Chest Pain Scare!

[bugsmom]

OK...this may be a bit long and I apologize, but I need some advice. Yesterday morning Josh was sitting on the living room floor reading the newspaper. He was on all fours like a dog just reading away. When he was done, he got up on his knees and stretched. He pulled his elbows back and they touched. Right after he did that he started complaining of his chest hurting. Well I figured that he just stretched a chest muscle and told him to lie down. Well then he REALLY started complaining and started to cry. He said that he felt like someone was sitting on his chest. It about scared me the death. He was hysterical! I threw some clothes on him and myself and rushed him to the closest Urgent Care. (Of course...dh was working a double shift!) The pain lasted about 20 mins and by the time we got there he was completely fine. He wanted to go home and I said NO WAY! They rushed him back and did all the normal stuff...bp was perfect, listened to his heart, took a chest x-ray, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, they were 99% certain that he just pulled some fibers or chest wall muscles and we could go home. I reminded them that this was a child that had been taking ritalin type drugs for 4 1/2 years and that I thought he needed to be treated as a possible cardic case. I wanted a ekg...the works. They said he was not showing any signs of cardic pain and they usually won't work up a 10 year old otherwise healthy boy. I was fumming! They sent him on his way and said that he could resume regular activities and if he has anymore pain to bring him back. They said to take him to his doctor on Monday for a follow up. Now, in my heart I think that they were right. The way he stretched and pulled his arms back, I almost sure he probably pulled something. What bothers me is that if he did just pull something wouldn't it still hurt. They said not really. He could have just had a muscle spasim. Anyway...this scared me to death. I even made him sleep with me last night because I was so scared. He was completely fine for the rest of the day yesterday and today no problems at all. So this is my question, am I just being too paranoid? What would you have done in my shoes? He is going to the doctor in the morning and I still think they should check his heart better than they did. They really made me feel like a over protective mother...I left there feeling lost. Any of your comments would be great. Am I crazy for feeling this way?

[misty]

I would've done exactly what you did! No, you were not wrong to worry about a possible cardiac problem in a child taking any type of meds! You are not crazy! I can't believe they wouldn't do the tests at your urging. At his follow up tomorrow I'd tell his Dr that you want the tests done & won't rest until they are! I'm not saying it is a heart problem, but I know if you don't get the tests done you will never stop worrying.

[charliegirl]

I would have done the exact same thing. You're always better off not taking chances.

That said, I'd take him to the dr in the morning and discuss all my concerns with him. They probably are right, but until I talked to his regular dr. I would continue to keep an eye on him.

Keep in mind that there are many different things that can cause chest pain and seem very much like a heart attack. The reason they tell you to never assume its something else and to always get chest pains checked out is that its hard for us to know the difference, but they do know what to look for.

If you see any symptoms that you feel may indicate he is having any kind of a problem with his heart take him back in.

That being said, if you feel he should have tests done before you can be comfortable with it, then ask the dr to schedule them for you peace of mind.

[jj]

I agree with Misty (and Barb - LOL, she posted before I could get mine done). I don't care if the chances of him having a heart issue is 1%. I would be pretty persistant at that doctor visit. If for what ever reason insurance won't pay for it then you may have to rethink but I'd be doing everything in my powers to convince the doctor to get more tests.

I know with my Mom we do the nitro/maloxx routine when she has chest pains. If that 3rd nitro doesn't do the trick I'm dialing 911. And most times she ended up in ER it WAS just acid reflux but heck no I'm not taking chances. And you shouldn't either even for a little boy so absolutely you did the right thing and are not over-reacting.

[bugsmom]

Thank you so much for your quick responses. I have just been a mess since yesterday morning. They just made me feel so small. I know I can over-react, but I really didn't feel like this was the case. I know when we see his doc tomorrow he will be very through and do what I need to have done to give me peace. He's been so wonderful to us for many years. I guess what made me so mad was that we have awesome insurence so that wasn't the problem...I just felt they weren't listening to my concerns.

Josh has been fine all day. We got quite a bit of snow over the last couple days and his bestfriend Natalie came over to play in it with him. I didn't want him to over-due it with the snow, but my dear husband told me to let him play. They built a fort and a big hill to snowboard down. He did a lot of shoveling and seemed to be just fine. Of course I was watching his every move to make sure he was fine. I'm trying very hard not to show Josh my concern, I don't want him to worry.

I'll let you all know tomorrow how it goes. Thanks for your support, you just don't know how much it means to me.

[misty]

Let us know how it goes tomorrow, Bugsmom. I'll add Josh to my prayers tonight.

[katiekat]

I think you did the right thing too. Better safe than sorry especially when it comes to your kids health. I know when we had to call 911 because Sean was having a hard time breathing I felt maybe I was over-reacting but oh well. They said he was fine,it was croup and left. 10 minutes later I had my h take him to the ER because I knew it wasnt croup and I was right. It was a really bad asthma attack(1st one) that took 4 breathing treatments before they could even consider sending him home. Youre his mom so always trust your instincts.

[bugsmom]

Thanks Misty...I really appreciate that!

[crazyhouse]

I totally agree you are not a paranoid mom, you did the right thing and for that hospital not to accomidate you is #^#%#$ I have a health condition in my family tree that has to do with chest pain. when the amount of stress is building up I get chest pains I have had EKG's, 2 Doppler Echo (heart ultrasound), tons of antacid (never works) but they still insist on doing a full work up. I've never had high blood pressure or heart attacks but they always check.

I think your Dr. will be more accomidating, and tell you that you did the right thing. I've had my son tested for illnesses that run in the family. When the Dr. looks a little hesitant I tell him it would help me sleep easier knowing instead of wondering. I hope the Dr. visit goes well

[bugsmom]

Thanks so much for making me feel better. I didn't think I was over-reacting. Anyway...Josh's appt was canceled today. His doc had to go to the hospital and he canceled his appts for the day. We have been rescheduled to be his first appt in the morning. I'm feeling a little better about everything, but I won't feel totally good until they at least run an ekg. Josh has been fine all day. He's tired of me asking how he is feeling Me...well I didn't get to sleep until 2:00am, just letting my mind go places it shouldn't go. I truly feel he is fine but I NEED to be sure. I didn't let him go to basketball practice today. I just didn't want him to work out that hard. They work those boys out like crazy and I just didn't feel comfortable until he seen his doc. Thanks to you all...I don't feel like such a crazy lady now.

I'll let you know how it goes after I drop Josh back off at school. Thanks for caring, it makes the load a little lighter.