Let me just say, I could feel the prayers of my friends all last night and today. It was a scary few hours. I had gone to the doctor yesterday and found out that my BP was really high. The Dr had tried to get me started on meds and I fought it, thinking it was just a fluke since I've never had BP probs before. (Note to self: Knock yourself in the head next time you don't want to follow doctor orders)
Around 8ish last night I started to become nauseated. I tried to justify it away saying it was nerves (learning that I might really have high bp) and then because of something I ate. However, when I started to feel "pressure" in my chest and neck I knew I needed to go to the hospital. Even though I was scared to death I could feel the presence of my Lord. How sweet it was to know that even if the worst thing happened I would just close my eyes "here" and open them "there".
When the triage nurse called me back my blood pressure was in the stroke and seizure range. I couldn't believe what she said to me.., "Ok maam I want you to lay down so we can do an EKG immediately as you might be having a heart attack"? WHAT?! A HEART ATTACK?! If my blood pressure wasn't fully in the stroke range in jumped very quickly. (smiling as I can only imagine my reaction to a person on the outside) I think I actually said, "No, no, don't tell me things like that. My BP will never come down"...., (nervous laugh)
They got me back immediately and when Chris my official nurse took my blood pressure he said, "Ok Mrs. Arnold I need to get a vein open and IV started because this BP is so high you could have a stroke. (someone really needs to train these people on what NOT to say while in the midst of extremely high blood pressure) I gave him my "no-no" story.
In a nutshell:
My first EKG showed stress on the heart because of the strength of the hearts contractions. (Since the blood pressure was so high) It did not show permanent damage. (can I sneak in a PTL?)
They gave me 3 doses of nitroglycerine which is a vaso dialator and opens up all your vessels. It helped with the chest pressure, but gave me a headache like I have never EVER experienced in my life. It took 3 doses of morphine, two doses of tylenol, ice packs to my head and approx five hours to get rid of it? The Lord reminded me to pray for those who suffer from migraines as I felt such compassion. I literally could do nothing but sit and cry.
The really good news is all of the blood work came back wonderful. It showed no sign of cardiac enzymes which would have indicated heart attack. I truly believe it was the prayers of those going up all over the place. I could feel the presence of the Holy God ministering to me and those scary moments.
If I had to tell you how I saw Jesus that night...., In the bed next to me was a young man who had tried to kill himself with a drug OD. I was able to stop and pray for him. An older nurse who casually mentioned that she started to have high blood pressure at 39 and it was not a big deal. (I'm 39 and her calmness brought me "Life and peace) The Lord gave me a christian nurse when I got to my floor. Her name was Beth and she is the mom to two young children 3 & 5. I felt like she was an immediate friend and she showed me such tender mercy as she made special ice packs for my headache and quietly chatted about church.
I started on my beta blocker today and so if the Lord brings it to mind that is where my prayer request lies. It is going to take some adjustments over the next few weeks. He started me on the lowest dose possible and will gently increase it until we get my BP to a comfortable level. Beta blockers make you very sleepy and lightheaded at first and because I tend to be sensitive to medication it might take my body a bit of time to regulate. My prayer is that there is no learning curve. I hate taking medicine. They think that unless I get myself in shape I will need to take this the rest of my life. (I plan to get myself in shape)
Once again, thank you so very much! He heard your prayers and ministered to my family.
Mary
PS- My "Betty" came out. I became chatty as I was nervous and my husband kept laughing because I found out all kinds of information about all of my health care providers. I asked about their families, their dreams, their jobs, their goals and they would just open up and share. The more we "chatted" the better I felt. At around 2am, my Scotty said, "Mare, I know you're a Betty AND your taking Morphine, but I just want to remind you that I haven't had any morphine, I'm not a Betty and it's 2am". (LOL, in other words..., HUSH!)
Now I am having a problem of LOW blood pressure.
As a matter of fact they've asked me to stop taking the meds until I can talk with my doctor. Oy Vey, what a ride this has been, but you all know my favorite verse from Lamentations, "Can anything happen without the Lord's Permission?"
I am so glad to read you are OK and being well taken care of over all. I am so sorry for the scare. I am still praying for you. Take it easy and rest. Please keep us updated.