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Anxiety... do i have it?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/4/2009 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
For the past 2 months i have suffered from varying symptoms. It started with tummy ache, then dull chest pain, sometimes ripping pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and now recently a burning sensation in my chest, throath and upper back. I also have constant nausea.

I have been to the doc about 6 times, the tests ive got done is bloodwork, EKG and blood pressure.

These symptoms drive me nuts.. im afraid i have some sort of coronary disease, or aortic dissection/aneruysm, which would not be visible on these tests. Even though they usually kill you alot faster than 2 months (more like a day) and usually happen to older men (i'm a 22 yo female), i still worry about them. I can't force my docs to make tests that cost alot when THEY dont think my symptoms match.

So they diagnosed me with stress and anxiety. I just don't know what i would be stressed about. Honestly the only thing im stressed about is all this pain! Plus i always thought anxiety comes in short "attacks", when mine last every day troughout the day. Am i wrong here?

Anyone else with similiar stories / symptoms? Or with knowledge about if this really could be anxiety?

Thanks,

Sarabi.

Posted 1/4/2009 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Sarabi,

Welcome! I'm glad you've found us here, as this is a very supportive forum.

The questions you ask are typical of many of us. Of course, only your doctors can give you a diagnosis.

Regardless of whether your symptoms initiate from anxiety or are caused by something else, it's easy to develop anxiety about your health when you're feeling uncertain. My own experience is similar to yours, and it took me months of asking my doctor what could be going on and what possibilities he could rule out before I came to grips with those symptoms that were anxiety-based and those that did come form another, benign condition.

Try to remind yourself that if your tests have come back negative, then you can reasonably trust that you don't have the condition you fear. (Of course, that never stopped me from finding other conditions to fear!)

My advice is to continue working with your doctor to get some satisfaction about your diagnosis. (My own opinion, I'm not a professional.) You mention several digestive symptoms; have your doctors ruled out those kinds of issues?

I'm sure other members will be along soon with more insight.

percycat
Posted 1/4/2009 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
I think Percycat has already given you some great advice. I wanted add that when my anxiety is high my symptoms are very gastric in nature. I get diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. So that could be part of your anxiety. But it also doesn't hurt to run the stomach problems by a GI (gastroenterologist) to make sure nothing else is going on. Good luck!
Posted 1/4/2009 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, sorry for your troubles.   When I am in the throes of anxiety, it is not a short term "attack", it goes on and on.  Once it lasted about 45 days.   My anxiety focuses in my upper stomach and in my chest.  It is like an elephant sitting on my chest. 


Posted 1/4/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Sarabi

Welcome to the A & P  Forum.  I am glad you took my advice and posted here as well as in GERD. I gave you my thoughts re the GERD.

Now Anxiety............yes you may have anxiety that sticks with you all day.

Here is one technique that many people practice...........control your breathing.

Three-Part Breath

Find a place where it's quiet.

Sit in a straight back chair with both feet on the floor or lie on the floor with a straight spine.

Begin inhaling by expanding the abdomen (let it inflate like a balloon), then move the breath into your rib cage and, finally, all the way into your upper chest.

Exhale by reversing this action; begin at your collarbones and exhale down through your rib cage and into your abdomen. Contract your abdominal muscles as you finish exhaling.

You might find it helpful to lightly place your right hand on your abdomen and your left hand on your rib cage to help direct the breath on its journey.

Begin by practicing for one minute and then gradually lengthen the practice to five minutes.

This technique helps to eliminate shallow chest breathing and encourages full exhalation and inhalation.

Once again, there's no need to push yourself or judge yourself for being anxious. The idea is simply to be quiet for a short time and notice your breath.

Gentle Hugs to you

Kitt

Posted 1/4/2009 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Sarabi, I agree with the others. Your results came back negative, so you should try and trust them. I know it's not easy. When your mind begins to question the results, redirect it. Also, I used to get nausea quiet a bit. A prescription of Compazine would help with that. I used to take it but only as needed. No side effects for me. I'm not a doctor but I suggest if nausea is affecting your life that much, to call your doctor and ask for a prescription. See what he/she says.

I'm new here also, and I've been exploring this forum and all it has to offer. I would suggest that you also do that. Look into the resources offered here and educate yourself. Good luck!
Posted 1/4/2009 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarabi and Welcome!

You have already had such a warm welcome :) I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. There are many of us that go through Health Anxiety including myself and it is important to learn the relaxation techniques and other things to control how you feel. And definitely go to your doc and get a second/third opinion if it helps to ease your mind.

Anyway, nice to meet you and please check out our A/P resources for more great info :)
Posted 1/5/2009 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarabi

I understand your concerns..you are suffering from 'what if ???' confused ..What if they have missed something? What if it was an incorrect diagnosis? aaargh!..Have been there done that many times believe me :)
You have done everything you can to find out whats causing you discomfort - and that was a big step on its own - Well done!..Now its time to accept the outcome and move on with our life - easier said than done I know!

Try and relax, breathing is good, live life to the max everyday..distraction is good too - try and put your energies into a new project in your life...
Best of luck..take good care.
Maree

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