New Pain = New Panic

It took me nearly 10 months to get used to the pain of Tietzes and tendonitis (that's right - chest pain AND left shoulder/arm pain!), and I thought I had it under control.

Tonight, a new symptom added to the mix: a kind of burning, aching sensation with tightness. I think its the tightness that scares me most, although the burning is painful.

My physical therapist once reassured me with this lovely adage: "if you can make it worse, you can make it better." Before you get angry, realize it makes sense. If I can find the bad point in my tendon and push, making it hurt worse, it means it's just muscle pain that can be made better. The same goes for the Tietzes; there is a unique stretch that helps release the swelling, but initially hurts because the costals are so tender. But this new pain... Can't find a trick. So I'm up at 3am suffering a panic attack. :( help!!

Hi BareSoled and welcome.:)

I am sorry to read of your current pain, and the worry that it is causing you.

Often, as anxiety sufferers, we tend to go on high alert when we feel something painful, different or just 'off' in our bodies. When if fact, there is nothing to really be concerned about.

If I can recommend some coping skills and exercises to help bring down your overall stress levels...it may help you to relax, and you could find that your pain lessens.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

These all come from our Resources. You can find more helpful information and tools there...main page of this forum, first post.

There are also a couple of great book recommendations that deal specifically with health anxiety, if you feel that is an area that you would like to consider working through.

Keep posting with us anytime. Support is key!

Scaredy Cat

I too found that this type of self-help actually increased my anxiety/symptoms initially.

However, all that I read and heard said that the continued practice of these...withoug giving up, would yield results.

They are not a quick fix, and that it hard when you need to feel immediate relief from something so disturbing/painful/scary!

These have to become a discipline and part of your lifestyle, and that is when they start to be effective.

I encourage you to keep trying!!

S.C.