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Posted 5/20/2014 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
I know these thoughts are not normal to have at 17, but I keep thinking my heart is going to give out on me in one way or another. I feel weak, my chest hurts on and off, I can feel the beats, and the palpitations are way too common. The most powerful test they did was an EKG, which has not properly convinced me! I can't have anything else done however because I can not pay for myself... It's driving me nuts but I just feel like I might just drop dead randomly... How can I soothe these thoughts?
Posted 5/20/2014 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

I have had horrible anxiety the past few months since experiencing a horrible panic attack and I tend to get the mental symptoms alot more than any physical symptoms so I am not sure if I am lucky with that or not but I have heard about so many people that have had the same symptoms and you have done the right thing by getting tests done but I understand how it will never be enough to convince you 100 % that there is not some other insidious reason for the way you are feeling because no matter how many times I have done an anxiety test and have researched the symptoms, I still have times where I feel like I am losing my mind and feel totally out of it.

Are you taking any medication for it?

Sean
Posted 5/20/2014 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
No I'm not, I was supposed to see a psychiatrist this week but my family's insurance is giving us a hard time. No idea when I'm seeing them now, and until then this is the only place I can go.
Posted 5/20/2014 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I would find comfort in the fact the tests came back okay and also the fact that that chest pains and heart palpitations are very common with anxiety and panic attacks.

I take it you are from the States? I am from the UK and luckily enough we have the NHS so we can just visit our GP for those type of things.

Perhaps try purchasing a hypnosis cd online? I recommend a guy called Glenn Harold and it can be really helpful :)
Posted 5/20/2014 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Shadow,

I'd invite you to take a look at our Resources Page (first post, top of page). There are so many, many ideas there for options to help you manage your anxiety! Plus they're free, so that helps!

Having medical clearance helps a great deal (even if it's taking a while for you to accept the good news).

I'd also encourage you to consider working with a therapist. The right one can be priceless....









M.
Posted 5/21/2014 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
I am 40, and I have been where you are. I can't say that there is nothing wrong with your heart, because I am not your doctor. But you did get tests done, and most likely they are correct. I will tell you a few years ago when I had the panic over my heart, and swore it was my heart I wouldn't listen to any doctor telling me it wasn't. I was so convinced it had to be. I had a day where I had went to 3 different E.R.'s in 3 different counties, because I was so convinced not one of them knew what they were doing. Recently when I had my panic attacks my doctor sent me to a cardiologist, and he did a full work up, and an ultrasound. He said I do have a paused beat, and that's what I feel. It literally feels like my heart stops. Anyway, yes this can happen with a panic attack, and also with anxiety in general. Also with Health Anxiety always worrying about our health, we assume every symptom has to do with what we think is wrong. I have every symptom of a heart attack, or so the way they are supposed to feel, but I get checked and it's not. Long story short, our mind is a powerful thing...Good luck to you..you are 17, enjoy being young, and try not to worry. I know it's easier said than done also.
Posted 5/21/2014 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Paddicake how are you?
Posted 5/21/2014 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Sean,
I have actually been doing really well. Thank God. I even met up with my sister today, and drove 20 miles there and back, and no panic. I even had a doctors appt beforehand to go over some labs. I recently found out that I am borderline diabetic, and I am very low on vitamin D. Some of this is due to my ulcerative colitis, and hoping that it will help some of my symptoms, and lessen my regular anxiety. I have had 2 good weeks now, and I hope it continues. I haven't had this long of a stretch of good days, in a long time. I was proud of myself that I didn't freak out over the labs, and was able to have a good day. How are you doing?
Posted 5/21/2014 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
That is the best news I have heard in ages well done Paddicake, I think it is nice sometimes to hear of things outside of the mind that are causing anxiety as it can sometimes be a lot easier to deal with. This is just proof that things do get better no matter how bad you was once feeling and how much you thought you would never get any better, you can always return to who you once was or something pretty near and that will give hope to anybody that is reading this and going through a rough time so well done :)

