I Arrived in Tenerife Monday 18th March and woke up on Tuesday with pain in my left shoulder and upper left arm, originally I thought I’d just slept funny so decided to just get on with my holiday but as the days past the pain got more and more and started spreading further down my arm. By Friday the pain had got al, the way down to wrist I was getting really worried in case I was having a heart attack or something heart related with it being my left arm. I decided to Phone St Thomas’s hospital in London to get some advice. The senior cardiac advanced Nurse Practioner who I’d got to know was on holiday but I spoke to her colleague who does the same job. I explained my symptoms and explained I had no chest pains or breathlessness just the severe pain in my shoulder and left arm. She said I needed to go straight to the local hospital in Tenerife but I said I fly home the following day and I’ll go to A&E as soon as I get home but she was insistent and said I mustn’t fly until I get the all clear as she was really concerned as apparently heart attacks can be the instant body jerking type we tend to see on TV but she said they can also be slow acting with very little symptoms but just as dangerous , so I’m now really worried and got a taxi straight to the hospital.
When I arrived there was a bit of a queue but as soon as I explained my symptoms I got put to the front of the queue and saw a nurse initially who took my blood pressure and did an ECG. I then waited to see a doctor who asked when I was flying home I told him the next day and he said you won’t be flying home tomorrow and we may keep you in. I’m now panicking as all my possessions are in the hotel which I’m supposed to vacate the next morning by 11am. He asked if I had anyone with me I said no he told me to let family in the UK know that I wasn’t coming home. So I rang my best mate and asked him to let my family know and ring them all for me which he did. The doctor then said he wanted blood tests doing to check the enzymes in my heart and chest X-ray’s . Once the results came back he called me in and said there’s good news and bad news the good news is all the tests so far are normal the bad news is we’ve got to try to get you to see a cardiologist who will do a Doppler Echo on your heart and do a fitness test on a treadmill before issuing you with a fit to fly certificate, but he didn’t know if there was anyone free to see me today. I sat waiting for an hour and must admit I was getting quite emotional sitting there worrying on my own. He then called me back in and said a cardiologist would see me so a nurse who spoke perfect English took me to another part of the hospital to the cardiology unit. The cardiologist I saw asked lots of questions but she didn’t speak English so the nurse was translating she said she wanted to perform another ECG herself then do the Doppler Echo then she put me on a treadmill wired me up to a computer with lots of electrodes attached to me and put a really steep incline on the treadmill.She did 3 different speeds each one lasting what seemed like 5 minutes. Once the electrodes were removed and I got dressed we went to her office for the results she said the ECG was normal the ECHO looked really good she said who ever has done your operation has done a great job it’s really neat and the blood flow is good she said the exercise test showed I was fit for a Male of my age and in good physical shape. She said she was happy to issue the fit to fly certificate and the outcome was that the problem was muscuskeletal and it was either a badly torn muscle , a frozen shoulder or a trapped nerve. She told me to go to my GP when I got home as I would need physiotherapy to sort it out .
Then the shock came as I had to pay the bill it totalled €750 I’m going to try to claim it on my holiday insurance but I’m worried that because the hospital were worried about my heart and did the ECHO ECG and fitness test they might use my AVR against me but I’ll let you know about that at a later date
I’ve been to my doctors today and the GP examined me and made me do some movements of the arm and pressure tests and she thinks it’s a trapped nerve and she’s given me tramadol ( which I know is really strong ) for the pain as paracetamol is not doing anything and referred me to a physiotherapist
Apart from the pain and the hospital visit I did have a good holiday and being in the sunshine was brilliant and THANK GOD I got the all clear on my heart and it was a trapped nerve.
I think my life is becoming a comedy of errors for your enjoyment don’t take this the wrong way but I’m hoping not to post anything else for the next 6 to 12 months as that would mean my life is normal and boring like everyone else, I’m ready for a bit of boring lol 😂😂😂😂. Only joking but you know what I mean I mean uneventful health wise rather than boring and you all must be getting sick of reading my posts by now.
