Back to the world of medicine

The last several months, my health has been worsening. My heart has been causing many issues such as it flutters, and it races fast and then goes slow; it hurts almost all the time with pain radiating to my arm, back, neck and jaw. I am almost always short of breath. I often feel as though I am drowning under water and have developed a chronic cough. I sleep propped up on several pillows to prevent coughing all night. My sleep is often interrupted several times a night by coughing spells and/or my heart racing or fluttering.

Yesterday, I was feeling quite ill. I decided to head back into the world of medicine in a vain attempt to find some relieve from my symptoms. A stop at the emergency department yielded little information. I "learned" I was not having a heart attack, did not have pneumonia and was not pregnant. (I have to chuckle at my "results". Any time I go to the doctor, I am asked about 5-10 times, "Are you sure you are not pregnant?" I subsequently get a urine pregnancy test and sometimes also a blood test to make sure I am not pregnant. I am then told "the big news" that I am not pregnant. My response is often cynical, "Ok, thanks doc! It is good to know I have been impregnated by the Holy Spirit!")

I was hoping to gain some insight into my medical challenges, but little information was gleaned. The nurses were very concerned I was so ill. My heart rate while lying semi-reclined on the hospital bed was 110 beats per minute. Any time I had to move positions, my body would shake uncontrollably. When the doctor learned my test results were negative for pneumonia, heart attack and pregnancy, she discharged me. My nurse was very apologetic and seemed upset the doctor was going to release me home in almost the exact state I came to the emergency department in. I was too tired to give the nurse much consolation. (I have prayed and asked God to let the nurse know I will be ok. The Great Physician is looking after me.)

On a positive note, I called a medical center in search of finding a primary care doctor. (I always tell God I leave finding a doctor up to Him. Whatever doctor is best for me, I know He will arrange for everything to work out.) I got assigned a random doctor to see next week. I was delighted to find out (after doing a web search) that she is a Christian! "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I shall be saved: for You are my praise." (Jeremiah 17:14)