I think this forum saved my life yesterday!

SethChandler · February 6, 2003 2:40AM

Sound crazy, uhh?

Late in the morning yesterday, my heart starting beating rather fast. Pounding real heavy. I walked around for a little then I was getting short of breath. I'm thinking, What's going on? I'm 31 years old, this stuff shouldn't happen to me......but I'm overweight(40lbs), don't exercise, new job, wife screaming, haven't purchased a coin in a while... lots of crazy stressful things going on. ????
A few hours later, it came back this time it was worse....heart pounding, heavy breathing, I started to sweat, I work in a small office so I became clastraphobic(sp?). I got up to walk around and felt real dizzy....then I started to think about all the above mentioned stressful things and it made me feel worse. Is this a heart attack? I thought? The fact that I was thinking about these things made me feel worse. I've gotta get my mind off this. So I logged on to the boards and after a few point and clicks on a few good posts I was alright.

I'm seeing my Doctor Friday just in case.

Thanks everyone.

Aaron04 · February 6, 2003 2:42AM

So instead of calling 911 you got online ?

nwcs · February 6, 2003 2:43AM

Glad you're doing all right! And definitely see a doctor. You want to be able to buy coins for a long time.

And show your wife how pretty they are and she is.

Neil

cladking · February 6, 2003 2:44AM

If it comes back, see a doctor sooner.

If it's just stress then certainly coins will reduce it.

MAULUMALL · February 6, 2003 2:44AM

I have heard that when that happens,You should start coughing.And continue until you either have it pass or help arrives.

(my father has had 4 open heart surgeries and this was told to me by one of his Drs.)

supercoin · February 6, 2003 2:45AM

I'm glad you found some good posts.

The moral of the story is, the next time someone is thinking of posting some inflammatory BS thread, don't! You might kill someone.

Russ · February 6, 2003 2:46AM

Sounds like what I experience right before I pull the trigger on a good snipe.

Russ, NCNE

maddox · February 6, 2003 2:49AM

the same thing happens to me every time I shell out more than a grand for another Morgan, but when I get the coin home, I'm all happy.....

Seriously, call 911 next time....

dwood · February 6, 2003 2:49AM

Seth,
Wise decision on the Doc...

I'm 40, about 40 pounds overweight (yeah, a fat, bald GEEK!!!) and since my fathers sudden, unexpected passing from a heart attack 5 years ago (he was only 57), I've had occasional anxiety attacks. They are EXACTLY as you describe, and 95% of the time, if I get my mind on something else, they go away and all returns to normal. I've found the computer, and specifically the Internet, to be a great diversion at those times. Works every time. Still, you need to have it checked out. If it is anxiety, its a constant struggle. I'm still learning to tell myself "Calm down...everything is fine...its in your head.

Let them give you the "whole 9 yards" stress test. Its a pain in the butt while you're doing it, but its a big relief when its over, and I bet you'll be surprised that you're probably in better shape than you think (I know I was, as was my doctor and the nurses who had to endure me and my fat frame waddling on a treadmill for 90 minutes!).

There is a really nice side effect though...My wife and daughter hear "I'll always love you" about 10 times a day now...just in case

mrfred · February 6, 2003 3:09AM

I'm with 'dwood' on this -- let 'em do the stress test; it's a hassle but a great indicator.
And take care of yourself. I agree w/ everybody that coins are good therapy. To me, sorting a batch of wheats or jeffs (next on the to-do list) is like zen. Time seems to stop. Very healthy indeed. Very calming. Sometimes I listen to classical music at the same time.

MosesBlack · February 6, 2003 3:25AM

If you think you may be having a heart attack, just light up a cigarette. If you are having a heart attack you will go down like a rock, if not you are ok!

)

FrattLaw · February 6, 2003 3:25AM

Seth

I'm 33 had two heart attacks about 10 yrs ago. And recently, last Wednesday, I had an episode where I needed 3 nitro tablets to calm my heart down. My original attacks had the same symptoms you describe, as well as pain, tightness through the neck and jaw with pain radiating down both arms. While, your attack may not have been a MI (myocardial infarction) I stress that you go to the doctor's today and have them run an enzyme test. If in fact you had a minor (as if there is one) heart attack, there will be enzymes present in your blood that will show that heart muscle has been damaged. Do not wait, the enzymes do not stay in your blood for more then 24-48 hours.

Plus, you need nitro in case of a second attack. What you might have is coronary spasms. Like muscles in your leg might twitch or tighten up, so can the muscle around a coronary artery, closing off blood supply to a heart muscle. Now it may not kill you instantly, but it can certainly damage your heart, which may lead to death if it continues to happen and is left untreated. Calicum blockers can help with spasms.

