I went into the ER on Monday, after developing a large, hard knot in my belly. Since I have heart problems, I was automatically admitted for overnight observation.
Though it was determined the swelling was due to a subsurface hematoma, the extremely high blood pressure readings worried my cardiologist, and he wanted me to have a chemical stress test on Wednesday. Since I figured it was easier than being readmitted later for the same thing, I agreed.
After 12 AM Wednesday, I wasn't allowed to eat or drink. The time for my test came and went, and it was approaching 2 PM, but my doctor had gotten a cardiac emergency, and couldn't do my test for another two or three hours. Since I am a diabetic and had to eat, the test was rescheduled for Thursday.
On Thursday, the chemical stress test finally took place. I had never had one before (though I had had the regular kind) and I knew, before the attending doctor (not my regular cardiologist) told me, that it was bad news. That damn thing hurt, like a bad attack of angina aggravated by a horse kick in the chest.
So Friday, the attending cardiologist did a heart cath. A blockage that had only been about 40% in July had grown to over 90% in six months. This one, unlike most of the others, could be stented, and that was immediately done.
I am still here due to excessive bleeding at the cath site and extra tenderness on the left side. I am very hopeful that there is nothing under the skin, no deep hematomas....
I really, really want to go home.
UPDATE: I saw both my primary care physician and the stand in cardiologist. And I won't be getting out of here today....if the ultrasound of my lower abdomen tomorrow is clear I will get out then. If not....who knows.
