Now I will tell you...

[Passenger Mark]

I have been having chest pains... really young for chest pains, and exercise... so I thought it was anxiety.

My Doctor set me up for a CT Artirigram by a Cardiologist here in Tennessee.

First... This CT Artirigram is simply amazing. The "old style" is to stick a catheter in your groin and shove some sort of probe looking around.

The way this CT deal works is they give you a med (beta blocker) to slow down the heart rate. They then put you on a table with an IV in the arm. Through the IV they send a dye into your system.

Then they move you in and out of this giant doughnut (CT Machine).

The result is a 64 slice image of your heart and chest. They can look at each of these images individually, and then download them into a computer for a 3-D view of the heart. They can travel down the arteries and look for blockages, adnormalnities, etc.

My result... No blockages, but my arteries have narrowed. This is from use of smokeless tobacco (Skoal). Since it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, my use of the product has narrowed my arteries... which can be causing the pain... especially during stress.

The good news, besides no blockages... is there is a simple cure. Quit the tobacco use, and do more cardio. By doing this I can expand my arteries.

So... Wish me luck... as I have thrown all the Skoal away. I am ready to climb a wall, but the alternative to not quitting is not acceptable... not right now anyways!

Did not want to post anything till I had the test, and knew the results... so now... you know the rest of the story!

[EyesSkyward]

there is a simple cure. Quit the tobacco use, and do more cardio.

Luckily, they can often go together.

That is to say, I've heard tons of stories of people who took up running to quit smoking and had great success. Of course, it doesn't have to be running. My point is that any exercise (how about biking?) can help with the "withdrawl".

Maybe you're just swapping one addiction for another, but at least it's a healthy one! :thumbsup:

Good luck!

- Jeff

[StPeteMark]

... That can of beef jerky is my little security blanket.
Good luck to ya Mark. It CAN be done! :thumbsup:Yes, it can! I stopped smoking in 1973 and it took my body 8 weeks to adjust. During that period, my crutch was popcorn and had to quit drinking coffee...too associative.

I read that whe 64 slice test is the best of modern technology. Glad to hear the results were good news! :thumbsup:
.

[tabbygirl]

Wow, Mark, you must have been scared there for awhile! Thank goodness you can do something about your arteries.

Good luck! I know it will be tough to kick the nicotine - I watched my husband quit smoking 3 or 4 times before it took - but I know you can do it. We've seen your determination to beat obstacles before :) and you are creative and tenacious when going for a solution. Best wishes!!

[WillFlyToDisney]

Mark - glad you are taking the bull by the horns so to speak. You can do it - just use the same determination you use to fly!

I need to show this thread to a certain Army guy I know.......

Good luck, Mark. We are all rooting for ya!!!!!

Kel

[Rebecca]

I can confidently throw my vote in with the others that you have the determination to achieve this. :boxer: You are very fortunate to get this warning shot across the bow!

[WillFlyToDisney]

Oh and Mark, just more motivation here... I have never met a woman who thought that men looked more attractive when they dipped. :shakehead

That stuff is plain NASTY! Nothing smells worse than a spit cup. (puking smiley omitted out of respect for Erika)

[noflyingfan]

Thanks, Kel.

And Mark, she's right about the attractiveness thing.

And I want to chime in as well that you can beat it. Just think of all the extra cash you'll have for plane tickets! :)

[EyesSkyward]

I have never met a woman who thought that men looked more attractive when they dipped. :shakehead

Oh, they exist alright.

I wouldn't want to date them. And I suspect Mark wouldn't either. But they are out there. :rolleyes:



- Jeff

[noflyingfan]

Oh, they exist alright.

I wouldn't want to date them. And I suspect Mark wouldn't either. But they are out there. :rolleyes:



- Jeff

I think Ken posted a picture of one in his advice column today. Or was that a man? It's hard to tell. Either way, that's what those women look like. :eek:

[WillFlyToDisney]

I won't post a pix but I have showed Brett in the past - google pictures of oral cancer caused by smokeless tobacco. :mg:

Mark - figure out how much you spend a week on chew then multiply that by 52. I'll bet you can buy AT LEAST one plane ticket with that amount. Can of Skoal is about $4.50, right? (Don't ask me how I know.)

[kari]

I'm actually intrigued that people still chew tobacco. Here, that went out (quite literally) with oil lamps.

Kelley, showing horrible pictures doesn't usually work. If something's too horrible, people just shut off from it.

[noflyingfan]

Kelley, showing horrible pictures doesn't usually work. If something's too horrible, people just shut off from it.

Yeah, remember when I showed you pictures of what it's like to date an Italian man? Did you listen? Nooooooo.

[kari]

Yeah, remember when I showed you pictures of what it's like to date an Italian man? Did you listen? Nooooooo.

You didn't show me those pictures. Why did you not do this?!

:sigh:

"You must come to Tuscany with me *Kari chokes on her drink* ... and what are your plans for the future?" *Kari's mind immediately flashes to the answer she gave on Friends Reunited: 'Marry a pilot. Move to some remote Scottish island where the only electricity is generated by a massive windmill in the back garden. Own some of those dinky little hand towels that you're not supposed to dry your hands on.'*

[noflyingfan]

You didn't show me those pictures. Why did you not do this?!

