ER visit

[pwalker801]

Had a visit to the ER room last night, had severe chest pains, constricting, not able to breathe, ton of bricks sitting on chest type 10 pain, pain was up high. EKG and xray, blood work all checked out --not the heart. I had ice cream an hour earlier, the ER dr wondered if the ice cream and the coldness of it reacted wit the prednisone. Does this sound goofy to anyone else? Thoughts? I'm still really sore in that spot this morning and of course fatigued, ( aren't we always fatigued). Will call my GP and Rheumatologist this morning, just would really like your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

[jinasc]

I know this sounds daft, but how old are you? If you do not want to publish it here, send me a PM.

[pwalker801 in reply to jinasc]

I'm 69

[SheffieldJane]

Gosh what a terrible fright you had. I am so glad that you are alright. Your experience put me in mind of a horrible chest sensation I had once, as if I had swallowed a large pebble and it was stuck. An ambulance was called and heart checks where done. The episode began to wear off. It turned out to be an Oesophageal Spasm. This threatened to happen a few times after that, sometimes accompanied by jaw pain and indigestion. On reflection I think this symptom was related to Prednisalone. It was never really explained to me. I think it says Angina in my notes, which simply means chest pain. It was very frightening. Little sips of cool water seem to help when it threatened. It was you saying following ice cream that made me think about triggers for OS.

[pwalker801 in reply to SheffieldJane]

My GP agrees with ER doctor and that it is probably prednisone related..... good news not heart, so going to treat for reflux for week with meds and see. and I'm going to stay away from ice cream for awhile....... I have been using ice cream as my reward---and thus the prednisone has helped me gain 10 lbs, mighrt be a little mind game going on to----like well at least I can still eat.... maybe some self examination is in order...... Thanks for responding--love having feedback, it really helps to know we aren't alone in the is journey.

[stellafmdm in reply to SheffieldJane]

I get this quite often, but mine started well before the prednisolone!

[Hidden]

Sounds so scary. How much ice cream did you have? Could it be the coldness, as you say, or sugar/glucose?

[pwalker801 in reply to Hidden]

It was just a small blizzard from Dairy queen, no big amount.

[SnazzyD]

If it wasn’t OS, perhaps the vagus nerve (involves heart and stomach) was irritated by the cold but nothing would necessarily show because the heart is essentially ok. Or, intercostal spasm??

[stacybila]

I have had severe sternum and mid back pain for months painful to breath deeply.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd be more inclined to think it was the icecream rather than the pred - pred is sometimes used to treat oesophageal spasm.

Are you on any other drugs?

[pwalker801 in reply to PMRpro]

just started Actemra, but was having discomfort before I started that, so pretty sure not related.... and on some stuff to help coat stomach. I've gained 10 lbs since starting this journey, I'm pretty fined boned so 10 lbs is a lot for me...... I thought the discomfort was because stomach was fuller and pushing up causing refulx, still a little inclined to think that, will give these meds a week and reevaluate.... and stay away from the ice cream. dang!

[Hidden]

I would be surprised if it's ice cream. It could be anything, knowing this condition. Could be the chemical reaction, too if you are generally intolerant.

It could be "getting too warm", exposure to UV light, whilst fully covered up with a hat on, minor dental infection, put too much black pepper in your salad...the list goes on. I couldn't resist the ice cream this afternoon, though. It would be a shame to stop the life's little pleasure.

[pwalker801 in reply to Hidden]

my thoughts exactly, with so many other things we can't control, that bowl of ice cream (chocolate moose tracks, my fav) was always a little reward. I will stay away from it for awhile, but.............

[Hidden in reply to pwalker801]

In my own experience, the second time would be much easier in terms of food that you think you reacted to. Thankfully.

[lesley2015]

HI pwaalker801

I suffer with costochrondritis-

Costochondritis, also known as chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome, or costosternal chondrodynia is an acute and often temporary inflammation of the costal cartilage, the structure that connects each rib to the sternum at the costosternal joint. The condition is a common cause of chest pain.

Not sure if this would fit the bill but apparently is quite common, sometimes the pain goes from centre of chest to the back, it can feel like a heavy weight or a sharp pain.

It can apparentlybe common with our 'type' of inflammatory condition ..... just a thought.

Hope you feel better

[piglette in reply to lesley2015]

I had costochondritis recently, it was agony, just breathing hurt.

[lesley2015 in reply to piglette]

I know it is very uncomfortable!!

[pwalker801 in reply to lesley2015]

I did ask my GP about costochondritis this morning, he didn't think so, but doesn't mean it isn't... so much about this junk the dr's dont know.

[lesley2015 in reply to pwalker801]

definitely, my GP suspected thats what I had and the consultant also agreed. Might be worth mentioning to you Rheumy when you see him/her.

[Hollyseden in reply to lesley2015]

I was treated for costocondritis before PMR diagnosis. So sore to take a deep breath and constantly aching ribs 😰 Been feeling it again recently. Dread lying down with it. Dread wakening up with PMR aches n pains. Oh happy days 😕

[Roltuba]

I have the occasional episode which feels similar to a short heart attack, been happening for a few years before and during Pred. Lasts about 5 min. No change in pulse rate. Dr sent me to RapidResponse heart clinic eventually, they looked at everything and put me on a treadmill etc and nothing showed up and GP had no suggestions (this is a guy who doesn’t really believe I have PMR either.) At some stage my OH tripped over something on the Net about Oesophogeal Spasm and it fits my symptoms perfectly. (Pain in chest spreading to jaw and shoulder). I find a small drink of ice-cold water kills it immediately. My mother and sister also get it, sister was similarly found with no heart symptoms. Still watching out to check it if anything different or longer lasting happens of course, but it’s stopped the big worry.