This is my dilemma. For few years, I have been having chest pain on and off. For even more than a few years I have having shortness of breath on and off. I have had so many EKGs over the years. In 2005, I had a stress echo test, all fine. At the same time, I had a chest CAT scan, all fine. In 2006, had a resting echo of heart done by the cardiologist himself, all fine. In December of 2007, I had another stress echo, done at a cardiologist and it was read by the cardiologist and he said strong heart, all fine. I moved in August to Florida, now having my chest pains again. I finally could not take it and went to the hospital where they admitted me to check out the chest pain and make sure it is nothing serious. Was in there for four days. They did the EKG upon arrival and said it was fine, but still admitted me. They did a resting echo and had me on a heart monitor for the days I was in the hospital. The cardiologist said it is not my heart and had the GI doctor take over. The GI doc did the gallbladder test and an ultrasound of abdomen, and a GI barrium swallow test. All turned out fine. The cardiologist really wanted them to do a scope but that was not done. So they discharged me not knowing why my chest hurts.

I suspect it could be related to eating but I don' t really know for sure. I don't know what to do. They discharged me on Protonix, which I have to go fill the prescription. I am so worried when this pain comes that it is my heart, could they be missing something? I don't have any insurance right now and I can't keep going to the doctors. Sometimes I get that short of breath feeling, but when that happens I notice my nose also gets stuffy so not sure if that part is allergy. I have noticed that over the years though, with the short of breath comes the stuffy nose feeling. But the chest pain is another story. Sometimes, I just feel like, if I am going to die I need to just make up in my mind to go, because I am so defeated right now. I have no insurance, I cannot afford more invasive expensive tests, and I am not rich. It is so distressing I don't know what to do. Why is my body falling apart on me, I am only 43. I want to live to at least raise my little boy. I dont really exercise and I dont eat the best. What would you guys do. Would you go get another opinion with a cardiologist, or is my heart really okay. Is there an ulcer that they did not see on the barium scan? Thanks for any input.

Also, I wanted to add, can stress really bring on pain in the chest. Some people said maybe it is stress, but I honestly don't believe that. I dont know why, but I am one of those people that do not relate emotional with physical, I know it is possible, but the pain just feels so real, so there, how can it be stress. I will admit I am stressed out. I cry over every little things these days. I just went for my son's report card conference and I stress over that if they tell me things are not all perfect. They say he is a great boy , but they are just concerned with a certain behavior he has where he is somewhat withdrawn. I came home and just cried my eyes out, because now they think something is wrong with him. I am a single mom and I am trying so hard to raise him right. I filed bankruptcy and I gave up my condo. I cry so much lately, it is getting old now and means nothing anymore. Could the doctors have been right, am I depressed? I never took the Prozac because I just feel my situation was situational. I am sorry am rambling. I guess I just need someone to talk to and I need to see some light at this tunnel. I just need to laugh and smile more. WHERE IS THE JOY

Hi there,
I feel for you and understand how horrible it is to have symptoms yet no diagnosis. I suffered that same position for ten years. I was so poorly that I just had to go back and finally I got a diagnosis. It is a diagnosis that I would rather not have but just knowing that I wasn't going barmy made me feel a little better.
It looks as if they have done exhaustive tests on your heart and I am more inclined to think that your problems may be GI related. Motility problems of the gut are becoming more and more common and are difficult to diagnose. They do not show up with conventional investigations. Patients with these sort of difficulties get told a million times that they have nothing wrong and even get referred to psychiatrists. If you want to PM me I will have a look at your symptoms in detail to se if there are any obvious clues.
I am interested in the stuffy nose thing. That is something I suffer very badly with and I have gut motility issues. I get the feeling that that symptom is directly related to low oestrogen and vaso-motor difficulties. (Hot flashes)


Regards,


XIII

Thanks XIII, I will definitely PM you later when done with work. This will sound really bad, but I was so hoping they would find an ulcer. Why? because (a) it would be a relief to finally get a reason for the pain, and ( we can now fix it.

Thanks again.

I feel for your situation too. I wonder just where I would be if I didn't have a couple of key things in my life. I don't feel that I would fair that well. I admire your strength and courage.

