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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 47. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Amanda on February 28, 1999, at 11:38:54
Hi, I have had panic disorder for about 6 yrs now, and one of the first symptoms I experianced 6 yrs ago was a constant dull chest pain on my left side of my chest. It turned out to be anxiety related and went away with treatment eventually. Just recently I've been expierancing the same pain, but on the other side of my chest. Could it be that my panic disorder is getting worse, or my meds aren't working properly? Thanks for your time-----Amanda
Posted by Amy on September 3, 1999, at 16:54:10
In reply to Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Amanda on February 28, 1999, at 11:38:54
> Hi, I have had panic disorder for about 6 yrs now, and one of the first symptoms I experianced 6 yrs ago was a constant dull chest pain on my left side of my chest. It turned out to be anxiety related and went away with treatment eventually. Just recently I've been expierancing the same pain, but on the other side of my chest. Could it be that my panic disorder is getting worse, or my meds aren't working properly? Thanks for your time-----Amanda
geeze, i am so glad i found this site. i have been living with these chest pains on the left side of my chest just underneath my breast and sometimes they are shooting pains that go up or down i keep telling my doctor that they are not anxiety or panic disorder related because it just doesn't feel that way. i guess i have just recently developed anxiety or panic disorder from what my doctor has told me. the pains have been on my left too though just not as often. most of my physical effects are on the left side know anything about that?
Posted by dj on September 8, 1999, at 20:47:22
In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by Amy on September 3, 1999, at 16:54:10
I've experienced tighening on my left side over the past couple of months and some achy pain in heart area as well as occasional pains from my left hip joint shooting down that leg, which massage & acupuncture has helped with..may or may not be related to anxiety & depression in my case....some correlation I suspect..OTHERSs???
> >
> geeze, i am so glad i found this site. i have been living with these chest pains on the left side of my chest just underneath my breast and sometimes they are shooting pains that go up or down ... the pains have been on my left too though just not as often. most of my physical effects are on the left side know anything about that?
Posted by LD on September 9, 1999, at 7:46:50
In reply to Re: Left side..pains & anxiety..???, posted by dj on September 8, 1999, at 20:47:22
Yes, I definitely have experienced severe chest pains associated with panic disorder and anxiety. Until I was properly diagnosed, I had been to the emergency room many a times, thinking I was having a heart attack or something (i'm in my 20s) only for them to run test after test with nothing conclusive.
I constantly have pain on my left side of my chest, sometimes on the right, severe reflux, lots of general aches and pains, I now believe are all associated with the panic and anxiety. Now I just try to ignore them knowing that nothing is wrong. Surely if the chest pains were something, I would have known by now considering they've been going on for about 12 years.
So no, you are not alone. Although I know it is scary as hell, but if you have panic disorder or severe anxiety, I would guess that to be the cause. Hope this helps.
Posted by Amy on September 10, 1999, at 11:45:33
In reply to Re: Left side..pains & anxiety..???, posted by LD on September 9, 1999, at 7:46:50
> Yes, I definitely have experienced severe chest pains associated with panic disorder and anxiety. Until I was properly diagnosed, I had been to the emergency room many a times, thinking I was having a heart attack or something (i'm in my 20s) only for them to run test after test with nothing conclusive.
>
> I constantly have pain on my left side of my chest, sometimes on the right, severe reflux, lots of general aches and pains, I now believe are all associated with the panic and anxiety. Now I just try to ignore them knowing that nothing is wrong. Surely if the chest pains were something, I would have known by now considering they've been going on for about 12 years.
>
> So no, you are not alone. Although I know it is scary as hell, but if you have panic disorder or severe anxiety, I would guess that to be the cause. Hope this helps.Thanks so much this helps a great deal. Just hearing that people have actually been through this is amazing to me. I thought I was dying for sure. I would get so mad at my doctors thinking they thought i was crazy and didnt want to help me. The pains around the heart area ARE very scary. Anxiety is so weird. The way you can just feel it coming on.. I feel different 24 hours a day. Just sometimes during the day I have an actual attack and they last forever. Ativan seems to be the only thing that helped. But how long can I take that? Have tried celexa,paxil,bupsar...no help. Made me feel worse. any suggestion. and what about sick nightmares...vivid dreams...associated with anxiety?
and not being able to control thoughts that enter my head sometimes..i just feel crazy. like my mind has taken over and there is nothing i can do about it.. Is that anxiety or panic disorder also.. any info would be appreciated.
Posted by Annie S. on September 10, 1999, at 18:33:26
In reply to Re: Left side..pains & anxiety..???, posted by Amy on September 10, 1999, at 11:45:33
> > Yes, I definitely have experienced severe chest pains associated with panic disorder and anxiety. Until I was properly diagnosed, I had been to the emergency room many a times, thinking I was having a heart attack or something (i'm in my 20s) only for them to run test after test with nothing conclusive.
> >
> > I constantly have pain on my left side of my chest, sometimes on the right, severe reflux, lots of general aches and pains, I now believe are all associated with the panic and anxiety. Now I just try to ignore them knowing that nothing is wrong. Surely if the chest pains were something, I would have known by now considering they've been going on for about 12 years.
