Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3295

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Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by pedr on September 19, 2003, at 4:08:17

In reply to Re: Left side..pains & anxiety..???, posted by LD on September 9, 1999, at 7:46:50

Hi there, I too was an anxiety&panic sufferer and I used to get burning, sharp pain/discomfort running from my left armpit, up my neck and round the back of my left ear!!! It was definately to do with my anxiety as the worse that was, the worse the pain was.

Once in a "cooling off" period after a bad, prolonged bout of panic, my chest and face would ache for several days. A very, very unpleasant side-effect of anxiety.

pedr.

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by coxygrrl on October 30, 2003, at 14:53:56

In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by pedr on September 19, 2003, at 4:08:17

I am 24 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with anxiety/depression/OCD. WHEW! I have been to the emergency room 4 times with chest pain and to my PCP 5 times in the last month thinking that they were missing something - that I had cancer, lupus, ms, you name it, I though I had it. THey assured me it was anxiety. I still have shooting pains through my whole chest (they feel like they are in my breasts - they only last a few seconds)and my pectoral muscles and upper back are always sore. I also have pain right under both sides of my lower ribs. I'm still in denial that this is anxiety related, but I've had EKG's, x-rays, blood tests and a sed rate done. All normal. It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels like I'm going to die. coxygrrl@yahoo.com if anyone wants/needs to talk. I still feel alone in this.

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by carolee on October 31, 2003, at 7:09:46

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by coxygrrl on October 30, 2003, at 14:53:56

coxygirl-
you are SO NOT alone. my anxiety/panic/ocd started about 15 yrs ago, and i've had ups and downs, good and bad days...but at least its recognized as something rather than thinking you were the only one that felt like this, and the only one that was going crazy.
are you on any meds. at this point?

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by coxygrrl on October 31, 2003, at 13:55:37

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by carolee on October 31, 2003, at 7:09:46

I just started taking Lexapro and Xanax about 2 weeks ago. I've lost weight (woo hoo!), which I hear is a side effect of Lexapro, and it makes me tired after I take it. I only take the Xanax when I feel like I need it. I feel like I'm more calm now. I used to startle very easily and I ALWAYS thought there was something wrong with me. I'm just now begining to think that maybe this anxiety really is causing all of these physical symptoms, and I'm really not dying. But I'm not quite there yet. Just this morning I had the urge to go to the ER. It's hard to live like this. Especially when family and friends cannot relate, or just think I'm plain crazy.


> coxygirl-
> you are SO NOT alone. my anxiety/panic/ocd started about 15 yrs ago, and i've had ups and downs, good and bad days...but at least its recognized as something rather than thinking you were the only one that felt like this, and the only one that was going crazy.
> are you on any meds. at this point?

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..??? » coxygrrl

Posted by KimberlyDi on October 31, 2003, at 16:13:16

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by coxygrrl on October 30, 2003, at 14:53:56

Coxygrll,
I have shooting pains under my left breast, sometimes so severe that it takes my breath away. It scares me to death (no pun intended) and your post gives me hope that mine is anxiety-related also. My bloodpressure is up, and I'm only 34. Much too young to die of a stroke. I've complained to a doctor before but it's never happened while I've been examined so they couldn't tell what was wrong.

Good luck,
KDi

> I am 24 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with anxiety/depression/OCD. WHEW! I have been to the emergency room 4 times with chest pain and to my PCP 5 times in the last month thinking that they were missing something - that I had cancer, lupus, ms, you name it, I though I had it. THey assured me it was anxiety. I still have shooting pains through my whole chest (they feel like they are in my breasts - they only last a few seconds)and my pectoral muscles and upper back are always sore. I also have pain right under both sides of my lower ribs. I'm still in denial that this is anxiety related, but I've had EKG's, x-rays, blood tests and a sed rate done. All normal. It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels like I'm going to die. coxygrrl@yahoo.com if anyone wants/needs to talk. I still feel alone in this.

