Plethora of Symptoms

[krista]

I'm a 22 year old female, and have been on Paxil for about a year for my 'anxiety'. I injured my sternum at work, and as a result suffered chest pains.  A year after my injury I still get these pains, I can feel where it hurts on my chest, but I wonder if its still possible to be having these pains after so long.  As a result of my anxiety I've had 3 EKG's and a stress test, all which came out normal.  The reason for the stress test was because I thought I was having heart problems, as I had shortness of breath, and chest pressure sometimes (very mild). I've been told that it could be my stomach that is causing continuous pains, however i"ve been checked for ulcers, and nothing was shown.  What I really want to know is if I could be having heart problems, or if these symptoms are a part of my anxiety, or if they are an actual problem.  I don't have asthma or anything like that, and my  mother died from a heart attack when I was 14.  Any help would be appreciated.

[Wilson]

My guess would be the pain is either related to your anxiety or leftover from the injury, or possibly some combination of the two. It seems like you've had your heart checked out for your shortness of breath and chest pain, which both can be caused by anxiety. I also know from personal experience that costochondritis - a chest wall strain - can take a LONG time to completely resolve. Mine lasted well over 6 months and I still had occasional pains beyond one year.

[CaptKJK]

Relax,
Unless you family members have had heart attacks and you smoke like a fiend, and your cholesterol is high, its unlikely its your heart, especially after normal cardiac workup. What you should also have had was a barium swallow or upper gi series to rule out a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux.  You're anxious and at increase risk of ulcers.  Buy some antiacid (zantac) and see if it helps.  Constant pain over your breast bone, I'm assuming no family history of breast cancer and normal self breast exams...most likely is costochondritis easily treated w/ heat pads and tylenol and motrin.  Be careful motrin can irritate your stomach.  Go see your family physician and right down your concerns....he/she will be able to make light of this easily.
KJK

[nadia]

Is your heart rate and Blood pressure normal?  If your chest pain is cardiac related you would be having problems with either or both of those things. If you aren't sure, ask to be monitored with a holter moniter.

[Baseball_Mom]

Have they checked you for a Hiatal Hernia?  I was diagnosed with one many years after thinking I was having a heart attack.  Might be something to have checked out.  Best of luck to you and Happy Holidays!