Between my sister’s family and mine, we’ve racked up 25 trips to local emergency rooms. Admittedly, most were a result of raising 14 adventurous children, but we adults have to take credit for some of them. Yesterday it was my turn.
One week ago a searing pain took over my left side so powerfully I couldn’t move to reach my phone or get enough breath to yell for Birgitta in the next room. It raged for nearly an hour before subsiding but eventually went away completely.
Later that day I told Louisa and Birgitta about it but asked them to keep it quiet. Although they honored my request, they pressured me to tell my sister Mary, our family nurse. I knew if I did, she’d insist I take immediate medical action, so I decided instead to just wait-and-see.
As the week progressed, other curious symptoms popped up: two sharp pains in the upper back, occasional dizziness, achy feelings in my chest, extra fatigue. Were these warnings about an approaching heart event? I didn’t want to risk damage by waiting, but didn’t want to over-react either. So I did what I always do when I don’t know what to do.
I asked God, then decided to just wait-and-see.
A short while later, I was catching up on emails and among them was a friend’s description of an adult daughter’s new heart problem. She also shared about her husband’s unexpected heart procedure at age 70. All I could think was, “Lord, you’ve answered my prayer, and now I know what to do.”
I told Mary.
Although I wasn’t in severe pain, within 90 minutes I was packed and driving from Michigan to Chicago where the two of us walked into the E.R. at Rush Medical Center. Approaching the check-in desk I casually said, “I’m having mild chest pain and…”
In seconds I was tucked into a wheelchair and whisked toward multiple blood tests, a chest x-ray, a rolling EKG, an IV line, and hospital admittance. I didn’t even have time to notify my children. My medical adventure culminated in this morning’s treadmill stress test, monitored by a doctor, a nurse, and a tech.
The upshot of the whole episode? I’m 100% heart-healthy with less than a 1% chance of ever having a heart attack.
So what was that all about? Maybe it was to prompt gratitude for the days I’m not in an ER. It could have been to get educated about heart-health, which we did. Maybe it was to newly appreciate my sister’s love and concern. Possibly it was a dress rehearsal for what’s coming, or a test of whether or not I really trust God when trouble hits. I guess I’ll just wait-and-see.
The whole thing leaves me with several questions, but I may never get the answers. Though ER docs suggested I follow-up with my regular internist this week, I think I’ll just…
wait-and-see.
“Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; don’t let me down when I run to you.” (Psalm 25:20, The Message)
I’m very glad you were alright, Margaret, and 100% heart-healthy. Yes, God has a purpose for everything!
Margaret,
I have had some health symptoms lately that made we wonder if I should go to a doctor or not. I haven’t gotten the go ahead from God yet, either. My youngest daughter graduates this year and I have to face her graduation this week-end without my oldest daughter (she lives too far away and has two babies) and my husband. I think once graduation is over, I’ll know if I’m dealing with stress issues or not. Also I have been told to “take my peace in God.” Easier said than done. Thanks for sharing, you are so blessed to have such a large family.
I was thinking about your Vagus Nerve. It controls Cardiac and Gastric activities. I was told that whenever you have chest discomfort, chew one Tums and chew three Baby Aspirins 81 mg each. I was also told to always assume it’s your heart, and act on that presumption, first and immediately. Praying that you discover the cause of this situation, soon. ( hint: if there’s a “next time”, ask for a few heart monitor strips. Copies can be made and you will have personalize Valentine cards that say, ” Mom’s Heart Beats for You” or “Grandma’s Heart …… or any of your other names. ) Hugs.
Margaret, sooo glad that all was negative for cardiac problems….but what a scare! Your chest pain episode must have taken place on Mother’s Day (according to the date you posted). Could it be that you pulled a muscle carrying all that fruit to prepare for Kim’s bridal shower on the 11th? Did you have any testing for a gall bladder attack or a kidney stone? Sounds mysterious.
I know, because the same thing happened to me on March 27. I was driving home from a prayer time and luncheon with some dear friends, when I began to experience significant chest pain rather unlike I’ve had in the past. I ended up in the ER and went through the very same testing you did. Thankfully, everything was negative for cardiac issues. Wonder what’s going on with us? We need wisdom to know what to pursue next. Romans 8:28 and 11:33 were a source of great comfort, and Philippians 4:6,7 kept me calm.
Glad it was nothing! Our bodies are so mysterious and complex – but we know the designer and builder! Could be stress, could be a pulled muscle, a bit of pleurisy that abated on its own – God knows!!!!