Anxiety and chest pains

Hello everyone, although I've not posted here before I've used this forum as a resource for approx the last 6 months.

I'm 46 years old and first started to suffer panic attacks in August of 2012, at the time I thought it was heart related due to chest tightness and a numbness running the length of my left arm. My doctor assuared me it was anxiety but as the symptoms persisted I convinced myself he was wrong, which triggered another panic and ended with me calling an ambulance. After running a few tests which included an ecg the paramedic also thought it was all anxiety related and everything settled down back to normal.

However the panic returned with a vengance at the end of March this year, when I also started getting a feeling of pressure on my right temple. Thinking I was now having stroke warnings I returned to my doctor who explained about muscle tension causing this and also diagnosing IBS.

Since then I've had another ecg and blood tests for thyroid problems and all returned normal and no action. This hasn''t stopped the palpitations/panic/left discomfort etc and this this morning I've felt intermittent chest pains which seem to run through to my back every 20 minutes or so for the last hour and a half.

It's all very scary and I feel like I'm reaching the end of my tether with it all, visions of just suddenly not being here anymore just crank it all up another level.

Anyone have any ideas?

Bump for this I again confused between editing and posting.

Hi Ian and welcome.

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

This is not at all uncommon, and in fact, we have many members who share similar worries. (hang in there, give people a chance to respond, be patient, and you will be hearing more from them.)

You have had all of the definitive tests that would account for any health concerns that you fear...so now would be a good time to focus on managing your anxiety issues.

Talking with your doctor about possible treatment options is a good place to start. Therapy and/or medication are two possibilities to consider.

Self-help is also a great choice, and one that you could get started on right away. In our Resources you will find a great collection of ideas for stress reduction. Lowering anxiety = less physical symptoms. The breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation practices/exercises are very effective if practiced daily. We also have two links for books on the topic of health anxiety, which could be of benefit to you.

Keep posting with us as well. Support is key, and we are here and listening.:)

Scaredy Cat

Your symptoms sound so familiar, have you looked up Lyme disease?

Kam