Chest pain

[StellaBlue]

I know a number of threads exist about chest pain and I debated about starting this one...I guess what I would like is some sympathy (awww...Stella...that sucks) and, if anyone has any knowledge to add - please do.

Over the past 4-5 years, I have had random attacks of severe chest pain. Four of these were so severe, I went to the ER. I have a family history of cardiac problems and personally have hypertension that is well controlled with medication. I have had EKGs, stress tests, etc. - nothing. Must be stress. Last Saturday, I had my second attack of the week and decided to rest and see if it would pass. The severe pain passed, but there was still moderate pain and that "feeling" like it was going to return. It did. The pain was so severe, I vomited. I took my blood pressure and it was 194/130, so I decided that if it wasn't a heart attack, the stress was going to cause a stroke...I went to the ER. After 8 hours, an EKG, X-rays, numerous blood tests (including a test for clots), and being told that my bill already exceeded $1500.00 (US $) - I declined an overnight stay and left with my BP at 180/124. Since then, I've somehow been able to bring it down (still high, but not "red alert").

So I'm struggling with the whole "if this is stress, it's all in my head" thing - but I swear to god, the pain is so bad I'm willing to lie down on railroad tracks. One of the docs at the hospital mentioned the possibility of a spastic esophagus - which apparently mimics heart attack symptoms (and even responds to nitroglycerin - furthering the inability to propeller diagnosis it). I guess it would be good to know that there is an actual "thing" going on...and maybe to have some PRN medication to help.

None of the doctors I've spoken with have dismissed the seriousness of any of this - but when I was being treated in the ER - I saw that my "Medical History" (a stupid bullet point list - no type of priority) lists "PTSD", "Suicide Attempt", "Tobacco Abuse" (seriously? I quit. And it's legal - so abuse?)...etc. Any nurse, orderly, doctor, etc. - sees this before they see me. Again, I saw no evidence that this affected my care - so I guess I need to look at why this bothers me so much.

Again - looking this over, I'm not sure what I'm asking for...maybe just need to send my frustrations out to the universe.

I know a number of threads exist about chest pain and I debated about starting this one...I guess wh...

And...to add...the EKG did show a right bundle branch block that was not on my previous EKG...but I was told this wasn't really an issue.

 

[anonymous]

are you anemic at all?

 

[StellaBlue]

No - no anemia.

 

[Deleted member 42783]

I saw that my "Medical History" (a stupid bullet point list - no type of priority) lists "PTSD", "Suicide Attempt", "Tobacco Abuse" (seriously? I quit. And it's legal - so abuse?)...etc. Any nurse, orderly, doctor, etc. - sees this before they see me. Again, I saw no evidence that this affected my care - so I guess I need to look at why this bothers me so much.

I just want to reassure you that those of us who see these bullet point lists know that they are often an accumulation of random diagnoses that may or may not be accurate. That is why we are supposed to assess you and ask you pertinent questions about the list. Sure, sometimes there isn't time but even then, it doesn't mean that we are only seeing you as a list of bullet points.
I know for a fact that I have some wonky stuff on my record. Lots of medications that I didn't even know were ever prescribed to me. According to one hospital I was on three antidepressants at the same time because the old ones don't drop off the list. Let me also reassure you that there are PLENTY of hospital staff who do NOT agree with the way things are worded such as "tobacco abuse". We are human too. We are not all sitting in judgment of you. That's not to say that you won't run into arrogant/ignorant assholes. You will. Just know that most of us aren't.

I have also been sent to the ER with weird/scary problems in which nobody could find an answer. It's frustrating and sometimes infuriating. Sometimes there are no immediate answers.

 

[Deadman]

if this is stress, it's all in my head

Stress is real. It affects the brain. It affects the body. It is not 'all in the head', as if that makes it somehow less real. Stress kills people.

If you really think it is 'just stress' you might want to consider making some lifestyle changes before 'just stress' becomes something doctors know how to treat.

 

[StellaBlue]

Thank you @valkeasisu, I don't believe I was treated differently because of my mental health history; but it's good to hear it from an "insider".

@Deadman - yes, I'm very much aware of the effects that stress can have on the body. I just find it hard to believe that stress can cause something so painful I would need to go to the ER. I have the knowledge about the lifestyle changes I need to make, now it's implementing. The only "missing" piece, I think, is how to deal with stressors I can't control or avoid. I'm pretty good at appearing calm and collected but obviously, my body disagrees.

 

[provencepearl]

This has been informative for me. I had horrible chest pains after the first car accident, when I had severe ptsd symptoms (startle reflex, nightmares about car accident, etc). I truly thought I was having a heart attack and once went for a test. No heart attack. I would describe the pain as feeling like a thin wire was wrapped around my chest and pulled tight. Over the years, it was not happening as often. It often seemed to happen when I ate rice. I thought it might be related to rice, maybe getting stuck on the way down. And I would drink a little water to help it go down. Maybe I have spastic esophagus. I have never heard the term before. I get so angry at doctors wanting to put everyone in a similar diagnoses to make their work easier and do nothing helpful. On the other hand, it sounds like chest pains may be common for people with ptsd. Hard to know, isn't it?

 

[Deleted member 541]

I'm one of those that has had chest pains off and on for many years. I've had test and more test. Nothing! I have no idea and neither do the Dr's. They chalk it up to stress. Ok, but eventually stress weakens the heart and you get a heart attack. IDK! The whole thing can be frustrating.

How about a second opinion from a better Dr? Cardiologist????

 

[Crow]

Pdoc says it's a combination of flashback, anxiety attack, somatic response to my nervous system going amock. Basically the pericardium spasming. Oh and I've had routine full cardi workups and everything tests absolutely normal.