Day in hospital

[Paper65]

Hi

I am calling on people's knowledge/experience here to try to explain where medics have been unable.

So on Tuesday eve I had an AF episode lasting 5 hrs, disappointing but I'm still only 4 weeks post ablation. Straight after I had a bloated stomach and Lots of abdominal pain which has lasted since.

I have also returned to work but only part time at the moment.

Getting ready for work this morning I had the most intense sharp pain under my right shoulder in my chest. I can only describe it as a hot burning pain sensation that took my breath away.....the pain slowly spread across my chest into my throat and my upper abdomen. This lasted about 20 mins...afterwards I felt really tight across my whole chest and my heart felt like a brick it was so heavy in my chest.

I considered heartburn but I'd taken my medication that morning and I don't experience heartburn like that. I was significantly worried to ring 111 who sent a paramedic and he subsequently called an ambulance.

I've spent the entire day in hospital, they have run loads of tests and ruled put heart attack...I didn't think it was (lifestyle I'm really low risk....genetically very high risk)

The conclusion was .....,,, could it be panic attack......never had one and wasn't knowingly anxious. Could be a muscle tear in chest wall and finally it's a typical chest pain and make sure you keep your cardiology apt.

My question is.... What is a typical chest pain? And has anyone experienced similar symptoms? I'm curious to know what happened to me...... And if I can now relax or if is should be worried.

Thank you in advance

T

[Hidden]

I would suggest that somehow your Vagal nerve has become inflamed/aggravated/got dysfunctional. Bloating would be one of any number of symptoms associated with this. Chest pain as you describe in many people and upper abdomen can be other symptoms. Be aware that you may get other issues associated with digestive system too. Do not panic. Do suggest you read up on vagal nerve and also 'Google' diagram schematics of vagal nerve to help you understand. It is a nerve connecting brain and a number of organs, it acts like an information super highway and amongst other things controls both heart and digestive system.

In time you may find some foods and drinks may create similar issues. You may also from time to time experience, burping, flatulance, lower intestinal gurgling, diahorrea - not all at once, but, certainly at random. You may also, accompanied with bloating, feel pressure and pain right over the heart.

John

[Paper65 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that's really interesting and explains a lot. I will read up on the Vaal nerve. I really appreciate the reponse,

[Paper65 in reply to Paper65]

Sorry for the wrong spelling should say response.

[azriverrat]

As said could be vagal nerve possibly damaged. Most heal but you should be checked out reasonably soon.

[Paper65 in reply to azriverrat]

Hi, thank you....daft question but should I just go to the GP or discuss with my EP?

[CDreamer]

The important thing is that you have been checked out and there was no immediate concern. I would go to see your GP and discuss with them first.

I had some chest pain after ablation which came and went for a few weeks.

Sometimes stuff happens and we don't get to know what caused it.

I doubt very much if it was a panic attack - I find doctors come up with that as a general get out A speak for 'I really don't know'. Panic attack more often starts with a sense of not being able to catch your breath, a sort of gasping for breath taking air deep into lungs, followed by chest pain. The way you describe it was the other way around.

[Paper65 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you

[Hidden]

If it helps - I can confirm I have all sorts of peculiar internal pain every day 24/7 although varying at random where and when. No clear pattern. I've had it for years - No one has been able to explain it other than to say visceral hypersensitivity a name that Gastro consultants use but other specialists tend to say they have never heard off. That label was in some ways better than because the medics couldn't explain - I must be depressed! Which I knew I wasn't. I also knew I didn't have panic attacks. My system does have a lot of inflamation and at times feels toxic - I get the bloating and pains as you describe and quite often very hot raw pain in my heart If this is new you are right to check it out. The only thing I can say is - I've had it for years so I know from experience nothing is going to happen or so far years later something classed as serious has not happened. I also understand your question about what it a panic attack because I don't feel anxious but it has made me question that my body is re-acting in a panic type way, unconsciously. I hope you take some comfort from that fact that funny things as you describe do go on for no clear cut reason. I agree about the vagus nerve as a possible cause and have read up about it.

As you had ablation 5 weeks ago having had my Number 2 in January - I can also say I had quite a bit of disturbance after 4 weeks and my 1st AF then. The it settled then another 4 months on and again it has settled. There is a lot of healing to happen. I was told post op they will know better after a year. I did find that both AF events settled within 3-4 hours with pill in pocket at home. After the AF events I then get a lot of pain as you describe and then it will settle again. I hope it some way this is re-assurance for you that funny stuff does go on but until you are happy and confident then you are right to check it out and discuss with medics.

[Paper65 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that is really reassuring, I feel loads better today and have read up on the vagus nerve. I think I will go and discuss with the GP but I have quickly recovered from whatever happened and I will know next time

[Hidden]

Did you have a Troponin test?

[Paper65 in reply to Hidden]

Hi John-Boy

I have never heard of it, what does it test?

[Hidden in reply to Paper65]

If you've had a heart issue your body can produce an enzyme called troponin. Last year it was publicised that women produce a lower amount of troponin than men, hence the need to differentiate between the results for men and women. This BHF document explains:

bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-ma...

[Paper65 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for taking the time to send that, very interesting, I am going to make an appointment with the GP to discuss this.

[Hidden in reply to Paper65]

It's a simple blood test and you'll wait about a week or so for the results. I know that clinicians don't like patients who consult Google but ask whether it was a specific test for women. I had a troponin test some years ago when I passed out in work.

If you feel awkward about raising questions with a clinician, consider this. A couple of years ago I was prescribed a drug to restrain AF, but I had side effects that seemed like pulmonary toxicity according to articles on the Internet. At the first two admissions to hospital I was told that I didn't have pulmonary toxicity; they also told me on the second admission that they didn't know what I had and they were running out of drugs to treat it. On the third admission my scans were looked at by the Professor who led the department. I was told that I did have pulmonary toxicity. That night, sterling work by the North Bristol Lung Centre kept me in this world; I was later told that I had been close to death. Don't be afraid to ask questions even if some clinicians don't like it. We are responsible for bodies and we can only do it through knowledge.

[Paper65 in reply to Hidden]

Oh gosh how scary; thank goodness you knew what you were talking about and that it was found on time. I nearly didn't ring for advice on Friday as I thought I was causing a fuss probably for nothing. Following your advice I will be asking for this test or at least confirmation it was done at hospital. Thank you so much for the advice. Life is too precious to not ask the right questions on that you are absolutely right .

Have a lovely day