Writer Skačkauskas rushed to hospital after experiencing severe chest pain

Writer Audrius Skačkauskas shared a dramatic account on social media of a sudden, intense chest pain that struck him while relaxing with his family. The pain was so severe he initially feared he was having a heart attack and could barely move.

“

Yesterday I almost died.

His daughter, Ausryte, witnessing his distress, immediately called for an ambulance. Skačkauskas, initially hesitant to call for help, felt increasingly unwell and in pain, even as he tried to reassure his family. He described his thoughts racing with worst-case scenarios, including paralysis and premature death, while also worrying about unfinished tasks like brushing his dog and telling a bedtime story.

“

I'm not a fan of calling an ambulance, because I always feel uncomfortable: 'Maybe it's just for a moment, maybe it looks like that from fright, there are probably many more serious calls, and I'm just hindering someone else's resuscitation with my trifle.'

Paramedics arrived quickly and began their assessment, including taking an electrocardiogram. Skačkauskas noted that as the medical team arrived, the pain began to subside, causing him some embarrassment about potentially making a false alarm. However, the paramedics reassured him, diagnosing the episode as acute intercostal neuralgia. They administered a painkiller and explained that this condition can cause severe pain, especially given his existing health issues. The incident concluded with Skačkauskas receiving relief and a clear diagnosis, avoiding the feared heart attack.

“

Call an ambulance?