Community Chat

[Slainte]

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this anxiety. First, if you've had heart tests, EKG, echocardigram, bloodwork, etc., and the doctor is sure it's not your heart, ask for a CT scan to see if there's anything else visible, like a hiatal hernia, that might be causing the feelings. Or endoscopy. Gastritis can cause similar symptoms. If that's all clear, you might begin to think about an IBS symptom that is easied by switching to a low FODMAP diet. Monash University in Australia is the world leader in low FODMAPS study.

https://www.monashfodmap.com/ibs-central/i-have-ibs/starting-the-low-fodmap-diet/

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/l/low-fodmap-diet.html

I've had very similar symptoms to yours. I had a paraesphogeal hiatal hernia, gastritis, and so much discomfort in my chest and abdomen caused by fermenting food causing gas pressure pushing on my diaphram. I also have a headache that's tied to what's going on in my stomach, although my doctor still can't believe the headache is stomach related. I know better. I went through all the testing, endoscopy, etc. Still having symptoms. I didn't originally believe the low FODMAP diet applied to me because I didn't have IBS with diarrhea, so I resisted the diet. Finally, I became so uncomfortable I was willing to try anything. With the week I was feeling better. 6 weeks later I'm still feeling better, not completely symptom free, but much better.

Anxiety is part of the problem because when you are hurting, you are anxious and concerned. The more you can know about what is going on, the easier it is to deal with the anxiety. I do a lot of meditation and mindfulness practices that have helped including progressive muscle relaxation. YouTube has a lot of videos on PMR and meditation. Here are two I like and use often:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86HUcX8ZtAk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86HUcX8ZtAkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS_iqfGjL78

I hope you are feeling better soon. 

[Patriot3]

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@dennylilly wrote:

I posted about my headaches recently and now I am not sure what is going on with chest pressure that is not pain.  I was given an EKG along with some type of bloodwork to check out my heart and it was OK.  Not sure if its anxiety or indegestion ( i am taking previcid for that and have for years).  The headaches are minor compared to this.  Trying not to worry but I am on vacation and to say the least this is ruining it.

Tell me your stories about this if you have any experience.  I am going to buy some antacids to see if that helps.  It is not pain but if its anxiety how do I not be anxious every time wondering if its gonna be pain?

Thanks again.

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@dennylillySo sorry you have to put up w/this.  I know when I'm on vacation, that alone is anxiety.  Even in some social situations.  In a different environment, off routine.  That can cause anxiety for sure.  Maybe you could take a very low dose of anti-anxiety med.  As for me, I hate taking that kind of med, but talk to your Dr and see if this is a possibility.  I understand exactly what you are feeling.  Good luck!!

[Slainte]

@dennylilly  You might want to try some simethicone, like Phazyme or Gas-X. If you got some relief, you might have a better idea if it is gas causing chest pressure. Gas in the stomach, small and large intestines can cause so much bloating, tightness and pressure on the diaphragm right in the heart area that feels so uncomfortable. My gastro doctor started me on Phazyme, which does help. 

Your issue may be completely different from mine. I know I ended up in the ER twice thinking I was having a heart attack, and I'm a pretty tough cookie, and found out it was stomach issues, not heart. It was that uncomfortable.

[teachergal]

Get a physical stress test done for your heart.  I had a perfect EKG, but I had a family history of heart disease, so my Dr. scheduled a stress test.  One artery was 99.9% blocked!! I had a stent put in that day.  I was within hours of a major heart event.  Please, please, get a physical stress test to make sure your heart is ok.

[Helen852]

@Kachina624   I think people forget even supplements need to be filtered through your kidneys.  DH had an emergency splenectomy last October. His liver was diagnosed as a fatty liver for years,  but after the surgery it was discovered its cirhossis. So now with that his kidneys are working harder and they are compromised.  Doctors are constantly monitoring and changing his meds due to his kidney functions.  The doctors had him stop all the supplements he was taking.

