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anxiety linked to chest pains????

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Posted 9/19/2012 10:33 AM (GMT 0)
HI all

Im new to this, so im wondering if anyone have had the symptoms that I am suffering with.

Her goes........

Many many years ago I suffered from depression, which i got under control. For the last 6months these chest pains along with panic attacks have happened, it doesnt happen every day, but this last 2 wks its been regular. Every morning I wake up I have this dull ache in my chest, at the lower part of my ribs, which sometimes I feel it in my back. This then starts off my attacks, nervousness, butterfly feeling in my stomach, diahorrea, palpatations, feeling sick etc etc. The first time it happened i thought i was having a heart attack, went to hospital checked over everything fine, heart monitored, blood taken, blood pressure checked.

The next time went to docs prescribed antibiotics for chest infection, chest still the same. I cant understand why im feeling like this as before I had a reason, hated my job, but last month I have started a new job which I love, love my family, money isnt fantastic but better than it was.

Ive just started going to a therapist 1st appt last wk to see if she can help.

Anyway the thing that is niggling me the most is this constant chest pain especially in the morning, it isnt a sharp pain, just a dull pressure type of pain. Now im going bk to the docs later to ask for a chest xray to see if i cn have some answers. Does anyone else suffer from this symptom and could this chest pain all be linked to my anxiety? Please help im in my late forties, and hate feeling like this.

Also I have bn taking some herbal tabs to try and calm me, but I cant see them working, Does anybody take any medication which does have an effect on calming especially during a panic attack.

Thanks

Posted 9/19/2012 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'm wondering if you don't have a bit of pleurisy, same thing going on with me at the moment, feel it when I wake up down at my lower ribs, not sure whats causing it right now, other than allergies is what I'm being told.
Posted 9/19/2012 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
I just started having anxiety about a month ago for no reason. I also constantly have the pressure throughout my chest and ribs. It has pretty much been constant for the past week. My doctor prescribed me Xanax for when it turns into a full fledged panic attack and she just started me on Zoloft yesterday to try to help with it as well.
Posted 9/19/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I do suffer from chest pain (or tightness in the chest) during times of heightened anxiety. It can also be related to allergies and congestion. I think you are wise to have it checked out, but if everything is coming back okay then I suggest you do some meditation or deep breathing exercises to help alleviate the discomfort. Anxiety can be so horrid to so many of our body functions. I also get extreme soreness in my shoulders and neck during anxious times. I also suffer from allergies and this season is just taking its toll on me health wise.

Just learn some of the techniques for when a full blown panic attack hits. I used to think that my heart just couldn't take the extreme increase in beats and pounding it seemed to be taking during those times. I learned to not be afraid of a panic attack. When you become fearful it allows that panic to take control and it will become a vicious cycle. A panic attack will run itself out, so you just need to allow it to happen. Be sure you are in a safe place where you can just sit and allow what is happening to happen. When it is done and you have not reacted with fear it will begin to diminish the amount of attacks you have. Also take the attitude of "do what you have to do and be done with it." This also does not allow that panic to grab hold of you. I know this can be difficult, but when you accept that a panic attack will not kill you, it tends to lose its hold on you and they begin to go away.

Although I truly understand when that anxiety begins to creep into your life again, it is like it never went away and all the old feelings of fear and fatigue just poor back in. Its always a struggle and you must stay on top of it. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Posted 9/19/2012 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your symptoms and the anxiety that it is causing you.

I am glad that you went and had things checked out with a doctor...that is always the logical and safe first step. Were you re-checked after you finished the antbiotic course for the infection?   If it was recently then you might want to consider doing so.

Often chest pains can come from anxiety in the form of over-breathing/hyperventilation. Without realizing it, when stressed we often take rapid, shallow breaths. This causes the thoratic muscles to be over-worked, resulting in soreness.

Breathing exercises are good for reversing this. We have links to some videos on these in our Resource Guide. (main page 1st post) Try practicing these and see how you feel...they also bring down anxiety in general. If you like, I also have a favorite breathing exercise that saved me from many panic episodes and I will post it if you like...let me know.

Great job on finding help through therapy!!! Keep going and it will be a tremendous benefit for you. I went through two courses of CBT and have been relieved of my panic attacks.:) I still have to manage my anxiety, but I now have the tools to help me with that.

Keep posting here with us if you find it helpful. It is great to talk with others who understand what you are going through! We are here to listen and support.

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 9/20/2012 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
What Reneek said. :) I had many symptoms as you described early this year and found out I had gastritis, but that is not necessarily your problem.
Posted 9/20/2012 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
i am 30 years old and i have those symptoms for at least 5 years and i can certainly say yes anxiety can cause all this as a matter of fact i have these symptoms for a month now all tests done bloodwork etc all normal.anxiety is the reason if your doctor dont find anything.
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