:sigh:

"You must come to Tuscany with me *Kari chokes on her drink* ... and what are your plans for the future?" *Kari's mind immediately flashes to the answer she gave on Friends Reunited: 'Marry a pilot. Move to some remote Scottish island where the only electricity is generated by a massive windmill in the back garden. Own some of those dinky little hand towels that you're not supposed to dry your hands on.'*




Well, because my Italian isn't actually Italian. He just thinks he is. Besides, he is dreamy and wonderful, so if you saw any pictures you'd say, "I've got to get me a guy like that," and really, the whole point would be lost.

[Passenger Mark]

Thanks everyone!

I consider myself one of the lucky ones because I can do something "naturally" to reverse the problems.

But quitting has been hard. The first day was not that bad... I thought... "I can kick this... no problem" but then the next day! :eek:

And yea Ken... Crown and Coke brings on the urge. Why is that?

The hardest time I have is when I am either working in the yard... or driving... go figure that one out!

I'm going to get the gum... that is what my brother used... and it helped. I think the gum will work better than the patch as I will be chewing something.

But as for the money... that is a huge attraction. I was a two can a day user. Bought mine from a dealer... but it still cost me $7.00 per day... that is $210.00 per month. In less than a year I can get that plasma big screen I have been wanting!

If yall don't mine, I may post updates here... just so you guys can either brag on me, or kick my butt!

[Rebecca]

We are better braggers than butt-kickers, just so you know! ;) However, I have seen some serious butt kicked here, come to think of it.

Seriously, I love a cup of coffee a day. But if someone told me I was looking at oral cancer, artery impairment, and cardiac arrest if I didn't stop drinking it, whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaa!!! It's GONE!!!!

Much better to picture yourself watching that big screen (while on your stationary bike or treadmill, of course)!!!!:sunshine:

[Passenger Mark]

Had the follow-up today, and the narrowing was not as bad as what I expected. When the Doctor saw how concerned I was... he said... whoaa... you are taking this way out of proportion... it is MINOR narrowing, and WILL cause problems if you continue with the lifestyle (aka Skoal) choices.

They showed me all the images and stuff. As I said... simply amazing what they can do now.

By the way... In case any of you were wondering if I have a heart... I have proof!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Admin/Heart.jpg?t=1175624241

Hey... Kelley got to upload her baby pictures! :D

[noflyingfan]

I dunno, Mark. That could be anybody's heart.

[Passenger Mark]

I dunno, Mark. That could be anybody's heart.

Look in the upper left corner superdupersmartypants!

[noflyingfan]

That reminds me, Mark.

I think you've been lying about the whole insurance business thing. Why did you never tell us about your alter ego Super Adjuster (http://www.naiia.com/)

http://www.iisltd-lv.com/naiia4-a.gif

[kari]

That explains why he was "on call" that Friday and unable to attend Atlanta.

[noflyingfan]

That explains why he was "on call" that Friday and unable to attend Atlanta.

:rotflmao:

[Passenger Mark]

You know... I about had my fill of you two yesterday! What comes around.... ;)

[noflyingfan]

You know... I about had my fill of you two yesterday! What comes around.... ;)

What do you mean? We are never anything but helpful and charming. :angel:

[WillFlyToDisney]

ooooh do we get to pick out names for the heart too?

I like Harvey.

[Passenger Mark]

ooooh do we get to pick out names for the heart too?

I like Harvey.

Sure!

Well... everyone can EXCEPT Kari and Erika! They have been bad!

[Barb-SAN]

That reminds me, Mark.

I think you've been lying about the whole insurance business thing. Why did you never tell us about your alter ego Super Adjuster (http://www.naiia.com/)

http://www.iisltd-lv.com/naiia4-a.gif
I'm rather more impressed with the AERIAL alter-ego! :eek:

http://www.modernhometheater.com/gifs/movies/incredibles/dash.jpg

[kari]

*goes to sit in the naughty corner*

[WillFlyToDisney]

Sean - clearly you missed your calling in life. Sounds like a genius diagnosis to me! :thumbsup:

[noflyingfan]

Sorry, Mark. You never told me that no one was supposed to know. :cry:

[Passenger Mark]

I'm rather more impressed with the AERIAL alter-ego! :eek:

http://www.modernhometheater.com/gifs/movies/incredibles/dash.jpg

I don't get it??? Your's either Erica! :D

[Barb-SAN]

Hey, SOMEONE has been messing with my post....;)

[noflyingfan]

I don't get it??? Your's either Erica! :D

Wow. I guess Ken isn't the only evil dictator on the board. :rolleyes:

[Passenger Mark]

Wow. I guess Ken isn't the only evil dictator on the board. :rolleyes:

I don't know about Ken, but I took THIS TEST (http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=1689651191748450065) and failed... so I am no evil dictator!

[Barb-SAN]

I don't know about Ken, but I took THIS TEST (http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=1689651191748450065) and failed... so I am no evil dictator!

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about that...what if more than one answer applies?? ;)

"Congratulations, Fearless Leader! You have risen to power in (YOUR HOMELAND HERE.) How did you do so?
The people arose to overthrow the old government and install me as Leader.
When the old leader was distracted, I led a faction of the army in a coup d'etat.
I used skillful political maneuvering to slide into the driver's seat.
It was only a matter of time before my destiny was realized."

[kari]

Can I come out of the naughty corner now? I've been here hours, and it's supposed to be a minute for every year of your life.

[Passenger Mark]

OK... You can come out and play now! :D

[Rebecca]

How are you doing, Mark? Both teams standing by ...

:pompoms: :pompoms: :pompoms:


:nag: :nag: :nag: