My first ambulance ride

[icnmgrjill]

Hey guys,

I spent last night in the hospital with some severe, at the time, heart problems. Long story short... I was testing a possible new hot drink for the ICN about six weeks ago when, just 30 minutes after drinking it, I experienced extreme gas and arrythmias. (No, we are NOT selling the tea... which was a powdered vanilla hot drink).

It has never gone away AND, unfortunately, three days ago.... I also spiked a fever and just felt deathly ill. Yesterday afternoon while waiting for a call from my doc, my heart spazzed out with a wicked case of tachycardia. We called 911 (yes, all the firemen were totally gorgeous and sweet! Very very nice).... and I ended up being admitted to the hospital over night.

The good news is that I didn't have a heart attack... I just have a very treatable sinus arrythmia and am now on heart medication at the age of 47. (Wayyy tooo young IMHO).

The bad news is that I have a classic vagal response from my heart to my stomach... so... if I get gassy... my heart gets arrythmic. Known that since I took Elavil years ago... but I think it's much worse now.

So.... the hearts fine but we're still trying to figure out what's happening with my stomach. I have tremendous gas and every time I eat, I belch for hours. Thus, I haven't eaten much and have lost 9 pounds since this began.

We suspect that all the antibiotics I took for that sinus infection just badly disrupted the bacteria in my stomach and that may be why it's happening. Or, it's the start of GERD. God only knows at this point.

So... I won't be around much this week and with my sis gone to London for two weeks tomorrow, we won't be shipping out any orders until the 24th of the month. The Fall IC Optimist is done... but it will be mailed out two weeks later than expected.

Can I just say "whyyyyyy meeeee??" The heart stuff is completely genetic from my father... and the stomach may be too. I'm just so tired of NOT feeling well. Any suggestions on fighting the gas on my stomach would be greatly appreciated.

Jill

[Bessie]

Hi Jill,
First of all THANK GOD you are o.k. I know you had to be so scared.
I have had GERD so bad at one time that I put blocks under the head of my bed to raise it so at night you don't have the acid backing up into your throat. Also Gas-X chewables can help. I went on Prevacid at the time and it took about 6 weeks of doing those things for it to settle down. I know some people use Mylanta or Maalox and that helps some people.

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are way to young to be dealing with all of this.

I will be praying for you and please take care, rest, and don't worry about anything else but yourself and your health. :pray::pray::pray:

[yvette]

((((((((((((jill)))))))))))))))))) that is so freakin horrible! I'm so sorry to hear of all this....crap. crap. crap. I personally take gas-x that comes in gel caps...altho I can sometimes feel the peppermint come up into my breath( the green gel caps)...not sure if that would be a good thing for you if you're laying down or at nighttime....The red gel caps work fantastic and the pink ones do too....I hate the chewable, but they do work...

lots and lots of fluffy hugs....I'd walk kitty for you if I was closer :(
y. :bunny:
Hope you feel better soon!

[tigger_gal]

sorry all of this has happened to you, very glad that you are still with us.
I have no suggestons for you, The doc had no suggestond for you?

[leelee88]

:grouphug:

OH NO!! I know that had to be scary.. I know when I was having PVCs it scared me really bad..
I hope you start feeling better soon..:pray:

[ICNDonna]

:grouphug: I hope you feel better very quickly. I wish I lived closer so I could help with the shipping.

Love,
Donna

[Mel53H]

Unfortunatly, I know too well about ambulance drives and tachycardia. I take Atenolol, which happens to be is a BP medication,but it helps with tachycardia. But, I also know about stomach problems. I have Gerd and I take Nexium. It has been a life saver!

Fortunatly, the heart attack I had a few weeks ago will heal on it's own. I had what they call Cardiac Ballooning Syndrome. I do not have to take anything for it, but I am now on a Cholesterol medication along with Lazix and a Potasium pill. I also have to take a aspirin every day.

Not Fun!:rolleyes:

[Cricketmk3]

The things you go through to test products for us...haha! I'm sorry for your ordeal and I wish I had suggestions.