On Thursday I’m off to Benidorm for 4 nights with my mates to celebrate one of my mates special birthday and I’m hoping it goes smooth and there’s nothing to report other than me finding a special lady to spend my life going forward with as that’s just what I need right now as I’m ready to settle down again with someone special 😀😀😀👍👍
Take care lovely people and I hope your all doing fantastically well and making the most of your new life
Hugs to you all
Pete xx
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Ticktock61
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Bloody hell Pete!! What a nightmare for you and so scary. A trapped nerve is really painful but better that than heart! I hope Benidorm is less traumatic than Tenerife and that you meet the woman of your dreams. Take care. Lots of virtual hugs and kisses. Zxxx
I don't think some how he will have any peace in Benidorm Suzy1954. We all hope it will be a good break with your mates Pete. You may find your perfect lady there.😍
Hey Pete, wow, in a way a nightmare but also you got a really good "review" of the heart work, which is reassuring (for me too, given the same hospital/team etc)! But crickey you're living a blockbuster novel right now it seems. But keep well, keep sane, and keep movings (arms/shoulders especially). And e viva off to sunny Spain and enjoy. You so very much deserve it. Keep us posted on the next gripping instalment (which I hope is just "my day by the pool"! Nic x
Excellent Pete. Yes I'm doing well thanks. Went swimming for first time post op at the weekend, bit sore after (perhaps ambitiously did 20 lengths) but also felt good. Also back to work full time, sadly. But yes things so far uneventful (but taking note that you can never tell!) and all ok. Will raise a glass to a great trip for you! X
Well done with the swimming keep it going you will feel the benefit long term I love going to the gym and swimming but try not to let your operation manage you you manage it and be healthy but still enjoy your life .......too many people stop living because they become obsessed with what they should and shouldn’t do
I’ll raise a glass to you Nic in Benidorm it’s fantastic your doing so well 😀😀 xx
Hi Pete, you don’t do things by halves do you?!?! Honestly, can’t even let you have a little holiday without making a song and dance of it! Joking aside, so glad it wasn’t anything serious and that you can get the money back on insurance. I think once you’ve had anything to do with your heart you naturally get concerned about aches and pains in that area.
Hope you have a great time in Benidorm and try not to visit their hospitals.
Hi Wendy not sure I can get the money back from the insurance but I won’t let it get me down if I can’t ill just put it down to one of life’s learning curves I’m determined to have a smooth trip this time
Bloody hell Pete, you don't do things by halves do you?
This pain in the shoulder thing seems to be frequently written about. I first noticed bypass patients talking about it who had not long had their op. Someone explained that the surgeon can and does shove your body about into some weird positions during the surgery. Seemed a fair explanation to me.
Anyway, several months after my surgery I started to get the occasional rather nasty pain (albeit in my right shoulder) if I should reach out and put my arm into the "wrong" position. Not just a twinge but a right nasty pain that would last for ten seconds or so. I put up with it for a while but went to my GP and he sent me for a scan. He didn't think it was related to the op and the guys who did the testing said all seemed to be in good working order and that "time would be my best friend".
Its gradually getting better but every now and then I'll do something stupid and set myself back a week or two. Most recent was me being lazy and trying to put a coin in a car park ticket machine while twisting my arm out of the car's window.
Keep us posted my fellow by-pass-buddy-with-a-dodgy-shoulder.
Yes I’ve read that too on posts but I think mine has only just happened and it’s a trapped nerve not post op muscle damage ............ I just want it sorting and the pain to go away as it’s stopping me going to the gym and I really enjoy going
Sounds like my recent nitemare in a french hospital and them trying to put me through all the same tests. I ended up discharging myself when they tried to keep me in a second night to give me an angiogram. I too rang my cardiologist in UK and he asked me what my troponin levels where.I said below 5 so he said just get home..I got out of there and onto a ferry in a force 12 gale..saw the cardiologist next day and now awaiting second angiogram just to check..but it's now becoming apparent I have Microvascular angina..as I've always suspected Again like you I've just received a bill for £745 from French hospital. But I have a feeling my insurance won't pay it..Sadly it's all ended costing me more than £900 when the trip was £300 and I only got one full day out of it..so all in all it all be £1200 for a days trip..Disaster. Never again..It's now stopped me wanting to fly or go away on my own...I used to be an outgoing independent guy..
Hello Pete glad to hear you had a good check up and your heart is fine We were in Tenerife this year and due to leave 27 Jan Brian had about three days prior of chest pain on and off which he thought was bad indigestion (The hotel called a doctor out on the Thursday who also passed it off as this and charged us 110 euros) On the morning of departure he had the pain constantly and at 4pm as we were about to leave the hotel for the airport he collapsed and stopped breathing Luckily a nurse was on the coach and she revived him The ambulance paramedic worked on him for forty mins before we could go to hospital for immediate angioplasty through his wrist and two stents fitted to clear a blood clot in his main artery If you got charged for your treatment I guess you did not go to the great Santa Cruz hospital or did you not have the blue EHIC card (which we are about to lose I guess) We cannot fault their hospital Brian had the greatest of care, like you say alot of the staff do not speak English, and we had to stay a further three weeks before able to fly We were due to fly to Benidorm on 5 Feb so we also waiting for our travel insurance claim to be approved Now we stay in the UK for a few months and get more expensive travel insurance sorted! Brian is very happy to be alive of course and we really have to check out every pain we have like you did Pete Really hope your shoulder is better soon If you can find a Bowen therapist in your area the pinched nerve will be released instantly and you will have no need for pain relief This therapy gets to the source of the problem and costs £35 to £40 I have used this for over twenty years Have a great time with your mates and I hope you have many more fun holidays with a nice lady to share with Take good care x
Oh my god poor Brian and poor you that must have been hurendous for you both. I was petrified and feared the worse being on my own but to collapse and having to be revived and then to be operated on in another country doesn’t bear thinking about. Thank you for the information re Bowen therapy I’ll look into that straight away. I hope Brian is ok doing well and you get your insurance claim sorted and have the courage to rebook Benidorm and enjoy the holiday you both deserve
Yes it was a very traumatic time Pete Brian was in hospital for 6 days The staff at the hotel and the holiday reps gave me great support and that care and understanding continued until we left We have made some great friends there He is fine thanks Pete still waiting for a cardiology appt not til May but our GP is reviewing his medication in a week or so
I really hope you have luck finding a Bowen therapist
I agree. I've had severe spinal pain and trapped nerves in spine and shoulder for 20 years. Bowen therapy is the ONLY Thing that has helped me. Physio makes it worse.
