Chest Pain...many tests, lots of doctors....no answers...please Help!!!!

[Ella77]

I am writing this for my husband since he's in so much pain right now. We've already been to the hospital twice in one week, and keep getting sent home...they've done tons of testing and say that his heart looks fine, but he still is getting horrible chest pains. They told us not to come back to the hospital just keep taking pain pills and anti-inflamitories until the pain goes away but it's been 3 days now, and I just need to know where to go from here, what kind of doctor do I take him to and what can I do to help his pain, I hate seeing him like this. he is young, only 25, no history of heart problems in his family. the only thing the doctor said was that it could be paricaritis, which this is the 3rd time in about 8 years this has happened. Could it be something muscle related? or what could it be? He marked a spot where the pain is most intense, and everytime the pain comes back he points to the same spot, it's more towards the middle of the chest but still on the left side. Also he has hurt his shoulder about a week before the sharp pains started in his chest, but now has moved across to the whole chest at times. Please if anyone could shed some light, thank you.

A Very concerned wife, please advise.

[sinead]

hi Ella,

I posted something similar to someone else here a few days ago... if your husband can point to, or press on a spot that hurts, his pain is clearly muscular in origin.  If it were his heart, he could not point to one spot like that. it sounds like after a few hospital visits they would be pretty clear it isn't his heart.  

I have experienced excruciating chest pain that felt like it was coming from inside my chest when it was really "referred" muscular pain. it can be so painful it feels like you are dying.  it actually mimics heart attack symptoms. in fact it is said that myofascial pain is actually MORE painful! antinflammatory meds will help very little, often a strong painkiller is needed to break the pain cycle.  If the pain comes & goes + radiates to other places (ie. shoulders, ribs, neck, wraps around back) & all tests have been normal, it is probably what they would call "myofascial pain". I have it myself.... so I know. haven't any of the doctors mentioned this?

muscular pain can be very deceiving & mimics many other (serious) physical conditions even though it is harmless. It can be very painful & extremely scary. Did they speak to him about costochondritis at all? This type of chest-wall pain can be dull, aching, gnawing, sharp, stabbing...  It often is located around the sternum which sounds like where he is pointing on his chest.

Check out the site below for more info. Apply moist heat & make an appointment to see a skilled & knowledgeable massage therapist. Hope this helps you... I have been there.... I know its scary but if the tests are all good its probably this. Check back & let me know if this helps ok? Good luck :)


http://www.triggerpointbook.com/angina.htm

[Al Dente]

there are some heart/cardiac related issues that can cause a stabbing/ripping or piercing type of pain...

in general, ischemic pain is diffuse.  you can have heart pain, especially valvular that you can "point" to.  MVP is one instance where you can point to the pain.

the most important thing to do is get checked out if you don't feel good.

angina, from several years of personal experience is diffuse and can be heavy or light, spread to the back, arms, chin, cause nausea, headaches, or tingling.  valve problems, from experience too, can be a stabbing feeling which is rather unpleasant.

some docs tend to dismiss a patient's input because of the "if you can point to it, it's not cardiac" misnomer.

generalities cross alot of spectrums, but it takes just one instance.

[DragonTU84]

Id recommend first of all to see a good, reliable Cardiologist to at first rule out all other cardiac related possibilities before deducing it to musculoskeletal pain. A good cardiologist should do not only an EKG (which I am sure your husband received tons of with his numerous hospital visits) but also issue a Stress EKG, bloodwork including for heart attacks, angina and a complete thyroid check, as well as a 24 hour Haltar Event Monitor, and of course an Echocardiogram to rule out things like MVP, angina, heart disease etc. I know this can be a rough time for BOTH of you, I've been there! Of course mine is a mix between MVP and anxiety, yet I can relate to the pain your husband has to endure. I wish you both the best of luck, and may God bless you both!