GnuTux wrote:
Glad to hear you're feeling better and your prognosis is good.
If you don't mind me asking, what were you symptoms? I've heard it described as a tightening or pressure in the chest, like an elephant was sitting on it.
I experienced that several years ago. I've always had upper GI issues and attributed the symptoms to that. I found out later than I could have experienced a heart attack. I did have discomfort in my chest area for a couple of weeks after that episode. I didn't go to the doctor, because well, I never go to doctors. They have rarely been any help to me in the past and they usually have no idea what the problem is. Then again, I've never been sick (except with a cold or mild flu) and have only been to the doctor a couple of times in my entire life.
I know my low opinion of doctors is a bad attitude to have and I do understand that when it comes to certain things, like an acute myocardial infarction, one should go to the emergency room. At times, I occasionally feel tightness in my chest, to varying degrees. I figure I might be in the same boat as you and probably need a stint. A buddy of mine, who had a stint put in, gave me some of his nitro tabs, so I guess if it happens to me again, I'll take one of those and call an ambulance.
Anyway, sorry to hijack your thread with my issues. Good luck!
Not a problem Tux.
My symptoms included, burning pain across my chest and through my entire left arm, that came and went and lasted for more the an hour, and cold, clammy sweating.
It also depends on which artery or arteries are involved. The pain is different for everyone, but there are some classic symptoms, and if you show any of them. That means trouble.
The classic symptoms can and could include all of what's described below.
*Chest discomfort, such as pain, aching, tightness, burning or pressure that lasts more then a few minutes, or comes and goes
*Pain or discomfort in the stomach, one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw
*Shortness of breath
*Sweating (often a cold, clammy sweat), nausea or lightheartedness
I feel the same way about going to the doctor. You should have this looked at. You could have a blockage that will not get better over time, It will only get worse. The blockage I had was very small and if I didn't go and get attention for it. The next time would be the last.
Your heart could have been irreversibly damaged for the alleged most resent attack, if that what it was. If you're 50+ years old, I would say that what you experienced was indeed an, acute if not major "myocardial infarction", as you put it. The next time this happens to you, I hope that your at or are around the corner from your nearest hospital or emergency room.
If I were you I'd get this looked at as soon as you can, and forget about your "low opinion of doctors".
After I had the stent put in my artery, I was thinking that it was a scam. That I really didn't need this stent. That even if I had nothing wrong, they would have done the operation on me any way. Just because of the symptoms I was experiencing.
It's a crazy way to think, given all the evidence surrounding my issue. I'm not an idiot with subnormal intelligence, but I had to leave my opinion of doctors at the door and not listen to the voice in my head. I actually needed someone that I trust to tell me to go to the emergence room. Otherwise I wouldn't have gone. What then...
Tux... you must let go of this opinion and just go and have this attended to before it's to late. If not for yourself, do it for your family.