Stress Center Peer Support

Hi Everyone,
Well today I am really frustrated. I have done so well for the past 4 or 5 days. This weekend I went out with friends to crowded parties (which usually freak me out!) and felt absolutely fine. I even drank without much anxiety, for some reason I usually get really nervous/anxious when I drink, even if it's only a glass of wine or a beer. Anyways, last night I was try to fall asleep and I rolled over on my side and felt this really weird heavy feeling in my chest. Like a pile of books was just sitting there. I had no idea what was going on, I didn't think it was anxiety because I had felt fine all day and took a Xanax before bed. So I was really nervous and the more I laid there the more I felt it, and it was just heavy, pressure on my chest, and it only hurt in my sternum area if I touched or pressed that area. So of course I got upset and called my mother at like 2:00 in the morning scared not knowing if I should go to the Emergency Room. My mom convinced me it was just an anxiety symptom so I fell asleep for a few hours, but when I woke up I still felt the heaviness on my chest. I went to the doctor and he did an EKG and Oxygen test and said I was fine and sent me on my way. I am just SOOO frustrated right now! I was doing so well! I had never felt this symptom before and didn't know how to react, I guess I should have figured it was just my anxiety. My fear is I'm never going to be able to tell when I really need medical attention because of my anxiety. I am beside myself today. Has anyone ever experienced a feeling like that before? A pressure/heaviness sensation on your chest?

Yeah, I have experienced heaviness in the chest, and I know how you feel. I've wanted to run to the ER quite a few times this week myself and also worry about not knowing when its a real medical emergency vs anxiety, with new symptoms sometimes its best to go to the dr to get them checked out if you have doubts, just to make sure. The good news is the Dr checked you out and you are just fine. I know its disappointing when you have set backs, but its something that happens to us all, just focus on the fact that you did well all this weekend instead of your set back.

Hi Mollie,

I have severe reflux and when it's really bad, I sometimes get a painful, heavy sensation on my chest. It's interesting to note that you were lying down when you got that symptom. Reflux can worsen when you lay down. I also have a touch of asthma, and during cold weather, I get that heaviness in my chest. I don't want to alarm you, but it's worth checking into. Then the doctor can diagnose you especially if you have other related symptoms.

Thank you all for your replies.
Adele, it's funny you mentioned the reflux because I have had symptoms of acid reflux a few times after heavy meals. However, I still have the heavy sensation in my chest and have had it for awhile now. Is this a normal part of acid reflux? How long does the heavy sensation in your chest last typically?

Mollie,

Well with my reflux, the heaviness does go away after an hour or two especially if I drink a lot of water and take a tums or my reflux meds. This is normal for reflux. My reflux comes and goes during the day. Try taking tums or other antacid and drink lots of water and see if that helps. I know keeping yourself distracted is easier said than done, but the distraction might give your body some time while the antacid go to work. Try listening to Lucinda's relaxation tape or watch tv. Do a fun hobby, I like to scrapbook. Let me know what happens.