If I explained this to you, please can you explain what it is?

[Threedaysaweek2019]

Please can somebody explain this? It’s happened twice now in the space of a couple of weeks.

I was lying on the sofa watching TV when suddenly I started coughing and inhaling suddenly, like I was trying to catch my breath. Then while this was happening, a feeling like pins and needles started across my shoulders, working down to my chest, followed by what felt like a lead weight lying across my chest area. Over in a matter of a minute. Then it stops and I’m ok.

What was / is it? It’s never happened before. Is this something I should be worried about? Please advise. Thank you

[MrsMozartMkII]

No idea, but get your arse along to the doc.

[grumiosmum]

Book an appointment to see your GP, don't take advice from a bunch of strangers on the internet.

[Banhaha]

I think it's worth going to your GP with this one

[margaritasbythesea]

I would see my GP too.

[MrsMozartMkII]

In fact, bearing in mind I'm not at all medical, I'd suggest a call to 111.

[Clusterfukt]

Phone 111. I don’t know why you haven’t already. You know those could be symptoms of mild or pending heart attack right?

[Bluerussian]

Indigestion can produce such symptoms.

[fortifiedwithtea]

Were you drifting on? Sleep apnea?

[BiscuitDrama]

Panic attacks can have a weight on chest feeling, so perhaps that was what it was. But also so would a heart attack so I wouldn’t rely on me. I’m sure it’s fine, but probably best to get checked.

[Threedaysaweek2019]

@fortifiedwithtea, yes, I was drifting off on both occasions.

I’ve woken myself up suddenly a number of times due to hearing myself snoring, but not the pins and needles or heavy weight across my chest.

Panic attacks, not sure. I’ll have a look into that, thanks.
Crikey, we’re going away in a week, really bad timing, but I’m worried and it needs investigating.
I’ll ring 111.

[juneau]

Both weight on chest and pins and needles can be heart attack OP. Get yourself checked out immediately! You need to have an ECG.

[VimFuego101]

I don't think you're going to get the 'it's something trivial' answer you were hoping for. It sounds serious, get checked out.

[MrsMozartMkII]

Have you called 111 OP?

[Flossie44]

Deffo get yourself checked if only for peace of mind. Let us know how you get on. 💐

[Threedaysaweek2019]

Hi, just to update :
I’ve been to A&E (sent round by the walk in centre), had an ECG which showed up normal, had bloods and those results came back normal and had a thorough check over.
I’ve been referred to the chest pain clinic at our GP surgery.
They don’t think it’s heart related, but they don’t want to rule it out altogether due to family history,. hence the referral.
Thanks for all your advice.
I can now relax and enjoy my holiday 😎😎

[MrsMozartMkII]

Good update. Thank you for letting us know, been thinking about you.

Hope it all goes well with the clinic.

[Threedaysaweek2019]

Thanks @MrsMozartMk11.
It has certainly taken the weight off my shoulders 🙂

[IDrinkAndISewThings]

The pins and needles could be as a result of the coughing fit, rather than a separate symptom. I remember seeing on a 999 show someone having a panic attack and saying they had pins and needles, and it's something to do with the rapid breathing flooding your body with too much oxygen, causing the pins and needles. If you're doing a lot of inward gasping that maybe is causing the pins and needles, but I'm no doctor.

[Threedaysaweek2019]

@IDrinkAndISewThings, thanks, it certainly makes sense.