Waiting on ambulance from NHS24 … anyone about?

[ahfuck]

Feel so stupid . Been having panic attacks for weeks .

Period started tonight and took two cocodamol - not sure if I’m having a weird reaction as I haven’t settled since . Heart has been all over the place, keeps feeling like it’s stopping and starting but I also can’t stop burping and hiccuping so I’m not sure if what I’m feeling in my chest is actually my stomach .

I’ve been seen at A&E three times last eight weeks, told each time normal ECG and zero concerns .

Phoned NHS24 tonight, they’ve insisted on sending out an ambulance to check me over.

I feel so bloody stupid, there’s probably nothing wrong . My flat is a tip too; tomorrow was cleaning day, and I’m also a bit terrified that I might collapse whilst waiting on the ambulance .

Is anyone able to keep me company a bit?

Still half awake but here, do you have cardiac issues

@MichelleScarn

Still half awake but here, do you have cardiac issues

No, slight family history, my uncle has cardiomyopathy so limited chance it’s been inherited, I’ve had four normal ECGs last few weeks and normal stress test and echo a few years ago though

They are coming to check on you not your flat!

Tell me a bit about yourself

Have you spoken to anyone about anxiety?

Aside from anxiety, what formal diagnosed health conditions do you have, OP?

But exactly what jumping says, Ambo checking you not the flat

Did NHS24 already arrange for an ambulance -- which of your symptoms caused them to send an ambulance?

Have they offered you help with your anxiety and panic attacks? Otherwise this might keep occurring.

Re anxiety yes, had therapy for about nine months but I seem to function fine when I’m getting therapy, it’s when it stops I fall apart again which is no good at all

About me … I’m 30 and studying a healthcare degree at the moment (don’t want to be too specific), very shy, prefer being at home to the pub etc

@lljkk

Did NHS24 already arrange for an ambulance -- which of your symptoms caused them to send an ambulance?

Palpitations they said, wanted it checked out and said didnt want me to get a taxi for safety, although A&E’s only a mile across the road . Yes they did the 999 stuff .

They’ve given me propranolol and said I’m on a waiting list for community mental health team to get in touch for long term support eg a CPN or something

@ahfuck

Re anxiety yes, had therapy for about nine months but I seem to function fine when I’m getting therapy, it’s when it stops I fall apart again which is no good at all

About me … I’m 30 and studying a healthcare degree at the moment (don’t want to be too specific), very shy, prefer being at home to the pub etc

Being a homebody is ok, do you live alone? Do you have a friend or family member you could talk to about how you are feeling?

Have you been prescribed a beta blocker for your racing heart due to anxiety?

Bloody hell ambulajce outside already

Ah cross post. What dose of propranolol are you on?

good luck.

Good luck

Hope you’re ok

12 lead ECG was totally normal and so was blood sugar, blood pressure etc . I said to them given that’s all normal, I’m happy to stay here - they said A&E are likely to do another ECG and get same results, put me in the waiting room for two hours, see a doctor for 5 mins and be sent home … they’re going out to do paperwork and then come back in to sign forms . Said they think it’s probably all anxiety or gastric .

I’ve got a couple of close friends who know I’m struggling but live too far away to do anything beyond emails/phone calls etc . Family not very supportive for one reason or another, I’m not sure how much they actually understand it all unfortunately . A lot of telling me to grow up and get on with it .

Going to ring GP tomorrow to explain I’m struggling snd can they speed up mental health team referral as yes this is getting into a pattern .

Propranolol dose is 40mg 3 x a day, plus anti depressant at bedtime .

Oh bless you it sounds tough. Anxiety really is horrible. I hope you can get some rest at least and try to sleep. But people are around on here to chat and handhold all hours of the day and night if you need it so you are not alone. Take care xxx

Mental health crisis is just as valid a reason for treatment, emergency or otherwise.

Hope you’re ok OP. Also I would push for a 24 hr monitor, ask to be referred to a cardiologist. If you have atrial fibrillation it doesn’t tend to show up on an ECG. Don’t be forced into accepting an anxiety diagnosis without all tests to rule out heart issues - they wouldn’t diagnose anxiety if it were a man!!!

@Cantchooseaname

Mental health crisis is just as valid a reason for treatment, emergency or otherwise.

When I had my first baby we had no car. I lived 17 miles from hospital. I said "I wonder how I'll get there if I start labour in middle of night." MWs and other health professionals were adamant I should call an ambulance. Every health professional encouraged me to do that.

I have seen many women on MN get FLAMED for calling an ambulance in my situation. I hope that in future MNers will be entirely supportive of that choice, too. Those women in labour should not be criticised either.

@lljkk You're derailing a thread for what? Of course you'd need an ambulance when you're 17 miles away from a hospital in labour and no other way to get there? If I was in labour 5 miles away from hospital with a partner who drove would I need an ambulance? No.

Really strange comment after your first one