Hatrack River Forum: Medicos, should I worry or am I just being silly?

This is topic Medicos, should I worry or am I just being silly? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

Scenario:
Since Sunday, my heart has been beating irregularly for a beat or two now and then. It feels weird. My chest feels a bit weird. Right now, breathing also feels a bit (yes, just slightly) hindered.

Why I Try Not To Worry:
The irregular beats have been going on for years, and nothing has happened.
I am really stressed out over school, and very tired for the same reason.
I've always been pretty healthy, and I don't drink, or smoke, I have a good diet, and I exercise.
I'm only 22.
At my physical in July, everything was ticking along as it should. Good blood pressure, etc.
I also have something (not connected) wrong with my back that sometimes makes it hard to breathe. My back definitely was hurting today.

Why I Am Worrying:
Being 22 doesn't really mean much, I am not immortal just because I'm young.
While it's happened before, it's never been so frequent in such a short period, nor as strong/noticable.
I don't like my breathing being affected, and this too is unusual.
My medico-in-training roommate has been harping at me to go to the clinic since I mentioned it Sunday evening (I loathe, hate, and dispise the campus clinic, but cannot afford the time to go to emerg.).

Any thoughts? And for the record, tomorrow I've written down to book an appointment with the clinic, regardless. If there's an open slot with not the doctor I especially hate, I'l take it.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

You need to go see a doctor.

Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :

I agree. I have a friend with a heart murmur who's only 25, and he's had it for years. And even if it's nothing, getting it checked out won't do any harm.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Rule #1 of medical threads.

If you have to ask "Should I see a doctor?" you should just GO SEE A DOCTOR!

And that goes double for you, EL. [No No]

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

I know I should, and I am, in the morning. Elizabeth has left a lasting impression in my mind. But should I be freaking out and waking my roomies and going to emerg tonight, or can I get a bit of mind-peace and sleep and be okay tomorrow?

Because despite myself I am getting kind of scared, and I'd like a bit of reassurance I'm not going to die in my sleep. My general pattern is to ignore things because they usually go away, but when they don't to freak out (especially when I am already way overtired).

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

quote:
I know I should, and I am, in the morning.

Good girl. [Smile]

quote:
But should I be freaking out and waking my roomies and going to emerg tonight, or can I get a bit of mind-peace and sleep and be okay tomorrow?

That I do not know. Do you think you need to go? Are you breathing easily enough that you will be able to sleep?

The thing is, even if it's ok to wait until morning in theory, if you are going to be upset and nervous it might be better to go in now.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

If you can sleep and it's not getting worse, I think you're okay; you've been okay previous nights, right? But if it worsens, especially the breathing, you should go in.

(And seriously, you're 22? I didn't know you were my age, I thought you were older!)

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

quote:
If you have to ask "Should I see a doctor?" you should just GO SEE A DOCTOR!

*sigh* I guess I need to follow this advice.

Does calling a nurse line count? Or calling my dad?

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

(HA! Calling my dad DOES count!)

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

Heehee, and I thought you were older!

Actually, I am breathing better now, enough that I'm not fretting. But I'm still going to the clinic (Anyone want to place bets on whether I get told again my breathing troubles are because my bosom (a small C) is too big?). Oh well, it's better than emerg.

Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :

So, have you been to the clinic yet? If so, what did they say?

Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :

C is too big?

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

Reason #1 I hate the campus clinic, Anna. That was the same doctor who refused (or didn't undertand) to modulate his ginormous booming voice when my roomie went in for a concussion-induced migraine.

I went today, and I have an appointment for Friday. I'll be okay till then.

I miss my nice friendly and excellent family doctor. [Frown]

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

EL, you know you can file a complaint with the state board of medicine when a doctor makes a remark like that, right? And should.

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

It was ludicrous, but it was in-context, since I was complaining of back pain and breathing difficulty. I just don't get how he figured reduction surgery would help. [Dont Know]

So I chalk it up to him being a moron, is all.

It's a great source of amusement to my roomie, my mother, and my real doctor, who thought it was hilarious.

I have my appointment with a different doc.

(Oh, and I can't complain to a state agency. Provincial, though, that might be possible... [Wink]

)

Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :

Well, you can tell him that C is usually the final result of a reduction surgery, not the starting point! He should know better!

[ November 10, 2005, 08:16 AM: Message edited by: Anna ]

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

Well, I went today (not to the crazy doc). The lady I saw was pretty nice, but less thorough than I would have liked. Maybe she doesn't think it's likely for me to have problems, either, but it still would have been more comforting if she'd taken a bit more time.

Still, she did requisition some bloodwork, and a Holter Monitor test, which I need to book tomorrow. If nothing shows up and I still am feeling like this after my week of hell (this coming one) is over, I'm going to go for a second opinion with my usual doctor at home.

And thank you to everyone who posted, it was really good of you. I hate feeling alone and scared, because the alone just makes it so much worse. [Group Hug]

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

quote:
It was ludicrous, but it was in-context, since I was complaining of back pain and breathing difficulty. I just don't get how he figured reduction surgery would help.

In context, my right eye. That's really, really something you should complain about. Even if it's just incompetence. Complain to whoever governs licenses where you are. [Wink]

And I'm glad you got in, and are going to go to your usual doc if you're not better. Sounds like a plan to me. Feel better!

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

I'm glad there isn't anything obviously wrong, and VERY glad you are staying on top of this. Let us know how it goes, ok?

*hug*

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

I had my Holter test yesterday/today. It was kind of cool having all those wires stuck to me.

Cool for all of about ten minutes, and the other 23:50 hours were not as fun. I had five sticky electrodes stuck to my chest and then taped down for good measure. They pulled and itched and it is not comfortable to sleep with wires all over you. I also looked like a movie pirate taking the monitor in with me to see Harry Potter, I'm sure.

Anyway, there were a couple palpitations that I felt during the test, and a bit of chest pain. Hopefully something shows up on the monitor because it surely didn't feel right.

No results yet, and I probably won't get them for another week and a half. Oh well. Progress is progress.

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

Way back when I was a nursing student, a confused patient with a halter monitor swung the darn thing at me and hit me upside the head, landing me sprawled on the floor, seeing stars.

It was my first experience with putting a patient in restraints.

And the experience left me always a little nervous around halter monitors. If I ever had to wear one, I betcha I'd be palpitating like mad.

Hope all goes well.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

Wow, that must have been a sight to see at the movies! [Laugh]

Glad you got the test you needed. Hope they figure it out soon!

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

EL, I hope you do get some answers, and that it's good news.