The shortness of breath makes me wonder about anxiety. Indeed, Emotions and physical well being are intertwined. This could be the message your body and mind are sending you.

You've been through a lot. Our 40's can be turning points in how we are supposed to take care of ourselves. To take care of your nutrition (not saying diet) and take in some walking and some kind of activity with your son would do wonders for both of you on all fronts. Plus, setting the example for your son by taking extra care of yourself is a great gift to him too. Good Luck to you.

There is a lot of encouragement, ideas and support for wellness here.

Thanks Stoneberry, I really don't know where I get that strength, don't feel to strong lately. I really should say that I have been trying to walk at times with my son, because he just loves the outdoors, but I guess that I don't do it enough. We both used to do it everyday but since the move, not as much. I also really don't eat that bad. I had a big mac and fries yesterday so I guess I feel guilty about that. My diet consists mostly of chicken (skin on sometimes), fish, rice, beans, and lots of vegetables which I love a lot. My son also loves veges. My problem is portion control. I tend to overeat, even if it is healthy stuff. I guess I just feel guilty on the days I eat junk and I feel my body does not need it. Also, one of my major issues is that I sit a lot and transcribe, sometimes 7 days a week. I work for 12 hours typing at home, bad I know, I take little breaks but not much. I guess I could still do lots better with the exercise part and the eating part though. My son also loves to eat healthy, and at 7 to boot.


I think my job stresses me out. When I get overwhelmed with lots of jobs, it can literally stress me out and mentally I get irritated and annoyed with it. I think I hate it, but I have to do it.

Wow! Sounds like you're ahead of the game in a lot of respects. Don't be so hard on yourself...Stay in touch!

I don't think you have cardiac issues. I really don't. It sounds like costonchondritis, or esophageal spasm. I have had both and both times have thought I was having a heart attack. Is there a way you could get some counseling...community based..on a sliding scale fee, or for free? You have a lot going on, and you'd benefit from talking to someone.

Sitting at a desk typing all day is very bad for the body...when I did this I was get excrutiating chest pain that radiaited to my upper back. Nothing helped except pain pill, heat patches, heating pads, and as a last resort, a long soak in a hot bath.

I hope you feel better soon...

I agree Robin. I really hate sitting at my desk this long, but I really need a way to get out of this funk. This is how I make a living and how do I change that. It is really going to take a lot to change careers. I agree, I might need some counseling. Like one doctor told me earlier in the year, it sounds like my anxiety and depression issues have plateaued to a point now where it is taking a toll on my body. I have to tell myself that yes, I am feeling overwhelmed now, and yes, I may need help to get through this because I don't think I can go this alone anymore. I really truly feel overwhelmed, somewhat depressed, afraid, and hopeless. I am seriously considering making plans to go stay with family in the very near future. I no longer want to be alone anymore. I need my family. I am ready to go home now.

big hugs your way! so sorry that you are going through all of this. i just wanted to share that some of the symptoms that i have collected over time through this have been shortness of breath & chest pain. i also went through a bunch of cardiac tests a few years ago - all fine. i don't get these symptoms as often as i used to, but i recall last year a bad bout while i was hoisting groceries into the car. it is such a scary thing & it's hard to decide how to handle it. that particular episode, i decided to go play in my beach volleyball game figuring if i was going to collapse, at least it would be in the sand by the water.

i also get flares of nasal congestion that come & go for no reason. & before this recent period, i had flares of that coupled with eye watering.

guess i add all this to offer some reassurance. i hope that your symptoms ease up & that everything turns out fine for you.

in the meantime, take one step at a time & keep coming here for support. you have so much going on & the stress on top of hormones is so hard to deal with. take good care of yourself & be kind to the strong woman that you truly are.

good luck.
xo,
ellen

(((bchgrl)))
Sounds like all the stress to me!
Why not start by taking those pills which your doctor prescribed - they'll help you calm down and then you can think about the changes you want to make.
You've been through so much and it's so difficult bringing up a child on your own.
You're carrying a big load of responsibilities and it's not surprising that you're not well.
Sounds like a great idea to move closer to your family - we need arms and shoulders to lean on. Eating too much is also a sign of emotional distress - try eating from a smaller blue (yes!) plate.
Enjoy your little boy, go out with him, have fun - I know it's difficult when you're feeling awful, but it'll do you and your son so much good! After a while it will become something you both look forward to. I was a very withdrawn child - try not to worry - we are all different! Identify what he is good at and encourage him in those things, that will build up his confidence.
Big hugs and I do pray that you'll soon feel much better and more able to cope and even enjoy life again!
Jonie

Beachgirl: One of the things I learned is that if you have to sit at a desk all day, you need to take frequent breaks and do muscle stretches. There is even this chair...I've seen it at Sharper Image---it's ergnomically desiged so that there is less strain and stress on your upper back muscles.

