I'm scared

After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
father's side.

So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).

I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
and set me straight into panic attacks.

I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..

On Sep 23, 8:34 am, Inky <Ink...@gmail.com> wrote:
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..

Inky - You're worrying and getting yourself all panicky - just get
your mind off things (if you can - just try)
go out and do something - go see a movie...something that will get
your mind off things ...
((((((((((((((((( Inky )))))))))))))))))))))
Im hearing you...but lets see and give the meds a chance to work...doc
said a few days right ?
well..few means MORE than 3.
sometimes we build things in oue mind, and become our worst enemies at
times...at least i do that.
sending love and good vibes your way.
love
Steve

"Inky" <InkyNL@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190550855.217961.85700@19g2000hsx.googlegrou ps.com...
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

I know that it is easier said than done but DO NOT PANIC. Do anything to
take your mind off the situation until you get the results of the tests. I
had chest tightness for the first 3 months after I quit and was thinking the
worst possible scenario, finally went to the doctor and was sent for x-rays.
Came back negative and he put me on allergy medication and after a few weeks
the tightness went away. Just remember not to expect miracles, it takes time
to heal, and you are doing the right thing to have these symptoms checked
out by a DR. instead of pretending that it's nothing.

GregB
7 years + some
--
My Epitaph - I'll try harder next time.

Once upon a time, Inky said:

>I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
>me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
>restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
>symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
>and set me straight into panic attacks.

As Greg put it, and Douglas Adams too, DON'T PANIC! It's the worst you
can do to yourself. Also, if at all possible try not to browse for the
symptoms right now. It's better to wait for the results first, and
there is such a vast quantitiy of information available on the
internet that it often can be misleading because many symptoms, even a
few when combined, can have completely different causes.
It will only make you worry more.

Please follow these lines:

- Do not browse for the symptoms yet, wait until Wednesday
- For the panic attacks, take Valium, it's mild and did wonders for me
- Keep yourself busy until Wednesday. Do not idle
- Know that we love you

((((((((((((((((((( Inky ))))))))))))))))))))


--
Tihomir *I don't smoke anymore*
IRC chat: #nosmokers at irc.starlink.org
irc://irc.starlink.org/nosmokers

"You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." -- Warren Beatty

Once upon a time, Inky said:

> I just needed to get this out of my system..

If you want to chat buddy, I'm on IRC and on www.silkquit.org

MSN tgrebenaATinet.hr
ICQ 668501
AIM crazydiamondwho
Yahoo cdiamondwho

--
Tihomir *I don't smoke anymore*
IRC chat: #nosmokers at irc.starlink.org
irc://irc.starlink.org/nosmokers

I'm not doing this *just* to be weird.

({({({({({({(Inky})})})})})})})}

Everything will be okay.

Hugs, Crystal

First thing, Inky, is you quit smoking.
No matter what, you are better off. The 3 months you have gone
without smoking is valuable. Keep up the good work and be
goo to yourself.
Second, you are going to your Dr and getting "checked out."
That's not something to put off. And, it takes guts.
YAY for you. Let us know results. Thanks.

jacks, VOF

"Inky" <Ifter 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 05:34:15 -0700, Inky <InkyNL@gmail.com> wrote:

>I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..

You're scared because you're facing the unknown. I was scared, too.

First of all, CAD (cardiovascular disease) is NOT caused by smoking.
Smoking won't help it, but you've quit. Diabetes is not caused by
smoking, either.

Pre-quit I was diagnosed with Type2 diabetes. I'm not the best
patient in the world and it's been a battle for me. It hasn't been
the end of the world, though. The best thing you can do if you find
diabetes in your future is to lose weight (if you need to), exercise
and eat right. It's a lifestyle change that, at its worst, is
annoying.

A month or so after I quit I was back in the hospital for a stress
test. Failed it miserably. The next day or so I had 3 cardiac stents
placed for some severe (99% blockage in two arteries and 80% in the
other) blockages. Those stents will be 3 years old in a little over a
month. They, and I, are operating just fine.

The best guess for my CAD is family history and my love of food that
doesn't love me back.

Smoking most certainly didn't cause my CAD, but I'm sure it helped
mask the symptoms.

