How embarassing (LONG)

[Nightcrawler]

It has been a couple of days and I am just now getting to the point where I can write about the situation, am not sure what it is going to be like to go back to work on Saturday.

I work in a Progressive Care Cardiac Unit and while in group report on Tuesday suddenly began feeling HORRIBLE, pounding heart rate, dizzy, nauseous, the whole deal. When I left the report room I checked a quick pulse ox which showed a rate of 157 and I really started to freak out!!!! Instead I sat down for a couple of minutes and tried to convince myself that it was all just going to go away, and when that didn't work forced myself to roll over to where the charge nurse was changing over the board, and quietly let her know what was happening.

Ofcourse she rightly took my report sheets, reassigned my patients and made me go put myself on tele which showed SVT, very regular, ranging over about a 30 minute time frame from 160=130's.

Now remember that this is during change of shift, everyone is being wonderful, but it seems that all of both shifts of this very large 46 bed unit knows what is going on and I soon find myself getting a quick exam from one of the area cards docs, receiving carotid massage and trying valsalva surrounded by 10 coworkers!!!! I knew that they were all concerned but I was more than a little scared, highly symptomatic, and entirely embarrassed to be in this situation, and I ended up unfortunately snapping at a group that were there at this point out of embarrassment.

So carotid massage failed, the doc told me to keep trying to Valsalva and that if I didn't convert that I was going to have to go to the ED to "get some adenosine" which I REALLY didn't want to hear. All I could think about was that I was going to end up in a bed on my own unit, and how many days it had been since I had last shaved my legs!!!! :welcome:

I did end up going down to the ED, getting several ecg's, labs, O2, fluids and a total of 20 mg IV Cardizem to slow down my rate. My labs came back normal except for a slightly low K, which they replaced, and they sent me home on Toprol.

So now I find myself in the position of having to go back to work on Saturday and apologize to the people that I snapped at, and trying to move on. I am now considering whether I should wait to see if the Toprol controls my rate with the help of a primary care doc or just making an appointment with the nice doc that saw me the other night and who also happens to be the local top EPS guy in case this whole thing keeps happening.

By the way, this is a new thing for me, happened only twice before, both when I was at home and since September, and both times I was able to deny my way past it as it stopped on its own.

Of course, because I just finished moving to another state, changing jobs, buying a house and settling in, I hadn't yet set up a primary doc, and had been off of my bp meds for a few months, so I was correctly lectured on why nurses are often LESS compliant, despite being BETTER educated than the general public about our health. By the way, my bp was really up there although it didn't have anything to do with the rate issue since I had been on an ARB and not something that would control rate and bp.

Thank all of you who read this, and if you have any ideas of what I can do for my coworkers to thank them for their concern and apologise for having snapped at them, please let me know

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

My guess would be that you may be getting some apologies yourself when you head back to work. Maybe it took you snapping at them to realize that they were violating your privacy and being nosy....sort of like rubbernecking. You can apologize if you'd like, but I would probably just thank ppl for being concerned for my health and move on.

[Jolie, BSN]

I agree with the others that it is unlikely that anyone took offense to your remarks, and that home-made goodies heal all wounds!

If you are afraid that you will be tongue-tied and unable to apologize in person, just write a short note and deliver it to the unit along with the goodies.

Hope you feel better!

[fuegorama]

Full on the above. It's your co-workers who were basically spectating at your situation. You transferred from nurse to pt. when you first reported symptoms/were recognized as being in distress. Cookies make nice-nice, but I hope some of your co-workers apologize for gawking at you during your time of illness.

Re: your query.

If this is your third episode of SVT why aren't you seeing a cardiologist now? You may need a trip to the EP lab to clear up this recurrent dysrhythmia. ask the Cards guy's advice.

[Nightcrawler, BSN, RN]

Thank all of you for your replies, like any of us nurses, I listened to every word that came out of the cards doc's mouth, memorized it and used it to do internet research over the last couple of days. He said at the time that it looked like AV nodal re-entry. Thankfully it doesnt seem to be that serious except that I become soooo symptomatic. It also doesn't make me feel very good that it took IV meds to break the cycle. With that in mind I made an appointment with the same doc today for the end of next month, hoping that he will tell me that I really DONT need the continuing care of a cardiologist. Actually Im hoping that I have the chance to thank him for his help before then and that he tells me that I dont need to come see him after all. I would actually rather see one of his partners who are more personable, but he has already seen me when I am in the rhythm, and most doc's dont get to actually see episodic probs outside of the EPS lab, and he is also the best area EPS guy, so if things get worse I will end up with him anyway.

[texas_lvn]

They probably won't even remember it. You could bring in a big plate of cookies or something and add a card saying what you feel in case you don't see everyone in person, thanks for your concern, sorry I snapped.

P.S. Keep your legs shaved, (at least on the days you go to work). :wink2:

Sylvester

Totally agree on the cookies. Food is an apology understood in every language.

[jill48, ASN, RN]

Could have been worse. You could be working an OB unit and have a gynecological emergency:lol2: . Your coworkers will understand. I would if it was me you snapped at. If anything, I would probably feel bad for crowding you. Just let them know that you are sorry and you know they meant well.

[RN BSN 2009]

I'm sure they'll understand... good luck!!

[bethin]

I agree with others to bring some doughnuts, cupcakes, etc in. I have a great recipe for mocha chocolate chip cheesecake bars that are easy to make - and are gone in less than 5 mins.

Also, maybe bring a card apologizing so those who aren't there for the food are aware that you are sorry.

When I was in the hospital in July, in excrutiating pain (d/t Crohns) and no pain med was working, and banging my head against the IV pole, I got snippy with the nurse. I was a crying, blubbering idiot. I felt bad because I also have to work with her. I pulled her aside during work and apologized. She said "honey, no need, I could tell you were in pain." I think nurses make the worst pts, but also nurses are often the most forgiving.

[Sylv]

I have a great recipe for mocha chocolate chip cheesecake bars that are easy to make - and are gone in less than 5 mins.

Aren't ya gonna share the recipe? :)

[mhull]

I am sooo sorry this happened to you.

I just want to tell you a secret. I know I can't give medical advice but let me share something with you.

When I was 15 I started having problems with my HR going up to 180-200s. I went to my PCP who accused me of drug abuse (until my drug screen came back negative), to having anxiety, then to not wanting to go to school.

One night I was getting ready to go out to eat and it happened, my mom who was my biggest supporter and knew I was not faking or doing this to myself took me to the ER. I was in SVT. I received Adenosine and was sent to a EP doc. I had ablation the summer before I turned 16. That was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I did have a problem about a year ago with my HR running around 120. I was put on Toprol XL until this past September and went on a diet. (I got pregnant in July so I quit the diet), but I am now off the Toprol XL and feel much better.

All I can tell you is to please see a doctor you can trust, make the necessary lifestyle changes, and follow what you feel is best. Please don't be embrassed. This is not something you can help.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me or PM me. I will keep you in my thoughts.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I agree with everyone else- you were stressed, and ill, and they were crowding you, all good reasons to be a bit irritable. Just bring in a card thanking them for their rapid and caring response (the cookies will help tremendously) and not another word need be said.

[Justhere, BSN, RN]

I've had this happen before when I first learned I had mitral valve prolapse, heart would start racing, then I would feel like I would pass out. Sweet snacks and treats usually go over very well as an apology.