Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What is wrong with DH?

28 replies

SiSiG · 04/04/2023 08:22

Since 5pm yesterday he’s had severe chest pain radiating into his left shoulder. It apparently was worse to begin with, then stabilised but isn’t getting better.

We took him to A&E and he has had two blood tests (he thinks one for a heart attack and one for clots) and an ECG and an x-ray. He was discharged at 3am and told to rest but can’t sleep and looks in a lot of pain.

He’s not usually the type to get sick or complain. He hasn’t been doing anything strenuous and is usually fit and healthy. I am supposed to be working today but he looks in no fit state to look after the children.

Any ideas what it could be?

OP posts:
Pottedpalm · 04/04/2023 08:32

What did the hospital say it was?

Original poster
SiSiG · 04/04/2023 08:38

No, just to rest (I wasn’t there so this is his version anyway).

OP posts:
lovemelongtime · 04/04/2023 08:51

Really don't want to be rude but if A&E can't diagnose anything in person I'm not sure how Mumsnet can help.
Guess you are looking for reassurance, so think about it this way, they wouldn't have sent him home of they thought it was serious. Sounds like they did ask the right checks.

IamSmarticus · 04/04/2023 08:56

I agree that the time to ask this question would have been whilst at the hospital. Maybe he could give 111 a call?

Attictroll · 04/04/2023 09:04

Have you thought biliary colic related to gall bladder - pain is awful and shoulder based

Pebble21uk · 04/04/2023 09:08

I was in a similar scenario last year - chest and left shoulder pain. Tests done at A&E for heart and clots... both clear. Ended up being Pericarditis (inflammation of heart lining) and on third A&E visit was admitted for 8 days! Unlikely to be the same but just rang a bell. Do you have a finger oximeter or smart watch to check heart rate? It shouldn't be over 100 at rest.

Fingerbobs · 04/04/2023 09:09

if cardiac has been ruled out it could be stomach related. Oesophageal spasms can present very similarly to heart attack. I would try gaviscon and see if that helps.

Esophageal spasm - Wikipedia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophageal_spasm

Original poster
SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:16

I’m just tired and frustrated. He was at A&E until 3am which means I’ve had 4hrs sleep too and am now trying to wrangle his three children (who are also sick, and hyperactive and bored) whilst working from home as he insists he’s fine to look after them whilst practically asleep.

I need to take the day off don’t I.

OP posts:
Original poster
SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:22

Thanks for the suggestions. I don’t think biliary colic or oesophageal spasms would last for sixteen hours solidly? He’s had pericarditis before so perhaps it’s that, though should this have shown on the ECG?

OP posts:
Cigarettesaftersex1 · 04/04/2023 09:24

SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:16

I’m just tired and frustrated. He was at A&E until 3am which means I’ve had 4hrs sleep too and am now trying to wrangle his three children (who are also sick, and hyperactive and bored) whilst working from home as he insists he’s fine to look after them whilst practically asleep.

I need to take the day off don’t I.

Can't their mum take them if he's not well and you're supposed to be working?

MostlyHappyMummy · 04/04/2023 09:30

Just lost a longer message
Short version- I had the same thing and then 3 days later developed a rash in the same area and was then diagnosed with shingles
never known pain like it
Could it be a possibility?

knittingaddict · 04/04/2023 09:30

So he's been to hospital and has come out having no idea what might be wrong with him and he's still in pain?

Why was he told to rest?

Danielle9891 · 04/04/2023 09:35

It could be anxiety. My partner had really bad chest pains and it turns out it's anxiety. His GP has given him tablets to help.

Original poster
SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:40

knittingaddict · 04/04/2023 09:30

So he's been to hospital and has come out having no idea what might be wrong with him and he's still in pain?

Why was he told to rest?

Yes. It’s frustrating. I couldn’t be with him as I had to look after the children and I expect he was very keen to leave after being there for eight hours.

OP posts:
Original poster
SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:43

Their mum’s on holiday so can’t take them and our other family and friends are away or busy too.

He’s perked up a bit after ibuprofen.

Shingles might be a possibility, also anxiety. He is stressed at the moment.

OP posts:
PoBaFla · 04/04/2023 09:44

We took him to A&E and he has had two blood tests (he thinks one for a heart attack and one for clots) and an ECG and an x-ray

What we're the results of these tests? A&E don't do heart tests then send the person away without having the results. He would also have been given "worsening advice "
If he can't remember any of this then he needs to call A&E reception this morning

HollywoodTease · 04/04/2023 09:45

Could he have cracked a rib? That often doesn't show on x-rays, and can only be treated with rest and otc painkillers.

Depending which rib, it could radiate.

Bergan · 04/04/2023 09:48

Pancreatitis can be an indicator of left shoulder pain. Do you know if the hospital checked his amylase and lipase levels (i may have spelt those wrong, but might be something to consider).

unkownone · 04/04/2023 09:55

My hubby gets this when stressed. So gets it a lot. He got it checked out the first time and given the all clear, but can’t stop the stress unless we sell our businesses. He also got tinnitus from it too and now can hardly hear out of one ear.

Marchforward · 04/04/2023 09:57

SiSiG · 04/04/2023 09:43

Their mum’s on holiday so can’t take them and our other family and friends are away or busy too.

He’s perked up a bit after ibuprofen.

Shingles might be a possibility, also anxiety. He is stressed at the moment.

Shingles flare ups often happen when stressed.

elevenplusdilemma · 04/04/2023 10:09

I was also going to suggest rib pain. I had similar and it was inflammation of the cartilage between my highest ribs on my left side. No idea what caused it but a couple of naproxen and some diazepam sorted me right out in a day.

justathought69 · 04/04/2023 10:14

What's going on with mumsnet ? Everyone is posting helpful or sensible comments here.

I'm in shock no one has come on to say he's faking it to get out of looking after his own kids!

Hope he has a speedy recovery and can get to bottom of the cause.

ShimmeringShirts · 04/04/2023 10:44

If ibuprofen is helping then he’s probably fine and no need for you to stay home from work, hospital would have kept him in if it was serious, life threatening or anything properly wrong that couldn’t be treated at home with bog standard painkillers.

Badger1970 · 04/04/2023 10:46

I had this, turned out to be costochondritis. Ended up having nearly 6 months worth of ongoing investigations and medications - none of which helped. What did help was an osteopath.

I still get flare ups if I'm tired/stressed and it's incredibly painful.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 04/04/2023 10:48

There are a range of things it can be OP. It's a bit weird that he didn't take anything in that they told him or remember anything about what they said! Can he call the GP and ask if it's on his notes? He could go to the GP anyway- if it's not an accident or an emergency then it's for the GP to refer or treat

Swipe left for the next trending thread