Anxiety or Heart---Urgent

[msanxiety]

hi,i sometimes get this pain behind my left breast going into my shoulder and my left arm.I have gone to ER before with it and they do ekgs and blood work and its always fine, I havent had it in awhile and know this morning im having it with kinda a sharp pain shooting thru my breast...........the drs here get so mad at me for coming in because its always been anxiety....does anyone else with bad aanxiety ever get anything like this? My heart rate is kinda low this morning...but i did start that new medicine cymbalta.......please any advice.Would i know for sure if i was having heart problems

[cj29]

Ok, coming from a person (me) with extreme health anxiety concerning the heart, I can tell you what you describe can definatley be from worry and panic.  Three years ago I suffered from my first panic attack, which of course I thought I was having a heart attack.  I went to the ER multiple times and everything always turned out ok.  I went to my doctor and I even saw a cardiologist about my 'symptoms' and went through a battery of tests all which confirmed I was in pretty darned good shape for a guy in his mid to late twenties.  I still did not believe it, because I could feel my heart pounding all the time, had chest pain, problems breathing and it totally debilitated me for months as that 'what if?' thinking stayed in the back of mind.

Not until I finally accepted the fact that this could be anxiety, did I finally start feeling better.  I know it is kind of hard to do because as you slip further and further into this cycle it does take a toll on you both mentally and physically.  This can often cause a lot of confusion because as one feels progressively worse and more run down, you start to question the validity of it being in the mind.  

Are you feeling your symptoms?  You bet you are, but remember there is a cause and effect.  Anxiety/Panic will cause all sorts of feelings, but for me, it was the PERCEPTION and oversensitization of what I was feeling.  Before I suffered from any of this, did I have chest pain?  Did I have moments where my heart was pounding?  Did I have a headache every now and then?  Did muscles twitch?  The answer to all of these questions was yes, BUT I would just brush them off as normal feelings.  In my opinion when we suffer from this anxiety, we catastrophisize our feelings and automatically fear the worst.  

So, what can you do?  If I were you, I would go to your primary care doctor, so you can sit down and express your fears, concerns, and symptoms with him/her.  The doctor may want to do more tests, but I suspect that they will probably turn out fine.  Then I would go get a referral to a good therapist to talk about it....by learning about this cycle you will be armed with the knowledge to break free and THRIVE with this...knowledge is power when it comes to this and through hard work and understanding you WILL get through this and become a better person for it even though you may not see it now.

Also, continue to use this forum.  So many of us have been through EXACTLY what you are describing and care deeply how things turn out!

[AJWS6]

I'm so sorry you are experiencing various pains.  Medications can cause low to severe side effects.

A doctor should not be upset, at your for seeking treatment.  May I suggest you find a reputable caring doctor.  

Many health conditions and diseases can cause various symptoms, it's best to consult with a doctor to find the proper diagnoses.  You could be experiencing acid reflux, costocondritis etc..... which can cause the symptoms you describe and anxiety.

Through my experiences, I have learned that medical conditions can cause anxiety, taking or getting off medications can cause anxiety, too much sugar intake can cause anxiety, improper vitamin balance etc.....

I do not know your medical history, or why you were prescribed Cymbalta.  But do not give up hope, and search for the right doctor that will take care of you.  

  

[msanxiety]

Hi,Thanks for responding/I was just to my regular dr yesterday and he listened to my heart said it sounded fine. this is how bad my anxiety is.. I have had a UTi infection dr told me yesterday it was clear..but im having burning so i just took a cranberry pill and right away my face starts tingling lie im allergic to it,,,,,how silly,,i had them at friends house and i just got them back and i guess in my mind im thinking they might have done something to the cranberry capsules,,,,,,i have a counsler and i talk to her and i have a pshy, its just everything i do or take latkey i think im allerrgic to or im dying...Just like ths cranberry pill..how could it hurt me. i drink cranberry juice,Im crazy

[cj29]

Remember, you are not crazy...so many people have this challange, but let me commend you for seeking help; that is often the first step to beating this.  Admitting a fault or recognizing a problem takes much more courage than pretending it is not there.  So give yourself a pat on the back.

[oriole]

My symptoms sound similar to yours (chest pain/discomfort which even extended through my arm) and I went to the ER three times over the last year (I could have gone many more).  I had a heart cath lastweek that showed no blockage or embolism just like every other test I had (MANY TESTS) and I still think it is a cardiac issue.  And now I am now trying to go the pulmonary route.
It is so difficult to know if something is anxiety or heart or pulmonary.  It seems many times they are the same symptoms.  I'd rather leave no stone unturned and make sure you are phsically fine.
Glad to hear your last visit was good.    

[misskld]

i to go though these syptoms now as we speak and i know its not fun at all ive gone twice to the emergency room and im always fine but i still worry too. ive had 2 EKGs done and theyve came out fine! my family doctor thinks the same as well, sometimes i just dont believe but just know you'll be ok "thus 2 shall pass" if thats the correct saying
hope ur feeling a bit better ~all my best~