Chronic chest pain: How do you manage anxiety and cardiac issues?

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.

@babyblues262 I was in Emergency with chest pains some years ago, and the doctor on call took the time to explain to me what he thought could be the cause, after doing ECG, chest X-ray, etc. and ruling out a cardiac problem. Turned out it was costochondritis and once I knew what it was I could deal with it.

Other doctors on previous visits to Emerg. would just wave it off as “it’s all in your head” or a “panic attack” because I also had a history of that. In my experience if doctors know you have a history of panic disorder, fibromyalgia, or whatever, they tend to just chalk everything up to that if they don’t have an answer.

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.

In my experience, it is a semi informal meeting of a group of people to talk about death in a cafe setting. The one I go to in my small city is casually moderated by a death doula. Two hours mid-day Tuesday--drop in. I've also been involved in one on-line that is based in Canada, for artists. A different artist presented each month, and then there was discussion. I'm going to do a bit of research for you. Also--anyone else here have knowledge/experience?

@mir123 I would appreciate any help. I am really struggling lately with the fear of death. I can barely function-actually at some points during the say I just cry. I'm afraid of everything.

https://deathcafe.com looks like a clearing house with info. If you can't join an actual cafe, there might be useful info here. Of course use your discretion about any group--make sure it feels ok to you. But I feel like I should ask--as it sounds like this is paralyzing anxiety--might therapy help? Maybe you've tried it and I missed that post? But fear of death, like any phobia, can be helped by a good therapist. It seems like some strong support from a professional now might be helpful. I myself have benefitted a lot from therapy.

@mir123 I have been in therapy off and on most of my adult life (super long story). Ever since my daughter went to college I have been really having a hard time with my age, my job, the finiteness of life, just about everything. My therapist wants me to try EMDR therapy (a form of eye desensitivity training) to help with PTSD. It's exahusting being in my head. Throw in the physical issues and I am a wreck.

I have a friend who had good effect with EMDR. Wishing you all the best dealing with so much at the same time.

@mir123 and babyblues262 what is EMDR? I am hopeless with acronyms. lol.