Chest Pain on/off, shoulder pain=HIDA sc
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| Wed, 07-28-2004 - 10:34am |
So glad to find you. I hope I dont barge in to much here!
I went to the doc yesterday becuase of chest pain that was on and off terribly since Sunday. I was awaken by the pain (right front and shoulder pain) and sat up right out of bed from it. Since I have 4 young children under the age of 8 to 19 months and a waonderful DH, I started to think maybe I should go to the doc...thinking I may have a heart issue. I would hate to be stuck in the bed! I have to go to work, and be a mom and help run my hubbys business!
I went to the doc, told him my probs, to include that I felt like I was pregnant again (sick on and off) althought I know thats not possible since I just had my "time of the month" AND I have a tubal ligation. Anyway, he pokes around and "ouch" under my ribs. He wants to take all the precautions, so we do an EKG and chest XRAY. They looked good (lungs are large but he thinks that is from my running). He runs blood work and orders a HIDA Scan.
My question is,.....what do I expect with the scan?
And , do you think we are on the right track, or is this all in my head!
Funny part about it all is that I had never been to a "family doc" in over 10 years, but decided that since we were done running to the OB, I better get me a PCP. I had an appt 2 weeks prior (have vericose veins that kill me), so it was good to have a doc to call!
Thank you and I appreciate it if you have made it this far!
Dawn

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So what do YOU think I am dealing with, please? Waiting is hard. I asked the nurse and she started talking about the scan when I would go for it....in other words, she was out of touch!
thanks!
Dawn
Dawn
I Dawn - I hope that the test results are fine and they can find something that is easy to treat to resolve your problems.
I've been for tests where I've made myself crazy trying to read the facial expressions on the techs and intrepret their 'ah's" and "hummm's" .
I actually am not worried that much, have too much going on! hahaha (starting to build a bhouse next week is keeping my mind busy). My problem is, this chest pain that shoots back to my shoudler blade. Gosh almighty, it seems like it gets better then the next minute I feel as I am getting a heart attack.
Why would this be so sudden>?? If it is sudden like this, why would the scan result be "chronic". Anyway, I have an abdomen ultrasound tomorrow morning (for what, I dont know, everything is a big secret when I try to ask questions). Why arent they just ultrasounding the gall bladder instead of my abdomen (no coffee tomorrow morning, boo hoo!).
I am just venting, thanks for helping me out! I hate the wait til thursday afternoon to see the surgeon.
Thank you again!
Dawn
Hi Dawn - don't stop asking questions!
Dawn wrote: Why would this be so sudden>?? If it is sudden like this, why would the scan result be "chronic".
I don't know why it's sudden. When I had my GB attack I had some odd symptoms over the last while - but nothing that brought me to a Dr office - mostly things that you brush off and say "Shouldn't have had that extra slice of pizza". When they disovered it was my GB - and there was evidence of inflamation and very thick walls (indications that it had been going on for a long time but I just didn't have the symptoms that some people do). The think walls of the GB indicated that it was chronic. That could be what your diagnosis refers to. While your symptoms are acute - the disease itself is chronic.
Dawn Wrote: Anyway, I have an abdomen ultrasound tomorrow morning (for what, I dont know, everything is a big secret when I try to ask questions). Why arent they just ultrasounding the gall bladder instead of my abdomen
It could just be the termonology. I remember my ultrasounds were consdered 'abdominal' and they indicated to the tech to focus on the upper right quandrant (where the GB lives). Just my guess.
Good luck with making it through the morning without coffee - and I'm sure time will fly before you get the results.
You were right, the morning flew by, had to register the oldest in 2nd grade, and got the other three to daycare (Moms, she is my blessing). It helped pass the morning.
Had the U/S as scheduled, now to wait for the doc appt tomorrow.
New questions if you arent bored with my saga so far! LOL
1. Hubby does not want me go for my morning runs, he is worried , and wants to get this resolved before I am out for a 4 miler. What are your thoughts?
2. Why did the PCP make an appt for me with a surgeon? Can I read between the lines and assume he is going to think I will need surgery? I wish I had more time to reseach the internet, but work frowns on using internet, and I am on the road a lot (not to mention the only computer we have is at hubbys business). He made the appt for me after the HIDA scan. Why would I not see a GI guy? SHould my hubby go to the appt with me? Or will it be a routine appt with what is going on. OK, one more thing (I know you all hate me by now)...if he recomends surgery on something, should I get a second opinion.
Whewey, even I get wore out thinking about helping myself out here! HAHAHAHA.
Thanks again! You know how it is, women sit and THINK and THINK and THINK, which is not always good! I am thinking there isnt anything to worry about, that this incredible chest pain is just a temporary thing.
SMILE! Its almost Friday!
Dawn
I Dawn - I know that you know this - but just for the benefit of anyone else jumping in late on the post. I'm not a medical professional - so my comments are just based on my experience and my understanding of what I've read.
1. Hubby does not want me go for my morning runs, he is worried , and wants to get this resolved before I am out for a 4 miler. What are your thoughts?
I think that since you're in such good physical condition that you will have a quicker recovery than someone who isn't. I wasn't told to restrict exercise in any way shape or form after being dx (dx = diagnosis) w/ GB disease / Gallstones. If it doesn't make the pain worse then I don't see a reason to stop. It isn't like a bum knee that you can make worse by running.
2. Why did the PCP make an appt for me with a surgeon? Can I read between the lines and assume he is going to think I will need surgery?
That would be my guess. Once they have a dx of a GB that isn't functioning properly the usual course of treatment is to have it removed. Since you are in good shape - you will be a surgeon's delight (or that's what I was told).
Why would I not see a GI guy?
My guess is because they all ready have a diagnosis. I think you'd see a GI guy if they didn't have a diagnosis - or if they did have a diagnosis that was treatable by some way other than surgery.
SHould my hubby go to the appt with me?
That's up to you. Do bring paper with you and a list of questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And I would suggest asking the questions:
* "when I get home and think of more questions may I call your office, who should I talk to (he may have a nurse who can answer basic inquiries), or is an apointment required"
* "once the GB is removed, I understand it is possible for stones to develop, how long would this take - months, years?" (Okay - I'm being selfish - I'm curious about this one - so don't feel you need to ask it)
* "what follow is required" (normally a visit to the surgeon 5 - 10 days post-op)
My dh would have caused me more stress than anything - so he stayed home. He hates to wait, doesn't like doctors and his stress would have just made me more anxious. Like many men - he just wants to 'fix things' and I think he feels helpless and frustrated when he can't. I saw 2 surgeons and for my second apointment I brought a friend (who is a veterinarian - so at least someone who had some sort of medical training). It was nice just to have someone there who wasn't going to add to my stress.
Or will it be a routine appt with what is going on. OK, one more thing (I know you all hate me by now)...if he recomends surgery on something, should I get a second opinion.
My surgical apts didn't involve a physical exam. It was a discussion of the daignosis, the surgical procedure, and he answered my questions.
Can I tell you how embarassed and stupid I feel. Hubby and I went to the doc Friday, waited an hour and a half to go in to find out that "my gall baldder works "some" that we can wait it out and see what happens. I can take ibuprofen if it hurts too bad"
I worried for "wait and see"!?. Guess thats good, but I am somewhat bothered by the appt. The ultrasound was negative , which is good too.
The last couple of days I feel like I could pass out from exhaustion, and yesterday during a birthday party I fall asleep in the middle of the choas sitting in a chair. Guess it all has just wore me out. The most frustrating part is I was given no ideas on how to keep the pain from coming, even the dull ache that I have throughout the day.
Just getting old I guess.
Again, I am sorry for bothering everyone with this.
Dawn
Personally,
And I thought that at the age of 39 I would think I was old! LOL
Thank you again!
Dawn
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