Since working Sunday night shift I have been unwell - and quite frankly it's scared the crap out of me. About 7.30am Monday morning (just before finishing work), I started to get what felt like a 'thud' in my chest and it was like i had to catch my breath when it was happening. Trying to keep cool, I went home and thought I could sleep it off.
NB. I did have a 350ml can of energy drink at 3am - so I thought this may have something to do with it.
I go home, lay in bed and keep feeling these 'thuds' in my chest on and off for the next 4 hours. It wakes me from sleep at 1.30, and I decide to go back to where I work (an Emergency Department) to get this checked out. They run an ECG - hooked up for 5 minutes - NOT catching the random beats, and decide to send me home not long afterwards. They think it's the energy drink (mind you, I have had many energy drinks over the years and been fine, but didn't put it completely out as a possible reason why this is happening). They tell me to rest up and head to my GP for follow up.
Next day I go to my GP and continue to have these palpitations, and she books me to have a Halter Monitor hooked up the following day. Still having these palpitations and shortness of breath, chest pain, tightness in throat. I'm advised by my GP to take paracetamol (not ibuprufen) to see if it helps as it may be musculoskeletal pain. It's now Wednesday afternoon and I am on my way back to my clinic to get the Halter monitor hooked up. I wear it until 2pm today (Thursday) and advise them that I am still having mild palpitations and occasional shortness of breath throughout the day. I am also incredibly tired and find it more comfortable sitting up, or laying on my sides rather than flat on my back. No further questions from my GP, results from the Halter will be available either Monday or Tuesday.
I am still finding that I occasionally have these palpitations and shortness of breath. They are not as often as when it started, but continue to happen. The last place I want to be going is a hospital, but I am thinking it's the best place to be when they happen.
I also haven't had a cigarette since 5am Monday morning before all this started, could this be contributing in some way too? I don't know if it may be an infection or bug, or perhaps something else. It just concerns me that these have continued since Monday morning, and there is minimal follow up or testing to see what could be happening. Surely they should have stopped by now???
I don't know what to do.... its frustrating and scary as hell when they happen. Aarrgh, I think i need to head back to Emergency. I don't think I should wait for Monday or Tuesday if they are still happening. Any thoughts anyone?