[Berkshire Road]

Very glad that you are ok. I had my first ambulance ride earlier this year, for similar reasons, I think. It's just like on TV, isn't it? I've had GERD for over 15 years, and this just turned out to be GERD times 10. (I loved the part where they told me to avoid sodas, coffee, chocolate -- um, got that covered already...). I am on prevacid and doing fine, but I don't have all that gas. I don't know what to suggest for that. I just wish you well.

[SharonA]

I am so sorry, Jill. Don't worry about the office stuff. Just take care of yourself. (((Hugs)))

[Judith56]

So sorry Jill that you are having something else to deal with. As for gas, GasX is great, it works well for many. There are several other things you can do- NEVER drink from a straw, if you are mouth breather that also contribute to gas. Most likely you know all the gas producing foods, so stay away from them. Maybe keep a diary of what foods you eat to see which are the biggest offenders. As for bacteria or lack of it, take acidophulus or eat yogurt with the active cultures in it to help get things back in balance. If you having any diarrhea, ask if you can be tested for c.diff, this is an overgrowth of bacteria that can happen from taking antibiotics and can wreck havoc on your stomach. I have had it twice this year. If I think of anything else I will post it for you. Take it easy and feel better soon. Hugs, Judith

[hoping4acure]

I am also so very sorry Jill that you agre going through this.

Take care of yourself.. TRY not to worry to much about work. The only thing I know of is what everyone else is saying...gas X or
Bean-O.




:grouphug:

[glassd18]

Sorry to hear that Jill. Just take good care of yourself, and don't worry about anything else for now. I have had GERD since very young. I had pre-ulcer gastritis at the age of 15, and had to take Tagamet. In 2002 I was diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia, and the acid refluxes all the time which gives me a raspy asthmatic feeling. I also get palpitations, but the docs not worried about these too much. Sorry that the vanilla hot drink caused you sooo many problems!!! Thank you for all that you do. Get well soon.

[ihurttoo]

Dear Jill,

Oh my Goodness! When it rains it pours, doesn't it? I am so sorry you have had all of this heaped upon you at the same time! But, though it doesnt seem that way now, it has all happened for a reason. And the reason is to motivate you to go and get your heart checked out and get you on the proper meds now, since you DO have a family history of heart disease. The other reason is to get you the motivation (and unfortunately, a bad scare was the motivation), to get the other issues taken care of.

You are such a busy and compassionate person, (taking care of the ICN office, staff, payroll, your family, business, friends, patients, callers, etc.) that I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt (no matter WHAT you say) that you truly DO take care of yourself last. I also know that if there is no time left at the end of the day after taking care of everyone else, that your needs frequently go unmet, (even if they are serious). You wanna know how I know? Because you are caring and compassionate, and ALL TRULYcaring and compassionate people do the same thing! (That's how I now! No matter how much you preach to others to always put on to others to put on their own oxygen mask first and take times for themselves, I know sometimes you are so busy taking care of others, you can hardly breathe yourself. (You have LITERALLY been breathless when I have talked to you before, do you realize that?) So, I want to tell you, that I (and everyone here) also know that you are also and IC patient, and everyone else understands the need for you to put on your own oxygen mask first. I just want to remind YOU to do that, and remind you that everyone understands. :kissing:

I dont mean to preach to you, and please know that I am only admonishing you out of the spirit of love, and trying to take care of you and give to you as you have given to me and all of us throughout the years. (So don't you dare delete this! :):tsk:) (Or at least print it off first to remind yourself next time! :)) If I didnt care, I wouldnt bother.

Now that we've got that straight! :) Let's get you better! Obviously you know that you need to get an appt with your GP, and get a referral to a Gastro, and a Cardiologist. There are some very good meds for GERD. (I have it also.) I am sure that your Drs. will find something that will work well for you.

Until you get there, I agree with suggestions about trying OTC meds for acid reducers. (I am sure you have tons of Prelief, so try that.) If that isnt strong enough, try the baking soda/water drink until you feel well enough to get to the store. (Yes, it is nasty, but it is effective!) The others the ladies recommended are great OTC options, but hopefully, the Dr. will give you something stronger.