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by carolee on November 2, 2003, at 17:44:16

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by coxygrrl on October 31, 2003, at 13:55:37

i started on lexapro (10mg)just about 1month ago, and take lorazepam as needed. i have noticed a significant improvement in the aspect of not being "startled easily"...it was the very small things that seemed to give me that frightful feeling that felt like and sometimes would end up in a panic attack. like i said i still need the lorazepam when going to do things by myself. i still cant function without them!
you are okay and you are definately not alone. this is a great place to chat with others and feel safe.
your on the right course! stick with it, it always works out!
best of luck

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by TombLove on November 3, 2003, at 14:10:42

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by carolee on November 2, 2003, at 17:44:16

My pain seems to be deep inside, beneath my left shoulder. It is definitely stess related. Sometimes it gets so bad I have to cry out. Lorazapam helps.

 

Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by carolee on November 4, 2003, at 7:11:58

In reply to Re: Left and right side..pains anxiety..???, posted by TombLove on November 3, 2003, at 14:10:42

> My pain seems to be deep inside, beneath my left shoulder. It is definitely stess related. Sometimes it gets so bad I have to cry out. Lorazapam helps.

seem like something more going on. you should go to your PCP - it maybe just tight muscles/pulled and maybe give you a muscle relaxant or better yet a massage. i find that with my anxiety i definately get tight in my upper back and shoulders, and every now and again get a massage on my back to work out the tight muscles that react to my anxiety/fear.
take care

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder

Posted by Johnny5 on November 5, 2003, at 15:36:43

In reply to Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Amanda on February 28, 1999, at 11:38:54

hey all, this forum helped me feel less alone.

i'm a 21 yr old male, and over the past 3 weeks i've been on quite a ride. initially i began having tightness in the chest and a few spots of pain in the chest for a second or two. after about a week of this, i was sitting around watching tv and all of the sudden i started hyperventilating and my throat got really dry. i felt overwhelmed and scared to death, and i thought i was going to have a heart attack or something. i went to the emergency room, and just like most people here, chest xrays and ekgs were negative.

two days later i had the same sort of attack, but much much worse. it went on, at various strengthts, for probably around an hour. this was much scarier than the last time, so i went back to the ER. the same tests came back negative, and i started to think it was panic disorder. (i study psychology).

i had a hard time accepting this for several reasons. for one, my chest pains seemed to distinctly related to the heart. some of them moved from my left side down through my arm. sometimes my wrists hurt as well, and i even had a few pains shoot down my leg. secondly, i initially saw a psychiatrist who was hesitant to prescribe me any medication until my symptoms got worse. he did give me xanax (.5mg) as needed, and they seemed to help a bit. over the past few weeks, i have thought this could be asthma, heart problems, panic, who knows. it's been really stressful.

i also have mitral-valve prolapse, which is a pretty common heart condition that simply means that my mitral valve is shaped a little differently than most hearts. it's not a cause for alarm for most people and about 7 million americans have it. one of the ER doctors told me that some research has shown that there is a relationship between people with MVProlapse and people with panic disorder. this was somewhat comforting, but my pains persisted.

i just got off the phone with my psychiatrist's office, and our follow up appointment has been moved up. the nurse at my doctor's office told me that he saw no reason to see me again and that he really thinks it is panic/anxiety related. i'm starting to become more confident in this theory, especially since i stumbled across this site. i still wish i had more answers but i guess it is possible for people to have the types of chest pains that i'm having to have panic disorder.

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder

Posted by coxygrrl on November 5, 2003, at 15:45:21

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Johnny5 on November 5, 2003, at 15:36:43

Hey JOhnny5, hang in there. I'm in the same boat you are. I'm a 24 year old female. I've had Chest pains, emergency room visits, cardiac work-ups that come back negative. i thought for sure that I had a heart problem, but everything seems to fine with me. They keep telling me anxiety, and this site makes me believe them.


TO anyone else who has had ongoing problems with anxiety: I have a question. I've been going through this anxiety thing for about a month now. Yesterday I had a follow up appointment with my PCP. I felt great, she said I looked great, etc... I really felt like the meds were working and I was "better."
Then today I woke up feeling the muscle pains, chest pains, headaches...
Is there good days and bad days? Will I ever feel normal for good?

 

Chest pains panic disorder

Posted by JDK on November 5, 2003, at 23:44:08

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by coxygrrl on November 5, 2003, at 15:45:21

Hi everyone-

I am so relieved since I have been reading these messages here. I am a 26 year old male, and I have been experiencing some chest pains lately. Not sharp or debilitating in any way, just enough to wonder if it could be a warning that I am going to have a heart attack and die. That's why I decided to do some research on the web.