Every hour or so, try and do head rolls...verrrry slowly. You can also bend over and let your arms dangle out in front of you...when I do this, i can literally feel the upper muscles in my back stretching.

If you can move back in with your family, and it would take some of the stress off you financially, then I say do it! That's what families are for...to be there when we need help. Unfortunately, I will never have this option (when I got divorced, I remember asking my mother if I could move home temporarily and her answer was a short, definite: NO.) I think it's great if you do have this option...everyone needs a break now and then..to recharge our batteries.
And you've been through a lot. Let us know what you decide...

Thanks to all you ladies for your well wishes and advice. Thanks for the tips Robin. If I remember I try to take a break every 30 minutes to stretch my legs and try to look way in the distance to exercise my eyes. I normally just walk around the house for a bit for my legs or lay in bed and rotate them around. I will try the neck exercise though, I never thought of that and I do have shoulder pains. I do plan to move in with my mother around Christmas time. I am excited about that and so is my mom and other family members. I figured she could also use my help around the house with her having diabetes, etc. Thanks again!

Thanks for the small blue plate tip...wonder if I can lose some weight eating like that . Wonder what it is with blue?

Hi, it sounds like the same thing that I am going through. I have health anxiety disorder. I have panic attacks, with depression. I have had all of the same things going on, like you. I am also a cardio tech. Anxiety will make you feel like your having a heart attack. Look up health anxiety disorder. Read all about it, not many people know about it.

I had the echocardiogram and it showed nothing. I still had the pain!! I do have a slight mitral valve prolapse and my heart skips beats! So..my regular doctor was panicked..had me do the echo and since it found nothing..he was calm and dismissed it all!! MORON!

Anyway, my gyno says it's all part of menopause. It will pass!

FYI..When I wanted to get HEALTHY, I lost 30 lbs and lost all the estrogen in my stomach fat and it caused a RAPID menopausal meltdown including the inside tremors (from activella) the atrophic vaginitis, the heart skipping beats, etc. etc. etc. I HATE menopause!

Good luck and find a doctor that will listen! Isn't that their job? Isn't it YOUR body? Don't YOU know best!

Hya - I am sorry that you are feeling so upset and are in pain. I have had coscochondritis too and it *****!!! Could be that.

I just wanted to say that I hope you can find ways to try and get calmer and off the anxiety train. I truly think that anxiety wreaks utter havoc on our bodies and the sooner we manage it, the better for us. I take an anti-depressant that helps me tremendously with my anxiety. Also, I walk - alot to help with keeping my mind and body better in line.

I hope you find a doctor who will help you.

Blessings,
Suzanne

Thanks for the well wishes. I hope I feel better soon also.

hello I feel what you are going thru, I have had the same symptoms off and on for years. Im 48 the only thing doctors have come up with for me is acid reflux and when I take the medicine faithfully it is great, no pains no palpitations no skipping, certain foods can set it off like mints, caffene, sugar, chocolate. But the medicine works for me when taken everyday. we have to learn to control our minds and tell ourselves it is nothing serious. Take care and hope all is well for you now.

