Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Anxiety and constant chest/arm pain

I'm 34 yr old male and have been experiencing various chest and left arm pains for about three months.  I've seen a plethora of doctors from cardiologist to internist to GI doc to psychologist.  Heart problems have been ruled out by numerous EKG's and stress echo test.  GI doc found I have a hiatal hernia/GERD from upper GI and is currently being treated with Nexium.  Have also had ultrasound of liver/gall bladder and MRI of abdomen - all normal.  Feel like a pin cushion from all the blood work - again all within normal ranges.

My psychologist insists anxiety is the culprit.  Though I have been under a fair amount of stress with work and family, can these pains linger around for this long just from anxiety?  They come and go throughout the day and are very disruptive to my thinking of 'what's going on with me? - which I'm guessing only breeds more anxiety.

The only other med I'm on is Lipitor for cholestorol.

I'm reluctant to try any anti-anxiety meds since I had a bad bout with cymbalta a few months back and I really don't feel as though I need it.  I just want the pain to stop.  I've tried numerous relaxation and meditation methods which are very calming and helpful, but still the pain comes.  The only time I don't notice it is when I'm exercising (usually run 3-6 miles/day).

Any thoughts of what's going on?  Anxiety, current med side effects or something else?
151 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have constant chestpain in the middle of my chest all day it hurts when i ben down or try to lsyon my side what can it be
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It is best if you start your own thread and repost your problem there, rather than list your problem on someone else's. You will get more replies that way. There is also a teen section on Medhelp which you might get help from.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm 13 almost 14 and for the past year I've had very bad anxiety and I was diagnosed with moderate to severe deppression and latly I've
been very scard cause I get pains in the fingers and my upper left chest and I've had a terrible fear of dieing and I'm to afraid to tell my mom about it cause for some reason I'm terrifyed of going to the doctors what should I do?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I havent read this thread in a long while but it is reassuring to know of the experiences of others - i have had most of the symptoms described above at one time or another over the last 3-4 years and also all the heart/blood tests

I have now stopped taking Sertraline (50mg) which had been prescribed by my doc - the last few months i was only taking one tablet every other day anyway

Stress is difficult to shake - i have recently left my old job (which I had attributed to most of my stress) and started a new one in the sunshine with less work and a lot more money - and after 5 weeks of being completely fine i got the chest/arm pain and anxiety symptons the other day

I just try to get off my feet when it occurs and I hope that a prolonged period of less work and the sun will help matters

I do find that if i am having a conversation with someone who I find 'boring/annoying' my symptoms are more likely to arise (that is a serious comment btw not a rude one)

(ps i have a slight numbness/twitch in my left eye as I type this (another of my most common but less annoying symptoms!! :) )
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Two weeks ago, my husband called 911 coz I woke up shaking and in cold sweats.  My face experienced involuntary muscle spasms/twitching and I started mumbling words and just could not speak.  I thought I was having a stroke.  Weeks before this episode, however, I also have been experiencing some chest discomfort (not pain but more like a twitching or spasm) sometimes on the left side and sometimes on the right but mostly on the left side.  I have been also having some left arm discomfort which became worse after the episode two weeks ago.  Just like all of you, they did all kinds of tests, EKG, MRI, CT scan, Carotid x-ray/ultrasound, EEG-all came back negative. I am back home resting but once in a while I still feel the shakes, the sudden chest discomfort which will last only a few seconds and the pain on my left arm.  Sometimes I feel my jaw also tightening and discomfort on my neck.  I am now on a very low dose of Xanax and that's just about it.  Doctors said it ia all anxiety and stress related.  I would like to believe that it is just that and not anyhting physical but I think anxiety and stress are so mcuh more difficult to treat than any physical/structural problems.  I am just so "glad" (coz I am really no glad that we are experiencing these) that I am not alone andthat I am not crazy!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes to all of that off and on for 25 years. Ativan should help you. Ask your doctor for it. It is a wonder drug, but it does cause dependency. In my opinion a dependency is better than anxiety. Maybe you'll agree. Antidepressants can help but take a while to kick in. Steer clear of Effexor because you cannot miss a dose or stop taking it. The withdrawal symptoms are hell. Lexapro or Zoloft are good choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven to help. There are web sites that allow you to do that on-line for free.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?