Numbness, Heartburn, Sore Muscles... Anxiety?

[wesg1261]

About a month ago I started having chest pains on the right side of my chest; it began as if I had been punched, and didn't feel like anything internal. The pain gradually began to increase, and in about 3 days it encompassed much of my chest from right to left. I then started to experience numbness in my arms and legs (once in my face) and started to feel faint; it also felt like I would have heart palpitations upon its onset; with these symptoms I blacked out once.

Upon the initial black out, I went to the emergency room and an EKG and chest X-Ray were performed, both of which came out without any problems. The doctor prescribed me pain killers and muscle relaxants and sent me home... the diagnosis being 'chest wall strain'.

For the next week I would have brief episodes where the numbness would return and I would begin to feel very faint and would have to walk around to resume a feeling of normalness. The chest pain remained constant and only changed in severity. It might be described as a very intense heartburn paired with upper rib soreness.

During another episode about a week from the first serious one, I decided to head to the doctor. Another EKG was performed and came back without any issues. We also did bloodwork and all the tests came back within normal range. The doctor suggested this could be a form of anxiety attack and prescribe xanax to take during episodes and also kapidex to see if it affected the heartburn symptoms. I have noticed little change with the use of these medications.

Despite the good EKG, the doctor referred me to a cardiologist to make sure there was no heart issue. Another EKG was performed and came back without issue... they also used an ultrasound to look at my heart and everything looked healthy. He suggested taking regular anti-inflammatory medicine, as there might be some kind of inflammation in my chest... then he sent me home.

I am not passing out, but the symptoms are still continuing after a month. I have had no drastic changes in diet or lifestyle before the onset and don't feel like I'm particularly stressed to cause an anxiety attack.  I am a 28 year old male with no history of drug use but a fairly consistent abuse of alcohol (symptoms have not changed after abstaining from alcohol use for periods).

Any ideas?

[ufcfan]

It seems that you're really having a rough time! I don't know if the alcohol use would have an effect on anything like that but, remember to always be honest with your doctor so they can give you the best possible diagnosis. I have really bad anxiety and very high blood pressure and sometimes feel a pain in my chest but not to the level that you described. I'm sorry i wish i could do more to help.  

[enzymelover]

   Peripheral neuropathy is pretty common with alcohol abuse, and long lasting, I would recommend you see a neurologist. The numbness warrants this. A word of warning - neuros like to call everything "anxiety" and that's all you get. Push for further diagnosis if this happens to you.