Afraid of my daily symptoms

Anxious Jenny · Post by **Anxious Jenny** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 2:37 am

Hi everyone! I have chest pain, tightness in jaw, left arm pain, back pain and flutter/shock feeling in my heart on a daily basis. Not just when I'm having a panic attack per say. I'm 28 years old and I smoke. I had an EKG and it came out fine. Do you think this is all due to my anxiety disorder? Does anyone else get these feelings. I DO stress that I have a heart problem! Please let me know! xoxo

Paul R. · Post by **Paul R.** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:10 am

jenny,

yes, I have had all of those same symptoms (and many more) while dealing with panic disorder this past spring.

you already know this, but the smoking is not helping your fear or situation, but that is all that I will say about it.

i had all of these symptoms on a daily basis too, but through prayer, hard work (and lowering my thyroid medication), exercise, and the support of family and friends, I have seen most of these symptoms go away.

if you have had the medical tests and they reveal that you are fine, trust the information and find confidence that it is not a medical condition, but only anxiety that you are dealing with ( I say "only" anxiety in order in the hope of giving you strength of mind to properly handle it).

I still seek reassurance as needed, and don't be afraid or feel ashamed to do the same.

But if everything keeps coming back that you are physically fine, see the pattern for what it is- anxiety rearing its ugly head.

vicki67 · Post by **vicki67** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:10 am

Since you have had a doctor look at you I would say it is your anxiety. I have the same thing on a daily basis too. Evan when I dont feel stressed (or so I think). You are more aware of what you are feeling because you are worried about having a heart attack. Stress and anxiety can make you feel all kinds of pains and our mind just runs to our fears. If you can make an appointment with you doctor tell him your fears and listen to him he can set your mind at ease. At your age heart attacks are rare. If you are looking things up on the net about your symtoms stop. That sont help because you start to feel what you read cause of your fear. Hang in there listen to you doctor and quit worring I know it is easier said than done but please try.
This is what I do and it may or may not help you. But I got tired of the fear and worry and so I play mind games. When I feel something new a pain I would start to worry. I know still feel it but I pray and ask God to stop the pain and if its my time to go than lets get it over with. I know it sounds bad but my worst fear is dying and if i meet it head on in my mind thing just seem to get under control. The pain eases and I stop worring. I have had all the test and I smoke too so all I can do is meet it head on and win this mind battle. I dont want to die I want to live and I cant always worring and getting anxious. This is my way I hope it helps. Do go to your doctor that will help too. Sometimes we have to be told several times to convince ourselves everything is ok. I wish you the best and will pray you can get over this. vicki

KRISTEN · Post by **KRISTEN** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:38 am

Even though your not having a panic attack at the times your having these numbing sensations its still anxiety. I have had all these classic symptoms your describing. If the ekg was good then there is nothing wrong with your heart.
I have been a smoker for 25 yrs.(2 pks. a day)
so I doubt that has anything to do with it either. Don`t worry you`ll be fine!

Paul R. · Post by **Paul R.** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:51 am

sorry Kristen-

i feel like you misread me...

...what i meant by smoking not helping the "fear or situation" is from an overall health perspective; which i don't think that you can disagree with me there.

if someone is worried about their long-term heart or lung health, smoking should be one of the first things eliminated.

now, i'm not saying don't smoke...to each his (or her) own. but what i am saying, is that if one is scared about their health (grounded or not), then it only logically makes sense to eliminate anything that can directly threaten or confirm your fears.

i mean, if someone is afraid of damaging their liver one day, then drinking a litre of whiskey every day certainly is not going to lessen any risk.

i don't know. i'm not trying to preach here.

Mary Wargo · Post by **Mary Wargo** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:01 am

I had chronic heart flutters until I stopped smoking and either quit or decreased caffeine intake. The heart flutters were directly related to nicotine, caffeine, and anxiety -

Anxious Jenny · Post by **Anxious Jenny** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 9:22 am

Thank you all for your replies! It really helps to be able to talk to other people experiencing the same things I am. I definitely am planning on quitting smoking soon because it's just another stimulant, like caffein, that doesn't help one bit. One thing at a time I guess! Plus, kids in the near future is a huge incentive for me to get rid of these bad habits (smoking and anxiety) and take care of myself for once! Thank you again for the reassurance! You guys are the best!! And I hope you are all doing well with your anxiety!

xoxo Take care,Jen