One thing to have checked with your symptoms, anemia. I was treated
in the hospital a few times for anemia, but it kept "returning." I
had every scope possible, in from both ends, no source of bleeding was
found. Without going into great detail, it turned out to be "female
problems." Case solved AND resolved.

Anemia can cause dull chest pain and severe fatigue. I can't begin to
describe the fatigue, except that it was in every single cell in my
body. The chest pain I experienced was enough to get me into the ER
thinking I was having heart problems - again.

I'm sure the test for anemia is part of a standard blood screen, but
you might call your doctor to make sure that it IS part of the tests
being run on the blood they already have.

Sending postive thoughts your way, Inky. STOP worrying about what
smoking "may" have done to you. You've quit and you can't do anything
better than that.

Email me if you like: leslieb AT clintoniowa DOT us

--
BessieBee

Some people are alive only
because it's illegal to kill them.

Inky, I never really thought there is a "Power of prayer" but now I do. I
will say a prayer for you. As everybody else said, please do not panic.
And do not worry. Things will be okay, especially that you are not
poisoning yourself anymore. We're all with you, Inky. You're one of our
family. You're one of my family, and EVERYTHING is going to be okay.

--
AZ
"Inky" <InkyNL@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190550855.217961.85700@19g2000hsx.googlegrou ps.com...
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

GERD will take a few more days to clear up.

-- Heather
I have been a nonsmoker for three weeks, one day, 10 hours, 12 minutes
and 56 seconds. 336 cigarettes not smoked, saving $75.68.

I know telling you not to worry is moot but think positive. Ok if the doctor
is looking, great! Great. they/you can always fix whats wrong. I never had
high blood pressure until after I quit. now I don't blame the quitting, how
could I? but now that i know it is high I can work on lowering it.
you are probably what 36-40? that is when alot of things show up. our
bodies change and what we did or could do as a kid we can't do now.
Don't stress yourself with needless worry. find out Wed what is going on
then work on it. this is the greatest time(after test results) to change our
habits (eating,vitamin,exercise) and since you are already quit , you are
ahead of the game.

--
Lynn VOF Leaper
Education is what you get from reading the fine print. Experience is what
you get from not reading it! AZ



"Inky" <InkyNL@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190550855.217961.85700@19g2000hsx.googlegrou ps.com...
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

lnky! I had a bout of GERD a while back. Got some meds to fix it and
it did take 3-4 days before it started kicking in good. As others
already said, try to not focus on this as that only makes everything
more stressful. Get outside today if you can and enjoy the weather if
its good by you. Focus instead on the fact that you are QOD and
taking care of yourself!

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, five days, 15 hours, 35 minutes and 23
seconds. 4492 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,347.65. Life saved: 2
weeks, 1 day, 14 hours, 20 minutes.

(((((((((INKY))))))))

I understand your being scared. But as a fellow hypochondriac I think
you are doing the right thing staying away from Google. Lord knows I
can convince myself I have the WORST possible thing. I had a UTI one
time and was convinced it was Stage 4 bladder cancer.

That said, the waiting is the worst part. Just know that if there *is*
a problem, more than likely you have caught it early and it's very
treatable. Yes, I know we will always blame ourselves for the years we
spent smoking. While of course that wasn't good for us, sometimes
these things are unavoidable. Feel good about the fact that you have
quit, and no matter what, that is definitely good for your body.
Quitting when you did may have headed off some other nasties. You
never know.

In any case, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please post and
let us know as soon as you hear something. We are here for you.

Love
Ashley

No smoking for 3 Months, 17 hours and 10 minutes (92 days). I have
saved $260.74 by not smoking 1,390 cigarettes and I have an additional
4 Days, 19 hours and 50 minutes of my life to show for it.

Inky wrote:
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

Inky,

I'm with everyone else: try not to project. You don't even have the
results yet. I know it's not easy because I went through the same
waiting. Try to keep yourself busy because there is absolutely nothing
you can do about it until you get the results.

ConcordPhil
I have not smoked in 2M 2W 1D 6h 35m. That's 77 days! I have not used
any nicotine at all since 9/03/2007.

