Cardiac Cath Tomorrow
Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2015 1:03 pm
I've had three episodes of moderately severe retrosternal chest pain that radiated to my jaw and rearmost teeth, which is not atypical for angina pectoris.
The first occurred not long after going to bed about three weeks ago. I lay there while the pain increased in severity and when my jaw and teeth started hurting, I got up. I really thought it was related to esophageal reflux and spasm, which can really be painful, as I work out strenuously three days a week for about three hours, lifting weights, rowing, walking a treadmill or elevated indoor track and I have not had one twinge of chest discomfort.
I chewed three or four Tums and drank half a glass of water with almost immediate resolution, further suggesting reflux and spasm as the cause.
The second episode occurred while shopping at Walgreen's and I was very close to dialing 911. I went over to the refrigerators on the wall, took out, opened and drank one of those "Chugg" bottles of whole milk. Again, instant relief. And yes, I paid for the empty milk bottle at checkout.
Third episode occurred in the middle of the night last week and it was the worst. I went to the kitchen, drank some skim milk and the pain went away.
So, I talked to the cardiac surgeon I was working with since 2008. He's a workout guru, a great surgeon (my go to guy if I needed surgery) and extremely smart.
He thinks it's esophageal, as well, but suggests for "peace-of-mind" and just in case the pain occurred while I was traveling, that I should have a heart cath so I have firm knowledge of my coronary anatomy. I had a cath fifteen years ago when I was experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, but that was clean and I turned out needing thyroid replacement medication.
That second cath is going to take place tomorrow morning.
I have to take an overnight bag just in case I need a stent or something, but I'm thinking and praying that isn't going to be necessary.
I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Charlie Noyes
The first occurred not long after going to bed about three weeks ago. I lay there while the pain increased in severity and when my jaw and teeth started hurting, I got up. I really thought it was related to esophageal reflux and spasm, which can really be painful, as I work out strenuously three days a week for about three hours, lifting weights, rowing, walking a treadmill or elevated indoor track and I have not had one twinge of chest discomfort.
I chewed three or four Tums and drank half a glass of water with almost immediate resolution, further suggesting reflux and spasm as the cause.
The second episode occurred while shopping at Walgreen's and I was very close to dialing 911. I went over to the refrigerators on the wall, took out, opened and drank one of those "Chugg" bottles of whole milk. Again, instant relief. And yes, I paid for the empty milk bottle at checkout.
Third episode occurred in the middle of the night last week and it was the worst. I went to the kitchen, drank some skim milk and the pain went away.
So, I talked to the cardiac surgeon I was working with since 2008. He's a workout guru, a great surgeon (my go to guy if I needed surgery) and extremely smart.
He thinks it's esophageal, as well, but suggests for "peace-of-mind" and just in case the pain occurred while I was traveling, that I should have a heart cath so I have firm knowledge of my coronary anatomy. I had a cath fifteen years ago when I was experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, but that was clean and I turned out needing thyroid replacement medication.
That second cath is going to take place tomorrow morning.
I have to take an overnight bag just in case I need a stent or something, but I'm thinking and praying that isn't going to be necessary.
I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Charlie Noyes