Also, pop an aspirin pill RIGHT NOW. It helps thin the blood and lessens the effects of spasms.

I'm not trying to freak you out or any one else on the Board, but this is sometime I've lived with for 12 years and I know what the potential is.

Schedule a stress test, but also a nuclear scan, the effects of spasm don't show up well with a stress test.

And by the way, next time call 911 when this happens, don't get on the internet and don't let someone drive you to the hospital. A ambulance with a crash kit is necessary in case of cardiac failure.

All my best and let us know what happens --- feel free to PM me if you have additional questions.

MOSES- Not true, I actually smoked a cigarette during my first heart attack, thinking I was having acid reflux!

Michael

Coppernicus · February 6, 2003 3:26AM

Strongly agree with all that has been said, especially the stress test and coin collecting as a stress reduction technique.

I always have a bunch of OBW rolls handy in case I need to relax. But then, when that MS67 shows up, there goes the heart rate again!!

coinguy1 · February 6, 2003 3:28AM

SethChandler,

Lucky for you, that you were on the forum on a good day - a flame-war day might have put you over the edge.

prooflike · February 6, 2003 3:29AM

Wow, an anxiety attack over coins...

Buy three or four coins and you'll feel better

Seriously, see a doctor anyways, have them check you out... that event could lead to something more serious.

Dog97 · February 6, 2003 3:30AM

I got dizzy & weak with a pain in my left chest a while back. Turned out it was from bad sandwhich I got at the store and the chest pain was from shooting a nail gun overhead with my left arm. Thought I was gonna die.

The heart specialist my doctor fowarded me to did a stress test and made me run on the treadmill and said if I dropped dead tomorrow it wouldn't be because of my heart. They did strongly recommend that I quit smoking.

ARCO · February 6, 2003 3:31AM

HMMM..sounds like a panic attack. I get that too. Stuck in a cubicle dab smack in the rat race! A choice coin of your choice should cure that.

Tyler

Clankeye · February 6, 2003 3:36AM

Seth--
If the forum did not save your life yesterday, it's quite possible that it might have today. I think dwood and frattlaw gave you very good advice in particular. And if I were you I would follow through.

You have my best wishes.

Clankeye

ccrdragon · February 6, 2003 3:36AM

Next time dude - 9 1 1

Hey Dog - My doc always tells me that the smokes take years off your life, but I figure that I have two grandfathers who made it past 90 smoking Camels and cigars, so what the heck?!?!

KlectorKid · February 6, 2003 3:38AM

I had a panic attack once I couldnt breath hardly at all my vision got cloudy and my throut felt like it was closing up but I'm fine today. You should see a doctor though. Just to be sure!

ScarsdaleCoin · February 6, 2003 3:39AM

Hey Seth...try the Adkins Diet to lose the weight...I have been doing it since July last year...down over 25 lbs and my blood pressure is way down....

Steve27 · February 6, 2003 4:05AM

Seth,

First see the doc, then assuming it wasn't a heart attack, start an exercise program. In the winter I ride my bike on a trainer (sucks compared to the road but better than riding in the dark/cold) and I lift weights. You could start by just walking. I find exercise releases stress and allows me to sleep well.

IrishMike · February 6, 2003 8:20AM

See the doctor as soon as possible anytime you think you have severe gas pains, they could just as easily be a blocked coronary artery. The symptoms are the same. Unfortunately some people get a gene that makes them bald, like my brother, I got a gene that increases the bad lipoproteins in my bloodstream by 40 times normal. By the way my cholesterol is 158 and HDL 47.

6 years ago I was running 10 miles every and mostly a vegetarian. Thought I had gas, to make a long story short I ended up with angioplasties and stents. 3 months later I took a routine treadmill/nuclear stress test, and was told I had done a marathon.

4 months later the pain returned I smoked a cigarette woke up the wife, drove to the hospital had 5 bypass grafts done. Doctors told me I would be back in 5-7 years. Well this past Friday I had two stents implanted, two angioplasties, two of the bypasses were shot already.

My point is, tests won't always tell you what is happening in your body, you have to monitor it, and if you have pain in arms, wrists, chest, shoulders, jaw etc. accompanied with what you think is gas pains, get to your doctor. Its better to have them send you home from the emergency room with pepto, than to have your wife & kids attend your funeral. Sorry for putting it so bluntly, but heart disease kills way more people than cancer.

