Alcoholic In Recovery

[GrumpyCyclistUK]

Hi all,
Sorry for the title... But as it says, I'm an alcoholic in recovery, I am 10 days away from being 1 year sober. I also quit smoking about 10 months, I now use an e-cig.
Recently (6 weeks ago) I started to ride to and from work. It is a 16.4 mile journey each way. When I was drinking (evening drinker) I would ride short sharp rides of 2 miles to the train station and back for work...
I was 15.7 stone before I started to ride the long (well it is to me) distance, I’m now 14.7 stone...
I have recently started to feel a sharp even though momentarily pain in my chest, this then sets off a bit of a panic attack, and it’s making me wary on the bike, and im not pushing myself as hard.
My question: Is there anyone out there who like me has made a big change to their lives, and had a similar pain in the chest. Is it me just being paranoid. Am I pushing myself too much, I ride in Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu (Early Meeting on Friday) – According to my Garmin, I have ridden 509 miles since August.
Any help would be appreciated, either here or as a Private Message.
Thanks for your time.

 

[byegad]

A pain in the chest is always a cause for an appointment with the Doctor. Get it checked out. I get sharp pains in the side of my rib cage which is a form of cramp brought on by using my Asthma reliever inhaler, cold weather makes this a lot worse. I can tell you I was concerned until I got that one checked out.

 

[Saluki]

Hi &
Congratulations on your life change. 16.4 miles each way is a very respectable commute IMO.

Sharp pains in the chest area should always be checked out by a doctor. It could be nothing but better to be sure. I had chest pains which turned out to be a pulled muscle but I was very worried at the time and my GP told me that they would rather see 1000 false alarms than one genuine case of a heart problem.

Keep up the good work and enjoy your riding.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Well done for doing what's needed.
Go and see the doctor ASAP regarding the chest pains, it may be nothing, i.e muscular, stress, but it should be looked at. I left it too long before I took serious note of my heart rumblings (hearty drinker, heavy smoker, heavy caffiene addict, high Cholesterol, active, low BP).
Also e-cigs are still nicotine and that's not good for the heart either. Zyban is bloody great for quitting cigs.

Doctors ASAP please.

 

[Peteaud]

Hi and

As others have said best to see a doc.

My simple bit of advice is don't go mad with the miles, just keep doing the rides and the miles will creep up.

I wish you well.

 

[Paul99]

Welcome and congratulations on your sobriety and kudos to you for your lifestyle change.

Now get to the doctors!!

 

[Crackle]

I've pulled an intercostal muscle before and I know others who have. It gives you a sharp pain and I know some who've believed they are having a heart attack because of it. It might be that but of course a GP appt. is always a better idea than internet advice.

 

[ayceejay]

Not a situation to guess at Vernon best get yourself an MOT as others have said it may be nothing but just as likely to be something, remember where your liver is and how you abused it in the past get yourself checked.

 

[The Jogger]

On the 9th of next month I will be 25 years sober and even today I am a bit paranoid about my health but especially in my early days of sobriety, however saying that, I would definitely get that checked out as advised above. You will either be told it is nothing to worry about or it will be sorted either of those has to be better than the third option.

Good luck and keep it in the day.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I've pulled an intercostal muscle before and I know others who have. It gives you a sharp pain and I know some who've believed they are having a heart attack because of it. It might be that but of course a GP appt. is always a better idea than internet advice.

Yes, I think I might have strained that muscle group once or twice myself. Since I became aware of it, I've tried to ride with a more upright posture, i.e. less hunching of the spine, and this helps.

 

[slowmotion]

Please book an appointment to see your GP. You have absolutely nothing to lose by doing so. Good luck, and well done.

 

[summerdays]

I agree with the others, go see the doc, and remember it could be a number of things that could cause pain. And well done for the big effort that you are making.

 

[GrumpyCyclistUK]

WOW, thanks for all the kind responses guys/gals. I must admit, I was worried about posting that in case people looked down on it.

I have boked an appointment to see my doctors, its on the 10th Sept (Earliest Appointment) - I have also reduced my average speed to try and compensate.

I love being on my bike and really want to train hard once I know more to start hitting the charity rides.

Thanks again everyone, really appreciate the help.

Well Done on your sobriety The Jogger

 

[Crackle]

Keep checking with your GP, people cancel and you might get an earlier one. You can also request a phone consultation.

 

[Drago]

A brave admission, and an even braver attempt to kick your demons in the gonads. Well done, Sir.

I quit smoking a few years ago - aside from cigars at weddings etc - and it wad the best thing I ever did.