Chest pains + random spurts of shortness of breath

[Jay95]

I've had generalised anxiety disorder for quite a few years now and I know my body and my mind and when my anxiety is flaring up, all that stuff. But lately, I've been having chest pains just at random, they last about 5 or 6 seconds and then go away, only to come back again sometimes 10 minutes later, sometimes not for a couple of hours. That's gotten better less frequent, but I've started noticing I get short of breath even when I'm not doing anything?? Even just sitting on the couch. I don't have asthma and I've been to the doctors who did a blood test but haven't gotten a result yet. I'm thinking my anxiety could be getting worse?? thinking about that makes me anxious. being sick with no answers makes me anxious :s

[Doolhof]

Hi again Jay 95,

I have just found your post on anxiety and chest pains.

Recently there have been a number of posts with people stating very similar to you. All to do with their anxiety.

If you go to the ANXIETY section and have a bit of a read through, I am sure you will find stories almost identical to yours. There are some helpful posts in there as well, so I suggest you check that out.

The more you think about the anxiety and the chest pains, the worst they will become! Sure enough, if you feel there is something definitely wrong with your heart, then don't hesitate to see your Dr or go to the hospital.

If it is your anxiety and your mind, try recognising that you are feeling anxious, accept that and then think about how you can reduce the anxiety. Maybe some long slow breathes might help.

Look up anxiety on the internet and discovered ways of beating it.

Phone one of the help lines if you need to chat with someone. Look up the help pages here or email Beyond Blue and ask them to point you in the right direction for finding information.

Hope some of this helps!  From Mrs. Dools

[DWR]

Hey jay95,

This may be a long shot..

But after a few years of having similar pain. Episodes of sharp stabbing pain in my chest and ribs, whenever I took a breath in. Some were an annoying achy pain. I also experienced shortness of breath, like I my ribs wouldnt expand enough.

And many gps (most of whom googled my symptoms) I was taken to a chiropractor who diagnosed me with Costochondritis and treated me for it. I see her whenever I get the pain which is now 3 months+ (everyone is different and has different triggers)

It wouldn't hurt to look into it. Chiropractors are magic!

[Angel87]

Hi Jay95,

Your issues sound a lot like what I've been through recently. Mine started off with a lot of pain in my chest, near my heart which of course was frightening & caused me to panic. I went to the doctor & turns out it is just heartburn, but still such a scary and uncomfortable pain. I also lost my grandma last month & since then have been experiencing difficulty breathing & feel like I can't take a deep breath. It would happen randomly & I couldn't control it, stop it or know what would trigger it. I've been to doctors & psychologists who have told me it is just a symptom of anxiety & dealing with grief. It is gradually getting better, there was a point where I thought will my life ever be the same & will I ever be able to go a normal day without worrying about my breathing. Is there something causing you anxiety in your life at the moment? Hopefully things will get better & you will notice this issue disappear too..

[Jay95]

Thanks Angel87 

An immediate family member of mine is in the ICU. This started before they were admitted though (although I do have lots of other stuff going on in my life). 

[Jay95]

Thanks DWR - I will look into a chiropractor!! 

[Doolhof]

Hi Jay95,

Do you have a professional, a family member or a friend you can discuss some of your issues with?

Do you feel like you want to share some of it here? There could be people here in the Beyond Blue Community who may be able to offer you some suggestions.

I hope your family member is out of the ICU and doing okay.

From Mrs. Dools

[Jay95]

Thank you Mrs Dools.

My Mum is out of ICU now. In a normal ward. I would like to be able to talk to people about it here but I don't know where to start or what to say at first 😞

[Doolhof]

Dear Jay95

I am so pleased to learn your Mum is now out of intensive care and into a ward. I do so hope that her recovery goes well.

Regarding your issues Jay, everything here is anonymous. No one knows who the other person is! There have been some very deep issues shared here at Beyond Blue over the short period of time I have been connected.

I find it is always helpful to share my burdens and problems with others.

No one is going to be judgemental for anything you or others posts. Others may actually applaud you for having the courage to write out your issues and for being courageous enough to ask for help!

There are always the phone help lines you can use if you would prefer to talk to someone.

I hope you are able to share your issues, so you can start on the journey of making a difference in your life.

Thinking of you, from Mrs. Dools, Lauren

[psyciceman]

Hi Jay95,

 It can be difficult to know what to say, but as Doolhof said this is a safe place to talk about these things, if you feel like you want a more personal way to talk to someone you can call the help line or use the web chat if you're more comfortable that way.

 As for the chest pains, I sometimes get them as a prelude to my anxiety episodes so I use them as an indicator for my preventative measures. It doesn't sound like it could be a physical health issue as it would be more chronic (but I'm not a doctor)

The best thing I can suggest is to find ways to manage your anxiety that works for you. I'm personally a fan of meditation, but it doesn't work for everyone. The most general way I can think of is to just find a way to take your mind off of things.

Best wishes,

psyciceman