> >
> > So no, you are not alone. Although I know it is scary as hell, but if you have panic disorder or severe anxiety, I would guess that to be the cause. Hope this helps.
>
> Thanks so much this helps a great deal. Just hearing that people have actually been through this is amazing to me. I thought I was dying for sure. I would get so mad at my doctors thinking they thought i was crazy and didnt want to help me. The pains around the heart area ARE very scary. Anxiety is so weird. The way you can just feel it coming on.. I feel different 24 hours a day. Just sometimes during the day I have an actual attack and they last forever. Ativan seems to be the only thing that helped. But how long can I take that? Have tried celexa,paxil,bupsar...no help. Made me feel worse. any suggestion. and what about sick nightmares...vivid dreams...associated with anxiety?
> and not being able to control thoughts that enter my head sometimes..i just feel crazy. like my mind has taken over and there is nothing i can do about it.. Is that anxiety or panic disorder also.. any info would be appreciated.Dear Amy,
I can relate to your problem. I can remember being anxious and feeling crazy way back in 1st grade. I'm now in 40's. Two years ago my anxiety started to interefere with my life. I was having panic attacks, palpitations, trouble getting my breath, digestive troubles, sleeping troubles, easily startled, worrying excessively, etc. etc. It can interefere with all your body functions. For a whole year I thought for sure I was going to have a heart attack. I went to a cardiologist for a complete work-up only to find that I'm in perfect health. I suffered another year after that with anxiety attacks until i got so fed up that I went to my family doctor and told him I had enough of living this way. He put me on Effexor XR 75 mg. and it has helped me a great deal. It doesn't make me groggy or space out. For the first time in my life, I feel at peace. This must be how "normal" people feel. I hope you find some peace, too.
Posted by Daria on September 21, 2000, at 15:05:26
In reply to Re: Left side..pains & anxiety..???, posted by Annie S. on September 10, 1999, at 18:33:26
Wow... Its so nice to know I'm not the only one he feels this way : ) I'm 16 yrs old and suffer from Panic Disorder 2 months ago I went to the emergency room for sever chest and side pains ..I got an xray and an EKG to find out everything was normal :) I still suffer from Panic Disorder and I get sever chest pains and side pains alot with that rushed feeling that i'm dying.... IT IS SO GREAT to hear ur stories to know nothing really is wrong even though it seems to feel that way .. Please if you would like someone to tal kto Email me anytime!
Posted by KaStevens on September 10, 2003, at 0:09:36
In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by Daria on September 21, 2000, at 15:05:26
I too have the symptomatic chest pains which often feel similar to a heart attack. I have been checked several times and was diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorder. I also have chronic depression and agoraphobia. It stinks...Today was a stressful day since I have 4 kids (three of which live with me and two of my four who are stubborn and obstinant and although My husband and I discipline them carefully and work hard to create a system of positive reinforcement, they stubbornly insist on being as difficult as they can be. That coupled with a 3 month old, constant breast feeding, a girl scout troop, traveling back and forth between counties for my other child who doesnt live with me, a husband who works 16 hours or more a day, starting a new business, and the daily stressors of life...whew. It seems to come on with short quick bursts of chest pain either on the right or left, sometimes radiating (which can be scary), can be short quick bursts or long lasting hour long chest pain and go down the arm. I am concerned again since I am no longer medicated and I am feeling it. My weight has changed considerably and for some reason I am hitting the scale at 250lbs. I was 253lbs 4 months ago when I had the baby so for some reason I am bloating up like a balloon. I feel seriously unhealthy but I still think the chest pain is related to stress and anxiety. I think I will run in and have it checked. Good luck to you all and if you think you are ever having a real heart attack, please don't be in denial...go get it checked.
Posted by Murphylou on September 17, 2003, at 8:40:06
In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..??? » Daria, posted by KaStevens on September 10, 2003, at 0:09:36
I'm so glad to have found this. I have been having left side aches, that used to feel as if it were my heart, but now have moved a little to the left. Its just this ache that when it comes is pretty constent. I like most of you, didn't believe my doctors about anxiety--I knew that it could happen, but I didn't think to me. I didnt' feel my life was that stressful. But today, I needed to find out more about these pains, last night around 3:45 I awoke with one, and it really scared me. I finally was able to go back to sleep after quite awhile but then I awoke at 7:30 with one again. They are really scary!!! I feel bad that you all have this problem too, but I am also happy that I'm not alone. Thanks to all who posted, I feel alot better now that I know I'm not going to die.
Posted by KaStevens on September 17, 2003, at 9:20:36
In reply to Re: Left side..pains anxiety..???, posted by Murphylou on September 17, 2003, at 8:40:06
Just a note. I was right. I was having horrible chest pains the other day. I went ahead to the doctor and of course after a perfect EKG, it is as expected just chest pain related to my anxiety.
Well, It was good just to make sure. But I wish it would go away. I too often wonder am I going to die while I am sleeping or something. I swear the doctors look at me like I am an idiot. Well maybe they should try having it and then maybe they will believe! Unfortunately I have a four month old and due to breastfeeding can take nothing. Good luck to you all.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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