faking a heart attack, or how to be seen quickly in urgent care

"What about stress? You are under a lot of pressure right now?" asked the doctor, and I had to pause while he ordered an EKG.

Two weeks ago, I was so pumped with adrenaline that I guess a heart attack could be within reason.

But the week had been good to me: A leisurely coffee date with Stephanie, playdates with friends - complete with toddlers - the VBS my kids looked forward to since last July, time with my family over the weekend that did not include renovation, and swimming lessons each night, hanging out with amazing Moms at the pool.

My heart nearly does burst with pride every time I see Lexi dive.

I couldn't imagine a more peaceful week, really. I felt content right up until my chest, shoulder and upper abs spasmed, suddenly and the severe pain lasted all night long. Several times I picked up the phone to dial 911, but I would talk myself out of it because I don't have heart disease and I AM 37.

I rationalized until 4 am when I decided it would be better to look foolish and like a nervous nelly than to ignore the pain that had rendered me speechless.

The good news: My heart is fine and I feel better. Could have been overexertion or some new symptom brought on Sjogren's - I'll be in touch with my specialists this week to follow up.

I am so relieved.

The kind doctor said I was right: It was unlikely for me to have a heart attack or angina, even with chronic illness lurking in my files. And he also said I was right to come in because women tend to ignore these symptoms, try to push it out of our minds while we care for our families and simply believe it couldn't happen to us.

I needed to hear that, and I figure you might need it too, as you round out the long days of summer, kids underfoot, chasing the sun.