Anxiety and constant chest/arm pain

[nm13]

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?

[cnangel]

Thank you KirstinMC - I just joined this forum and so grateful to have found it!  Your post was exactly what I needed to read today - I always start panicking when I feel the slightest difference in my heartbeat and that just leads me down a road of craziness (ER visits, wanting to go home and rest, not wanting to drive).  So, thank you for posting your message - I know it was written a long time ago, but it's helpful for newbies like me.

[cnangel]

Thank you for your post justlookingforanswers!  I too suffer terribly from anxiety - same issues with the heart/chest pain.  Been to the ER, have had stress tests, ECGs and everything looks great.  I know that my heart is fine in the logical part of my brain - but when the panic/anxiety kicks in... forget about anything logical.  It's sad so many of us suffer with this, but it's also comforting to know that we are not alone.

[lose2008]

35 and yes all of the above mentioned chest, arm, neck back of neck and even palpitations all freak me out espacially when you have young children at home and a family depending on your well being, but foe some reason I believe its Gods way of keeping me in check cause out of all the ER visits, specialist holster monitors doctor appointments EKGs and so on, it all comes back normal... I'm praying for all of you and I ask the same in return God Bless you all

[bw9]

I'm 33 and have been suffering with the dreaded anxiety diagnosis. Its rough to say the least and has taken my life over. It started when I was 19. I took every medication under the sun it seems but none helped. I don't smoke.or even drink anything with caffine. My brain runs costantly..I wake up light I got hit by lightning, and I can't go back to sleep, or get any relief. My shoulders are always raised, my toes curled, jaws clinched, sweaty arm pits, on top of the chest pains. Its a nightmare and it has destroyed my life. If anyone had it this bad and found relief, id love your input. Thank you.

[livy777]

Hi, I'm a 13 yr old girl and have anxiety. I have been CONVINCED I am going to have a heart attack even though I've had an EKG, ECG, and chest xray done. The reason for my worries are because I have had indigestion, sharp arm pains(mostly in the left), back aches, abdominal cramps, sharp jaw pains(again, left side), chest pains, headaches, lots of lightheadedness,the list goes on and on. The pains come an go. It started about a month ago when I was in camp, not stressed or worried at all and suddenly I had a sharp, shooting pain in my left arm that came and went, and diarrhea that week. In camp last week, we went to an amusement park an I was even to scared to go on some of the rides because  of warnings of heart conditions. Do you think this might still be a heart attack???

[anxiety4ever]

Hi Everyone. If you are suffering from any anxiety, Please please please read a book by Dr Claire Weekes, its called Essential Help for Your Nerves. I have suffered for years with every symptom possible, been to A & E and have had numerous test and trust me this book has worked wonders. I can not recommend it enough. I think she has several books out and all deal with anxiety. They are amazing.......A real life changer. I have never read a book like this before. Dr weekes seems to understand and explain every symptom possible in anxiety and why we get them. The book has practical solutions on how to remover which is the best bit.