CHEST PAINS

[sharon6922]

Hi, I have been experiencing some problems that have sent me into server depression and I desperately need help. 13 months ago I started getting chest tightness, numb breasts, 24/7 pins and needles in the left arm with pain, chronic neck tightness. I have been to a&e (ER) and they did 2 x ECK, 3 X chest x-rays, 3 X blood tests and nothing, because I am only 21 my doctor has refused me more tests. I am in despair at the moment as no-one will help me. x

[sharon6922]

Can I ask though, how do my symptoms not sound heart related? If anything alot of people are telling me to see a cardiologist :( xxx

[sharon6922]

I really hope it isn't heart related. Thanks for the advice. Yes I will do that, wish me luck. X

[achillea]

well, I think you can be reassured by the fact that your symptoms do not sound heart related at all.  Rather, many of them belong in the class of things that happen with nerve compression in the neck, as from disk problems and/or muscular spasm, and maybe a couple of rarer things.

It would not hurt to get a consult with a neurologist to be sure.

[sharon6922]

I know it may sound like the "signs of depression/anxiety" but I really don't think it is. I admit I do lead a very stressful life & my relationship with my (now ex) consisted of let's say too much stress, but I don't believe its that.

I am a healthy size 10st, I do smoke, gave up drinking and my diet really consistes of healthy foods (odd binges - don't we all, lol) so that's what gets me & doctors have said this aswell, its not as if I'm 40 years of age, 20 stone, unhealthy diet & drinking - I'm the complete oppisate.

The pins and needles are not those of the anxiety area, I have had these anxiety pins & needles & they go when I calm down, but the ones I am experience are like a dull ache in the arm, heavyness then pins & needles fly up my arm. They started out just by the hand but over the duration of 13 months they have gotten worst - leading to crazy anxiety.

I really hope this is just all anxiety related though. Xxxx

[achillea]

If you are suffering from severe depression, you need help with that.  It is important to understand that the mind--when distressed--can produce symptoms of things like heart disorders and other physical difficulties. Being young and female reduces your chances of heart problems to something approaching zero, and having had the heart tests you have already had sort of clinches it.

There are forums here where those suffering from anxiety or depression can discuss their problems:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Depression/show/57

but to get help more quickly, I strongly suggest you get a referral to a specialist trained in working with sufferers of depression.  A good shrink really can help you get your life back on track.