If you arent eating b/c of nausea, remember that nausea can be caused by acid in the stomach too! So, try some OTC antacid, (or I would probobly even call your GP and tell them the deal and ask for a R/X antacid to be called in along with an anti-nausea med. (That is, if he/she can't see you for a few days. Obviously, if you can get in to be seen, that is preferable.)

As for the Gastro issues, until you can get in with the GP, I also agree with trying some probiotics to offset the antibiotics. (Culturelle is sold at Walmart and is a great daily probiotic. When I have gastro things going on, I take 3 initially, and then I take 2 the next day and when things settle down, I take 1 a day propholactically.) But, you know I am NOT a Dr. or medical authority in any way shape or form! So, of course I am only giving you ideas to discuss with your Dr. But, you know (of course) that you should always talk to your Dr. before you do anything. (Just my little disclaimer! :)) I am just trying to help you as I would any family member of mine, because you ARE family! You are my IC sister!

Also, for the Gastro things, Katrina (the Moderator) has some GREAT threads on this stuff! She (like me) has has similar issues in the past. (If you cant find them or dont feel well enough to look for them, then pm me or her, and I (or she) will try to dig them up for you. (She is also sort our "resident expert on all things gastro" as well as yeast related topics.) So, I would definately call her or pm her, as she has put the most research on the board about this particular topic.

Again, I sincerely hope that you feel better soon, and I hope that you will heed my advice and from now on TRULY put on your own oxygen mask first! You know we all adore you here and need you here desparately. You have a purpose in life and in our lives (as well as a much, much higher purpose.) We only have one you, and you are irreplacable, so please take care of you for your sakes, our sakes, and for the Lord's sake!

I will be praying for you!

Sending you much love and prayers of healing,
Your sister in IC,
Amy

P.S. (If you are in denial about still helping others even when you are VERY SICK, note the fact that you are on here, right now, the same time as I am, 3:47pm, and you JUST posted, even though you JUST got out of the hospital, you STILL posted today, trying to help other people!) (Ya thought that one would slip past us, didnt ya! :))

[traceann]

Oh gosh, how horrible - that had to be extremely scary! I too am glad you are ok, and agree with the others, don't stress about work - just take care of yourself!!!!!

Lots of hugs,
Tracey

[dancemomof2]

So glad your ok, now why didn't you take a sec to hit on a cool firemen. Hope your feeling better.

[GriffsMommy]

Sounds really really scarey! I'm really glad that you're okay though Jill and hope you get tons of rest and feeling better soon.

[ihurttoo]

So glad your ok, now why didn't you take a sec to hit on a cool firemen. Hope your feeling better.

At least she was surrounded by good-looking men who now know her address now and that she is single! (We've been telling her she needs to "put herself out there" for a while! :lmao: When she puts herself out there, she REALLY puts herself out there! :biglaugh:)

Now, Jill, if you'll just take the REST of our advice! :)

(You know we are just teasing you! I couldn't resist! It was too easy! I am not up for going after the hard jokes these days!)

Feel better soon!

Love,
Amy

P.S. I forgot to tell ya! The last time Brigette (Buginarug..formerly Briza) had to ride in an ambulance, SHE rode in the back with her ambulance driver's kid! :lmao: (And she talks about ME living in Mayberry! (just b/c when she called my Doc for me she got connected to a switchboard. LOL!) Anyway, even funnier, was Brigette had to ride in the back of the ambulance with the ambulace driver's kid! Then, the ambulance driver strapped his kid down (to keep him safe...sort of like the ambulance equivilant of seat belts, we figured), but he left Brigette on her gurney just to flop around!!!!! :biglaugh:

So, at least the hunks took good care of you!

[Babs RN]

I'm glad you're ok Jill. That must have been really scary.