I am ......erm it is really hard to tell lol......I am 9 days into taking Escitapram(not sure spelt this way)and I had a bit of a rough time at the start but I am hopeful that they will kick in soon. I might get an advent calender so I can count down the days and get some chocolate every day at the same time haha
Posted 5/21/2014 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Sean, that's what I have been trying to do. I put up a post the other day to ask everyone how they were doing. I wanted to share some positive notes, instead of complaining this time. I have been listening to some spiritual C.D.s and that has helped me in the car. I also have been practicing what I read in the resources, I am trying to face it, instead of being afraid of it. I had some feelings in the car, because that is the worst for me. But I pushed myself to remember, I've had it before, and I was fine. I started breathing techniques, and of course, before I left I took a half of xanax. But regardless, I made it there and back, and didn't feel like I was gonna pass out. I'm sending well wishes to you, and hope you get some relief soon also. I don't want to take up this persons post, so if you want find the post I made and we can continue our conversation there.
Posted 5/21/2014 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Paddicake the paused heartbeat sounds a lot like mine when it gets bad, it's honestly fairly terrifying. I don't even like standing up because it usually palpitates when I do...
Posted 5/21/2014 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
If. I had to describe it right now, I'd say my heart feels tired
Posted 5/21/2014 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Shadow,
I don't know how to describe mine, except when it does pause, which is what it feels like to me..the way my cardiologist explained it is, it doesn't really stop, it just feels like it does. It beats, and then the next beat is delayed, so thats what makes it seem like it pauses. Then the next heartbeat seems to catch up. During this time, I feel like it stops, then I catch my breath, and it really scares the heck out of me. When it catches up, I can literally feel like it starts again. Sometimes I try and sit down, and I feel it even worse. Then I will try standing up, and it does the same thing. Seriously the only thing that helps me, is I will go wash the dishes and make the water hot, so it distracts my thoughts. I have noticed that when I pay attention to it, I feel it way worse. My only advice is to really try and distract yourself. If you continue to have them, though, check back in with your doctor. I had to get on medicine, because I was making it worse just thinking about it. I was having anxiety over it, and then that made my anxiety even worse..the cycle...Hope this helps.
Posted 5/21/2014 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah I mean my regular heartbeat feels tired, but maybe that's just because I can feel every beat and I'm actually just tired of feeling it. I don't know.
Posted 5/21/2014 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I do know that when we focus on "what our heartbeat is supposed to be"..we feel every beat, or a skipped, or missed beat. I personally feel sometimes I make my heart skip. Just like when something scares us, our heart beats fast, and it will flutter..I think as we focus on it, we actually get scared so we feel that flutter feeling. I am not where I need to be yet, trust me. Just two weeks ago I was back in the E.R. but thankfully, I have been trying and pushing through it again. I've done better here recently. All we can do is try, and figure out ways to redirect our attention. Also telling ourselves that we have felt it do this many times, has helped me some. Keep reading the posts of the veterans here, they have helped me alot. They have lots of helpful advice and insight.
Posted 5/21/2014 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think I've had a normal resting heart rate in like a week, this is exhausting in every way
Posted 5/21/2014 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
I can calm down all my anxiety at least a bit except my heart... Is there anything that works particularly for that?
Posted 5/21/2014 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
SER,

You are taking all of the right steps to get the help that you need!  You have ruled out any physical reason for your palps...and you are in the process of getting therapy.  (I hope that you can get your insurance issue worked out soon!)

Here is an article that you might find comforting.  It pretty much sums up that you are headed in the right direction!  There is hope, so hang in there and have faith that the things you are doing are going to bring relief.http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/cf/slideshows/8-tips-for-coping-with-anxiety-induced-heart-palpitations/#slide=9

Here also is the link to the Resources. (as Merrida mentioned above)

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206 

You can get started on the coping skills for anxiety management right away.  If you practice them daily, you should see improvement.

Talk to you soon.

S.C. 

Posted 5/22/2014 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I do the breathing techniques to try and calm it down. I don't really know how I get my heart palpatations under control. I just get the anxiety settled down, then I don't worry about my heart as much. I know these days I just keep reassuring myself that it isn't my heart, and I have had it many times before.
Posted 5/22/2014 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Nothing that calms me down seems to entirely help with the heart issues. I just got done thinking I was dying and still don't feel great. I feel fairly calm but I still have pains and I still feel my heart. It jut doesn't seem linked to my anxiety, but I'm not allowed to have any more tests done. This is driving me completely nuts >.< if something real doesn't kill me, my anxiety might lol...
Posted 5/22/2014 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
That's when I feel most of my anxiety symptoms honestly shadow. I have posted before, why is it when I have had a good day, and I don't feel stressed at all, does my symptoms seem to be the worst. I don't have the answer to that. I honestly believe because you keep assuming it's your heart, you keep having the issues with it. I can say from experience that when I feel like it has to be my heart this time, it just has to be....I will feel more pains, more palpatations, and the pain will radiate to my arm and neck and back. I know it is easier said than done, but try your best to stop thinking about your heart, and just accept that it's anxiety. Although I am not a doctor, and if all else fails, and you don't feel right..go to the E.R...
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