Edited to add: If anyone wants to know more about the symptoms or what the pain feels like please feel free to PM me.

darktone · February 6, 2003 8:31AM

Seth, I had similar symptoms during the month of December and after several doctor visits and the stress test( The stress test is really not that bad) I was put on a pill that lowers the blood pressure by slowing my pulse rate and a water pill and a little change of diet. This has made me feel much better. I probably should have gone to the doctor six months sooner when I first felt like this. I am 38 and I used to smoke and weight has never been a problem. mike

MastaHanky · February 6, 2003 9:04AM

<< So instead of calling 911 you got online ? >>

Good choice too, because now we know he is TRULY dedicated to this forum.

I think if my house was on fire, I'd have to post a message on the Open Forum saying "My house is currently on fire. Should I leave?" before I actually called 911.

Bear · February 6, 2003 9:54AM

It sounds mor like a panic attack. Such attacks can occur at any time. While stress plays a role,

they occur while reading the paper, eating, watching TV and just about anywhere. You should

have a work up for both your cardio vascular system, heart, blood fat profile, enzyms and an

evaluation for stress/anxiety syndrom. Also a hiatus Hernia can cause symptoms of a heart attack.

This is also known as gastric reflux. It is possible that you may suffer from one or all of these

conditions. I know because I suffer from all three.With weight loss, daily walking and the proper regime

of medication all is again well in the land of the bears. Buying a few coins on a regular basis never

hurts either. Good luck and may you be well. Bear

Nic · February 6, 2003 10:02AM

I am a Dr. Go to a Dr. and get checked out. My dad would "miss" the Fri. appt. and he's 83...we are not all so lucky. K

golddustin · February 6, 2003 10:03AM

Geez - this is like the old saying "I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out!" I am brand new to the forums and was just perusing the various boards, looking for coin knowledge when this caught my eye. Being a pharmacist, I was naturally interested in the feedback you would get....and it all is excellent. As far as losing the weight, it's just like collecting, investing, or anything else - slow and steady wins the race. You can't turn the Exxon Valdez around in a minute, and likewise, weight loss is a slow and simple formula - burn more calories than you take in each day (or as many days as possible). Large, sudden weight loss (or gain) is not healthy, and stresses many organs which have to deal with the new conditions suddenly. As everybody else said, get to the doc, and fondle your Barbers prn! If anybody is familiar with Vonnegut's "Time Quake" , the perfect time to go is when you have reached the point of ultimate happiness and vitality - it doesn't get any better than this, so SHOOT ME NOW!!! That kinda alludes to the have a smoke theory that was offered by a few. Well, I can see I'm in for a lotta fun and info with these boards, so I'll be moving along to throw my 2 cents in where I can. Hope ya get good news from the doctor tomorrow, Seth. I'll be checking back.

Conder101 · February 6, 2003 10:28AM

I work in a hospital admissions ofic and you would be surprised at the percentage of MI's brought into the ER that had had a stress test in the previous 24 hrs, probably 30 - 50 %. Works for OB patients too. About 75% of Term or near term OB pts that come in for a "stress test" come in in labor within 24 hrs.

dakra · February 6, 2003 10:32AM

I had an issue with my cholesterol a few years ago and at most, I might be 10 lbs overweight...but still my cholesterol was 285....

I tried Zocor but that only made me feel sick.

Oatmeal in the morning
a Tablespoon of Soy Lecithin granuals
a Normal Lunch
A Tablespoon of Soy Lecethin graunuals
a salad and a normal dinner
and plenty of water throughout the day

My Cholesterol is down!!!!
Although if I quit smoking and having those occasional drinks I could probably reduce it but that would take all the fun away!

-Dave

dakra · February 6, 2003 10:39AM

Seth,
further... I was always active in sports when I was younger but for the past 10 years or so... I have been very inactive. I drove my car in a 3 mile radius and started walking that same route, then walking and jogging and eventually I was able to jog the whole three miles. I was like a Roman God... of course, then the winter came and.... then in the spring, I had to start walking, walking and jogging, before I could get back the energy to jog the whole way again.

It is a lifestyle change but you will feel 100% better.

Of course, it's always best to go to a doctor first to find out what might be the underlying issue. again, mine was cholesterol.

-Dave

TWQG · February 6, 2003 11:03AM

Some great info here that everyone should see.

<< <i>get to the doc, and fondle your Barbers prn! >>

-golddustin

Welcome golddustin, mysterious gems like that will always keep me reading your posts.

