Heart Issue

BillJasper · 03-02-2012, 04:28 PM

I was hoping to find someone who may have been having issues similar to what I've been experiencing over the last couple of years...

In 2009, I had been working third shift for about a decade and was meeting my wife for dinner before going to work. While in the restaurant I started having chest pains and it felt like the room was closing in. I walked outside and collapsed but didn't pass out. I took myself to the ER closest to my house and they ran an EKG and I passed it. They chalked it up to a panic attack.

Move to mid-2011, I was at home and started experiencing chest pains and sweating. Went to the hospital and spent twelve hours there while they did blood work, EKG and chest x-rays. Everything came back normal.

Move to late-2011, went back to the hospital with chest pains, numbness in jaw, profusely sweating. this time I spent two days there while they ran a whole array of tests including a nuclear stress test. Everything again came back completely normal.

A few weeks later I was having chest pain again and went to the doctor and they said everything sounded good.

Yesterday, I was feeling pressure in my chest. It felt like a pulled muscle without the pain and is most noticeable when sitting forward. It's still there but not nearly as noticeable today...

I am overweight (290 but was at 310 prior to the late-2011 incident) and take high blood pressure medication.

I feel like I look like a total idiot if I head back to the Emergency Room. But I'm not sure what else to do...

Kodos · 03-02-2012, 04:35 PM

If in doubt, go. Be safe.

JediKooter · 03-02-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

If in doubt, go. Be safe.

+10000000

sabotai · 03-02-2012, 04:40 PM

You said they ran a bunch of tests, but was it just stress and blood tests? Did they take a scan of your chest, like an MRI or something?

BillJasper · 03-02-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

If in doubt, go. Be safe.

I'll probably go if it doesn't subside. I'll definitely go to the doctor next week to be checked out again. My wife's Mom said if it was a heart attack I'd know. She had one last year.

BillJasper · 03-02-2012, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabotai

You said they ran a bunch of tests, but was it just stress and blood tests? Did they take a scan of your chest, like an MRI or something?

They did the nuclear stress tests, where they inject you with chemicals take a 3D picture of your heart at rest, have you run on a tread mill while they run an EKG then take another 3D picture of your heart. They also did a CAT scan of my brain because I was feeling light headed and checked the arteries in my neck.

They did recommend I start taking an aspirin a day because of my age (40).

Lathum · 03-02-2012, 04:51 PM

yeah, when in doubt go. Better to feel stupid and be alive than look smart and be dead

RainMaker · 03-02-2012, 05:00 PM

If they've done all those tests over the years, it doesn't sound like your heart. You should do what makes you most comfortable though, you know your body better than others. But there are a lot of things that can mimic heart problems, I've had them myself. Acid reflux and stress are some.

I'd see your regular doctor and tell him the situation. Let them know this is ongoing and has you very concerned. That the stress of it might be making it worse.

Also, drop the weight. It's not as hard as you think. I got up to 260 and was able to bring it down within 6 months. There is a thread in the Dynasty board I believe, or maybe we can all start a new one. But it's easier than people think and you'll feel a million times better. Also the part where you won't die young or have a lot of health problems.

BillJasper · 03-02-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Also, drop the weight. It's not as hard as you think. I got up to 260 and was able to bring it down within 6 months. There is a thread in the Dynasty board I believe, or maybe we can all start a new one. But it's easier than people think and you'll feel a million times better. Also the part where you won't die young or have a lot of health problems.

Definitely something I struggle with but continue to work on.

Rizon · 03-02-2012, 05:04 PM

Does sound like a panic attack, but you should go just in case it's not.

AlexB · 03-02-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

If in doubt, go. Be safe.

There will be no better advice in this thread than this. Go.

terpkristin · 03-02-2012, 07:05 PM

Go Go Go Go.

Why are you still reading this?

GO.

/tk

stevew · 03-02-2012, 07:09 PM

I had some issues where I had some chest pains, well rather I thought they were pains and instead my pectoral muscle near my heart was badly strained due to being overweight and sleeping somewhat funny.

Dutch · 03-02-2012, 07:33 PM

Definately go and get checked out again and tell your doctor you want some help going forward...not just a north-south head nod that you are "okay".

You might want to read this article (regardless of what's going on, actually) so that you can have a starting point with what to discuss with your doctor.

