Just need to know

[Grantstevens]

Hi I've just found out I have fibromyalgia. I was suffering from chest pains and had been to the doctors and a&e on more than one occasion. I'm now experiencing pain in my legs with a warm to hot feeling as well. What I'm asking is does anyone else experience heart trouble symptoms. I get really worried and I know that doesn't help. Many thanks grant.

[cardboardcutout]

Yes so please be reassured. I recently experienced this as a new symptom and went to my GP and was given an ECG but when i said I have fibromyalgia I was made to feel like I had overreacted. I don't think you can really know how frightening this is if you don't understand ,but rest assured it is highly unlikely to be a heart problem. That being said I know it is not easy to not worry. I have come to the conclusion that with fibromyalgia we need to distract our minds to reduce worry and in turn pain. Reasurrane is good but not enough..if you are worried..you are worried. .. try to find a distraction. I am certainly not saying this is in your mind but rather a distraction from the worry is helpful. Everyone's distraction can be personal to them . I hope this makes sense it has helped me.

[Grantstevens in reply to cardboardcutout]

Thank you very much. This is all very new to me. I've always been pretty fit and healthy and been able to shrug off most aches and pains. In the last couple of days my legs have really started to ache at night so yet again something to try not to worry about. Thanks again for the advice

[Maryellen54 in reply to cardboardcutout]

Please....don’t ever shrug chest pains off as due to fibromyalgia......please read my post above x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to our community. Here you will find information, support, friendship and laughter too. You will find general information on fibromyalgia at our main site fmauk.org

There is a condition called costochondritis (inflammation of rib cage muscles) which is very common in people with fibromyalgia and which causes chest pain and shortness of breath. Xxx

[Shazz01]

It’s probably not nice for you but if you’ve been reassured it’s not your heart then don’t worry too much as will make it and other fibro symptoms worse. But if causing you problems when resting or not anxious especially if you have family history of heart problems then ask your dr to refer you to a cardiologist for further tests even if it’s to reassure you. ❤️

[lancslass56]

First time I experienced this I ended up in A&E because my postman thought I was having a heart attack and called an ambulance.

I had chest pains radiating down my arm and across my jaw but thought it strange that I had been on my laptop and not doing anything strenuous. Seems poor posture doing things like typing on laptop can bring it on.

I now recognise the pain and gentle rib flexion and a couple of pain killers help. However if in doubt it is better to get things checked out. Stay safe.

[Grantstevens in reply to lancslass56]

Thank you. Its just nice to be reassured. My doctor isn't what you would call the most understanding.

[klr31]

Did you have tests to check for other things before you were given the diagnosis?

Karen

[releasethemagic]

I get chest pains and my GP thought it was a heart problem, so I had an ECG and was referred to the rapid access heart clinic at hospital. After a day of tests, they diagnosed Costochondritis. It is inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and mimics heart problems. It is a common issue for people with fibromyalgia. An anti inflammatory drug helps.

[Maryellen54]

Hi, be very careful, I’ve had fibro for many years and thought I knew all the different pains it causes. About 3 years ago I had chest pains during the night and assumed it was due to fibro, they eased off slightly as the night wore on. In the morning before going to work I decided I’d go to the surgery (I was only able to do this because I had a loan of my daughters car that day)....the dr wired me up to the ecg machine and said “how did you get here” I said I drove and she said well you’ll have to leave your car here I’m phoning an ambulance you’re having a heart attack....I really thought they were mistaken, even when I got to hospital I kept asking was it not the fibro?.....I had a stent fitted and now have to take medication every day and carry a gtn spray with me. Moral of the story......don’t assume every pain is fibro.....and yes we can have cardiac problems too. Take care

[Grantstevens in reply to Maryellen54]

Thank you very much for the advice. I have these pain and feelings most days and have been to a&e numerous times but I cant help feeling a bit of an idiot.

[Maryellen54 in reply to Grantstevens]

As my dr said to me ....don’t take chances...it’s your life you’re risking.

Better safe than sorry and no one will ever blame you for making sure!

[Grantstevens]

Thank you 😊