October 15, 2015
I am writing this from my recovery room. I have always been physically fit and follow a clean diet. The day before my episode, I enrolled in a Fit Camp class at my local gym. The classes are designed to get your heart rate up and this class was no exception. I had done them before and considered them excellent group workouts. After the class, I went work without any issues other than the general fatigue that follows a workout like that..
The following morning, I woke up, took a shower and then immediately felt massive dull chest pain and shooting pain down both arms. I told my wife that I didn’t feel good and that I was driving myself to urgent care (not the greatest idea in the world but it is only 3 miles away). I didn’t want to alarm her as she was busy getting the kids ready for school, but I knew I was having a heart attack.
All of my tests were initially negative, EKG, blood test and initial CAT scan. The pain was becoming more and more severe even after two morphine injections and multiple nitro tablets. They took an additional blood test which noted the heart enzyme and I was sent by ambulance to the main hospital.
At the hospital, I had a sonar of the heart, angiogram and an additional scan that provides better imaging of the arteries. The SCAD diagnosis was made by my cardiologist in consultation with other cardiologists and they are attacking it with a conservative approach using Heparin, Plavix and beta blockers for now and upon dismissal, will be put on aspirin, Lopressor, Plavix and Lipitor.
A followup test in 6 weeks will determine if the healing has taken place or if more invasive action will be required. The cardiologist is confident (based on my age and overall health) that this course of action will result in a complete recovery.
Sitting here in the recovery room reading all of the different stories has been very helpful to me and I sincerely thank all of you for sharing your stories.