He had h.pyloric a while back and was on a two week series of anti-biotics. He had his blood word done after that and his functions dropped. A week later they were back up after they readjusted some of the diuretics he takes.  It's a constant game.  Kidney specialist and GI docs are on top of it though.  Even an MRI with the contrast dye is a danger to the kidney functions for him.  

It's a change of lifestyle for sure.

[CalminHeart]

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@dennylilly wrote:

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I started having major anxiety and anxiety attacks when Mom was in hospice.  I knew why but it didn't stop it.  After she passed, it got a worse.  I finally went to a therapist who specializes in EMDR therapy.  It uses both sides of the brain.  Talk therapy uses just one side.  Anyway, it changed my life!  I learned how to stop/slow down the anxiety and gave me techniques to use at home and work. It's been over a year since I finished with therapy and I'm still doing great!

[dennylilly]

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@teachergal wrote:

Get a physical stress test done for your heart.  I had a perfect EKG, but I had a family history of heart disease, so my Dr. scheduled a stress test.  One artery was 99.9% blocked!! I had a stent put in that day.  I was within hours of a major heart event.  Please, please, get a physical stress test to make sure your heart is ok.

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My doctor already has that on the agenda when I get back from my vacation.  This post is a litle scary but I had a friend who recently needed quadruple bypass after he had a good EKG. They suggested heart catherization because he was having chest pain and luckily he took the advice.  So i know the EKG could possibly be good and I could still have a heart issue. I have been paying close attention to the chest feeling and it seems to be followed by a hot flash most times.  I have been in menopause and suffering from hot flashes for 12 years so this might be some strange new version of them.  Thanks for your response.  I apprecate it.

[dennylilly]

Thanks for all your help everyone.  I have calmed down in my mind but unfortunately I am feeling pretty much the same.  I got some Tums and have taken them a couple times in case this chest pressure feeling is some type of strange feeling indigestion.  Not sure if its helping or not.  Sometimes I think the pressure is followed by a hot flash. Since I am in menopause and have suffered from hot flashes for over 12 years this is nothing new.  The feeling before is different.  Sometimes I would feel slightly nauseaus before a hot flash. 

Either way, between the diabetes, menopause and now possibly Anxiety- I feel like a hot mess LOL!  When I have these feelings I just keep going on with whatever I am doing and I don't go to fear of heart attack anymore.  It has been going on so long that I figure I'm safe so the mental worry is not being added.  

Also all of your stories and information has helped ALOT and I can't thank you enough.  We are currently at the airport waiting to go on the second part of our vacation and I am enjoying myself as much as possible and you and your help are a blessing to me during this. 

[dennylilly]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

I don't have any ideas on your chest pressure but please beware of long term use of Prevacid.  Go online and read about it's possible side effects.  Does your doctor know you've been taking it?  Mine took me completely off of it when it started to affect my kidney functions. I now get by on acid reducers.

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My doctor has prescribed it for years.  I have GERD but recently I experienced a few episodes of feeling some heartburn, while on the Previcid, but she didn't seem too concerned when I mentioned this while seeing her for my headache problem.  I was thinking maybe its not working for me anymore so trying out Nexium would not be a big deal since Previcid is an OC drug too.  That is why I switched without mentioning it to my doctor but others on here have stated I should check with her first.  So in the meantime I have switched to Nexium and I suppose I'll check with her about this when I get back.

What type of acid reducers do you use? I am on alot of medications and I am concerned with my kidney health too.

[dennylilly]

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@bobby5 wrote:
Just try to relax & let all these thoughts go. When they start to creep back in, try to think of something happy...something that brings a smile to your face. Sometimes I just say, God give me strength. I know you may think this is easier said than done, but just try it. I really think you're okay.😊❤

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Thanks, I agree with you. Being on vacation really helps to keep my mind occupied.  I know I can turn to the Lord and I try to pray everytime I want to fear.  Being in constant prayer is a GOOD thing. If I was home I wouldn't be as busy and I wouldn't have my sweet husband by my side. So this is a blessing in its own way.  My husband travels for his job most weeks so having him here through this time is such a gift!  He has been very patient with me.  I tell him we are testing out the "in sickness and in health" part of our vows LOL