HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Anxiety? Or...? - pls read

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/27/2008 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

First of all I'd like to say that although I'm a new registered user, I have been reading the posts in this forum anonymously for a while now.

I happened to come across this forum when searching my symptoms via a search engine online.

I'd like to say many of the people in this forum are very helpful and friendly, and I hope I can get some advise on my situation too.

So here's my story:-

I am 26yrs old, female, married, with a 2yr old son.

Some months back, I was diagnosed with anxiety (my doctor called it an anxiety disorder).

Prior to that, I had a few fainting spells, nausea, unexplained breathlessness(although I am asthmatic, whenever I have these strange breathlessness my asthma puffs don't work), chest pain(which I am STILL having) which radiates to my collarbone, neck, shoulders, jaw and back.

Through experience, I have realised that it is these pains that are causing me to have anxiety, and not the other way round.

I have had countless(yes too many already) ECGs done, and a couple of times the doctors said the results were 'not very good' but nothing serious - I saw a few different doctors because I wanted to be sure that it's not all in my head. Because of these 'not very good' ECG results, I had an echo stress test done, and the results came back negative (the cardiologist said I had nothing wrong with my heart and I don't need to see him anymore because I was fine). Aside from a slightly elevated cholesterol level which showed on my bloodwork, he said I was fine.

Recently when I had chest pains again, I went to see the cardiologist again and he said the only thing left to do was an angiogram, since CT scans are not recommended for young females(high risk of getting cancer in old age or something like that). I decided not to have the angiogram done, because it is invasive, and it seemed like the doctor was very sure there was nothing wrong with my heart but he just suggested the angiogram since I kept coming back with chest pains.

My family doctor, after hearing the results from the cardiologist, said he too is sure that there is nothing wrong with my heart and that I have what he calls 'anxiety disorder'. I was put on medication for a while (xanax and something else) but slowly I weened off them myself and now I am not taking them anymore, because even with the medication, my chest pains still come and go.

I was ready to accept that I have anxiety/panic disorder - but it is difficult for me to accept the fact that I still keep having these chest pains which closely mimic heart trouble symptoms. Family history of heart disease doesn't help either - my dad had ischemic heart disease which wasn't detected until a day before a passed away.

So you see, I am very much concerned about the pains I am having, and on the other hand, a bunch of professionals are trying to tell me that it's all in my head.

For the past few days, I have been having chest pain that radiates to my collarbone and shoulder, sometimes my jaw. It comes and goes, and sometimes there's an ache that lingers.

Help  confused   mad

P.S. I have rushed myself to the hospital countless times only to be told the same things over and over again, which is why I am not rushing myself to the hospital again now, but I really hope the pain will go away, or that I find out what really is wrong with me.

 

Post Edited (Pinks) : 10/27/2008 5:42:01 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/27/2008 3:04 PM (GMT 0)

Pink,

Welcome.  I am sure you do have anxiety as you sx are scary.

Have you ever talked with your physician about heartburn or GERD.  We have a GERD forum..............you may want to take a read through it.  I am not a professional but some of your sx could be caused by other disorders.

Take care.
Kitt

Posted 10/28/2008 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt,
Thanks for yor response.
I forgot to mention that I have been suspected of heartburn and GERD, but further tests showed they were nothing more than normal gastritis, which I was also given strong medicines for.
But the chest pains still persist.
I just hope to get some answers.

::Pinks::
Posted 10/28/2008 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same feelings and every body part that can be x-ray'd, felt, biopsied, has been. My doctor gave me Zoloft and Toporal.  I've been fine... My thoughts are with you
Posted 10/29/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to let you know that I am having similar symptoms. I am a 24 yr old married female trying to discover/make sense of what is happening inside of me. Reading your story made me feel better, knowing that I am not alone. Thank you for talking about what you are going through.

My symptoms started when I had a panic attack after taking some allergy medication that woke me up in the middle of the night feeling like my heart was going to stop at any moment. It was the scariest feeling in my life. That was in July this year. I went to the emergency room and then did an ecg and couldn't find anything wrong. I saw my doctor for my stomach problems that followed this, and I was recommended to take prilosec. Because of my fear of medication after that July, I have only just completed two weeks of prilosec. I only started it because I began to get chest pains in my collar bone, my breast bone, and on either side of my esophogus. This pain happens randomly, and disturbs my sleep. I often lie awake at night listening to my heart beat, feeling like it is beating very hard, almost in my throat, shaking my whole body. I have this fear that my heart will stop beating at any moment. I think I the pain also triggers my anxiety. My family also has a history of heart disease.