I think there could be several things going on here. I too have health anxiety and so have been through the gamut of symptoms and frustrations of not getting clear answers. First of all, most (but not all) people find that at some point in their lives, their emotions bring about physical expression of a symptom. The fact that you are carrying the burden (and joy!) of raising a child on your own and that you recently moved and most likely have little social support, plus the fact that your work is very solitary, inactive and probably isolating... well, it doesn't surprise me that your "heart" is aching. Though there may be a hormonal component as others have described here, I would look to address your emotional needs and to focus on support and alleviating some of your anxiety. This will be a process for sure but it sounds like you have a supportive family and that is the first place I would look - a gentle place to regroup and to lessen your load. Even if you have a loving family, it's often difficult to go home because of stigma or mixed emotions but think of it as temporary, get the help you need (whether counseling, medication, etc.) and then move forward. I agree with some of the other ladies.... I don't think there's anything physically wrong with your heart. The GI connection could be a cause though and since you can't afford to have an endoscopy right now, find a doctor who is willing to do a test run with a medication for GERD and see what happens. You could be having GI symptoms that read more like cardio to you. Lastly, when I feel as though my heart's about to give out (I suffer from arrhythmia's) I go to an intensive yoga class and tell myself that if something is really fatally wrong with my heart, I'll have figured it out by the end of class :-). Well, I'm still here so I firmly believe exercise can be a great assurance and has wonderful calming effects. Try to do the walking and stretching suggested and I'm sure you'll start to feel a wee better. Big Hugs....

Thank you Iann for your well wishes. I do believe that certain foods do cause the GI issues from my own experience. It seems to have eased up for me but once in a while I still get the ache. I wish you all the best also.

Hi yogaluz, you do bring up some very interesting points regarding anxiety, etc., and yes I do suffer some serious health anxiety, and it is a terrible, horrifying feeling for those who have never had it. Talk about "fight or flight" at that moment. Unfortunately my first instinct is to dial 911 but have avoided doing so as of late (LOL). If you have read some of my past posts, you would see why I laughed. 911 was a common thing for me, well 3 times in one year. Goodness! Not to mention medical bills, oh boy. You are so right about my job. I really need to look into a new career. Thanks again for your suggestions. I have been walking more lately in the park. I hope your symptoms go away also. Take care.

Your welcome. Just one other thing. I just started reading what looks to be a fantastic book called When Panic Attacks by David Burns, MD. It's a book you really work through doing lots of writing from a Cognitive Behavioral Approach. I'm sure your local library would have it. Keep us all posted on how you're doing!

You talk about cardiology and gastroenterology, but you don't mention a pulmonologist. Chest pain with shortness of breath points to two common things: heart and lungs. Pleurisy, pulmonary hypertension and asthma can cause these symptoms just to name a few. I think you should have the lungs investigated as thoroughly as you did the heart and GI tract.

Thanks Aggy for your reply. The shortness of breath started around 2004/2005. The doctor at that time sent me for a stress test with echo and also for a chest CT scan at that time to look for lung issues. It came up negative. I pursued this as it continued and in 2005, I went to see a pulmonologist. He mentioned pulmonary hypertension and sent me for an echocardiogram and chest x-ray. He also did a pulmonary function test. A cardiologist himself did the echocardiogram and he found no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. I remember saying to the cardiologist, "so does that mean I do not have pulmonary hypertension?" and he said, "no it does not mean you dont have it, there is just no evidence of it". Talk about making me not feel good about my results. Anyway, being the person I am in 2007
september, I went to the ER complaining of chest pain. They did a CT scan of my chest with an injectable solution to check for blood clots. All negative. And, won't you know it, I went back yet again in December and had yet another CT scan of my chest, negative. He then referred me to a cardiologist as he claimed they cannot rule out everything in the ER. I went to the cardiology group for the stress echo in December of 2007 and of course right before the test I had a major panic attack where I was gasping for air literally while the tech tried to calm me down, and then proceeded to do the stress echo test. That same afternoon I got called from my doctor's office that the results showed that I had a healthy heart. AFter that I have had multiple EKG's, blood workup. I went to the hospital as you read in my above post last Novemeber and had the echo done. I believe if I had pulmonary hypertension, it should have showed up on one of those heart tests because it would show up on chest x-ray, an echocardiogram, being one of the tests they use for diagnose that, and at least on one of the chest CT scans.

Also, I believe pulmonary hypertension progressively gets worse. My SOB seems to come and go, and I can take walks without getting too winded, which is a sign of PH.

I really believe that my SOB in some way is releated to allergies, anxiety, or possibly asthma, even though the pulmonologist checked for that, as it seems associated in some ways to a stuffy nose. Believe me, PH was one of the things I really researched when all this started as it scared the crap out of me.

Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate all of it.

I remember reading that some people's stresses go to different parts of their body. Some people it goes to their stomach where they can't eat or they throw up, etc. I used to be a skeptic when I was younger because I thought that was an excuse to look over real health issues. I always believe in checking out the body first before assuming it has to do with stress or even perimenopause. Now, as I have gotten older, I realize how much STRESS can really affect the human body.

My stress goes to my chest area. This is a documented fact. I have always been a very anxious child and it saddens me when I look back at that poor little girl who, when asked to stand and read in class, etc, would have a racing heart, turn beat red, and could not speak, the words would not come out of my mouth, and I remember the embarrassment was more associated with the other kids looking at me than the actual symptoms itself freaking me out. I felt like a freak cause no other kids were doing that when put on the spot. Anyway, I brought that into adulthood. And I must admit, it never gets any better until you seek help, which I have not done. It only gets worse, BOY THAT IS A TRUE STATEMENT. There are times in my life when I am faced with a sudded stressful situation and where does it go, my chest. I literally cannot breath. I gasp for air. Sometimes that is the only symptom. I dont recall the racing heart as much or the hot flash, dizzy feeling associated with a panic attack (sometimes, but rarely), it is just the shortness of breath. So that I know it is one of my symptom of stress. Heck maybe it has now spread to my stomach as I seem to have issues there now. I honesly don't think it is so much an undelrying physical problem (possible, but not showing up on tests) as it is a mental one and as I get older, especially in the difficult 40 years of life, it seems to be exaggerated and getting worse. I want PEACE!

Have you tried EFT? It Emotional Freedom Technique. You can google it and find websites that will teach you how to do it. It's a tapping technique that can help with anxiety and panic. I learned it a couple years ago and it's been a God send for me. If nothing else it takes my mind off the racing thoughts. I have palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, the whole 9 yards. I have had all of those tests and I am now convinced that my heart is fine, and it's just hormones. that's a relief in a way, but it doesn't help when you're in the middle of anxiety. Now, I sit down, take a couple deep breathes and tap away the panic.

Take care, my heart goes out to you.
Linda

Hi Linda, I have not tried EFT. I have never really tried anything. It sounds interesting (tapping technique). Sure worth checking out. Thanks again.

Wow, I'm going to try the EFT...I'm surprised to be reading about it here. I'm seeing someone tomorrow night if all goes well. I'll let you know how I make out.

(((((bch))))) here is your peri hug! I am so sorry that you are going through this! it is tough and scary, I know. Early 40s were far worse then later 40s for me.

What age is your son? He sounds very young. I ask that because being a mother of a very young child is tough and it is not about YOU. Take some time for yourself if possible


The drs arnt wrong. You are fine. I say that since you have had several check you out

I defiantly sounds like an anxiety disorder that can get profoundly worse in peri. Gerds can do that too. I had no idea what Gerds was at the beginning of peri and went running to the dr.

I suggest that you look into an anti depressant at your dr. It helps with peri so much. I am on one.
Gerds-take an over the counter ant-acid or try Apple Cider vinegar with mother in it. It helps with gerd, and can help HBP too.

Research gerds and apple cider vinegar.

My favorite over the counter is Tagament

Hi Peri,

Thanks for the hugs. I have been offered AD by all the docs I have been to, but I have never taken them. One nurse practitioner even got upset that i did not take them. I have taken Xanax though and I sitll have some left and another anti anxiety that I never take. I figured I have taken enough in my past, even when I was not anxious I was taking it just to go to bed at night. I think my depression/anxiety is situational so I just refused the drugs. My son is 7 years old and yes he is a handful. Chest pain not to bad lately, just other stuff now seem to be the main issue for the moment, like tingling extremities and dreams of having strokes, dreaming of dead loved ones, etc. I am also on a feeding frenzy, seem to be craving carbs and sweets like mad. I started out the new year so good, eating healthy, small portions. I even lost 5 pounds, but now I am constantly eating, going for seconds and thirds. I am really going to try hard and start fresh again and try to have some self control. I had no problem with self control in the past in my 30's and lost weight like that, but now it is such a battle. The eating is really bad, am like a crazed animal. LOL