I am editing because I'm not sure if it sounds like advice or not.

Going to a doctor is always the best bet, imo period.

If it is a heart attack you are worrying about some of the symptoms I've encountered were sweating, nauseous, shaky, pain in left, arm, jaws/neck. And for women it is heard to be more common a tummy ache believe it or not. Though, I've never had a woman heart attack patient.

A heart attack patient normally describes the pain as a heavy load on their chest and some even as a BAD heart burn/acid.

Also. before major MI's you can have small warning signs. Money is only money. And, health is the most important thing we have. I think you should get checked out either way.

You can find a lot on google. And any site will most likely tell you to go, because the fact is you can't tell health over the internet. You need a real person for that yu know.
amber

No medical advise on this site but you should consult a doctor. Is there a community health center or free clinic in your area?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side_stitch then there's that.

"If the pain is present only when exercising and is completely absent at rest, in an otherwise healthy person, it is benign and does not require investigation." That's quoted from the page I linked

I would check again about needing personal information about the people you live with. You are an adult, you file your own tax returns, right? If so, then I think the people you stay with are simply landlords.
Please get to a doctor.

Please don't read comments like the one above and think you don't need to get to a doctor.

Ok, go to the ER. No insurance, they will still cover you.'

That said, it could be gas or a cramp. I have a benign heart condition and coupled with gas pains, I feel like I'm having a heart attach about 5 times a year. Sad, coz the main cause of death in my elder family is heart attack, so I'll prolly die thinking it's gas or MVP.

Anyway, don't freak, but try to get a baseline cardio work up. That way, if you have cardio probs later in life, they can compare it to where you are now.

But it's not cheap. And that won't be covered in the ER.

You know what you need to do. Take good care.

If you're worried, of course go to the ER. But a stitch was my first thought too.

Surely you can go to the doctor without insurance? I know insurance etc is complicated over there, but they can't seriously turn sick people away?!

Claire- you'd be surprised. I was in the ER 12 times last year because of my asthma, no insurance and not much money. AND even then, the hospital I went to the first time would not accept me again. They said because it's a private practice. The one I went to the last 6 times, told me to just keep coming back- they knew I couldn't pay and still can't. It's pretty horrible for many of us over here.

It's bad. The Doctor pretty much refused to examine me further, telling me to see my main physician. I laughed and asked if he could front the cash so I could afford one! This is why I'm hesitant to go back to that emergency room. BUT.... If I notice it again, I'll go and pray I get the old man who checked my ears. He was like Robin Williams.

EDIT - I forgot. I got a new job at a hospital that offers benefits within the first month!! So, I'll be praying real hard it doesn't happen again... and when benefits kick in I'll go get a full physical, x-rays and all...because it's been over a year since I found out I had an enlarged liver / pancreas.

!! How much does insurance cost? Here they have insurance too, but I don't know anyone who doesn't have insurance because you get it with every job and every unemployment benefit. Even if you have to pay for it yourself, it is really cheap (I think €50 a month). You poor thing(s), I feel for you having to worry about money when you're ill (exactly when you haven't got the energy to worry abou it).

I get that sometimes too, I think its like a trapped air pocket or something...hope it goes away!!