Heart Disease Prevention | Richlynne's Blog

JonInMiddleGA · 03-02-2012, 07:57 PM

I know I'm a little late to the thread but ... last weekend a cop in the little town I used to live in went & got checked out at the E.R. for chest pains. Found nothing more than slightly elevated blood pressure, he goes back on duty but stops to pick up some dinner first. Called his wife to say he was feeling bad again, was going back to the E.R. for another look ... his patrol car crashed into the side of the police station a few minutes later, a massive heart attack killed him behind the wheel.

I hate to be so f'n melodramatic but I don't know of a better way to say "if it's hurting again get your ass to the hospital".

Apathetic Lurker · 03-03-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJasper

I'll probably go if it doesn't subside. I'll definitely go to the doctor next week to be checked out again. My wife's Mom said if it was a heart attack I'd know. She had one last year.

Not always. I had a heart attack and didnt even know it. I found out a few years later when I had a stress test .

BillJasper · 03-03-2012, 06:11 AM

Thanks for all the advice. Put some IcyHot on the spot and it immediately started feeling better and hasn't bothered me for a while now. Will definitely be talking to the doctor on Monday though and see what she thinks.

TroyF · 03-03-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

If they've done all those tests over the years, it doesn't sound like your heart. You should do what makes you most comfortable though, you know your body better than others. But there are a lot of things that can mimic heart problems, I've had them myself. Acid reflux and stress are some.

I'd see your regular doctor and tell him the situation. Let them know this is ongoing and has you very concerned. That the stress of it might be making it worse.

Also, drop the weight. It's not as hard as you think. I got up to 260 and was able to bring it down within 6 months. There is a thread in the Dynasty board I believe, or maybe we can all start a new one. But it's easier than people think and you'll feel a million times better. Also the part where you won't die young or have a lot of health problems.

This post hit close to home.

I have had a nagging, dry cough off and on for years. Doctors have tried all sorts of things and never found anything. I have also always had a difficult time feeling like I could get a big gulp of air. A few months ago I started having slight pains in my chest. Not in the same spot. Sometimes under the rib cage, sometimes where the heart is, sometimes on the opposite side. Nothing serious, just random nagging slight pain to go with the cough and breathing issues.

I went to the doctor and demanded that I be sent to a specialist. Multiple CAT scans, sleep tests, blood tests, breathing tests. . . about 15 tests in all.

The result? Acid Reflux. I never had heartburn in my life. Never any other symptom. That cough was the acid getting up to my throat and screwing with my vocal cords. I have to make some serious dietary changes (I drink a lot of soda, haven't had one in 5 days now, I think I deserve a pin) I have to take some pills before I eat meals and before I go to bed. I have to sleep with an elevated pillow or bed.

What I'm telling you with that long winded story is demand answers. There IS A REASON you continue feeling this way, even if it's seemingly random. Get tests beyond the heart. In the meantime, it can't hurt to make dietary and lifestyle changes. Eating better and exercising can't hurt you.

I waited 20+ years to find out what was really going on. Don't make that mistake.

BillJasper · 03-04-2012, 02:17 PM

In the ER now. Think the doctor thinks I'm crazy. Blood pressure, pulse and EKG all good. Doing blood work now...

BillJasper · 03-04-2012, 02:39 PM

Wife said I cried like a little girl when they stuck the IV in.

Izulde · 03-04-2012, 02:57 PM

Glad you're getting it checked out and able to have a sense of humor about it.

JonInMiddleGA · 03-04-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJasper

Wife said I cried like a little girl when they stuck the IV in.

Wuss, I never cry.

Passing out straightaway avoids all that sort of embarrassment

BillJasper · 03-04-2012, 03:52 PM

Getting ready to be released. I'm the picture of heart health according to my doctor. Giving me something for anxiety until my appointment with my family doctor on Thursday.

Kodos · 03-04-2012, 06:29 PM

Not trying to be mean, but at 300 pounds, you can't be the picture of heart health. IMO.

BillJasper · 03-04-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

Not trying to be mean, but at 300 pounds, you can't be the picture of heart health. IMO.

Hey! I'm only at 290.

But every test came back within whatever range they consider normal. I'm sure I'll be getting an earful from the family doctor on Thursday.

BYU 14 · 03-04-2012, 08:39 PM

Glad you went, this is nothing to play with. Just curious if they have discussed an Angiogram? I am pretty sure the battery of tests done would have shown if something was wrong, but the Angiogram is the bset way to rule out any blockages.

