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Posted 5/19/2015 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I am coming over here from the fibromyalgia forum. It is a long story but I will keep it to the need to know, current information.

2 years ago I started having heart palps and chest pains and tachycardia. Basically lived in the er for 2 months because I was so scared. Had all the heart tests, palps are benign no heart attacks etc. I was put on a beta blocker (bisoprolol 1.25 mg) and that has stopped me feeling my palps which is awesome and it relieved the anxiety that they had created completely.

Well fast forward to this past week... I have been having a lot of achy arm pains, more noticeable in my left arm. Goes all the way from shoulder to fingers. I just was thinking it was my fibro as it came and went and switched arms etc. But now it is constant and the upper portion of my left chest is sore too. It is probably muscular but it is freaking me out but I don't want to run to the hospital for it to be nothing for the hundredth time. I have been on cipralex 10 mg before and that helped but I don't like being on it.

Anyways I know I go through the vicious cycle of I get a symptom, think I'm having a heart event of some kind which then I panic and then get more symptoms, etc. I just don't know what to do anymore, like I am a 24 yrs old female with no heart history on either side of my parents families, just diabetes (I'm sure that will come for me next). I have had the tests almost 2 years ago and have had ekgs and blood done since then. I don't really know where I am going with thiS post but I would like to ask one thing...

Can you have an anxiety attack, it eases and then even when you aren't really anxious it comes back a couple hours later resembling a hear attack again and start the cycle all over? Gah I'm just scared and confused and don't know what to do. I don't really have a gp I'm in the process of getting one but it looks like I won't be able to get in until july. I mean I have a chronic pain condition but these pains in my arms aren't really typical for me and they just came on with the heat wave we have been having in Ontario canada. I'm a natural worrier before I became ill with fibro 3 years ago but the anxiety never kicked in until my heart started being uncooperative even though I'm told it is benign and I believe them I just can't accept the fact that maybe they could have missed something like a blocked artery or something.

Any insight, tips, tough love, advice, etc. is greatly appreciated. Sorry for the insanely long post. My boyfriend thought it would help to get it out on here as he suffers froom anxiety but his is under control and venting has always helped when I did it on the fibro forum but this is not really in the realm of that forum.

Thanks,
jumper1170
Posted 5/19/2015 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the anxiety/panic forum and sorry for the late reply to your post.

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time of it at the moment I also have a chronic pain condition so know how that can affect anxiety & mood levels.

I would suggest if this is something which is persisting to go and see your GP just to get it checked but it is possible for anxiety to be the cause of these symptoms you are having but it's best to get a doctors perspective on things.

Health anxiety can really take over your life if you let it so it's important to address it and the best way to do that is by doing some talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness which by the way are also good for dealing with chronic pain. Your doctor should no all about these and be able to refer you to a therapist in your area.

In the meantime have a look at our resources thread on our main page first post for some useful links to self help guides and keep posting here we are here to listen and support you.

Hibee
Posted 5/19/2015 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and health concerns. Chronic illness and anxiety can and do certainly go hand in hand with many people. We have a few 'cross-over' members from other forums, so know you are not alone!

Along with echoing the solid advice above...I am adding some self help links to get you started until your upcoming appointment.

Take some time with these, as well as all of the material in our Resources, which is all beneficial for anxiety management if practiced regularly!

Health Anxiety - A Self Help Guide:

 

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria/pages/introduction.aspx

Helping health Anxiety

 

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_id=53

Health Anxiety- The Super Scanner

 

http://www.get.gg/docs/SuperScanner.pdf



Keep talking to us as well. We care, undertstand and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Posted 5/19/2015 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
I started getting Heart Palps, was basically living in the ER for 2 months also, twice a week or so. This triggered Anxiety which ive never had, I've since had an echocardiogram and a 24 hour holter monitor, both of which came back good, but the second I feel any kind of pain in my chest/left side, I freak, google stuff and that makes me panic more. I've got Costochondritis, therefore my chest hurts almost everyday, so I know the whole vicious cycle thing,.

I don't have any tough love, etc. But try some breathing exercises, that sometimes helps me to calm down a bit and lower my heart rate, I also keep a journal now when i'm not feeling well, and a food log to see if anything different I ate could contribute to how i'm feeling, try and get in to see your DR, and maybe try counseling? I've always been against counseling, but got a referral yesterday for one, seeing as Health Anxiety basically runs my life now, i'm afraid to be alone, or go far from home, don't let it get that bad if you can help it, it's horrible... I truly hope you get it all figured out.
Posted 5/21/2015 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the replies.

I can report that the arm pain is gone but I have come down with some kind of flu like bug, ugh can I ever catch a break?

Melissuh I have seen your posts here and on the fibro forum. Your case sounds scarily similar to mine but I don't have mitral valve prolapse. I am hesitant towards counselling as well but at this point I am willing to try anything. Problem though is that counselling isn't covered here in Canada apparently and I really can't afford it right now... they had free counselling at my university but I'm not currently a student go figure so I missed out on that.

Anyways, yes breathing always helps I also try to keep myself busy and distracted to prevent huge anxiety build ups but sometimes I just can't control it.

And yes I don't like being alone when I feel bad and I don't like to be out and about in case something happens. If I'm with someone like my boyfriend or parent I'm OK but other than that I get nervous. It really does control our lives. I had gotten my life back and could go out on my own etc. But I'm back to square one due to the pain and fatigue and whatnot. Fortunately my palps are under control and I only actually feel the odd one and I know what it is now so that doesn't usually raise my anxiety anymore. Still unsettling but not nervous wreck anymore.

We have to keep fighting it is the only way we can win. We can do it!!
Posted 5/22/2015 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jumper. I'm glad you came over here. This is the best group of people to vent to. Everyone here is so very supportive and non judgmental.

I had heart palps today. I was having a great day, and I stopped to look at my right eye in the mirror (it was itching badly) and while standing there, the palpitations just hit me. It was almost like someone tapped me in the chest! I was able to push it back though, and go on, because I've been reading and posting here daily. It has really helped me keep things in perspective.

I'm not saying that it's always easy to push back the fear, because it certainly isn't. We all have good and bad days. Yesterday was a bad day! I was in tears by bedtime. Anyway, keep posting here, and we will support you any way we can.
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