Medical question for anyone who cares to answer

[Oh Haha]

So, I've been under a ton of stress at work the last 2 weeks, working lots of OT, covering for others, etc.

I am not a big drinker but I have been enjoying a couple of beers after dinner. (Literally 2 as I am not trying to get drunk, just lighten up).

One night last week I was awakened with severe, constricting chest pains. I got up and walked around a bit, took some deep breaths and after about 45 minutes the pain was gone.

Last night the same thing happened. I took a few Tums and it went away but I don't know that it wasn't just a coincidence.

My question is-Can alcohol bring on angina or severe heartburn?

I don't eat spicy food so I don't figure it's heartburn. My coffee intake is down as it's been so hot here.


Yes, I know I should see my doctor but I just don't have the time to schedule an appointment AND try to keep it.

[Instrument 41]

As one that just left the hospital for almost the same thing...get up butt to the DOC asap! What side of the chest was hurting? Left side? If so go now.

[56 nomad]

oh haha, i think you know the answer.....nothing wrong with seeing the doctor "or" going to the emergency room for that matter. if it is nothing you wont worry, if they find something better that than the alternative........chest pains need a diagnosis and not by any of us on the board..no matter how well meaning, work can wait.
go in, ben

[porsche4life]

Exactly, cut out the drink, and go to the ER ASAP if it happens again....

[azasadny]

Wayne.
Take better care of yourself!

[pavulon]

if your best friend, spouse, parent or child told you he/she was having chest pain, what would you say? It should sound like "Go see someone very soon."

[bivenator]

I wouldn't fool around with it either. An appointment with a cardiologist is needed. Your GP will probably send you there so skip him if you are able.

It is not a bad idea to keep aspirin in med cabinet. Chew a couple if you have more CP but please don't ignore. The nature of the pain along with the circumstances when they are occurring is concerning.

Take care.

[stomachmonkey]

Chest pain ='s not good.

Did it feel like squeezing? Cause that's bad.

You on the way to see a doc yet?

Go.

[HardDrive]

Get your backside to a doctor man.

[Baz]

FYI: My brother in VA just had quadruple bypasss surgery last Friday the 13th.

Started out as sweating, aching, and loss of breath. He took an aspirin but it didn't go away. That was last Thursday. He's supposed to be discharged sometime this week.

Anyway Wayne - I don't know the answer to your question but the suggestions to visit a doc wrt chest pains doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Be pro-active to avoid the ER....

[gsxrken]

Alcohol can cause indigestion and the symptoms you reported. Plain old stress can too.

So can a heart attack. We sure as hell can't tell from here...

[glewis80SC]

ER/MD ASAP!! Dont f around with "severe constricting" chest pain.

[Jagshund]

Could you have left some bondage equipment on by mistake?

[aigel]

A lot of men die every year from stubbornness. Are you ready? Don't be one of them. Nothing wrong with walking into the ER and being sent home with a good EKG. And if you don't have a good EKG, well then it was worth the trip!

I would not mess with it. Your ticker isn't like a DME that you can change at your leisure. If it goes, you are not going to be back.

G

[Oh Haha]

No issues over night and I'm going to get an appt. ASAP.

Stubborn? Me? nah

Thanks guys.

[dewolf]

Were they sharp stabbing pains?

[aigel]

You walk into your GP with chest pains, they will not ask you for your appointment, guaranteed. At the minimum do that and have yourself hooked up to their EKG.

G

[Rikao4]

lost count of the widows who told me..
he wasn't feeling well..
said he would 'lay down for a bit'..
now the SOB won't get up...

Rika

[svandamme]

Could be a number of things other than heart attack or Angina PEctoris..
Stress induced panick attack, or this .Costochondritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

That being said.. Get to a doc and make sure.

[genrex]

Rika has a way of getting to the heart of the matter.

Wayne, the next time this happens, you might not make it to the hospital if you drive yourself. The next time this happens, call 911 and unlock your front door so the medics can get in (in case you pass out), and stay on the phone with 911 and wait for the medics. They WILL get you to the hospital alive. That's what they're for, dammit.

Also, being on a gurney will guarantee you first-rate treatment from the moment you arrive at the hospital. No sitting on a stinky chair and being ignored by the bored clerk behind the desk. How humiliating is that? No bored clerks for you. Call 911 and be treated the right way from the get-go. This isn't about cost. This is about you staying alive and well for many more years!

_