Re: chest pain

Posted By CCF neuro MD on December 10, 1997 at 12:28:02:

In Reply to: chest pain posted by Sherry on December 08, 1997 at 17:51:49:







: For years I,ve had chest pain,at first it really scared me and I went to the ER
several times.When they couldnt find anything wrong with my heart,they did
echo and stress tests,and the one where they take a pic 3D of your heart.
This was 6 years ago,recently I had the tests redone because of the pain
being constant for almost 4 years.Its a pressure pain and some times it
feels like my breathing is paralyzed.I,ve been on a merry go round with these
Doctors,I take the pain as long as I can then start looking for answers
when I cant take anymore.This pain is every day,all day long.The tests they
did can back normal.Now they are getting ready to do a nerve test,cause of
the pain going to my arms and legs.Also sometimes the chest area gets very
weak,like I cant hold myself up.Sorry this is so long!Does this sound like
anything that sounds familiar?Any ideas of any tests I might ask my Doc
for? By the way I,m 41F.Also had MRI of entire spine.Blood work all normal.
Thanks for any ideas! Sherry
Dear Sherry,
I sympathise to you for the difficult ordeal you are going through. Chest pain
particularly in a relativey young female can be a very significant diagnostic dillema.
Most important thing to rule out is any heart condition causing chest pain.
It seems that it has been investigated extensively with no results. Believe it or not
this is good news because it is potentialy most serious. There are lot of other causes
of chest pain including musculo-skeletal pain and nerve pain. One important thing to rule out is
reflux of acid in the esophagus (the food pipe). This can present as pain or burning in the chest
and may be missed if not carefully sought. If the results of your nerve tests are normal then it will be a good idea
to check for acid reflux. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic's gasteroenterology department are
well qualified in helping you out un this regard. If you live in Cleveland area, you can call 216 444-2200 to make
an appointment.
Sincerely
CCF neuro MD