ER Guidelines

[mtlieb Brave Heart Find all posts View Profile Close mtlieb]

Hi All,

While i was in the emergency room last week for my first HCM-related visit, it came to my attention that there were things that i should make the ER staff aware of, but i just couldn't think of them. I did remember that i shouldn't have nitro, but for the life of me i couldn't tell them why. What are some of the things us HCM'ers need to watch out for in an ER?

Thanks,

Jim

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

Re: ER Guidelines

Gosh, Jim. I know what you mean. Now that you've put me on the spot I can't remember either! I'll get back with you, as will others, I'm sure.

Reenie

PS, on my husband's Medicalert bracelet he has No MRI, but he has an ICD.

[Toogoofy317 Member of 1000 Post Club! Find all posts View Profile Close Toogoofy317]

Re: ER Guidelines

The reason for no nitro on most HCMers is because of its vasodialating properties. It can make symptoms worse.

But as always everyone is different as with me since I have itsy bitsy arteries it actually does work for me sometimes. But I am different than most.

As far as ER guidelines I have been told that once my pain gets to the point that it is unbearable I should go there for pain management. Also, since I've had bouts of CHF if I have difficulty in breathing and feel extremely congested. I also experience the opposite with dehydration because of Chron's disease if I start cramping and getting skipped beats I should go.

So there are so many different reasons to go to the ER. I think in the end if you feel you need to go then go only you know your body and how it acts!

Mary S.

[Sarah Brave Heart Find all posts View Profile Close Sarah]

Re: ER Guidelines

I have a Medic Alert and that eases my mind a lot.

As for what ER staff/paramedics need to know...

all of your medications and doses
especially Coumadin (warfarin) or Tikosyn (dofetilide)

if you are allergic to any medicine or latex

your official diagnosis and if you are in atrial fibrillation or have other arrhythmias

if you have had a stroke, heart attack or a history of fainting or an ICD/pacemaker.

I typed up a two page document that lists my insurance, my next of kin, my current medications and doses and a summary of my medical event (date, event, symptoms, resolution eg 1/15/03 Hospitalized for chest pain. Given metoprolol and released.; 3/3/00 Lithotripsy, successfully passed gravel.) Then at the end I have a short family history (they LOVE this) that lists grandparents, parents, and siblings and their year of birth (and death when applicable), cause of death, and any major illnesses like osteoporosis or cancer. (eg Maternal Grandmother, 1920, deaf, osteoporsis; Maternal Grandfather, 1918-1960, CHF, enlarged heart).

I print out a copy of this and take it with me to every ER visit.