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Chronic chest pain

Posted by babyblues262 @babyblues262, 3 days ago

Hello everyone-I'm almost 52, female, and I have chronic left sided chest pain. I have a history of a left bundle branch block, SVT, implanted loop monitor, resolved non ischemic cardiomyopathy, and chronic chest pain. And I have an anxiety disorder which has become a convienient catch all for my complaints by the medical field. I've had chronic left sided chest pain, shortness of breath, and back pain for 10 years. Every cardiac test I have had has come back normal, but I still feel awful. It's very frustrating and my cardiologist suggested I go to Mayo. It's hard because I am also a cardiac nurse and I know all the scary things that can go wrong. Most days I fight the urge to go the ER to get checked out because my chest hurts so much. Does anyone else live with chronic chest pain that isn't due to a blockage or blood flow problem? How do you deal with it?

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | 2 days ago
In reply to @babyblues262 "They have not found a physical cause for the pain as yet. I have another stress..." + (show)
@babyblues262

They have not found a physical cause for the pain as yet. I have another stress test coming up mid January, and I'm guessing theyll do a heart cath after.
Fear of death is a big deal for me. I am hugely afraid of dying and the thought that it is inevitable actually keeps me from doing many things. I don't see the point in things or creating when the end result is that my things will get redistributed and I'll be forgotten.

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Thanks for writing. I hope the tests go smoothly for you. I understand what you are saying. The experience I described with swine flu resulted in a pretty classic near death experience and a kind of existential detachment. I was 21, and honestly didn't know much about life or myself. I really didn't know how to live with the reality of my inevitable mortality. I can't say I've solved it, more like explored it/lived with it. My son-in-law has a very strong fear/dislike of death and he and my daughter and I have been attending a local Death Cafe--in a nice eatery where you can order lunch or a hot drink. This hasn't been a magic fix for him, but at least we're keeping him company, if that makes sense. There are as many approaches as there are people and I hope you can find a way to do more of what you want to do.

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