First Ambulance Ride Last Night - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

djphatmatt · 08-26-2009, 08:58 PM

So, I have a genetic heart problem and history of anxiety but occassionally smoke a little pot. Well last night I was drinking and then smoked and on my way home started feeling really stoned but my heart was racing and palpitating. Pulled over and called 911 (freaking out). When the medics got there my heart rate was 156 BMP. Went to the ER and was told it was probably an anxiety attack from the pot (even though I havent had an episode that bad ever, and the closest one was back 6 years ago). All I could worry about (and why I didnt wanna go to ER) was the cost of ambulance, ER, etc. and how that will cut into my savings for my backpacking. Well, I am feeling alot better, still not 100%. Paid the ER Bill $675 and still have XRay, DR (he charges seperate from hospital), and Ambulance. Hopefully wont be more than $1200 total.

On the bright side, I did pay off one of my 4 credit cards today... 3 to go and then my car and I am set!

**expatben** · 08-27-2009, 05:03 AM

Sucks bro! I hope you get everything paid off soon.

Rhine · 08-27-2009, 01:54 PM

Sounds like and expensive night for you. Maybe you shouldnt smoke weed again?

My friend while in Seattle blacked out for a few minutes a few weeks ago while I was there after smoking some pot. We went to the ER and sat there for about 3 hours just to be told there isnt much they can do. He was left with a $950 tab.

Manders · 08-27-2009, 05:00 PM

That sucks Matt, sounds like a scary experience. I went to the ER one time because of a bad cough, all they gave me was a doctors note to stay out of work the next day and it cost me like $900 bucks. Hopefully your savings wont take too big a hit. Then again, theres always "fleeing the country

" lol

**travelpunk** · 08-27-2009, 05:45 PM

Well, the good news is, you're better.

I've had a lot on my plate this year and it's given me some serious anxiety attacks this year where your heart is racing and you feel that you can't shut your eyes to go to sleep because of a heart attack or something. So, I bust out a glass of red wine (or whiskey) to calm the nerves...

Keep your eyes on the prize...

djphatmatt · 08-27-2009, 08:08 PM

Yea dont plan on smoking anymore... Thanks for all the support!

**Sijuki** · 08-30-2009, 06:03 PM

That is pretty rough bro.... hope everything works out.

**LostFarmboy** · 08-31-2009, 09:28 AM

Man, I've gotta be honest here, the U.S. health care system sounds pretty ordinary. If the Aussie system was structured like that of the U.S., I'd still be paying off my misspent youth.

djphatmatt · 08-31-2009, 01:41 PM

Yea... LOL. Healthcare here sucks! And to top it all off. Last night me and some work friends decided to go to NYC Oct 3-6 and booked it last night too (spur of the moment thing). Ive only been to Upstate NY and really wanna go. well anyways, I get to work today and get called in the office and FIRED! I wait tables and apparently they didn't like the fact that I confronted a guest last week about $8 tip on $260 tab.

Plus, they said I didnt follow procedure by altering managemtn they had ordered 3 rounds of drinks and moving into their 4th. Been there a year and most managers laugh it off when you follow that rule. So I stopped doing it. I mean we take alcohol serving certification for a reason. You dont need a manager to tell you how to care for your tables. Thats why they supposedly hire most professional and experienced servers... I call BS!

Oh well, At least I have my health, food, and place to sleep.