Pains in left arm: Hi all, I keep getting... - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

53,156 members49,211 posts

Pains in left arm

TheInjuredBiker profile image
16 Replies

Hi all,

I keep getting pains in my left arm. I haven't got health anxiety just to clarify and the car hit my right side in the crash. I have been to the doctors but they said they won't do anything till I have my 24hr ECG which is in 14 days.

Anyone had anything like this?

Written by
TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
16 Replies

Had fire fighter clients that had to do this periodically if their regular heart exam showed an slight irregularity. Sometimes had to convince the fire departments that it is not unusual for fire fighters to have that occasional irregular beat, as they go from normal speed to alarm within seconds when a fire or ENT call comes in. Wearing the EKG wasn't a big deal. Challenge was getting the department to approve the 24 hour EKG be conducted and interpreted by the only cardiologist I knew in the area who understood firefighters lifestyle and how their hearts respond to it. He usually got them off desk duty and back to active duty.

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

Do you think thats like me considering you know what my job entails.. although it has started since I was signed off work.

in reply to TheInjuredBiker

Could be. Ever have EKG done by your employer previously to qualify for your line of work?

If so, any irregularity posted by the cardiologist interpreting the results?

Location of the arm pain primarily in bicep, down to the elbow, any finger numbness, pain or curling up?

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

When I had my fitness test during training, they did one at the start of training, one before physical training and one after physical training and all passed flying colours. Only health improvement I was told to do is stop smoking.

The pain is in the whole arm below the elbow.

in reply to TheInjuredBiker

Pain chronic all the time of day or night? Or just when elbow turned or used. Any neck or upper back pain?Does it start at elbow and then travel to wrist?

Worse at some times then better at others (waxes or wanes?)

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

Very consistent pain most days, some days its non existent. I have some pain in my neck and its consistent throughout the whole arm below elbow. Like a dull pain.

in reply to TheInjuredBiker

But not effecting your fingers or hand movement or numbness? Hit your right side, but fall,etc onto the left. Helmet on? Sore neck afterward?

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

Not effecting the fingers or hand movement. I am first aid trained so did the basic stroke test and no alarms there. The car hit my right side and I fell on the left, no pain at all. As you know I didnt go hospital for a month..... Not my smartest move ever I know!

in reply to

pain appear immediately or within a few days. What pain meds you taking for it...were they rx.

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

Pains only appeared the last month. No pain meds, I handle pain pretty well. Probably going to see my GP again about it today.

in reply to TheInjuredBiker

Was thinking it could be some disc/vertebra issue in your neck or upper back, and still think could be and corrected with therapy and not surgery.But think upper arm should have some nagging pain if disc/vertebra involved.

Could be a delayed pain development if disc has gradually moved out of place and pressing against nerve in your neck or back.....or muscle strain that had delayed development until you felt pain.

Good sign that there is no numbness in hand/fingers.

Good for you to see your GP and get his opinion before the heart monitor.

Nite, sir. Let us know what your GP thinks.

TheInjuredBiker profile image
TheInjuredBiker in reply to

Could be! I never got an xray after the crash so you may well be right!

Hopefully they even bother as like I say, they don't want to do much before the 24hr ECG. Well you know from our previous chats how helpful GPs can be over here!

Thanks for your help Hidden its greatly appreciated :)

in reply to TheInjuredBiker

No worries! Anytime.:)

Like the firefighters, maybe you could to request a cardiologist familiar with your line of work to conduct the EKG, and distinguish nerve pain originating from the neck or back, causing pain in the arm, particularly the upper arm, from any cardiology issues that are caused by work-related anxiety issues, like the firefighters. Good luck. Certain that you will enjoy having the device on you for an entire day.

2670 profile image
2670

Stay hydrated. And breath at a normal pace. In my twenties I constantly thought I was having a massive heart attack. My left arm going numb. Then sharp pains running down to up. Up to down. Fear is such a huge mystery. Anxiety. Panic depression. It will cause the most horrific symptoms. Too scary for any human not going through this to understand. I've had every symptom in the book. And could have possibly written my own book. Dry mouth racing heart. Breathing irregular. Vision impaired. Hearing impaired. Heart rate dropping. Heart racing. Leaving my body. Tension tightness. Chest heaviness. Feeling like my whole body was floating. Severe sharp pains in heart and arm. Ringing ears. Grinding teeth. Tingling. Watching people move their lips. Not hearing a word. Racing thoughts. Terrifying thoughts. Ok. My advice. Since I'm now way past that. I suffered three years. I am now 45. I had a baby during the time I suffered from this. Very little support. And today. I have 3 more children. And I've not suffered since then. I literally thought I'd die and wen every doctor said I was fine. I still thought. Wen this kills me. Everyone is going to feel really stupid. I also thought I would have to be institutionalized. And eventually thought I'd die there. Praying helped. I felt God guide me to people. Books. And the help I needed. The pain in your arm. Scary as it is. Will get better. The more you realize this is in your mind. And it's causing physical symptoms. The more n more your body heals. Drink water. Eat balanced. I know it's hard. Force yourself to sleep. Breath correctly. So as not to hyperventilate. Do this regularly. And think positively. Allow yourself to challenge yourself. Go out if it scares you. Stay home wen you feel the need to escape. Confronting fears helped me. And hearing stories about how people live this way for 18 years. 8 years. Ect. Got me to thinking. Not me. No way. Trust the doctors. Trust the books. Wen they say it's your mind causing ur body issues. Believe it. I changed my life and the total life altering fear of death and mental breakdown went away the same way it came. Quickly. Father God. I pray in the name of Jesus. Shine the lifht of truth into each dark scary story. Let them know they will definitely over come this thing. Let them also use this experience to help others and to be strong in the battles that life brings To not waste these painful times that teach such lessons. And that will make them stronger and victorious in all situations. Amen.

2670 profile image
2670

Also. If this is new to you. If you have only started going through this recently. Always rule out physical illness or injury. Do not assume that any thing is anxiety until you get checked by as many doctors as makes you feel comfortable in knowing it's not related to illness. Sorry to add this after. But it's important

You may also like...

left arm pain , tingling fingers and hand numbness

my left arm is hurting and its tingling and feeling like my fingers getting numb or something it...

Painful left arm

from acute spells of a painful left arm and shoulder in stressful situations I have noticed this...

Chest pain, left arm pain, back pain! Docs say anxiety!

pain Left Arm Pain Some lower achy jaw pain Back pain (between shoulders) Heartburn First time...

left arm pain that comes and goes and shortness of breath

left arm been hurting lately making me a little worried because the pain stay for a while then it...

Fizzing/pain in arms and legs.

When my anxiety is high (RIGHT NOW) I get a fizzing/ ache in my right arm and leg? Does anyone else...