I have been under a ton of stress at home and work lately and that is probably the cause. I have had panic attacks in the past and used to take meds for depression, but I couldn't deal with the side effects. I tried a few different ones, some made me feel light-headed and "out of it", and some had other side effects which didn't help my love life. I have been doing fine without anything until recently.

I have an appointment to see my PCP next week to get a thorough checkup to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with me, but I really doubt it. I remember when I used to have panic attacks and feeling like I was going to die, and this is probably a mild form of that. It hasn't gotten serious lately, just worrysome. I also have trouble sleeping, and that could be part of the problem. I don't think it's depression, it seems more like a panic type problem since the symptoms usually happen when I feel overwhelmed.

Is there a big difference between depression and panic disorder? My docs always used to assume depression, but I never really felt depressed, just overwhelmed and scared at certain times. Are there new meds without all the side effects now? I haven't tried anything in several years. I hope there is something out there to help me. I have been taking OTC sleeping tablets to help me sleep lately, and I don't know how healthy that really is. I don't want to mask the problem and end up with new ones.

Sorry I posted a blank post earlier, I had the box checked off for no message. This is my 1st time here. I'm sure you will see me around in the future.

 

Re: Chest pains panic disorder

Posted by coxygrrl on November 6, 2003, at 5:38:33

In reply to Chest pains panic disorder, posted by JDK on November 5, 2003, at 23:44:08

JDK -
There is a difference between a panic disorder and depression, but for most people, if you have one, you have the other. THere are good meds. There's one called LEXAPRO that works good for anxiety and depression. Maybe you could use a drug just for anxiety. THeres Xanax and Ativan, which are generally tolerated well, but can become addictive.

Get your physical. GET BLOOD WORK!

be well.

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder » Johnny5

Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:39:53

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Johnny5 on November 5, 2003, at 15:36:43

Even if it is panic-related, don't beat yourself up about going to the doctor. A 35-year-old friend of mine dropped dead in the emergency room waiting room, after having chest pains.

Regret can be a precious thing, when you are still alive to feel it.

Wish you luck!
KDi in TX

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder

Posted by cookie0876 on November 6, 2003, at 21:50:13

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Johnny5 on November 5, 2003, at 15:36:43

Hey Johnny! I have tightness in my chest, pains that move from side to side, down my arm, and sometimes seem to shoot up my neck. My left arm tingles often, and sometimes I hyperventilate so bad my hands crimp tight and my mouth crimps as well so my lips tighten around my teeth. I've learned to control these attacks - they used to last for hours and still can if I dwell on them. I also get vibrations all throughout my body they think is another symptom of anxiety, but I'm not so sure about that and will probably hane an EEG to confirm that. Ativan works really well for me, but they quit prescribing it. I tried a lot of different anti-depressants, and Wellbutrin has worked very well for me. My doctor suggested I could be bipolar and mania could be the cause of my anxiety, but I never seemed manic before all of this. I will say that my very first full-blown attack was speed induced (last time I ever did anything dumb like that), but apparently now that I know what one feels like I have them without drugs of any kind. Good luck to you.

 

Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by cookie0876 on November 6, 2003, at 21:55:39

In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by KaStevens on September 17, 2003, at 9:20:36

Do you notice your chest pains or shortness of breath happening at night? It never fails that when I'm settling in for the night, I start having them. I, too, am afraid of dying in my sleep. I have a five year old, and I'm constantly worried I am going to die in my sleep and he'll be left alone. It is terrible. I dread bedtime!

