yeah, i blame my Irish ancestors Cathy
. joking aside, my father and irish grandfather were pretty heavy drinkers. i hear it's hereditary, but not sure i buy that entirely. anyway, i may check w/ a doc as you two suggest..couldn't hurt. i do know i don't have the pain or any anxiety if i haven't been drinking. i did have one fairly intense episode Grimnar about 3 years ago (panic attack) and went to ER...basically doc said stress as I checked out fine..scary though. it was during the holidays and i'd been drinking pretty heavy the days prior to that. i do know i'm an alcoholic but not real comfortable going to an AA-style meeting yet. so, i'll start here. oh well, hopefully talk to you guys/gals later. thanks.