I have learned to stop trying to sleep like this, I go and read for an hour and then return to bed, usually with no problems. Sleeping with higher pillows helps me to not hear my heartbeat as much, and it helps me fall asleep. As for the daytime pain, I massage it, and talk to my husband when it comes. I've begun excercising more, and honestly, it now feels less severe during the day.

My doctor thinks it is a muscle related thing, but she is treating me with the GERD diet and prilosec because of my stomach problems, and requires me to take my birthcontrol with dinner. She also thinks depression is playing a role in my pain, but I believe it is stress and anxiety. I believe that all these problems were brought on by my traumatic experience in July, and I don't know any other way to stop them except to tell myself that I am fine. It doesn't always work, but then I try to distract myself by reading or taking a walk or some sort of exercise. I know it doesn't solve the problem, but it makes it easier to live with.

I am a newly married and have been trying to find a job for 2 years while following my husband. It has been extremley difficult, I've had a lot of rejection, and I am depressed at times. I wonder if this compounded with my anxiety causes my problems. I just feel that if I care for my body by exercising and eating healthy, I will get better. I don't know what else to do. I hope you find your answers, and thank you for sharing, it gave me encouragement to share my experience with you.
Posted 10/29/2008 9:19 PM (GMT 0)

Vlove,

Hello and I am  so glad you have joined us. I believe you may be right, youhave had this going on since July and you anticipate that it may happen again.

AS long as all your tests turned out well, I would trust your physician on being thorough.

Certainly return to the ER if the problem returns.

Again Welcome.

Kitt

Posted 10/31/2008 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Pinks,


Yes, I have some of the same symptoms. I have had anxiety/panic disorder/gad for a while, and one of my fears is to take any medications, so no, I do not take the zoloft my Dr. prescribed to me. Anyway, I had been having shortness of breath, chest pains, and a few others problems, and have had many EKGs. One time they actually said something was wrong on one of them. I have had a stress test, echocardiogram, wore the Halter 24 hr monitor, and then had the Cardiolite stress test. All of them came back ok, but one showed I do have a mild case of MVP, which can cause the palpatations I have had many of. I also had some plaque in there, so my cardio Dr said to have the angiogram. I was a nervouse wreck, but it was a very easy operation, and it showed no problems with my heart. Funny, cause I still have some chest pain. I also get pain in my left wrist, and it just scares me, which make my anxious, which makes me short of breath, which makes my chest hurt, and so on. Good luck, and just get the test done to be on the safe side.
Posted 10/31/2008 4:31 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Pinks,

Welcome to HW, anxiety can give you so many symptoms, from heart palps to stomach issues/shaking/nausea. It is one tricky disorder. If you have been checked over thoroughly by health professionals and they say you are fine maybe you need to find a way of reducing your anxiety and hopefully the chest pains will lessen or go away.

You don't want to take meds, but have you tried counselling or CBT therapy? They can help with reducing the thoughts around your anxiety so you can recognise and deal with it better. Again, welcome to HW, it's lovely to have you here.

Meg

Posted 10/31/2008 4:38 AM (GMT 0)

Hi vlove,

Welcome to you as well! You are not alone in this okay? Many of us have been where you are, and I applaud you for your positive attitude. If you take care of yourself physically then your mind will be a lot more settled.

Have you tried any counselling or therapy around your anxiety? It may help you with job interviews and life in general. Thanks for sharing your story, I look forward to getting to know you better.

Meg

Posted 10/31/2008 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for welcoming me nervymeg and everyone,

I got motivated to call my doctor and I'm scheduled to see a psychologist soon. Last night I actually slept much better...probably because I talked about what is happening to me. (thanks to you Pinks, for sharing) I am still getting chest pain twinges during the day, but I am trying to focus my thoughts to tell myself I am fine, and it's just a symptom of high anxiety.

I've also stopped taking my birthcontrol completely, at the recommendation of my doctor. I changed to the generic brand about 3 months ago, and I have been reading up online that it has been inducing panic attacks on some women who have never had any serious issues before. Pinks, perhaps you can ask your doctor about this if you are on the pill. Does anyone have any recommendations for easing the chest pain? thanks so much.
Posted 10/31/2008 8:49 PM (GMT 0)

vlove,

Hey there, Just checking up on you.  I do not have any suggestions for your chest pain other then see you physician again if they continue.

Hugs

Kitt

Posted 11/1/2008 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi vlove,

I hope all goes well with your psychologist..sometimes they can help you put things in perspective.  My mother has only suffered from depression once in her life and it was when she was on the pill. She came off it and was back to her normal self in weeks. I truly hope the same happens for you

Meg

Posted 11/1/2008 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your responses.

No I'm not on the pill and currently not on any medications either but I do take my asthma inhalers every now and then.

