Hi.. I want to write a long drawn out post explaining everything.. but i really dont have the energy at the moment, so i'll keep it brief.

I'm 19 years old from london.. about 6 months ago (when i was 18)
I was out on a drinking session with friends, and about 2 hours and 6 pints into the night, i collapsed, in EXTREME pain.. I dont really remember much, until i woke up,and was told that i had, had 2 small contingous heart attacks in a row.. Now at the time i didnt really know what to say, or ask. the surgeon told me that they have stabilised me, and that due to my age, i should be ok to leave in a week.. after i got home, my parents were worried about where i was, but i fobbed them off with some excuse about how i had been at a band practice thing.. they brought it.. but 2 days ago, i started getting the most intense sharp chest pain, and its been on and off for 2 days.. I want to tell my parents, and my girlfriend already knows.. but im not sure how to go about this.. Since my parents arent in the best of health (my father having had a heart attack and triple bypass) and my mother (marytaylor) having had major spinal and neck operations (some of you may know her from the spinal part of this forum) she will not be reading this,.. can anyone please give me some advice on:

1) how to tell my parents
2) what i should do about this pain in my chest ( london doctors are useless, i cant rely on the NHS and i cannot afford private medical care)

Thanks in advance..

David

It sounds serious. Yes, tell your parents. You should have been given a test to rule out angina caused by blocked coronary arteries. At least an EKG and blood test would be appropriate. This would provide some evidence to rule out a heart problem. A stress test would be better but more expensive.

You're 19: there's no way that your preference for not telling your parents about your heart problems will prevent you from getting treatment. 99% of us in the UK can rely on the NHS, and in London you have some of the best cardiac facilities in the UK. Go to A&E. If this is likely to cause family problems, you'll be able to speak to a social worker there...

Aiysha

Dave - Definatly tell your parents, the stress of worrying whether or not to tell them will make you feel worse, believe me I know I don't tell my parents how I feel either.
Which hospital do you go to in London? I go to the Heart Hospital and they are very good there.