| Most times we ladies are on the losing end of this | | | | Keep in mind, too, that they are not there to |
| battle. Does that mean you shouldn't go to the ER | | | | identify chest pain yet to be diagnosed. Only |
| if you experience extreme symptoms? I won't | | | | regular visits to a good doctor can determine that. |
| even dignify that with a response. Well; maybe a | | | | Very specific tests are done to check for IHD; |
| short response. I've gone to the ER no less than | | | | none of which are performed in the ER. So, if you |
| 10 times in the last five years. Each time I go, I | | | | have experienced symptoms (pressure, dizziness, |
| question whether or not I should have gone. | | | | palpitations, shortness of breath, etc.) go to the |
| Inevitably, I'm sent home with few answers and | | | | ER. STAT! Just don't expect validation of your |
| worse for the wear. And yet, if it happens again, | | | | condition. So how can we come away from |
| I have to go. So do you. Here's why. | | | | another 8-hour overnight stint in the ER feeling |
| It is the job of the ER at your local hospital to | | | | the victor? |
| make sure you aren't going to die. The tests they | | | | - Be proactive! Before another trip to the ER |
| run are intended to do just that; ensure that you | | | | comes, have your treating physician write your |
| aren't having a heart attack. Here's the burn; | | | | condition down (including which tests are best in |
| Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) cannot be detected | | | | the event of an emergency). Keep this with you |
| with an EKG. A chest X-Ray cannot determine | | | | at all times and give it to your treating ER |
| IHD. But what can help you is a blood test, which | | | | physician. |
| checks your cardiac enzymes. This will provide | | | | - Understand that you most probably have more |
| conclusive evidence as to whether or not you've | | | | information about your condition than your |
| had a heart attack. | | | | Emergency Room doctor. That's OK. Share what |
| And that, my friends, is why you must always go | | | | you know. |
| to the ER. Yes, the doctor may think you're a | | | | - Realize that you have an obligation to yourself |
| loony. So what! You may be made to feel as if | | | | and your family to take your condition seriously. |
| you are a hypochondriac. Who cares!! You are | | | | - Last but not least, take it all in stride. A good |
| experiencing some major symptoms and you'd be | | | | sense of humor goes along way. |
| a fool not to confirm that it's not a heart attack. | | | | |