Again it is likely only anxiety, which I have struggled with at times over the years as you keep getting good results, but just a thought.

Again though, glad to hear you had it checked out, always better to be overcautious.

And quit crying when you get a damn IV!

03-02-2012, 04:35 PM	#2
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	If in doubt, go. Be safe. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

03-02-2012, 07:05 PM	#12
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	Go Go Go Go. Why are you still reading this? GO. /tk __________________ GO TERPS! https://www.flickr.com/photos/terpkristin https://twitter.com/terpkristin

03-02-2012, 07:57 PM	#15
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	I know I'm a little late to the thread but ... last weekend a cop in the little town I used to live in went & got checked out at the E.R. for chest pains. Found nothing more than slightly elevated blood pressure, he goes back on duty but stops to pick up some dinner first. Called his wife to say he was feeling bad again, was going back to the E.R. for another look ... his patrol car crashed into the side of the police station a few minutes later, a massive heart attack killed him behind the wheel. I hate to be so f'n melodramatic but I don't know of a better way to say "if it's hurting again get your ass to the hospital". __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

03-03-2012, 06:11 AM	#17
BillJasper Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Northern Kentucky	Thanks for all the advice. Put some IcyHot on the spot and it immediately started feeling better and hasn't bothered me for a while now. Will definitely be talking to the doctor on Monday though and see what she thinks. __________________ The Confederacy lost, it is time to dismantle it.

03-04-2012, 02:17 PM	#19
BillJasper Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Northern Kentucky	In the ER now. Think the doctor thinks I'm crazy. Blood pressure, pulse and EKG all good. Doing blood work now... __________________ The Confederacy lost, it is time to dismantle it.

03-02-2012, 04:40 PM	#4
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	You said they ran a bunch of tests, but was it just stress and blood tests? Did they take a scan of your chest, like an MRI or something?

03-02-2012, 04:51 PM	#7
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	yeah, when in doubt go. Better to feel stupid and be alive than look smart and be dead

03-02-2012, 05:00 PM	#8
RainMaker Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	If they've done all those tests over the years, it doesn't sound like your heart. You should do what makes you most comfortable though, you know your body better than others. But there are a lot of things that can mimic heart problems, I've had them myself. Acid reflux and stress are some. I'd see your regular doctor and tell him the situation. Let them know this is ongoing and has you very concerned. That the stress of it might be making it worse. Also, drop the weight. It's not as hard as you think. I got up to 260 and was able to bring it down within 6 months. There is a thread in the Dynasty board I believe, or maybe we can all start a new one. But it's easier than people think and you'll feel a million times better. Also the part where you won't die young or have a lot of health problems.

03-02-2012, 07:09 PM	#13
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	I had some issues where I had some chest pains, well rather I thought they were pains and instead my pectoral muscle near my heart was badly strained due to being overweight and sleeping somewhat funny.

03-02-2012, 07:33 PM	#14
Dutch "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	Definately go and get checked out again and tell your doctor you want some help going forward...not just a north-south head nod that you are "okay". You might want to read this article (regardless of what's going on, actually) so that you can have a starting point with what to discuss with your doctor. Heart Disease Prevention \| Richlynne's Blog

03-04-2012, 02:39 PM	#20
BillJasper Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Northern Kentucky	Wife said I cried like a little girl when they stuck the IV in. __________________ The Confederacy lost, it is time to dismantle it.

03-04-2012, 02:57 PM	#21
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Glad you're getting it checked out and able to have a sense of humor about it. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

03-04-2012, 03:52 PM	#23
BillJasper Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Northern Kentucky	Getting ready to be released. I'm the picture of heart health according to my doctor. Giving me something for anxiety until my appointment with my family doctor on Thursday. __________________ The Confederacy lost, it is time to dismantle it.

03-04-2012, 06:29 PM	#24
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Not trying to be mean, but at 300 pounds, you can't be the picture of heart health. IMO. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

03-04-2012, 08:39 PM	#26
BYU 14 Coordinator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The scorched Desert	Glad you went, this is nothing to play with. Just curious if they have discussed an Angiogram? I am pretty sure the battery of tests done would have shown if something was wrong, but the Angiogram is the bset way to rule out any blockages. Again it is likely only anxiety, which I have struggled with at times over the years as you keep getting good results, but just a thought. Again though, glad to hear you had it checked out, always better to be overcautious. And quit crying when you get a damn IV!

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