The good news is that I'm okay (if a wee bit sluggish). The bad news is that the emergency room staff couldn't really tell what happened.
I walk to and from work; it's only a 20 minute walk. It was a little hot here yesterday, but the breeze helped. But by the time I was about 2/3 of the way home, after climbing a flight of stairs at the local train station (cutting through the station is the safest way to cross a 6-lane street on my commute), I noticed that my left arm was going numb and that I was a little lightheaded. When I got home I called the advice nurse to ask what to do, and she advised me to call 911.
The paramedic who conducted the interview was great. I mentioned that I'm MTF and she referred to me as Connie and with femme pronouns thereafter.
I got to go for a ride in an ambulance.
The EKG was good, my blood pressure wasn't too high and my pulse was okay, too. The lightheadedness and numbness in my arm persisted for a while, then eased off. They ruled out stroke and a cardiac event, but it might have been a neurological event. The lightheadedness might be left over from a blood donation last Saturday, which usually leave me a little weak and wobbly.
As an aside, the tech who did the EKG was great, too, saying that some of the sensor stickers had to go under my "left breast." He called my lower-case A-cup booblette a breast.
The ER doctor advised me to follow-up with my GP as soon as possible and have referred me to a cardiologist as well. It's possible I'll be sent to neurologist, too.
This morning I took the bus to work instead of walking. I feel almost like I did on Monday, when I was still a little sluggish after the platelet donation.
I'm glad you came through this ok. Take care of yourself.
I had a very similar incident years ago, also in warm weather after light exercise. We're both still kicking! Hugs, Devlyn
I am so glad to here you did not have a heart attack or stoke. I really hope they are able to give you some answers as to what is going on. Be safe, and well.
Thanks, folks. I'll be calling my GP's office when it opens in about an hour.
Left arm numb + lightheaded = should call 911 immediately. If it had been a stroke, the saying is, "Time lost is brain lost".
Glad it turned out well. Any chance it might have been a "mini stroke (http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/TypesofStroke/TIA/TIA-Transient-Ischemic-Attack_UCM_310942_Article.jsp?gclid=COHqls3wirMCFSmCQgod0yoAGg)" (TIA)?
I guess I'll be finding out more as I make the necessary appointments. One of the reasons they ruled out a stroke was that my eyes were both open equally and the strength in my hands' grip was equal, too.
My GP's office opens in 15 minutes. I'll be calling soon.
>>> Edit >>>
Well, the earliest appointment I could get with my GP's office will be on Monday morning.
Well, I had my follow-up doctor's appointment. While no one really seems sure exactly what happened, the "diagnosis" for now is that it was a neural-chemical event, possibly triggered by stress. The doctor said to not worry about it unless it happens again.
I am glad to hear they did not find anything major. However, I hate it when they say to not worry about it till it happens again. That always bugs me.
But, again, I am glad things are not too serious. Stay well.
Quote from: Brooke777 on October 22, 2012, 03:51:18 PM
However, I hate it when they say to not worry about it till it happens again. That always bugs me.
Yeah, that bugs me too. But! the important thing is that nothing major happened.
Quote from: Constance on October 22, 2012, 03:56:19 PM
Yeah, that bugs me too. But! the important thing is that nothing major happened.
Yes, that is the important thing. And, I am really glad for that.
Thanks, Brooke.
Quote from: Constance on October 22, 2012, 03:56:19 PM
Yeah, that bugs me too. But! the important thing is that nothing major happened.
True. But it's still scary when things like that happen.
better get an MRI just to be in the safe side of thinks
Good luck Connie
Quote from: peky on October 22, 2012, 04:34:45 PM
better get an MRI just to be in the safe side of thinks
Good luck Connie
Hopefully, you won't have to endure a "closed" MRI. Those things are friggin scary.
Quote from: peky on October 22, 2012, 04:34:45 PM
better get an MRI just to be in the safe side of thinks
Good luck Connie
Hmm, that might be a good idea.
Quote from: Laura91 on October 23, 2012, 01:21:05 PM
Hopefully, you won't have to endure a "closed" MRI. Those things are friggin scary.
I usually don't get claustrophobic, but I've heard they're creepy nonetheless.
They are very loud, bang bang, thump thump and very tight. I've been in them a couple times.
I usually fall asleep during closed MRIs. I grew up caving, and find comfort in confined spaces.
I had an MRI for my leg a few years ago, and I did actually fall asleep in spite of the noise.
I had an MRI once it was a real nightmare, I was stuck listening to Jack Johnston's first album on loop through the whole thing....I just wanted to pass out lol
Jokes aside glad this turned out okay in the end. I know i am a bit behind.
I can not do a closed MRI. They have to give me Vicodin just to calm me down. Very claustrophobic.