Hugs,
Barb:smile tee

[Trishann]

Jill I hope you start feeling better soon. Jill I just thought I would mention something but it might not be what is happening with you. Couple years ago I would belch so bad, I thought is was just GERD, then after sometime I started hurting in my chest area. Found out it was my gallbladder. After having my gallbladder out, I did not belch so much like that again. Maybe it's possible you are starting to have gallbladder problems. Just guessing a possibility, but whatever it is, I hope you get better soon.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[izazen]

Re: GERD - I find that 3 papaya enzyme tablets after a meal completely take away my reflux symptoms and they are so mild and benign!

I buy them at the local health food store.

[Kara29]

Thinking of you Jill and I'm so glad it wasn't a heart attack!!!!

Gentle Hugs from NY,

Kara:angel:

[icnmgrjill]

Thanks for all of your suggestions and good wishes. I, too, strongly suspect that my gall bladder could be involved and am having a sonagram this week to rule that out. My doc just thinks its GERD and a stomach virus. In any case, I just want to feel better. My stomach is sooo tender right now... I'm just miserable. Can barely eat anything. :::sigh:::

Jill

[ICNDonna]

Jill, my gallstones were diagnosed in Intensive Care Unit, after they hauled me there from my office in the hospital with chest pain!

Donna

[Trishann]

I just want you to get better too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[dg2901]

Feel better soon!

Diana

[krisillis]

Poor Jill!

:grouphug: Try celetial seasonings Tummy Mint Tea. It has Peppermint and Fennel in it which are both good for gas. They should also help with digestion. They may help with the belching. Only advice for the heart is find a good Cardiologist. Shame they wouldn't let you keep a fireman just because. You never know when one might come in handy. Get some rest. Don't over tax yourself. Feel better soon.

Christine

[Briza]

Many prayers for you, Jill. I hope they find the cause and that it's fixable and you start feeling better very soon. :grouphug: Please take care of yourself. I don't know of any suggestions for the stomach problems, but looks like the ladies who have given suggestions know what they're talking about. :) Hopefully, you will find relief soon, and I do hope that it is just a bug and not something more serious.

[sandramac]

:pray:Oh My Jill I'm so sorry to hear this .i have not been on the boards very much as have had a insaine work and business schedule this week.i hope you feel better soon .sending love & hugs Sandra :cat::cat::cat:

[Texas Baby]

Jill,:pray:
I hope you get to feeling better. Candied Ginger can actually help that gassy bloated feeling. I have IBS and I get it alot. also a good tummy tea with peppermint/chamomile is really soothing (bigelow Sweet Dreams).
Blessings & Hugs,
Eva

[theclownster]

Hi Jill! Sorry to hear you are going through so much. I'm glad that you are okay. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you heal and recover. It's good to hear that you are also getting your gall bladder checked. I had my gallbladder removed many years ago at a young age of 19. I remember getting very sick every time I ate. It got to he point that I just didn't want to eat and I'm someone who loves food. I hope you are able to find some answers soon. My husband has had great success with Nexium for acid reflux and we have both also used prescriptions stength Omeprazole that you take 30 minutes before breakfast. My doctor said it's very important that you eat 30 minutes after taking the pill because that helps to activate it so that it works correctly. May you find relief and comfort soon!

Take care, with hugs,
Jennifer

[radstudent]

Jill I am so sorry to hear about your ordeal. I don't have any advise that hasn't already been given. I use Gas-X to help with gassiness. I will keep you in my prayers. Please rest and take care of yourself.

:pray::pray::pray:

[jesamyn]

So sorry to hear about what you are going through! You will be ok! Whenever antibiotics are messing with my stomach, I take probiotics from the refrig section at the local health food store. Puts the good bacteria back in your tummy!:smile tee

[Vicki]

Jill- I too have had the horrible ambulance ride due to a vagal response. I have had two vagal episodes. Both were after surgeries when I was sitting on the toilet straining to empty my bladder. I am so sorry you had to deal with this. It is truly scary the first time it happens. The second time it happened to me I happened to be in the hospital already so I told the nurse to get me some ativan or valium pronto. She called my doc and he okayed it. That stopped it. I still don't completely understand how it happens but it is truly frightening. I am having a hydro done on Friday. I am praying:bow: it doesn't happen again!
You need to kick back and rest for a few days. Just relax and don't worry about all of us. You've been through an ordeal so rent a movie but don't:tsk: have a cup of vanilla tea while watching it! You should be back on your feet in no time. Thanks for all you do. -Vicki

P.S. I am curious to know what the Elavil have to do with the vagal response? I have been on the stuff for nine years. Maybe you know something I don't about it?

