What to do for someone having chest pains?

[Rajah]

My mom's having some chest pain right now, but we don't *think* it's a heart attack. Could be, but don't think so.

We've given her 2 Bayer, have her lying down, with feet propped up, is there anything more?

Her face is not read, no fever or chills, haven't checked her pulse.

What else? If these don't go away in a couple of minutes, we'll get her to the ER that's 10 minutes away or so.

 

[pumba]

CALL YOUR DOCTOR .......NOW...please and let her get checked anyways.......

 

[janette]

I think I'd just call the Dr too, a trip to the ER they will check her pulse & blood pressure in triage and you could decide then if you want more. The amount of stress she's had this week would cause almost anyone to feel bad but any chest pain needs attention.

 

[Margie J]

Don't assume it's not a heart attack. Not to say it is but don't self diagnose a situation such as this.

Chest pain can be a symptom of everything from stomach/ulcer problems, lung problems to a heart attack. Especially in women past menopause it's best to get the advice of a Doctor. Better to go to the ER for an evaluation and feel silly that's it's only a stomachache than to have a real emergency on your hands if it's something worse.

 

[Rajah]

Okay, just talked to her. She said this has happened before under times of stress, and she's seen the doctor about it several times before. They've said to do exactly what we just did and relax for a few minutes. If it goes away in a couple of minutes (which it has), okay. If not, go to the ER. So we're following her Dr's advice.

 

[kapica3]

Even though your mom has been to Dr. before I would make an appointment again even if this has passes by then. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Been there! And I've gone to the ER with the worst pain imaginable only to have them do an EKG which came out normal, blood, etc. Just freaking out from stress! But if it happens to her again, I would probably take her to the ER to be sure.

 

[wilderness01]

Call 911, you never know.

 

[Rajah]

She's doing just fine now, but yes, I am going to see if she'll go to the doctor next week, tomorrow if possible. She won't go anywhere but back to her house right now.

 

[DisneyObsessed]

Maybe the doctor could give her something to take the edge off for a while. The kind of stress all of you have been going through lately isn't good for anyone.

 

[Rajah]

The doctor has given her the generic of Xanax, but my mom has always had a problem with muscle relaxers and that type of thing. She took half of one the other night, and still had trouble walking the next morning 12 hours later.

She may have to have only Rescue Remedy (homeopathic remedy that works on similar principles as aromatherapy), because that was helping without giving her side effects (ditto for me). Doesn't work as *well*, but at least she could walk with it.

But I'm going to *strongly* suggest she go see *one* of her doctors, her pick which, next week. I'm even toying with doing so myself, or at least finding out if my Dr can double the anti-anxiety/depressant I've been taking for years for sleep issues. I'm only on 1/4 strength anyway, so doubling won't hurt me, and I already know this one works for me without negative side effects (at least short term).

 

[mcnuss]

My mom's having some chest pain right now, but we don't *think* it's a heart attack. Could be, but don't think so.

I have no idea who you are and what your personal situation is, but this really frightens me. What if this had been a real heart attack!? Do you honestly think you should be asking for emergency medical advice from an anonymous message board? Does anyone? You have no idea who these people are. I don't believe someone would purposely lead you astray, but you should only rely on your own physician for answers to questions like this.

If this ever happens again, please, run for the phone, not your computer.

 

[Manda1219]

Never assume. My uncle was having chest pains for a while, they finally brought him to the ER. Turns out, he had a clog in his artery the length of an orange. The doctors agreed that it was a miracle he hadn't died. Please, be careful.

 

[Serena]

Tammi, this is not something to fool around with. Your mom doesn't want to go, and she may be telling you things to make you feel at ease so you won't take her. Next time, call an ambulance. They know what to do, and you can't afford to take chances.

 

[AZKathy]

Don't go in denial that it is nothing. Be better safe than sorry and call 911 when things like that happen. You mom has been through a terrible ordeal this past week and you never know if she was having angina/heart attack/panic attack/whatever. Only medical professionals can judge what exactly is happening, not those of us here gabbing on a Disney board. If she has any more check pains, get to to the ER!!!! Please?

I hope she is alright and you are holding up okay, too! God bless you both with what you have been through!!!!!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Tammy, I too have to agree with the majority. I've seen way too many people postpone going to an ER, thinking their chest pain was gas, stress, pulled muscle, etc. It does not matter if your mom has had this type of chest pain before which turned out to be nothing; this time it could be something. I've worked in an ER for many years, please people, do not be embarrassed to go to an ER immediately for chest pain, even if you've been there many times before for the same thing, even if you were told it was only stress related. Be glad that was your diagnosis and hope it is your diagnosis again, but do not delay going because it may not be the "real thing". You DON'T want it to be the real thing, but you won't know unless you GO! Have your mom make an appointment with her doc for an EKG, possibly a stress test in the near future, but if her chest pain comes back, take her to the ER! That also goes for chest pressure, tightness, heavy feeling, short of breath, jaw, neck or arm pain. Giving her the aspirin was good thing to do, but still, next time, go to the ER too.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Originally posted by mcnuss
I have no idea who you are and what your personal situation is, but this really frightens me. What if this had been a real heart attack!? Do you honestly think you should be asking for emergency medical advice from an anonymous message board? Does anyone? You have no idea who these people are. I don't believe someone would purposely lead you astray, but you should only rely on your own physician for answers to questions like this.

If this ever happens again, please, run for the phone, not your computer.

ITA

 

[snoopy]

{{{Tammi}}} - I am so sorry that you have this to deal with on top of everything else.

I hope you can get your Mom to go the doctors tomorrow, just for a checkup. You might have to get foreceful with her, if for nothing else, YOUR peace of mind. Are you staying with her tonight? Perhaps that will ease her discomfort some? And I agree with the others, if she says she is having chest pains again, tell her that she needs to get in the car, that you are taking her to the ER. Don't even give her a choice.

Keep us updated.

 

[Alex]

closed at the request of the original poster