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Chronic chest pain near sternum and tests taken
I am a 60 year old male, 6'1, 170 lbs. 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with General Anxiety (GAD) and suffered panic attacks. After 8 years on being a zombie and virtually no sex life - my wife and I decided to get 'weaned off' of Lexapro (20 mg). It has been over 2 years since I have been off. I also have an 'older' diagnosis of IBS, possible GERD. I have attenol and valium as my 'crutches' which I try to use very sparingly to control any kind of panicky feeling.
Just as history, 3 years ago, had prostate surgery, last summer radiation. Everything OK and bloodwork is negative.
For the past few months, I have had a chronic chest tightness upon waking up in the morning. I sometimes have excessive burping. I sleep very well and no problems while laying down. It seems that I can 'push' a spot just to the left of my sternum that is more sensitive. I can 'crack' my sternum (loud, large cracking sound) by just pushing on it. A few months ago, I had esophagal spasms - which seems to have been relieved naturally (or travelled or something).... my wife says, the pain just seems to travel through my digestive system; i.e. esophagal spasms, digestive problems, then IBS kicks in and now this upper chest thing. Stretching accentuates the tightness. Exercise has minmal relief.
I have a habit of walking about 5 miles per night (during the summer) with no breathing problems (unless it's really hot) up and down hills. I breathe well, eat well and am thin. Two years ago, I had a echo stress test - everything fine - 'great heart'. Also, about 6 moths ago, had an EKG because i was feeling skipped heart beats. Everything was normal (a skipped heart beat was noted).
Furthermore, Last month, I went to "supposedly one of the best" cardiologists and had a nuclear echo stress test as well as a nuclear CT scan. Everything came out really good. Seemed like the cardiologist wasn't interested in my chest pain after he called us with his heart results (which were excellent). My question is, are these tests reliable in diagnosing heart issues? What other tests would you recommend? (My chest pain is chronic, sometimes not as bad as other times - usually start when I get out of bed (seems like the earlier I wake up, the worse they are - the more I sleep, it's not quite as bad". They start out bad - can be relieved by valium but then will progressively get worse as the day goes on (I teach).
The same week of the cardiology, I had an endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy - and everything OK. I have to stop this chest tightness as all I do is worry and it is consuming my life. Are there any other tests suggested that would tell me what it is? Seems like all the tests are just telling me supposedly what it's not.
I called my primary care physician today (out, of course) and was told by the nurse to go back to the cardiologist....I told her I had test done recently, but I don't think she had my file in front of her because they should have had all of my test results as well.
What do I do next?
Just as history, 3 years ago, had prostate surgery, last summer radiation. Everything OK and bloodwork is negative.
For the past few months, I have had a chronic chest tightness upon waking up in the morning. I sometimes have excessive burping. I sleep very well and no problems while laying down. It seems that I can 'push' a spot just to the left of my sternum that is more sensitive. I can 'crack' my sternum (loud, large cracking sound) by just pushing on it. A few months ago, I had esophagal spasms - which seems to have been relieved naturally (or travelled or something).... my wife says, the pain just seems to travel through my digestive system; i.e. esophagal spasms, digestive problems, then IBS kicks in and now this upper chest thing. Stretching accentuates the tightness. Exercise has minmal relief.
I have a habit of walking about 5 miles per night (during the summer) with no breathing problems (unless it's really hot) up and down hills. I breathe well, eat well and am thin. Two years ago, I had a echo stress test - everything fine - 'great heart'. Also, about 6 moths ago, had an EKG because i was feeling skipped heart beats. Everything was normal (a skipped heart beat was noted).
Furthermore, Last month, I went to "supposedly one of the best" cardiologists and had a nuclear echo stress test as well as a nuclear CT scan. Everything came out really good. Seemed like the cardiologist wasn't interested in my chest pain after he called us with his heart results (which were excellent). My question is, are these tests reliable in diagnosing heart issues? What other tests would you recommend? (My chest pain is chronic, sometimes not as bad as other times - usually start when I get out of bed (seems like the earlier I wake up, the worse they are - the more I sleep, it's not quite as bad". They start out bad - can be relieved by valium but then will progressively get worse as the day goes on (I teach).
The same week of the cardiology, I had an endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy - and everything OK. I have to stop this chest tightness as all I do is worry and it is consuming my life. Are there any other tests suggested that would tell me what it is? Seems like all the tests are just telling me supposedly what it's not.
I called my primary care physician today (out, of course) and was told by the nurse to go back to the cardiologist....I told her I had test done recently, but I don't think she had my file in front of her because they should have had all of my test results as well.
What do I do next?
Thanks for the suggestions. It is kind of confirming what I think - but just wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything with the heart issue. The chest tightness feeling is very scary - and can bring on an anxiety attack. The valium and attenolol really help bring me back into control - I just don't want to be dependent on them.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
You probably have two problems. One is costochondritis and the other is acidity. There is a strong possibility it is costochondritis (inflammation of the joint between rib and sternum. The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Omeprazole is a good drug to combat this. Along with it you can try over the counter antacids. However I would recommend you see a doctor and take medication under a doctor’s supervision. Avoid heavy meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bet at least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Thanks for writing to the forum!
You probably have two problems. One is costochondritis and the other is acidity. There is a strong possibility it is costochondritis (inflammation of the joint between rib and sternum. The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Omeprazole is a good drug to combat this. Along with it you can try over the counter antacids. However I would recommend you see a doctor and take medication under a doctor’s supervision. Avoid heavy meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bet at least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
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