Strange, dull pain in chest area

[CobaltKid]

Hey guys. I have this strange, dull pain just above my left nipple. It's not constant. It comes at random. It feels more on the rib area of my chest. It comes at random. Started happening last night. I ruled out cardia
Issues. Reason for that is I've had numerous tests on my heart because I've had anxiety issues.
I am also under heavy stress because my parents are going through a horrible divorce. I was also in a car accident 3 months ago.
Of course my mind keeps telling me it's something they didn't catch. Of course I've been deemed ok by about 3 cardiologists and a few doctors.
What do you think?

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update.

Were you checked for inflammation in the rib area, called  costochondritis? It can produce the type of symptoms that you described....or very similar.

I am glad that you are feeling better. I hope you will continue to improve.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[CobaltKid]

I thought I'd give you guys an update. I'm doing good pain wise. It went away completely. However, the pain turned into some kind of strange muscle spasm under my ribs in the same area. It's odd. No pain involved. I think it's just a pulled or overused muscle as I do box and ride my bike for a good while.
Cheers.

[Irenak]

It is most likely what I call phantom pains caused by emotion.  Your heart has an electrical component.  With what you are going through, feeling helpless, caught in the middle, perhaps dealing with guilt, grief and all of the other feelings that come with this experience........It is being stored and causing pain.  I agree that you need someone to talk to. I feel for your parents, but they should keep the ugliness of their experience away from you.  You need to do what is best for you and learn to take care of yourself.  This is a good time to learn some new skills for coping with tough situations.  Trust me, there will be more.  Life has ups and downs.  If you can learn to work through the downs and learn from them at the same time then you are going to be way ahead of most people and will enjoy life more as a result.  I do not recommend any anti-anxiety medication for pain above the nipple.  I don't know of any medication that will address that kind of pain unless you are looking to not feeling anything at all.  Talk to someone, allow yourself to cry.  Sit down with your parents.  Ask to talk to them both when things are not emotional. Ask them to sit down and talk to them "from your heart". Ask them not to interrupt until you are finished. Tell them what you have been going through and how you feel.  Tell them everything.  Pour out your soul.  I will be willing to bet that your pain might just go away after that. It is your divorce too.  You are affected.  You have every right to speak up and say how you feel.  In the end you will be doing them a favor too.  They are so caught up in their own private hell that they have no idea what they are doing to you.  By helping yourself you are helping them.  Have a talk, not a fight, not a blame game, just tell them how you feel.  

[Sarajmt]

Hi Kid:  I'd like to welcome you to the Pain Management forum.  Although we're not doctors we do have a lot of smart folks here.  We offer advice and support to one another through our own experiences.

I'm not a doctor but I do know that stress can lead to ulcers and other stomach issues.  I'd suggest that you see a Gastrointestinal doctor.  Just to make sure you don't have a digestive tract issue.

I'm so sorry for not only your pain but also your family situation.  Between your parents divorce and your wreck, the stress will do awful things to your body.  This is an awful situation for a boy of your age to have to endure.  You need to learn to relax.  Why don't you try some deep breathing relaxation techniques and perhaps some Yoga.  I'm sure you can find both on the web.  However, should the natural relaxation methods not prove useful to you, please discuss this with your family doctor.  You may wish ask for a MILD anti anxiety medicine to be used very judiciously.  Whatever you decide, you learn to relax.  Family therapy wouldn't be a bad idea either.  Or go yourself if your parents don't wish to go.  But do something for your stress.  It's imperative for your health that you do so.

Good luck to you Kid.  And please let us know how you are.  We do care.