Disclaimer: This is not about social media views — this is about saving lives.

 

🚑 The October 999 Call: When Old Pain Meets New Danger

I’m sharing this because abdominal pain, chest symptoms, and sudden severe changes can be life-threatening. I don’t want anyone to hesitate when they shouldn’t. Call early. Please.

I never expected to make another emergency call about pancreatitis. My last flare was 20 years ago, and I truly hoped it would stay that way.

But in early October, something shifted. A familiar, deep, internal pain returned — the kind that doesn’t feel like indigestion or “a bad tummy day.” If you’ve had pancreatitis before, you’ll know: your body remembers.

I recognised the sensations immediately:

• Crushing upper-abdominal pain

• Radiating discomfort

• Breathing felt wrong

• Heavy internal alarm feeling

I didn’t want to believe it. But when your body whispers “this is serious”, you listen.

So I dialled 999.

Within moments, the paramedics were running up my stairs.

"For you, right?"

"Yes — pancreatitis flare up."

No hesitation.

"That's hospital. Let's go."

We were out the door almost instantly. Even under blue lights, it still took 32 minutes to reach A&E — and every one of those minutes reminded me exactly why I called when I did.

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🩺 What I Thought Was Happening

I believed I was having another pancreatitis flare. That made the decision easy — pancreatitis can escalate fast, and waiting is a risk.

❤️ What Was Actually Happening

At the hospital, tests revealed something different:

• Acute cardiac rhythm problem

• Multi-system involvement

• Increased clot risk

It wasn’t pancreatitis at all — it was a cardiac emergency.

Calling early mattered. It may have saved my life.

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⚠️ Urgent Care Note

If you experience severe abdominal pain, chest discomfort, or sudden unusual symptoms, especially with a history of serious illness, call 999 immediately.

Delaying care can be fatal. Trust your body’s signals.

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🤯 A Twist I Didn’t Expect

Twenty years ago, when I had pancreatitis, I was admitted to a specific ward.

This time? Same sensations ➜ same ambulance feeling ➜ same hospital ward.

I recognised the corridor, the bed layout, even where the coffee trolley parks in the morning.

It felt like a bizarre reunion:

"Hello again. Didn’t expect to see you here. Thought we agreed we were done."

Except this time, pancreatitis wasn’t the culprit. Different emergency — same postcode.

The discharge moment brought a bitter-sweet reflection. I told the nurses,

"I will see you in another 20 years."

Twenty years ago, on that same ward but in a different bay, my mum had died while I was an inpatient. This time, the ward witnessed another death on Sunday. The weight of history and mortality was palpable, a reminder of how fleeting and precious life is.

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🧠 What This Taught Me

We talk a lot about not overreacting. But we don’t talk enough about not under-reacting.

Your body remembers danger.
Trust it.
Act early.

No one regrets calling too soon — only too late.

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⏱ Timeline

Time	Event
Symptoms	Familiar severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing
Decision	Recognised danger ➜ called 999
Paramedics	ECGs, vitals, rapid transport
Hospital	Cardiac diagnosis, monitoring
Now	Recovery, pacing, follow-up testing

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💬 Support and Resources

• NHS 111 / 999 for urgent care

• Pancreatitis UK: https://www.pancreatitis.org.uk

• British Heart Foundation: https://www.bhf.org.uk

• Patient advocacy: Trust your instincts, ask questions, seek help immediately

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