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Chest Pains and Physical Sensations of Anxiety

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james71711
james71711

Hi all

Just from taking a quick look at this forum, I can see that a lot of people are having the same problems as me, which is sort of reassuring.

Long story but basically I started with anxiety and depression 18 months ago. This came with chest pains and shortness of breath. Today I feel a lot better in myself but the chest pains and physical symptoms still linger.

I've developed health anxiety by worrying that I'm having a heart attack or developing some terminal illness. I feel like an idiot because logically it's almost definitely nothing to worry about but when the chest pains come on, my rational thinking goes out the window.

I've had 2 x ECGs, an Echo, stress test (treadmill) and various breathing tests. One breathing test identified that my lungs are absorbing oxygen at a reduced rate but the doctor sent me for a CT scan which was clear so they're not taking any further action.

I feel frustrated by the doctors because I hoped they'd give me a concrete answer that my health was satisfactory, but they just cover their backs by saying "well your tests were normal so we'll just have to see how you get on and we can't give you any answers" which doesn't reassure me very much!

Due to how slow the NHS is, it has taken 15 months from first going to the doctors to getting to this point. I have got myself through the last year or so by telling myself "just wait until the doctors give you the all clear, then I can get on with living" but I have now realised that that point is not going to come, and the onus is on me to try and overcome the health anxiety.

I used to go running a lot, and I have tried running to help with the anxiety but when I run I start worrying that I'll trigger a heart attack, and this makes the chest pains and shortness of breath come on - which stops me from running. A chicken and egg situation.

I don't know what the point in this post is. I'm just exhausted and want to see a way out of this.

James

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1 Reply

  • jan34534
    jan34534 james71711

    Edited

    Sorry you’re worried about this james.anxiety does tend to produce irrational negative thoughts. I’ve had those for a very long time but I have made some great improvements.for exercise, you could start out slowly by walking instead of running. That way it wouldn’t be so concerned. Also, try not to overthink things. When you’re walking you could listen to some music, look around and appreciate the beauty of nature, etc. That way you stay in the present moment and your mind doesn’t wander to the negative. sounds like your ECG was normal then? I would think that something would show up if you had an issue with your heart. But anyway I do hope you are able to get some counseling for the health anxiety. It has helped me a lot. Take care

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