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder

Posted by carolee on November 7, 2003, at 7:41:11

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by cookie0876 on November 6, 2003, at 21:50:13

> Hey Johnny! I have tightness in my chest, pains that move from side to side, down my arm, and sometimes seem to shoot up my neck. My left arm tingles often, and sometimes I hyperventilate so bad my hands crimp tight and my mouth crimps as well so my lips tighten around my teeth. I've learned to control these attacks - they used to last for hours and still can if I dwell on them. I also get vibrations all throughout my body they think is another symptom of anxiety, but I'm not so sure about that and will probably hane an EEG to confirm that. Ativan works really well for me, but they quit prescribing it. I tried a lot of different anti-depressants, and Wellbutrin has worked very well for me. My doctor suggested I could be bipolar and mania could be the cause of my anxiety, but I never seemed manic before all of this. I will say that my very first full-blown attack was speed induced (last time I ever did anything dumb like that), but apparently now that I know what one feels like I have them without drugs of any kind. Good luck to you.

how funny it is that the last time i did "coke" was the beginning of my panic/anxiety attacks. i do think there is a link between "recreational drugs" screwing up serontonin in our brain which definately contributes to what we are dealing with now. i wonder how many other people actually did drugs in the past and now have anxiety/depression/manic/bipolar symptoms/issues?

 

Re: Left side..pains anxiety..??? » cookie0876

Posted by KimberlyDi on November 7, 2003, at 8:13:33

In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by cookie0876 on November 6, 2003, at 21:55:39

I have pains in the left side of my chest, sharp stabs, at night. My mother-in-law died in her sleep of a heart-attack in August, so that fear weighs heavily on my mind also. However, I'm in my 30's, not late 60's, so I try to learn how to relax. Panic makes it worse.

Good Luck,
KDi in TX

> Do you notice your chest pains or shortness of breath happening at night? It never fails that when I'm settling in for the night, I start having them. I, too, am afraid of dying in my sleep. I have a five year old, and I'm constantly worried I am going to die in my sleep and he'll be left alone. It is terrible. I dread bedtime!

 

Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???

Posted by cookie0876 on November 7, 2003, at 16:24:27

In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..??? » cookie0876, posted by KimberlyDi on November 7, 2003, at 8:13:33

I'm in TX, too (Dallas)I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law.

 

Hello to Big D from FtWorth! (nm) » cookie0876

Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 13:06:35

In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by cookie0876 on November 7, 2003, at 16:24:27

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder » carolee

Posted by panic_attack on November 11, 2003, at 9:44:58

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by carolee on November 7, 2003, at 7:41:11

carolee.. Thats very true. I did alot of recreational drugs as a teen and one night I did alot of "coke" and have never been the same since that 1 night of hard core partying. I cannot drink like I use to.. I cant do anything like I use to. I have severe panic/anxiety attacks. Drugs is what caused my problems and now I am dealing with alcohol abuse :(

 

Re: Chest pains and panic disorder

Posted by sbx on November 13, 2003, at 16:41:33

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Amy on September 3, 1999, at 16:54:10

As I type this, thinking I'm about to croak, it's bloody great to read all your messages!
I used to take 'funny turns' when I was in my 20's (I'm 34 now), the worst being when I was on holiday abroad. I didn't have chest pains back then but I would feel unsteady, loss of breath, sweaty, the usual stuff. I still have feelings that make me think I'm about to stop breathing which annoys the hell out of me. Only in the last week or two have the chest pains started. There is no history of heart disease in my family and I consider myself to be pretty fit, so heart problems didn't cross my mind. More so, the feelings I'm getting switch from left to right, most often just below my left pec or to the right or in the middle of my right pec. I have two kids, my son is very active and keeps me on edge as soon as I walk in the house. I've also recently started a new job, more high profile than my previous positions. Having said that, I can also wake up with the same type of pain in the middle of the night, which doesn't make sense to me. This is not a permanent problem throughout the day and it definitely subsides when I'm out with the lads or if I've had a few beers. My problem now is, what do I do next? I'm not at all confident that my doctor will recognise this as a problem and I don't want to start taking medication for it. I'm cosidering massage for relaxation but would be interested to hear if anyone has anyone found any other natural remedies to these problems?

 

One Possible Natural Remedy

Posted by octiigon on November 16, 2003, at 2:40:51

In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by sbx on November 13, 2003, at 16:41:33

Hello everyone... I'm a 19 year old male that has had panic disorder for as long as I can remember.

The initial cause was probably related to controlling OCD/(Borderline or Narcissistic- not sure which) Father- and an abusive meth addict step-father.... (causing of fear).

