Help with Chest Pain / Atrial septal defect / Anxiety

[AlexFlorida]

Hello all. First and foremost thank you for taking the time to read this! Thank you. On May 11th, 2022 I was diagnosed with Atrial septal defect ostium secundum. This is a heart condition that I’ve had since birth & was recently discovered. It is a hole in the heart! Fortunately it looks like this condition hasn’t affected me very much at this time but if not repaired it can lead to very serious heart complications in the future! I’m in the process of getting this repaired through surgery or through a procedure (this alone is very stressful!!!) Ever since I found out about this condition I’ve been physically feeling very bad! I feel dizzy, weak, nervous, anxious but the thing that has really thrown me into panic mode is the pain I feel on my chest/heart. It is a constant pain on my chest that never goes away and actually brings daily scary quick 1 second shocks that increase the pain and feel strange. I’ve gone to ER twice because of this and I’ve seen 2 different Cardiologist. The Doctors say that the pain & discomfort I’m feeling on my chest and the other symptoms are not Heart related. They believe it’s anxiety related along with something else but not heart related! I find it hard to believe that this is only anxiety related but they are the Doctors! I’m I stressed, terrified, scared, anxious etc…. Ow absolutely…. No doubt about it! I’m also seeing a psychiatrist who recently put me on Xanax which has at least helped me sleep some! This week I’m getting a test done by the psychiatrist called Brain Mapping. The Doctor wants to see the results of this test to then medicate me. In the meantime I’m doing a lot of test and seeing the Cardiologist to see when and how I’m going to get my heart condition repaired. What I want to know is if anyone who suffers from anxiety or panic attack or depression etc have this constant pain on the chest area (center and leftside by the heart) that never goes away & actually intensifies at times during the day or night? If so what is it? What do you take for it etc? Or has anyone had ASD and felt these pains?

Thank you.

[Lizzo30]

Hi I think you are in shock about your diagnosis and I think your symptoms are anxiety related but I'm not a doctor I think you need to give yourself breaks and not be too demanding of yourself as like I said I think you are in shock and you are anxious

As time goes on you will get used to it and come to terms with it , so my advice is pamper yourself take good care of yourself during this difficult time

Love your pug picture

[AlexFlorida in reply to Lizzo30]

Hi Lizzo30. Thank you for your message. It means a lot to me to have your support and the support of those in the community! I feel worst and worst and this chest pain does not go away. It only gets worst! Yes… I’m in total shock! Total! I’m really scared of dying or that something is going to happen to me at any moment!

[Lizzo30 in reply to AlexFlorida]

but it didn't affect your health until you found out about it ? makes you wonder how many people have it without knowing , alkaline foods are good for heart health and all health in general so worth looking into you must relax Alex and don't be scared you aren't going to die over this

[Midori]

I reckon you have become over-anxious about this whole thing. Not really surprising, it's an emotive subject.

The surgery itself is relatively simple and I remember it being done though a vein rather than having your chest cut open. (sorry, I used to be a nurse). It's some years since I was on the register (retired), so things have certainly moved on since then.

I am sure you are worrying unnecessarily, as do I when facing an op. I put off my cataract surgery for 5 years because I was chicken about eyes! It was so simple I cussed myself for waiting so long!

I'm about the biggest wimp one could be!

Cheers, Midori

[AlexFlorida in reply to Midori]

Hello Midori. Thank you for writing me and for your support! Yes 80-90% of the repairs are done through the groin / catheter. I still don’t know if they are able to do mines through there or not I am still doing test but should know in the next few weeks. I hoping at least! I want to get this done immediately! This waiting and all this uncertainty is killing me and only making me feel worst! My anxiety is through the roof and my day to day life is a nightmare! My family is also suffering and this is taking a toll on everyone! I’m scared about every right now

[Midori in reply to AlexFlorida]

I understand; but worrying for the sake of worrying won't help. I know it's difficult not to be aware of one's own mortality at these times,, but, please try to put your worries on the back burner.

Cheers, Midori