Well, it wasn't a heart attack at least...

[AK907]

I had to go to the ER late last night due to chest pains. At first I just figured I was having a really bad anxiety attack, but after I ate some ativan (anti-anxiety pill) it didn't subside and just kept getting worse. I thought I was having a heart attack at that point. Heart problems are common in my family so it wouldn't surprise me.

After a few hours of being poked, prodded, monitored and x-rayed they determined that I wasn't having a heart attack. They said my heart is enlarged from uncontrolled blood pressure, though. My blood pressure was 190/124 and even after relaxing and learning the good news that I wasn't dying, it still hovered in the 160-170/90-110 range. Definitely not good.

So here I am, next day. Got a prescription for blood pressure meds, smoked my last cigarette last night and no more alcohol. I am off to work in a minute and I pity anyone who gets in my way today. I'm already on edge from not smoking in 12 hours. This should be interesting.

Wish me luck!

[llovelace]

Glad you're ok, xanax helps with the "nicotine withdarwal, and wanting to tear anyone apart" mindset.

[adamjeffery]

im using a totally wicked nicotine inhaler. its an electronic cigarette. i have not had a real cig in over 8 months. i have had 3 friends completely quit using these after only a short time. i dont want to quit. i just dont want all the other crap cigs give you.
worth a shot if cold turkey doesnt work for you. its better than the alternative. but not haveing an addiction at all is always better.
sorry to hear about you blood pressure. hope all gets better.
adam jeffery

[cmack91]

glad your okay man, my stepdad has this same problem, his BP was over 230 once, he still smokes and drinks though lol, sometimes rednecks never change haha

[Skittles1101]

I'm glad to hear it wasn't a heart attack! Good luck with the quitting smoking, I know the feeling. I've recently quit too. If you can, I'd look into Chantix. I took it for a month before I stopped getting cravings. All that BS about "nightmares" is crap I think. I had some vivid, odd dreams, but nothing that would have kept me from stopping the meds. I'd double check to make sure it's okay with your new blood pressure pills first. Good luck!

[AK907]

Thanks yall. It has been 24 hours since my last cigarette. I wasn't in any mood for stupid people this morning, but the rest of the day has been fine. I got this.

So far the hydrochlorothiazide they gave me seems to help with my chest pain, but its still there. Only time will tell I suppose.