Chest Pains without enzymes showing a heart attack

[ChatterAlly]

I have been experiencing severe chest pains much like that when I had my prior heart attacks. I went to the ER over a week ago and after a stress test, it was determined that it was angina. But now, not only do I have the chest pains, I am having skipped beats that takes my breath away. It is so hard to catch my breath at times. I also have a feeling of faintness from time to time. I am without insurance, so I can't follow up with a cardologist, but I know there is something wrong. I can't convince the residents at the county hospital of this. I am wondering if a heart cath would prove this. It sucks today without insurance. I always had it until I lost my job. I went to the ER with chest pains and shortness of breath shortly after I lost this job and before I could put a policy in place. They found the right coronary artery was blocked 90%. That was it. I had been diagnosed with CAD and now no insurance will accept me unless I have around $800 a month for a policy that won't cover the CAD for 12 months anyway................Please help!!

[ChatterAlly]

Not keeping the COBRA reckless??????? Hmmm...let's see, I am supporting 2 grandchildren and 1 foster son. At the time, I was in good health and thought it a better idea to pay the mortgage and utilities, even put some food on the table while pounding the pavement for a management job...I was 51 ya know and the younger ones were looking also........Only thing I am looking for in here is why I continue to feel so crumby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jim62]

Sure sounds like support to me.  What kind of support did you have in mind?

Sympathy?  Ok, I'm really really sorry that you're in such a pickle.

Advice?  Ok, i'd say go get checked out by a cardiologist.

Opinion?  Ok, being without health insurance is not a good thing in this day and time.  It was a bad idea to not keep the cobra.

Anything else I could help you with?

[ChatterAlly]

This is suppose to be support???????

[surfgirl]

I am so sorry.I for one would NEVER be without health insurance...I have seen too many people lose everything....my kids all have their own insurance.  It is like being without car insurance, or homeowners.....I have sacrficed much to maintain my policy, but I have no option.  I pay almost 1200/month, just for me.  We all make choices in our lives, and have to face the consequences............you, IMO, made a reckless choice, and are in dire need of help.  This could be a matter of life and death.  I wish you well.  I hope you at least medically managed.  Good luck.

[ChatterAlly]

I went to the ER 3 years ago complaining of chest pain and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Much like I do now. They admitted me and did a heart cath the next morning. The blockage was found then. Since then I have had 3 heart attacks that weren't really noticed until the blood work was done. Tryponin (I think that's how its spelled) levels were elavated. But the caths at that time only showed blockages that were too small to deal with. Now this year, I have these skipped beats with chest pain and a feeling that my breath is being taken away. The last trip to the hospital (10 days ago) they didn't order any cath. Just the stress test. I met my target, but when slowing the heart down there were some changes on the EKG and I felt some chest pains. The cardology department never came to my room, but discharged me saying it was angina. I know deep down something has gone astray, but not in the mood to sit in the ER again, only to be sent home. Going to a cardiologist without any insurance is not an option. They just ask that I go to the ER. That's the answer when I consult my GP. And he's right. Without the means to have the tests done, it's hard to diagnose what's going on........It's called being in between a rock and a hard place. And it's not fair to a woman that went to college and has worked since she was 16. Worked in this capaicity 33 years now.I am only 54 and ths is so hard for me. Brings me to tears. I just don't know what to do or where to turn......Thanks, for listening, though.

[surfgirl]

how did you find the 90% blockage.....are you right or left artery dominent?  I doubt if the ER would help, but I do think you need to see a cardiologist who can admit you directly to the hospital.  That is , unless you have an acute episode..then take a bayer aspirin and call 911.