Won't be fobbed off any more

Hi all,

I posted last week because I had chest pain and breathing problems - the PM clinic had refused to see me to check my settings as they said they were OK and I needed to see my GP.

In my primary care trust in the UK you are discharged by cardiology as soon as your settings seem OK - in my case, 6 months and one appointment after insertion.

Well, I've localised the pain to the area where the leads are attached to the heart - and the vein where the leads are is very tender and irritated (no infection though).

I saw my GP yesterday and insisted on a referral back to cardiology for further investigation, he absolutely agreed.

Woe betide the first doctor who even suggests anxiety as a cause - I couldn't be a more laid back person, very stoical and can put up with a lot - I can't tolerate much more of this pain though,

Will let you know the outcome.

Thanks for reading.

3 Comments

Self-advocacy is the thing

by Griddlebone - 2014-12-12 09:12:53

And it sounds like you know how to work the system. I hope you feel better soon.

update

by rsingh - 2014-12-27 12:12:07

Aicha, any update on your condition?
my mom is having similar pain in her chest and the cardiologist said everything is normal.

my mom is unable to tolerate the pain either.

Update

by aicha - 2014-12-28 07:12:55

My pain was so bad I didn't think I'd survive it at one point - however, this is how I'm handling it:

I keep any suspicion of acid reflux at bay by taking an antacid immediately I suspect any acid

I stopped taking NSAIDS and now only use an ibuprofen gel on my chest wall

I take only small doses of paracetamol for pain - when absolutely necessary

I stretch my rib areas, back and front, several times a day

I breathe deeply through my diaphragm several times a day

Cardiology have ruled out any heart related problems - I am now waiting to have my lungs etc. looked at, along with my diaphragm - I suspect this is something I will have to live with and hope I have more good days than bad.

I hope this helps your mum, I hope she improves

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