Car accident

go to the ER

by dwelch - 2017-04-23 15:48:19

Go to the ER, they can do an EKG and see if your pacer is working, or they can dig up a unit to interrogate your device or send you somewhere (in an ambulance so you are monitored).  I am wondering if you broke a lead.

Better safe than sorry...

AccidentI w

by maryellen - 2017-04-23 16:48:43

Thanks to both of you.  I will let everyone know what hapened but whatever it is wear you seatbelt!  I wouldn't be here if I did not have it on!

When it comes to your heart, dont hesitate!

by AWorth - 2017-04-24 22:47:45

God had you in his hands. Its good to hear that you are now safe when it couldve been much worse! But crap, that is extremly traumatic. Not just physically but emotionally as well, and when it comes to your heart I have found that it is better to get it checked out asap. Nothing is gaurenteed and these doctors are only humas, as are we, which makes them prone to mistakes too. But that doesnt mean just accepting answers if you yourself dont feel comfortable or feel that something isnt right. Trust your gut. It could be due to inflamtion from the accident or possible fluid built up. This site is amazing, and  it pays to get as many opinions as you can from not only from doctors but from anyone going through similiar situations. Best of luck and sending prayers and positive vibes your way!  God bless! 

BTDT...

by donr - 2017-04-25 01:07:03

..have that Tee shirt done in gold thread!

4:30 PM, 12 June 2007 - got T-Boned by a Jeep Cherokee doing 35 MPH.  Took its hood ornament in the rigtht shoulder through the door post on a Chrysler Minivan.  Head went thrugh the passenger side window; broken right collar bone, 8 brolen rins on right side, collapsed right lower lobe of lungs, lacerated liver, bruised kidney.  New PM lead 12 weeks previous.  Wearing a "PM" tag around neck.  Thought I had a brain concussion & broken neck.

ER was a disaster in many respects.  No one knew I had a PM till approx 1 hr later they were cutting my tee shirt off & found my tag.  NEVER called for a Cardio to check my PM out.  Never X-rayed my heart regions to find if PM or leads suffered any damage.  Liver & kidney took care of themselves.  Lung had to have fluid drained w/ a suction pump.  No concussion because I was wearing a skateboarder's helmet.  No broken neck, either.  Been on Coumadin for over 5 yrs, it was on my tag, but it was not till I constantly brought it to their attention that they gave me a shot of Vitamin K to counteract the Coumadin.

On specifically to the PM:  Got ut of the hosp 12 days later & went to see my Cardio the next day to be checked out.  He was furious that the hosp had not done so.  Had XRays taken, echocardiogram, ECG, PM download all done. 

New lead was still in place, happy as a clam.  ECG & download showed ZERO anomalies! 

BUT!!!!! Echo showed that I now had a mild aortic aneurysm that has remained stable till today.  No fluid around heart.  I learned later, after browsing through a text in #2 Daughter's library (she's an ex ER Doc) that a critical aspet of ER radiographic practice is to XRay the heart just to see if it has developed an aneurysm.  You see, the heart is NOT really anchored well in the chest cavity,  All the humongous blood vessels act as the major anchors - they are very tough dudes!

Bottom line - trot over to your Cardio's office ASAP for a complete work-up.  Only he/she really knows what can go w3rong under major thoracic trauma - well - maybe others know, but the cardio cares more about the results.

Donr