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Terrible evening

(64 Posts)
mande Wed 21-Nov-18 09:32:31

Yesterday I developed a pain in my chest, an indigestion type pain. I am 64. I suffer from reflux (the doctor says) and take medication for it but nothing would fix the pain yesterday evening. I developed a tightness in my chest. The pain went up my neck and into my jaw and I was convinced I was going to have a heart attack. Can I say that I am not a panicker and am quite philosophical about things. I live alone so I took the keys out of the front and back doors so that my son or daughter could get into the house if I died during the night. I thought about ringing them but I didn’t want to be alarmist. I even at one stage thought about ringing 999 but I didn’t want to because I had done this 3 years ago for the same reason and it turned out to be a pulled muscle. I’m my usual self this morning so I’m glad I did nothing. Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you do?

marionk Fri 23-Nov-18 19:06:04

Definitely get it checked!

Jaxie Fri 23-Nov-18 19:29:43

I'm a hypochondriac and quite frequently think I'm having a heart attack. I jump to my feet and have a good burp ( gross I know) but the cause is usually spicy food. Sorry if I seem to treat the subject too lightly.

mande Fri 23-Nov-18 20:47:11

Well you made me laugh Jaxie!

chrissyh Fri 23-Nov-18 22:40:17

I can almost guarantee that if mande had dialled the 111 help-line and described the symptoms she had, combined with her age, they would have almost certainly sent an ambulance. If you worry about wasting their time, if 111 send them it is their decision not yours. My DD, who is a paramedic, is amazed at the number of older people who won't call an ambulance because they don't want to be a bother.

etheltbags1 Fri 23-Nov-18 23:06:06

Good luck mande. Hope yr better soon

GrandmaMoira Sat 24-Nov-18 11:59:27

As I live on my own, I do wonder how people manage when having an episode which might need an ambulance. If you feel really ill, it would be hard to make a phone call. Whilst the call may be possible, if you are upstairs in bed, how do you let the paramedic in? Some years ago I had a "funny turn" and would have been quite unable to do anything.

lemongrove Sat 24-Nov-18 12:37:24

Mande earlier this year I had the same sort of night as you did, DH was all ready to phone an ambulance.I couldn’t lie down but discovered I could sit up if I stayed still.
The upshot was that I went to the GP soon after, who said an ambulance should always be called in those circumstances, as a heart attack could well be the cause OR excess stomach acid causing problems, they mimic one another.
After doing an ECG he said my heart was fine and healthy but prescribed Omazeprole tablets.I take one every day and they are amazing! No more heartburn and I can eat/ drink anything at all, result!

mande Sat 24-Nov-18 15:30:08

GrandmaMoira I understand where you are coming from. I love having my own space but occasionally feel a bit vulnerable. I have taught myself to hope for the best and think whatever’s to be will be! Lemongrove I’m glad the tablets have worked for you, I get some relief with them and for that I try to be grateful. ?

annep Sat 24-Nov-18 20:31:37

Its not nice being older and worried about symptoms. And we hate being a nuisance.
TeacherAnne you did make me laugh. If I feel really ill I tidy the bedroom.

anupong123 Sun 25-Nov-18 04:01:49

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Brupen Tue 27-Nov-18 07:28:21

Some years ago I had really bad chest pains. I was on my own so lay on the sofa until it eventually subsided. Quite honestly the pain was so bad I would have called 999 if I could have reached the phone.
Move forward 4 or 5 years and I had a heart attack in the night,my husband Calle 999 and I was hospitalized.
When I then had angiogram and angioplasty they told me I'd had a previous heart attack! Obviously the time I'd ignored it!
Like other people I hadn't thought of heart attack as I assumed they were only for old men! I was approximately 45 and 50 when my attacks occurred.

annep Tue 27-Nov-18 09:48:14

Oh my goodness Brupen you are so lucky to be here!

EllanVannin Tue 27-Nov-18 09:56:24

It is an " age thing " when we won't bother the emergency services as we just take it that we expect all these odd things going on with our bodies as par for the course.