Hey Alli,

The only times that I've gotten stabbing pains in my chest was a few times, years ago, when I had a gas bubble. The times that that happened, it was much more of a stabbing pain than my heart attack was, and it was eventually relieved by burping. I also know that I was particularly gassy in the first few months because of the changes in my diet and the new medications. I hope you get some ideas that are helpful to you.

I'd love your recipe, too, by the way. :-) Sue

SUE! A LITTLE BIT GASSY? DAMN GIRL! You cleared out the supermarket as you ran from aisle to aisle with a cloud following you.

REMEMBER. We still roar about it.

Post heart attack, any pain or discomfort on or around the chest is frightening. My suggestion, which I take myself, is to carry both Nitro tabs and a little bottle of 'malox'with you always.

Try the malox first. If it passes. Cool if not take a nitro. If it passes on the first nitro. Don't be alarmed unless it takes 2 or 3 in 30 minutes. Then seek medical care immediately. But it is normal for us to think these aches and pains are a precurrsor to another cardiac event. Believe "You, Me" you will instinctively know. You will always remember that day. I think it part of our survival instincts.

If all that fails. Go to where SUE goes food shopping. That seemed to work for her and me thinks that store had some spoiled fresh produce that day. I even think they have a special security camera that is filtered with an infra red lens zoomed in on her Butt. Yep.

Love ya,

Just Joe

Oh thank you all for your advice, as usual. They're only intermittent pains, like a quick stitch or a pinch but they get on my nerves. I'm not sure nitro actually helps. I wonder iF they're anything to do with the meds?

I shall ask the doctor (if I ever get to see one....) Been out since the 25th and haven't had an appt that I didn't make and that was only to take my medication notes in and get some anxiety tabs. Very strange. Never mind, I've decided that I would like to go back to work next week, even if it's part time. I went to the office late last night when no-one was there and took some paperwork. Really enjoyed getting stuck into some business today, at my own leisure at home.
Went walking in the hail, wind and rain with my dog -felt alive!! No pain and I exerted myself. Pleased with that.

Moving on quite nicely, then and am so glad that I've got you all to thank for that. I would have gone stark staring mad if it hadnt been for the fantastic people on DS.

Love you all and talk soon,

Alli
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Hi Alli,

What actual meds are you on and any other holistic/supplemental additions are you currently taking? Contraindicating side effects although communicated with each prescription are not always evident to your physician. Although they keep up pretty well with the generally prescribed cardio medications, they are no replacement for a learned pharmacologist. I always inquire with the phamacist when being prescribed or following dosage changes. They keep me apprised of what to expect. It easaes my anxieties and also helps me keep a team effort alive with all five aspects of my health care. Firstly, 'ME',PCP, Cardiologist, Pharmacist and most importantly GOD.

Some meds cause short term memory loss especially some of the BP meds. Kinda like when I smoked pot. Ha! Ha!. Others, as Sue says cause gas. Beta blockers, a dry annoying cough. Lipid meds can cause serious Rhumatoid side effects which when the medication is stopped, will continue, Type of an auto-immune reaction.

So be alert to your bodies voice it will loudly tell you what's going on. We just need to balance that voice with paranoia. This is normal in the beginning. But tapers off, in time, as we begin to translate our bodies language.

Works for many of us. But my adage would be to try the advice and find what works for you, than get on here at DS and share your experiences with us. You have no idea how mnay hundreds of people follow this site, and although, not actively participating use what they learn to live much more productive, fruitful and many times better lives. You will also save many lives. This could be the only reason you survived. But what a fantastic reason. Almost like giving your life for the survival of someone else's. How wonderful an opportunity we all have.

Love you,

Just Joe

Please post your chicken lasagna recipe. It sounds great. There is a healthy eating strategies thread and a healthy soup thread here. I'll try to bump them up so you can check out those recipes.

Pam

Hi Alli,

for months after my Dec 2010 heart attack I had short-lived stabbing or sharp pains (2 seconds - 2 minutes in length) in and around my left armpit, or left shoulder, and a few times in my right armpit.

I figured it might be a heart issue, or just a muscle thing (some of my meds can cause muscle discomfort, pain & bruising).

A few times, just raising my left arm seemed to help.

Thankfully the pains never lasted longer than a few minutes and in the past few months have mostly gone away, or just last a few seconds.

But like Joe said, any pain or discomfort around the chest is frightening.

When in doubt call a doctor or ambulance.

(As Sue said, some meds cause flatulence. For me, I have always been pretty gassy, but post-heart attack I have been adding methane to the environment at record levels!)

All the best,

Jay

Hi, everyone.
When I went to my cardiac rehab last week, I was told that the stabbing pains were more than likely the stent that I have. I was told that, like anything else, it needed to settle in. They're getting less and less, so maybe this is true. I think I also have an issue with the meds - they're giving me indigestion, so this doesn't help.

Just an update....

Love to all

Alli
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