Hey Inky,

I was the queen of panic attacks when I was in my early 20's....I had
to leave college and I let it F my life up for nearly a decade.
Anyway, got back in school (Psych) and did a support group and ended
up becoming a co-leader for agoraphobics......please, DO NOT give
panic a front row seat in your life. The more attention you give it,
the more powerful it becomes. Don't put fear on top of fear. OK,
now...divert your attention and don't let your mind go
there.....scream at it and tell it, it will not control you!!!!! Face
the shit head on.....

I had chest pains and went to see a Cartiologist....did all the test,
stress, etc.....he then said he wanted to talk to me in his
office.......he asked me about stress in my life. I had A LOT at that
time and I told him about my issue and he said that was it and not to
worry about things I couldn't change. I began to make attempts then
to accept what I couldn't change and my situation almost instantly got
better. I had to get myself out of that goove of doom and gloom,
though. I started working on it, baby steps. I look back now and see
there really is no other way to approach certain things in
life.....you must adapt or slowly kill yourself with stress. Take
good care of yourself Inky, I will be sending good vibes and prayers
your way. When you find out that probably nothing serious is wrong,
you will be sure to take care of yourself and stay off smoking and
harmful things.

Love,
Theresa
Two weeks, 54 minutes and 22 seconds. 280 cigarettes not smoked,
saving $49.13. Life saved: 23 hours, 20 minutes.

*sending good vibes your way. I agree with the rest of the
'do not google' posts. It's not going to do you any good and
will not make you feel better. Try to distract yourself or sleep
a bit more if possible would be a better plan. Hope you feel
better soon,
Robin.

--
Steven Wright.: "Is it weird in here, or is it just me?"
-
"Inky" <> schreef in bericht ...
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>

{{{Inky}}}

I finally caved and am going for my "regular" hypochondriac's
checkup tomorrow morning... I say hypochondriac cause they always
say it's all in my head (IAIYH for short, they're getting lazy<g>)
even that time that there was something physically in my head
(something that shouldn't have been there, not just my brain, ok?)

Hope the antiacidic thing does the trick, if it does I may give
that a spin instead of a 24 hour EKG next time some smart arse
(like maye me) suggests doing something about it.

It does sound a bit like some hyperventilation symptoms I've had...
the advice I got for that was to stop breathing- welll, ok: hold my
breath for a count of ten, still- you really need to have new
symptoms checked every time... and that gets soooo *boring*<ahem!>

{{{Inky}}} I get scared too, "what if" etc. Let us know how you get
on and all, ok?

--
If I'm pregnant its sure as hell not mine!!!!!!
Sarah in AS3

In article <1190550855.217961.85700@19g2000hsx.googlegroups.c om>,
InkyNL@gmail.com says...
> After 3 months of freedom, some symptoms did not disappear that I
> could 1st attribute to withdrawal. Severe fatigue, numb chest pains
> and dizzyness. I lost weight, I went down almost a whole (US) size.
> Yea, I was proud of that but it got my doctor worried. My BP was
> slightly elevated but he said it could just have been the moment. He
> asked me if there's a family history of cardiovascular disease.
> There's none, that I'm aware of, but I know virtually nothing about my
> father's side.
>
> So.. now my blood is being screened for cardiovascular disease,
> diabetes and some other things that were checked, which I have no clue
> of what they mean. I've been given an anti acidic, in case the chest
> pains are simply GERD. They should work within a few days but I still
> don't notice a difference yet (after 2 days).
>
> I'm scared.. Is 23 years of poisoning myself finally catching up with
> me? I don't know.. I won't hear any results untill wednesday. I'm
> restraining myself from googling anything that might resemble the
> symptoms I have. I know that will bring out the hypochondriac in me,
> and set me straight into panic attacks.
>
> I'm scared.. I just needed to get this out of my system..
>
>
Hey Inky,
I think your feeling are very normal. I myself keep putting off a
doctors visit to get a complete physical....I have to do it but what if
I didn't quit soon enough...but I did quit and the dice has been rolled.
Dave
Eight months, three days, 21 hours, 8 minutes and 40 seconds. 9875
cigarettes not smoked, saving $4,936.78. Life saved: 4 weeks, 6 days, 6
hours, 55 minutes. My quit date Jan 21, 2007 8PM