[marsi4]

I am so sorry for your hospital stay. Having to deal with yet another problem is overwhelming I know, like ic isn't enough. I recommend you go see a GI as well as soon as you can to check your bowels as well. I think that some more tests should be done to be more sure about your diagnosis. I'm just wondering how they determined that it's your stomach that is causing you your symptoms? Did they do any exams or just by your symptoms? I hope that the meds they have prescribed for gas will soon take effect and reduce it. I know how painful gas can be and the cramps it can cause. Get some rest and don't worry about work too much. Someone else can run things until you are feeling better. It's truly unjust that you have to deal with another condition and my heart goes out to you. It is so unfair and I just pray that the meds will treat the problem and you'll be able to manage your symptoms. Oh Jill, I wish that we didn't have to suffer the way we do. I keep asking myself why too and there are no answers except that life just isn't fair. You have given your heart and soul for this board and have offered so much support and help to others. I just wish there was something more I can do for you. Get more rest. Your health should come before everything else. Sending you a hug and my love and please let us know how you are doing in the next few days.

Mary

[verdicries]

oh jill...ugh.

i'm so sorry you went thru this and i hope @this writing you're doing somewhat better.

i take gas-x for gas but ALSO fennel tea (heather's tummy tea!). it tastes...well, icky (like black licorice and i hate that stuff lol) but it does help either STOP some gas from happening, or quells it!

please keep us updated on how you're doing.

love and hugs,
tracy

[ejovan]

jill, i am so sorry to hear about all the troubles you have had. i myself am new to this illness. thank you so much for being here.

[Charisse]

Jill I'm so sorry. You must have been so scared. I am amazed they were able to figure out what happened because it sounds like an easy thing to misdiagnose. I have GERD and take a proton pump inhibitor medication. I find they are the best for reducing stomach acid. Examples would be Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix etc. Probably reducing the acid will help the gas. I know prior to taking a PPI I would belch and belch and belch.

[Trishann]

Has anyone heard anymore about Jill. Is she doing ok?

Hugs, Trishann

[maryla]

Jill,

I am so sorry for all this! I have GERD and take Nexium, works great! Take care of you! Keep us posted! :pray:

(((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

[boukie]

I had a lot of gas from Elmiron. As soon as I started taking the powder part not the capusle along w/ Prelieft I was fine. The gas and stomach problems went away. I hope you feel better.

[daphne]

hi Jill,

I have had Gastro problems for 6 years. This was with the IC. I have had very severe ruq pain. All Dr's checked gallbladder. I had every test, ultrasound, hida, Ct, blood,endoscopy ect. I have seen 3 Gastro specialist and been on Gerd med for years. One of the Dr's said it must be in my head because I take Wellbutrin for depression.

I finally decided to see 1 more Dr. What a great guy. He took the time to really read my chart and see my operations and IC. I was diagnosed with Visceral somatic hyperalgesia. this is when you body creates "pain memory". It is really to complicated to explain here, it is between the stomach, bladder, spine, and brain. It has to do with how your body percieves pain. Inflammation is a big part of it.

They believe my ruq pain is referred from my bladder and stomach. This has a lot to do with over active pain receptors. I was very impressed by this Dr.

I cried when I left his office because someone finally gave me a reason for the ruq pain. I am not crazy. It will take time but I can work on it with my IC, they are afffecting each other. Look it up-Visceral somatic hyperalgesia-let me know what you think.

[ICNLesa]

I came by to read the long version. You know you're one of my favorite people in the whole world, Jill, and I want you to feel better soon. Little baby steps will move you forward and ummmm........don't forget my number. I miss our chats.