Instead of an "area" of pain- my whole upper body ignites in pains. Sometimes untill it feels like the "world" is crashing down and "reality" is collapsing on itself. Sometimes it got to the point of self-mutilation.

By the way, anyone else get some extremely disturbing dreams? I've had some that- to me- seem really psychotic.

I've been on several different drugs for panic disorder- but all of them altered the way I thought- not to mention I got bad side effects from them all- so I decided to do some extensive research- and my parents bought me some program that supposedly helps with panic disorder- I'll get the name of it later.

First- Exercise. Nothing has helped me more than exercising be it lifting weights or aerobic. I guarantee if you exercise five days a week- for even 30 min a day- you will feel a noticable difference. Exercising also seemed to level off your panic attacks- I only get pains in my torso compared to a full out feeling of loss of control of my self.

Second- AVOID Caffeine and eating lots of sugars. Panic Attacks are triggered by adrenaline- sugar and caffeine increase your adrenaline. I fully regret drinking caffeine lately, because it has had alot of negative affects on my anxiety levels. Having alot of sugar has the same effect. I stopped eating candy, and it too has had a profound affect on me (that is... when I follow that rule).
Eat a well balanced diet. For a period of time I tried my best to eat a completely balanced diet- and threw out all the junk foods. It also helped me smooth out those times where I would have otherwise been in a full fledged panic.

Third- Engage in a relaxing activity in a relaxed environment. I personally am an artist and a writer- I use those things I do to help clear away the anxiety and sort of "lose track" of everything i've been worrying about. Also, STAY BUSY, staying active helps you with the pain- in that you don't have time to sit around- worry about everything or about getting a panic attack- Then getting a panic attack from worrying about getting one- Then compounding those panic attacks... etc... you get the point. It's just i've noticed you don't "feel" the pain as much when your actively doing something.

I know sometimes it can be hard to incorporate these things into our lives ( I know I have- I've gotten addicted to Caffeine due to Finals coming up- Something I will and am regretting. It worked for me and I hope it works for others out there who want to try a natural approach. Hope this helps.

 

Re: One Possible Natural Remedy

Posted by CraigD on November 16, 2003, at 18:36:14

In reply to One Possible Natural Remedy, posted by octiigon on November 16, 2003, at 2:40:51

For those who find relief through alternative methods, massage and accupuncture can be very helpful

 

Redirect: One Possible Natural Remedy

Posted by Dr. Bob on November 17, 2003, at 16:56:12

In reply to Re: One Possible Natural Remedy, posted by CraigD on November 16, 2003, at 18:36:14

> For those who find relief through alternative methods, massage and accupuncture can be very helpful

I'd like follow-ups regarding natural remedies to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/280615.html

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: Chest pains panic disorder

Posted by ENation on November 19, 2003, at 17:38:19

In reply to Chest pains panic disorder, posted by JDK on November 5, 2003, at 23:44:08

I am so glad this forum exists as I have been experiencing exactly what most people are in this forum. First of all, I must say that I went to the doctor and EKG came back OK. So I highly recommend going to your PCP ASAP just to take that off your shoulders, really helps. Then, clearly define what the symptoms of a heart attack are. Finally, stop going to WebMD.com and search for heart attack symptoms, you will make your brain create new ones. I noticed that I would read something and figure out I am fine cause my symptoms are different and the next day I would strangely start feeling those newly discovered symptoms.

I clearly have a panic disorder, which was induced by mdma (which I will never take again), but to which I am thankful for taking me out of depression and fixing my relationship. Also by going through panic attacks, which are common side effect of mdma, I realized that I have had too many irrational fears in my life before this. The key is: there are things in life you can control, and there are things that you can not. (that is how one overcomes fear of flying) - you can control picking newer airpline to fly, but you cannot control what pilots are gonna do etc. Anyways, do everything you can to make sure you dont have a heart problem, and then live your live. Remember it is better to die of a heart attack as a happy person than live a miserable life.

In regards to my chest pains: yeh I have burning, and squeezing and tightness and heart beats too fast and any other heart attack symptom you will find on the internet. But the facts are: my cholesterol is low, i am young, i have no symptoms when I exert myself and my ekg is ok. That is enough to keep me comfortable and make a progress against anxiety attacks, which by now is the enemy that is clearly losing battle to me.


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