I still remember this day like it was yesterday, August 28th. I felt something in my throat, something like hair, which is the easiest way I can describe it. The only thing I had eaten was a cup of soup. I was so uncomfortable with this feeling, that I began to worry. My stomach started to turn, my heart rate started to increase, and I quickly grew shaky. I was convinced there was something wrong with me. I walked down my 5 flights of stairs debating what to do heavily breathing, struggling to catch my breath. Someone walked into my building and asked if I was okay, and I explained my situation. He happened to be a doctor that worked at the hospital 3 blocks from my apartment. He said I should just go to the ER, just in case, to get checked out and was kind enough to walk me there.
The second I walked in that ER, I began to hyperventilate and uncontrollably sob. I actually thought I was going to die. That thought mixed with being alone and not telling my mom and dad what was happening in the moment had me shaken to my core. I was immediately hooked up to a machine to check out my heart. I was then sent to a waiting area and after about three and half hours of waiting, crying, diarrhea (sorry TMI) and tingling feelings all over my body it was concluded that there was nothing they can do or give me. I had a panic attack. Let me tell you, an emergency room in the East Village is the absolute LAST place you should ever go alone when having a panic attack. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by homeless and sick people when all you need to do is calm down.
After those four hours, I went home and fell asleep from pure exhaustion. I woke up the next day and was feeling better. My mom was coming to visit me in two days, so I was very distracted with cleaning, prepping and making plans/ reservations for our weekend together. I thought this was all over and I was in the clear. A one- time deal and I had nothing to worry about. So, in my typical fashion, I made light of my situation and ignored what my body was trying to tell me. I had no idea what my near future had in sight for me.
Read more in Part II.