Asbestos Illness

[Nar70]

I'm male 43 and in good health. I came in contact with asbestos during a home renovation 2 months ago.. I removed approximately 7 feet of insulation. Immediately after I felt something in the back of my which made me cough. It was gone by the next day. Following that I experienced burning in my throat and chest that lasted for several weeks. It is pretty much gone but it comes back for a short period of time, but far an few between. This prompted me to go my doctor and get checked out. I had a complete physical, EKG, blood work and a chest x-ray. All came back good. I did have some chest pain and the doctor gave me Omeprazole for acid reflux. That seemed to help with the burning. Went to the Pulmonologist and all is good. ...No signs of asbestos related illness. Both my DR and  Pulmonologist said not to worry as my exposure was brief.
-I still have chest pains.
-Wake up in middle of night with a light sweating rapid heart rate.
-After waking from a nap heart is elevated.
-Sometimes a hoarse voice.
-Flutter in my throat.
The above seem consistan with some Mesothelioma symptoms.
Could Pleural thickening be happening to make my chest hurt?
My doctor said  the above  could be due to anxiety. but the pessimist in me thinks otherwise. I am going to see the cardiologist next week.
I understand that asbestos related illnesses take years to develop but could these be precursors of what is to come or could I be a special case and my brief expose get me sick so soon. Hopefully I will never get sick, but I am extremely worried and have been since I was exposed. A constant worry and internet searches.

Thanks for your thoughts

[Nar70]

I have had all test PFT,EKG,CXR, Blood work, My blood oxygen is good. But now I am feeling SOB...I don't understand.....I have trouble getting a full breath at times......Am I sick or getting sick...Is all this in my head....I do burp a lot and my stomach is always bloated...but all this cam qafter my exposure...any thoughts..Thank you.

[Nar70]

Thanks for your reply,
I have gotten 2nd opinions from a general practitioner and pulmonologist. Both have said they feel it is anxiety related. I should trust in the doctors. I just never knew that anxiety could manifest pain in such a way. From just above my abdomen up into my chest spread over the left and right. The pain does come and go but sometimes it’s pretty intense. They did say however that the burning sensation would not be from the asbestos directly but from any other contaminants that were in the air at the time of exposure.  They said that should eventually pass. The whole experience has gotten me really down/freaked out and I have not been the same since. If this anxiety/chest pains would go away I would be in much better shape mentally. All the doctors have stated that the length of my exposure I really should not be worried. But with all that read it’s hard not to..
From your experience can anxiety manifest itself to psychosomatic symptoms and be painful. At one point I thought I was going to have a heart attack, my heart was racing and it was painful. And yes I am going to see the cardiologist this Monday.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, what your doctors suggested is correct. It’s more likely that your symptoms are due to anxiety. It does take years of exposure to asbestos to develop symptoms. If there is a compromise on lung function, then you will have symptoms of breathlessness and this is assessed by spirometry. So, if you develop recurrent symptoms breathlessness or cough then you can discuss with your doctor about spirometry. In the meantime relax, do breathing exercises and take care. Regards.