66Tbird · February 6, 2003 11:09AM

Preventive maintenance, great advice. It should keep you from finding these facts out for yourself. My short list

1: There are on average 1100 bumps per ceiling tile.
2: The sound of all those machines makes you sleepy.
3: Be nice to ALL the nurses, they may use lawn mower starting instructions for catheter removal.(no joking on that one, they can volunteer for the procedure)

Saw(heard) it done to the jerk next to me, come to think of it, it was kind of funny.

Go forward boldly and get it done and out of the way

.

ccr · February 6, 2003 11:30AM

I would keep the doctors` appointment to make sure that everything is OK. It could be a Heart problem or it could be as Bear said a Panic Attack. Panic Attacks are common and treatable and they do feel like a Heart Attack! I don`t suffer from them but, I do know people that do and where diagnosed as such by a Doctor. They discribe it as a Heart Attack. I`m not a Nurse or a Doctor or a Health Care Professional. But I would suggest that you keep your appointment with the Doctor to make sure everything is fine.

I`ve had a stress test before with a Cardiologist ( spelling? Heart Doctor anyway ) and was done at a local hospital in case something happens. Two nurses` where present as well.

RNCHSN · February 6, 2003 11:31AM

Seth,

I HOPE YOU WERE JOKING!!!!!!

You were experiencing classic symptoms of a HEART ATTACK! You also have a lot of risk factors in place.

As a registered Nurse (RN), who works on a cardiac floor, I would have to tell you NOT to wait for an appointment, but to get into an emergency room, 911 is the best way. If you have a heart attack driving in to be seen, you may not only die without someone there to intervene, but you can take uncountable innocents out in a car accident! Same thing for getting a ride in. They can't help you if they are driving, and if they stop to help, it takes longer to get to help!

Most of the others were correct about the enzymes, and testing. I won't bore you with repetitious comments about what you should have done, but if you continue to ignore these symptoms, your family may be finding out first hand about your life insurance coverage.

If you continue to let these episodes occur without intervention, you could be chipping away at you heart, killing it little by little. Your ability to enjoy (or even experience) the rest of your life could depend on what you do about this problem! I've seen relatively healthy looking people who ignored these types of symptoms and ended up unable to get up out of a chair without getting short of breath. I've also seen people who ignored them so long that they died after having lots of "little" heart attacks that they described as, "just a little chest pain, it'll go away in a little bit."

Please don't wait to be seen. I know how hard it is to address these types of problems. I had to practicly DRAG my dad out of his favorite "watering hole" after he had a stroke! He went along with me because I told him he could either come with me NOW! OR...I would call 911 was going to drag him out in an ambulance! He looked like he was going to argue with me, then I think he realized that I was mean enough to do it (That, and he couldn't talk, as a result of the stroke) His symptoms resolved and he only spent 2 nights in the hospital (on my floor).

RNCHSN · February 6, 2003 11:39AM

Oh yes, remember to be VERY nice to your nursing staff.

WE are the people that make your stay at the hospital very pleasant, or miserable, but you, as the patient, are the one who determines it, by how you treat us!

Doctors can be nice, or rotten, but they only come in for a few minutes a day (per patient).

We are there 24 hours a day!

I'm not afraid to tell a patient that I'm NOT a nice person. I'm NOT there to make him/her happy. I'm there to help them recover....

AND.....

TEACH them how NOT to come back! Most people don't realize that a heart attack is a signal that it time to change your lifestyle. If you don't alter some of your risk factors, you're likely to have another heart attack!

toyonakataro · February 6, 2003 11:57AM

1.Panic disorder/hyperventilation syndrome
2.Arrythmia(benign in most cases, but sometimes critical ventricular arrythmia occur even in young adults)
3.Hypoglycemic attack/Pet bottle Syndrome(In case you drink lots of coka-cola)
4.Coin addiction Syndrome

Anyway, you have to see your doc. as soon as possible.

Bear · February 6, 2003 12:03PM

A lot of good info here. Lets see we had (l) MD, (2) RNs, (2) pharmacists and (2) specialty technicians.

Good advice is only good if it is acted upon and in this case rapidly. It is not only the need to

change ones ways on diet and excercise and weight loss to extend life. It is also necessary

to improve the quality of what ever life we are alloted by the Big Collector Upstairs.

Ill be darned, if this Forum hasnt got the Medical expertise to turn into a regular Health Forum.

We got any diaticians out there?

IrishMike · February 6, 2003 6:09PM

Bear, my daughter is one, Cedar Sinai in LA.

I think this forum saved my life yesterday!

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