Right now as I am typing this, I just feel 'different', like I am not able to breathe, but I know I am somehow breathing.
I've had chest/neck/shoulder tightness and pain and now it feels like I'm having some sort of attack but I don't know what.
Currently no palpitations, heart rate normal. Just that weak, like an impending doom feeling with the tightness.

Should I be seeing a doctor for this? A different doctor, perhaps?
Posted 11/1/2008 11:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, i hope you get a definite diagnosis, and that life gets a little easier, and soon. hang in there, you are among friends here.

Maz XX

Posted 11/2/2008 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Update;

I had really bad jaw pain (right side) earlier and it made me panic for a while because I was thinking it could be heart-related.
I was about to go and see my doctor when the pain subsided and I thought I'd wait it out a bit more.
Now there is still a slight pain and I just feel awful.
Like I said earlier, it's my symptoms that cause my anxiety attacks, and not the other way round.

I am not looking for any answers right now but I am just writing what I'm feeling just so I could feel a little bit better.

Mazfire, so many illnesses and you're only 28? I'm proud of you.
When I go to the doctor, many of them don't take me seriously when I mention serious illnesses because I'm 26.
Posted 11/19/2008 9:04 PM (GMT 0)

vlove said...
I just wanted to let you know that I am having similar symptoms. I am a 24 yr old married female trying to discover/make sense of what is happening inside of me. Reading your story made me feel better, knowing that I am not alone. Thank you for talking about what you are going through.

My symptoms started when I had a panic attack after taking some allergy medication that woke me up in the middle of the night feeling like my heart was going to stop at any moment. It was the scariest feeling in my life. That was in July this year. I went to the emergency room and then did an ecg and couldn't find anything wrong. I saw my doctor for my stomach problems that followed this, and I was recommended to take prilosec. Because of my fear of medication after that July, I have only just completed two weeks of prilosec. I only started it because I began to get chest pains in my collar bone, my breast bone, and on either side of my esophogus. This pain happens randomly, and disturbs my sleep. I often lie awake at night listening to my heart beat, feeling like it is beating very hard, almost in my throat, shaking my whole body. I have this fear that my heart will stop beating at any moment. I think I the pain also triggers my anxiety. My family also has a history of heart disease.

I have learned to stop trying to sleep like this, I go and read for an hour and then return to bed, usually with no problems. Sleeping with higher pillows helps me to not hear my heartbeat as much, and it helps me fall asleep. As for the daytime pain, I massage it, and talk to my husband when it comes. I've begun excercising more, and honestly, it now feels less severe during the day.

My doctor thinks it is a muscle related thing, but she is treating me with the GERD diet and prilosec because of my stomach problems, and requires me to take my birthcontrol with dinner. She also thinks depression is playing a role in my pain, but I believe it is stress and anxiety. I believe that all these problems were brought on by my traumatic experience in July, and I don't know any other way to stop them except to tell myself that I am fine. It doesn't always work, but then I try to distract myself by reading or taking a walk or some sort of exercise. I know it doesn't solve the problem, but it makes it easier to live with.

I am a newly married and have been trying to find a job for 2 years while following my husband. It has been extremley difficult, I've had a lot of rejection, and I am depressed at times. I wonder if this compounded with my anxiety causes my problems. I just feel that if I care for my body by exercising and eating healthy, I will get better. I don't know what else to do. I hope you find your answers, and thank you for sharing, it gave me encouragement to share my experience with you.

Vlove, I have been having very similar issues from a traumatic food poisoning incident in July.  I also fear medications..I cannot hardly digest any food at all anymore and would love to speak with you about your similar experience....I am older than you 42 but this is the first time that I have ever gone through anything like this in my life and I understand how terrifying it is.

Posted 11/19/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)

Pinks,

From what I understand cardiac jaw  pain is equal on both sides of the face and increased when the patient made some kind of physical exertion.

Remember that is just a comment and I am not a profesional.........so do follow up with your physician or dentist. :-)

You are doing well in trying to identify what triggers your anxiety. You may want to keep a journal and document what you were doing when the anxiety strikes.

Keep on taking those babysteps.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 11/20/2008 1:58 PM (GMT 0)

stkitt said...

Pinks,

From what I understand cardiac jaw  pain is equal on both sides of the face and increased when the patient made some kind of physical exertion.

Remember that is just a comment and I am not a profesional.........so do follow up with your physician or dentist. :-)

You are doing well in trying to identify what triggers your anxiety. You may want to keep a journal and document what you were doing when the anxiety strikes.

Keep on taking those babysteps.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Thank you for having this forum to share dilemmas.  I pray that we all get well.
Posted 11/20/2008 10:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Pinks,

We are here for each other as each of us have a need to ask for help and here we find people that understand us and care about us.

We are the world, well a small part of it but a mighty part.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply