Unexplainable Symptoms

[Caity 0]

Hi

 

I'm new to AC, im 24 and have experienced anxiety intermittently for as long as I remember. However, recently I've been having different issues that my doctor keeps telling me is just anxiety but I'm so paranoid that it's something more, it's driving me crazy.

I got back to the US in January after visiting my parents abroad. About 4 hours after landing I felt this hard thud in my chest, I got super dizzy almost collapsed when I stood up, my heart was racing and my legs were shaking uncontrollably. I went to the ER thinking I was having some sort of heart episode, but they did a bunch of blood tests, an ekg, and a chest X-ray which all came back normal. They hooked me up to 2 IV's which brought my heart rate down, they attributed everything to dehydration and sent me home.

A few days later I was watching TV when all of a sudden my legs started to shake uncontrollably again, my heart started to race, my chest was incredibly tight, and I honestly thought that I was going to die. I went back to the ER in the morning and they did more tests but couldn't find anything. They told me I most likely experienced a panic attack and to talk to a therapist 

it's now almost the end of February and nothing has improved. I've had 4 or 5 of these shaking panic attacks when it feels like there is a band across half my chest and fire in my veins in my neck and chest. 

On a daily basis I feel this weird aching pain in the left side of my chest radiating from my armpit to the Center of my chest and also causes discomfort in the top of my left breast. I've had multiple EKG's and echo tests done because I truly think it's physical. I've never had anxiety manifest itself in this way before, multiple doctors have told me I have a panic disorder and that the baseline for my anxiety is just higher now.

I truly feel like this is ruining my life. It's present almost every day, it gets worse with anxiety and strain, and as soon as I feel the pain (which sometimes radiates down the inside of my left arm) I can feel the anxiety start. My neck gets tight and slightly spastic, and as soon as my legs start to seize (best description of what happens) I know there's nothing I can do at that point.

Im just wondering if anyone has experienced similar chest/armpit pain? Is this really anxiety or am is it some hidden ailment?  

I've been in Zoloft for almost a month and haven't seen much improvement. My doctor dismisses this pain and basically just sends me home to deal with it on my own but it's difficult when you don't know what you're dealing with. 

Sorry for the long rant

Any advice/suggestions would be so helpful  

 

Thanks!

[JOYCICLE 654]

''  They told me I most likely experienced a panic attack and to talk to a therapist  '''

The doctor's advice is good advice. Find a therapist and quickly.  The longer this goes on the more it sort takes root and has its way with you and while it's still a very 'new ' disorder you can run it off quickly with help.  All of the symptoms you listed are in this list.  The BAND across the chest is a tell tale sign because I don't know of anyone other than anxiety sufferers who refer to such a sensation.

 

[JOYCICLE 654]

I would also recommend this post by LoneSailor. The video within it is AMAZING.