Medical question

[InsaneApache]

I bet it was wind.

[Don Corleone]

I bet it was wind.

If only that would be the case. Mrs. Corleone would tell you the root of all my problems (and hers for that matter) would be the wind (or as we say in the US, gas). This is located in the wrong spot however. I have had issues with heartburn for years, and it wouldn't surprise me to learn that what I'm feeling is an esophogeal ulcer, but from the outside.

All of that aside, clearly the treadmill and lots of oatmeal need to be in my immediate future. When I can run 4 miiles in 25 minutes and still have a discussion at the end of it and I'm down to my college weight, then I'll be happy.

[rotorgun]

Glad to hear that your stress test and EKG went well Don, but that isn't definitive by itself. I experienced the exact symptoms that you are describing last December. I would get the same pressure in the center of the chest with any kind of exertion later on, but I also thought it was just gas or perhaps I had pulled a chest muscle....you know-making excuses. Finally I said to myself, Davy boy this isn't right and you know it. Off to the cardiologist I go. He asked a few questions, got me to describe my problem, and tells me he wants to do an angiagram to check out my arteries for a blockage. It's a good thing he did, because it turns out I had a 99% blockage in my right descending artery near my heart. I was an eyelash beat away from a major coronary attack! He had to put some stints in, and I am now fully recovered, although on a regimen of pills for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood thinners, but otherwise in great health.

I am a pretty active guy, who exercises regularly, attends Tang Soo Do Karate classes at least twice a week, goes to swing and ballroom dance events, and rides the hide off a horse whenever I can. I am a bit overweight despite this (I love to eat), but I am working on that. I would also check to find out if your family has a history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, etc. I would highly recommend that you talk to your doctor about an arterial check.

I don't wanna frighten, but rather would enlighten you, so don't be a a stubborn ole' fart, go check out your heart.

We kinda like you around the Orgha here.

Praying for you (hope you don't mind)

[Don Corleone]

Praying for you (hope you don't mind)

Thank you my friend, and of course I don't mind. I'm Christian too, though I'm Roman Catholic, so I imagine a different denomination than you. And your advice is good, I'm not going to just take the test results and "Okay, I'm ready to drop it". I'm waiting to hear what my doctor has to say. But I do feel less and less like it's something serious. My blood pressure tends to run a bit low (120/65)

[rotorgun]

But I do feel less and less like it's something serious. My blood pressure tends to run a bit low (120/65)

Mine tended to run in the same area as well, about 120/70 or so until right around when I was experiencing the chest pains. Then it would shoot up to like 130/90 or higher. As I said, I thought I was in pretty good shape because of all my exercising. It's much more about lifestyle and heredity in my case. As for my denomination, I am a Baptist now, although I was a Catholic in my past. I deeply respect all faiths however, and still remember our family preist, Father Gosselin very foundly. Good luck with all this. BTW, I am quite a fan of your posts, usually well thought out, and considerately argued, with a fair amount of good wit and savy combacks thrown in now and then.

[Whacker]

Glad to hear good news Don. Also wanted to jump in here in the way of support for you. I decided to put some serious effort into getting back in shape last Dec, so far I've lost 15 lbs and am far, far more active than I used to be. Walking, biking, swimming (which is damn good), yoga, martial arts, just pick something that fits YOUR lifestyle and roll with it. Every time I see an older, fatter, slower person out jogging or walking and hear others make fun of them, I can't help but think "You know what? At least they're out doing something, so good for them." Lastly, I can also attest to what Odin mentioned earlier, that high-temp Yoga will make a MAN out of you. Give that stuff a shot just for giggles if you can find a local place, you may end up liking it.

Best of luck.

[Adrian II]

Well, EKG and stress test were both negative.

Good!

Now, about that psychiatric check-up..

[Beirut]

Good!

Now, about that psychiatric check-up..

The shingle is out!

[Adrian II]

Yeah right.

[naut]

The heart is never something to be taken lightly, I hope the doctor brings good news. My dad had something similar about a year and half ago. He would complain about heart pains, and he had no idea what they were. And he's no slacker either, the mans cycled across Australia twice and cycled from Canada to Mexico in the past 6 years. He went and had blood pressure tests, and they were elevated due to numerous factors but mostly stress, and from what I understand he ended up having to have coronary stents. But having it checked up on means he is alright now, and he's still around.

[snip]

I hope everything is alright on your end. I had a good friend die from Leukaemia, and looking back on it in hindsight we should have seen it coming as they often would have to sleep for a whole day with migraines, etcetera.