Could this be my heart?! I'm only 33!

[Nemofish]

I will be going to the doctors first thing on Monday anyway, and I will be calling NHS direct should I feel any worse.

I have been abusing using sleeping tablets containing diphenhydramine for roughly two years, and consistantly using more than the recommended dose.

I stopped a few weeks ago, I had fairly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms but I am fine now in the respect.

I now get migraines, I've only had 2 so I don't know yet how frequent they are going to be. And from first thing this morning I have had pains in my chest when moving around / walking, in fact if I do anything other than bedrest I have chest pains and can't catch my breath. Definitely not pulled muscles / acid reflux.

I know the diphenhydramine dicked around with my heart and may have weakened it. What's the chance of being able to recover and go on to lead a full active life? (sounds like I am a dog, I don't want to be put down!)

I'm not a doctor, but chest pains plus inability to catch your breath sounds to me like you should go to A&E. Now.

By the way, what's your pulse like? Steady or irregular? I've heard that some sleeping pills can cause heart arythmias that could cause the symptoms you're describing. If so it should be easily treatable but could be very dangerous if left untreated.

But, please, go to A&E, NOW. Don't wait and hope it will go away.

It could be, particularly if you are obese, smoke, drink heavily, are diabetic or have a strong family history of heart disease.

Is it a prescription sleeping tablet you were taking?

I'd get to A&E if I were you.

Chances of recovery greatly reduced if you don't get medical treatment..you have good reason to believe it could be your heart so you should go and get checked out STRAIGHT AWAY.

You can't mess with this and expect us to be able to help, you need to be seen by a doctor.

a&e

No other risk factors, slim non-smoker etc.

Chest pains are very mild and go completely when I rest. I am able to get around a bit now without feeling unwell at all.

Heart beat is roughly 62 bpm (normal for me!!!) and regular. Not about to rush to a&e tbh, but I will be monitoring myself very closely.

Will still be seeing doctor first thing Monday, regardless of how well I feel.

well, if you are concerned about chances of recovering and leading a full active life, you won't be helping if it's your heart by leaving it for two days.

Anyway, we have told you, I doubt you will get it checked out.

"Unstable angina
Unstable angina means that the pain comes on after only a little effort (such as just taking a few steps) or even when you are resting. It usually happens when one of the blood vessels supplying your heart becomes so narrowed that you are at immediate risk of a heart attack. If you get sudden chest pain like this, you should call for emergency help. If your chest pain is coming on with less and less exercise over a relatively short period of time, this is also a cause of concern and you should contact your GP."

Just am a bit concerned as you said you could only bedrest or you got pain.

Still, I am not a doctor, of course.

I am the worst case scenario personified when it comes to the sudden onset of heart problems, and could quite easily scare the shit out of you. And I'm younger than you.

From my experience, A&E will establish you're not having a heart attack and then send you home. What would be more use would be a cardiology referral. Talk to your GP.

talk to your GP. tell them what you have told us, and get the full round of tests done.

could it be anxiety related? i used to suffer panic attacks which also caused chest pain and breathlessness. was very frightening.

Hi all.

Well, what can I say, I am officially now an arse.

Had a huge acid reflux attack last night, which would explain the discomfort unless in bed propped up by pillows...

My acid reflux has been triggered by anxiety and also a little bit by weight watchers cheesecake.

Brestmilk I agree that's why I didn't dash down to A+E!

I'm so pleased. And I didn't know WW did cheesecake!

That is good. Maybe you should get a physical check up from GP anyway to set your mind at rest a little, since you are worried you have been damaged by the tablets?

Definitely, Fanjo. May I call you Fanjo?

Need a general check up. Need to beg them to do some more investigations into the acid reflux. Tried an endoscopy under sedation, I wouldn't let them near me (don't remember much about it tbh) so really I would need a general. Which they are, understandably, not keen on doing, money, risks, etc, but I can't go on like this any longer. If it's not migraine, it's acid reflux - I want my life back! not that I had one

Yes, please call me Fanjo..

I understand re the endoscopy, I hated it.

Are you on PPIs?

Yes, sending dh out later to get even more. I used to be on rennies which did nothing, apart from make my vomit pretty colors. Now I have the lovely omeprazole which at least works.

Have you had the H. Pylori test?

Yes, negative for H Pylori.

I used to get quite a bit og acid reflux. Turns out I have Coeliac and haven't had reflux since going gluten-free. Symptoms can be many and varied so often overlooked.

of, even.

Yes nemo it could be food intolerance of some sort. Try acupressure if you get more pains above the heart; press for 10 and then massage for 10 on the centre of yr upper lip it works well!!