Constant Chest Pain

[AlexFlorida]

Hello to everyone in the community. I’ve had constant chest pain for the last 2 months. This chest pain is continuous and it normally is in the center or on the left side of the chest. At times I also feel it on the right side. It’s not very painful but it’s never leaves and at times it gets a little stronger. I get very scared!!!! I have ASD Ostium Secundum (Heart Condition) and I’m currently in the process of having a procedure done to close it. In the mean time my Cardiologist says this pain is not heart related. I’ve done all kinds of blood work and that has come back normal. Everyone in my family believes it’s all anxiety related but I think it’s something else. I’m taking pills for anxiety etc. and nothing has changed. Has anyone experienced something like this? If so what was it? how did it go away? Please help! I’m really scared! Thank you.

[Hidden]

Alex, take it easy,ok? Could be alotta different things; muscle spasm, nerve action, bruise or injury, indigestion & of course my old nemesis, Anxiety! I’ ve been on my deathbed a 1000 times with Anxiety. I’d think what happened last time? Was I ok? I just wanna know! To the ER I go. Panic is no good. Easy, Relax, you’re getting sleepy, very sleepy… Take care

[Louie35]

Maybe some breathing exercises or meditation. You are going through a lot so anything that can slow it all down might be good.

[Jeff1943]

Your heart is in good hands, your doctor knows his stuff, the tests are in and although you have a heart defect that is being corrected this pain is non cardiac.

Your doctor has probably seen this a dozen times before. You know you have a heart problem so you're very aware, very preoccupied with your chest.

So naturally the area reacts with muscular tension: a common enough symptom of health anxiety.

Accept it for the time being. Stop checking it every five minutes. When you feel the pain do not add second fear to the flash of first fear.

I hope all goes well with your medical procedure and you can move forward.

[Agora1]

Hi Alex...re-read Jeff1943's response. Since your cardiologist states it is notcoming from the heart, I could tell you my own experience with chest wall pain.

I have gotten Costochondritis many times in my life when I was at my worse with

anxiety. Every muscle was immensely tight and tense and when this happens, the

nerve endings between the rib cage get inflamed and cause chest pain. (Not coming

from the heart)

This could very well be happening to you as well. Try refocusing your attention

on something besides your heart and you will see a difference.

Good Luck with your procedure. It's going to be okay. xx

[b1b1b1]

My husband had bypass surgery and for about 3 months afterwards was complaining of significant chest pain. His cardiologist and surgeon both assured him that it was not heart related, but probably came from a strained or pulled chest muscle completely unrelated to the surgery. After being reassured, the pain quickly disappeared.

[Lizzo30]

Have you tried massaging that area you can put pressure on your rib cage it won't harm you and should bring relief

[Tara52]

I had chest pain from anxiety 4 years ago and it resulted into something called "takotsubo" or "broken heart syndrome". It's a heart attack caused by fear releasing adrenaline which attacks the heart. Mine happened when my fiancee committed suicide. The shock almost killed me, I am not saying that's what's happening to you. However we have to get control of our thinking. We can't just let fear run amok. Have you tried CBT? You can research info about it on YouTube. There are many therapists who are trained in this type of therapy. I hope you feel better soon,💙