A good therapist should tell you right away that if there's no improvement in 3 treatments, they will not continue. Avoid anyone who suggests otherwise. IT's a very odd treatment, involving NO manipulation, no undressing, just short rolling movements with the therapist's thumb then several minutes rest to let it work. Sounds weird but REALLY works.
19 years ago I was bedridden for 9 months in so much pain I couldn't even sit up. If I hadn't discovered Bowen I doubt I would still be here. He even treated my dogs; one for jaundice which cleared up in a week after just one treatment (My vet couldn't believe it)and one for a movement problem. Sadly that therapist has now moved away and there's no one as good within reach.
OMG! you know to live! So good to hear that you were dealt with so efficiently - one of the things I think we all worry about if going abroad. So glad the outcome is perhaps less scary and I wish you all the luck in the world with the woman of your dreams! Seems to me you deserve it. Waiting now patiently for the next episode! x
To be honest I hope there isn’t a next episode I just would like a period of normality please read “BarBrians” comment just above yours that’s when it gets scary but thank god he’s ok
Goodness, Pete, what a nightmare but so pleased that not heart related. From my trip to Madeira I've realised that once you get there and can unwind holidays can be great. But there is a lot of stress in coping with airports. Also sitting on a plane for a while and then jumping up and trying to manhandle your heavy suitcase off the airport carousel can be challenging and lots of opportunity for pulling a muscle or trapping a nerve or whatever. Hope Benidorm goes smoothly and you will be with friends to give you lots of support. Hope also that your special person is just round the corner. If anyone deserves something nice to happen it's surely you.
Hi Dunestar so glad you had a great time in Madeira and I probably did trap a nerve on day one as when I got to the hotel they were servicing the lift and I had to carry my case up 4 flights of stairs that’s the only thing I put it down to so in future I just need to realise I need to take more care with heavy lifting
Hope you get away again soon because the sunshine and the sea makes a world of difference
I am severely disabled for 20 years with trapped nerves in spine and shoulder and often have [pain down my arm and behind my shoulder blade so last August when the pain got bad, I assumed that's what it was. I also had shocking indigestion. IT was only 2 days later when the arm pain changed slightly an went into my hand that I suspected it was different and rang 999. Thank goodness I did as it was a 100 blockage and a heart attack. You did absolutely the right thing. IT is very very difficult to tell he diference.
That’s why I was so scared I thought it was a heart attack I’ve still got the pain now and it’s quite strong but everyone is assuring me it’s a trapped nerve so I will have to believe the advice I’ve been given
Did you use your E111 and had you told your Insurance Company of your previous hospitalisation prior to going on Holiday ?? Have you told them again, after your recent adventure now you are visiting Benidorm ??? Looks like it was a good Banyan after all.
I was told the E111 wasn’t acceptable for the treatment I had and it would need to be paid for I’m waiting for my GP to fill in the insurance claim form which hopefully will be completed today so I can send it off as I fly out to Benidorm in the morning and this one will definately be a good Banyan lol😂😂😂😎
Hi, glad you are home safe. Watch the thieves in Benidorm they are everywhere!!! we had our bags stolen from the beach when we went in the sea, and others in our hotel had been pickpocketed. Best to put your wallet in your front pocket the hotel owner told us, shame as Benidorm has a beautiful beach and sea. lf you go into the old town you may find that special lady, good luck and have fun.
I’ve been to Benidorm quite a few times and always had a great holiday. As for the old town and finding the special lady !!! I think she might have a few bits more than I require lol 😂😂😂😂 ........ nice one !!!
Oh Pete you are so funny l laughed so loud at 11 mins past 5am when l woke up! An old trick a mate told us, is to look out for the Adams apple being much larger with people of a certain gender. Hope you have a great time, chose a few "ladies" to hedge your bets, hee, hee. Take care, Sue.
It was great thanks good to hear your husband is safe and through the worst St Thomas were fantastic with me . Tell him he’s at the point where things start to get easier and better everyday and although he may have the odd hiccup like we all do there are far more positives than negatives in the next few weeks and make sure he goes to cardiac rehab classes as mine were fantastic and really worthwhile in another 4to 6 weeks he will feel like a new man
Good luck to you both and hope the rest of 2019 is fantastic for the both of you
Thanks. He had a surgery via minimal incision so I think this will help his recovery. Hes 40. The surgeon has said he won't need the cardiac classes ? Did you find they helped? We are based in Cornwall so will need to see what's available. I think one of the questions when we go back to St Thomas will be when can he jog/run again as last time he did jog he passed out hence the surgery. I agree with you re St Thomas our cardiac nurse ,Shiny , was brilliant!
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