energy you need to release.
God Bless you, Deanna. I am so sorry you had this scare. You have had a rough year. I am here for you!
Janice
Keep telling your story! It is through perserverance that we women must take care of our hearts! I was sent home with a prescription for nexium and a diagnosis of GERD-heartburn. But with my nursing knowledge and being pushy in knowing something was not right with my heart, I got the proper testing and now have a pacemaker and feeling 100% better! We women must NOT let medical personnel "blow us off" because of age and sex. Be strong for yourself and your family! You are always in my prayers!
Michelle Wegner
You don't know me personally but I attended Mrs International 2007.
I just wanted to let you know that I am very sorry to hear of your heart attack and I have you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Being an R.N. myself and an advocate for go for red , I am still surprised on how the medical community can disregard young women with signs of a heart attack.
" Strenght does not come from a physical capacity but fromm an indomitable will" Ghandi -
You do have that will-
Miss Deanna:
As a medical professional, I commend you on your insight and integrity. We have never met but i know of you through the pageant world. I have heard so many wonderful things about you and am so sorry for your experience.
It saddens me that the nurse was rude to you. But it is so easy to assume young healthy appearing people are just that- "Healthy". I know I have worked hard through the years at not automatically assuming I know what is happening with my patient based on what is "usual" for that demographic. I hope your future encounters with all the medical personnel are positive.
Hang in there because there are some tough periods ahead. I know, because I had a heart attack and a stroke in 2003. From looking at all the comments here and on FB, I know you will be surrounded by love and those who care for you.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Warmly,
Heidi Ritz Burton
Deanna-
I am thinking of you. My hubby had the same procedure in 2008, and he almost didn't go in because his symptoms weren't "normal" for a heart attack; they were merely uncomfortable and irritating. Thank you for being a spokesperson for listening to yourself, and trusting your own instincts. I wish you a speedy recovery and know that you are surrounded by love and support.
Hugs to you and yours.
Jodi (Mrs OR US 2007)
Hi Deanna,
I've never had the pleasure of meeting you personally, but do know of you through following the Mrs. International pageant. When I heard about your heart attack, I had to come here and just give you my support. I am so sorry this happened to you, but I am so happy that you recognized it, responded appropriately and are now recovering.
We never know what life has in store for us, but clearly you're a strong person, and I know you'll use this experience to not only help yourself and your family, but others as well.
Praying for a speedy recovery, and peace as you take this all in.
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