Phlebs Brother

[phleb]

I mentioned that he had a stent on Wednesday in my last post, he is home now. He is a smoker, drinker, and has used drugs socially most weekends.

He is now getting sweats, and feeling hot flushes. I was concerned, but then i'm wondering whether this is withdrawal symptoms from nicotine, drugs, alcohol, because he has not had any of the 3 this week at all.

Am I right, or should I be worried?

[anneasquith]

does he have chest pain/angina ?

[Baby_Sham]

What drugs does he use?
How often does he drink, i.e is he an alcoholic?

[phleb]

He had chest pain, and a minor heart attack. No more pain, just arm is still bit sore, but been told not to worry.

[237SJ]

I`m not an expert but heart-type sweats tend to be cold and clammy as opposed to hot sweats. Hot flushes/sweats can come with anxiety though - maybe the reality of what has happened is setting in or there is some other reason for anxiety which is connected to his previous lifestyle.

[phleb]

He has only been home since lunch time yesterday, and had visitors in and out all day. He gets no rest, people just wont go away, and I do believe he is anxious and worried, he thinks he is damaged now. He is not an alcoholic, but does drink a lot over weekend. He was taking coke....and smokes 20/25 fags per day. He brings his food up after every meal....quite frankly he is one messed up 43 year old.

[phleb]

And I feel helpless.

[Baby_Sham]

As above, I would have thought a hot/sweaty type sweat would be more from anxiety - which could well be alcohol related.
I'm afraid I've not read your previous posts, but it does sound like alcohol withdrawal (I have no personal experience with drug withdrawal), so maybe he could go see his GP tomorrow, who would prescribe him with something, possibly Acamprosate, which would help to relieve the symptoms.

[Baby_Sham]

Definitely anxiety, lack of nutrients, and a possible alcohol withdrawal.
I have no idea how cigarettes would effect the nervous system but, although not addictive, I can't imagine coke helping either.
All you can do is offer your support. I know that's not much help, but there really isn't much else you can do.
You don't have to drink every single day to be an alcoholic, by the way.
He may have a physical dependency, which would explain the hot flushes.
It's ***, I know, but you just have to be there for him - which it sounds like you are :-)