Anxiety or something else?

[joeman10]

Hi, I am a 24 year old male who has been suffering from some type of anxiety for the past 4 weeks.  So heres my story:

I have always had this weird feeling in my chest.  Feels like a dull, empty feeling.  I always feel the need to cross my arms or put a pillow in my lap and lean on it while sitting down.

On October 10th, I went to the bathroom and when i went to wipe, there was blood on the tissue.  I looked down and my stools looked normal.  I went to wipe again and there was still blood.  I feared the worst.  I waited a few days after that and it never happened again.

On October 27th, I went about my normal day and had a cup of coffee, by the second sip I felt a very strange feeling in my chest.  I began to worry and started having weird sensations shooting up and down my arms.  I thought I was having a heart attack.  

Between October 27th to about Nov 12 I had this weird feeling in my chest (Dull achy feeling) and always felt that my left arm and shoulder were numb and weak.

I went to the doctor the next day and she said I was probably having some acid reflux and prescribed me Protonix 40mg 2 times a day.  It got better for a week and then on Nov 20th I went to a Cardio class and about 30 mins into it i began to lose my breath and felt very sick.  I went outside to get some fresh air and then my left arm went completely numb.  I panicked and I rushed to the ER.  An EKG, Chest X-Ray, and blood tests were done.  They all came back normal.  He sent me away with some Ativan and said it was probably due to anxiety.  

From that time to about Dec 2nd I felt very odd and not normal.  On Dec 2nd I had a Barium Swallow and those tests came back normal with minor reflux.  I also had some blood work done and it came back with quite a few food allergies that I was totally unaware of: Chicken, Wheat, Tomatoes, Corn, and Oranges.  

I then had a behavioral health assessment done and the therapist came to the conclusion that I have a generalized anxiety disorder.  Both my parents are very anxious people, but they have never complained about physical symptoms.  They just can't sit still and get bored easily.  

Next I began seeing a therapist.  Until I receive all my tests back showing that I am a completely healthy person, I don't think this will work.

So I went to my primary care again and he decided to put me on Zoloft.  While on the Zoloft I experience the worst anxiety attacks I have ever experience along with dizziness, headaches, fatigue, etc.  I stopped taking it after 3 days.  I know that SSRIs take about 2-4 weeks to show some kind of progress, but the side effects were unbearable.  

On Dec 8th, after dinner I was sitting down watching some TV when all of the sudden I felt a very odd sensation in my chest followed by a rush of adrenaline being pumped through my whole body.  This happened a few times and I was not able to come down for 3 hours.  So I took another trip to the ER.  They injected me with some Ativan and did a CT scan of my chest and stomach.  Everything came back normal.  Went home and fell asleep for about 6 hours and woke up with a lot of anxiety and uneasiness in my stomach.  

During this time I have lost about 15 lbs in a matter of a month.  From Dec 3rd to now I have had this weird feeling in my chest along with a weird sensation when falling asleep or waking up.  Feels like an "impending doom."  Its really odd but only happens when I'm lying down.  This whole time I have been very fearful of a heart attack or some kind of problem with my heart.  I haven't been able to have peace of mind from my doctors since all they say is "Having a heart problem at your age is rare and almost unheard of."  But my thinking has always been "but it could."

I am having an Echocardiogram (Color Doppler) done today so hopefully that can give me some peace of mind.  Has anyone else experienced anything like this?  As I type this, there is a weird feeling in the middle of my chest.  A feeling like something is sitting in there.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!
Joe

[Pum]

It sounds like anxiety for sure. There are lots of things you can try instead of medication but have you mentioned your back reaction to your doctor? There are other anti-depressants you can try.

I recommend moderate exercise as the number 1. non-medication treatment. In addition, try eating small amounts regularly (nuts and dried fruits), cut back alcohol, never sleep in the daytime (don't even lie down), get up when you wake up don't go back to sleep, find things to do for others (voluntary work etc.), listen to upbeat music, try to be around fun people, and finally, be kind to yourself and if you think this is affecting your relationships or job then see you doctor.

You seem very sensible and have good insight into what your likely issue is. Good luck.

[joeman10]

Have you been able to get through your anxiety without medication? In my mind I know its anxiety, in my heart, i am confused as to what it is.  Since my main concern has always been heart problems, I am hoping that my ultra sound results will give me great relief.

My girlfriend also moved this past Friday.  3 days before moving I would wake up at 6am everyday with a fluttering sensation in my chest.  There are so many underlying issues that I am unaware of to pin point where most of my anxiety is coming from.  

Thanks for your response thanos, I will try your technique!

[thanos]

hi joe,

i suffer from almost the same things as you. trust me its ANXIETY.

it can manifest a lot of things. i also go to therapy.

do this simple exercise for me and let me know what happens.

when something like that begins say 'ok. bring me more, is that all? i can take more give me more'. if you try this instead of fighting yr symptoms you accept them it will
get better. worry only leads to more worry.

PLEASE try it and let me know.