Unknown chest pain: sharp, stabbing, and throbbing.

Posted by mikquack @mikquack, Oct 22, 2020

Help!
Hello! My names Mikayla I am 22 years old and have been having chest pain (sharp,stabbing/throbbing?hard to explain) since this March 2020. I have seen doctors and they have done a ct scan of my lungs finding a nodule on my lung and they sent me to mayo Rochester but they said my pain has nothing to do with my lungs. Then recently I had an endoscopy done and all my results came back normal. I am just now see a cardiologist but they are saying it’s highly unlikely that its my heart causing problems. My chest hurts everyday all the time just in different levels of pain from day to day and nothing triggers it either. Some days it’s a 8/10 and others 3/10 pain level. Im just so tired of dealing with this everyday and not having an answer as to why I’m in so much pain ): or feeling like I could die at any minute. Today I actually for the first time had chest pain and it hurt to breathe (sharp pain under my rib when deep breathing) also my left arm hurt for awhile but I’m not sure if that was from something else. 8 months is just a long time to deal with this and not having a good plan ):

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@jakedduck1

@mikquack
Hi again,
Yes, like @lagrange5 I also think Teresa’s idea of a journal is an excellent one. My problem is epilepsy/seizures, journals are very common and extremely helpful much of the time.
Since the number of other conditions can cause symptoms that mimic cardiac problems have you
experimented eating a low fat low acid diet?
Doctors are often quick to blame stress or anxiety and depression as causes for various illnesses I know they do that a lot with epilepsy which usually turns out ot to be the case so I was curious if you had a high stress job or if you suffered any of those issues? Do you think you could’ve strained or pulled any muscles.
One major problem I’ve noticed in the medical community is the fact that doctors often jump to wrong conclusions for example, my father would be walking down the street and get sick. He went to the doctors many times specialists you name it. Of course this was 65 years ago so all the imaging technology and other technology wasn’t available however that didn’t mean he wasn’t sick. As it turned out the doctor told him I don’t know but I think you have a brain tumor and I think it’s right here. That doctor operated and my dad had a brain tumor causing his symptoms. My nieces daughter went undiagnosed for 5 to 6 years went from extremely active to a wheelchair. Doctors told my dad he had a heart attack I told them he did not and although I had to take those doctors to court I prove that he did not he did not in fact have a heart attack.etc. Doctors make mistakes all the time it’s very common place. Sometimes they don’t wanna be bothered there’s all sorts of reasons it’s sad but it’s true. Have you had an ultrasound done of your heart how or a noninvasive MRI/CT these are sometimes used in place of angiography. Ask your doctor why you’re symptomatic and demand a diagnosis. If he can’t give you one demand a referral if your insurance requires one. Sometimes insurance companies will become involved, give them a call, maybe they can help. When it comes to checking out a problem I am off an unrelenting. Doctors have refused to see me because I am so demanding on occasion which I look at is a good thing because it shows how incompetent they are in the first place. My doctor knows she better give me an answer that will appease me you’re all be there all night long standing in front of the door and not letting her out. I supposed the point of all this long winded jabber is just to be demanding something is obviously wrong you’re not symptomatic for no reason demand a reason go to the emergency room every day go to different emergency rooms every day
Don’t be afraid to do whatever it takes to get a diagnosis whether it’s a major medical problem or minor one, you deserve an answer, GET IT!!!
Hang in there,
Jake

Ps I also wanted to ask if you were male or female symptoms can be different is the reason for this question. Don’t be offended but I don’t know you so I’m going to ask a couple other questions do you smoke drink or do drugs?

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I went to the er 2 weeks ago because I was in so much pain and they didn’t do anything only gave me Ativan which I took but it didn’t stop my chest pain only made me fall asleep. I hate going to the er because I just don’t like having to deal with the medical costs that come with it for my mom I just feel guilty and since they haven’t found anything yet she’s to the point where she doesn’t know what to do and basically says there’s nothing else we can do so I doubt she would let me go to the er again and she’s annoyed that I complain everyday about my pain.
I don’t have a high stress job I only ask covid questions before people come in to see an eye doctor and before that I was unemployed so even when I was just at home I was having pain. It doesn’t ever go away I would say it’s always there sometimes I can deal with it better because it doesn’t hurt as much.
I am a female and I do vape and occasionally smoke weed. But with my lung scan and X-ray coming back fine the doctors don’t think that’s what’s causing my pain. Now I know vaping isn’t well and I am trying to quit. I also want to say ibuprofen doesn’t help

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@erikas

@mikquack Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that I changed the title of your discussion. I did this to make it easier for members like you to connect.

It sounds like you have had chest pain since March. You are seeking appropriate medical care but the cause of your symptoms has not been determined.

May I ask if any provider mentioned anxiety as a cause of your pain? Anxiety, panic disorders, etc. can cause intense physical symptoms and pain. No, I'm not saying it is in your head. If it were anxiety, your pain would be no less valid. I'm just wondering if you and your providers have explored this as a possibility?

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Yes that has been brought up but this is a constant pain and I’ve had anxiety for years. I also tried Ativan and that didn’t help

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@mikquack
One more thought. When you went to see the cardiologist, did they any run any other test other than an EKG? I would recommend asking for an Echocardiogram. An Echo will show the doctor more of the heart functioning than just an EKG. Just a suggestion. Jake's suggestion about visiting Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic (or another major heart center) are good suggestions. If you live near a well-known heart center (often part of a university medical school) you will get very thorough care.

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@mikquack You should get an appointment with a good cardiologist As Teresa said a Echocardiogram or stress test will let the Dr know if there is a problem I know at your age this is scary but better save then sorry so please don't put this off

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@mikquack

I went to the er 2 weeks ago because I was in so much pain and they didn’t do anything only gave me Ativan which I took but it didn’t stop my chest pain only made me fall asleep. I hate going to the er because I just don’t like having to deal with the medical costs that come with it for my mom I just feel guilty and since they haven’t found anything yet she’s to the point where she doesn’t know what to do and basically says there’s nothing else we can do so I doubt she would let me go to the er again and she’s annoyed that I complain everyday about my pain.
I don’t have a high stress job I only ask covid questions before people come in to see an eye doctor and before that I was unemployed so even when I was just at home I was having pain. It doesn’t ever go away I would say it’s always there sometimes I can deal with it better because it doesn’t hurt as much.
I am a female and I do vape and occasionally smoke weed. But with my lung scan and X-ray coming back fine the doctors don’t think that’s what’s causing my pain. Now I know vaping isn’t well and I am trying to quit. I also want to say ibuprofen doesn’t help

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Vaping and smoking can cause chest pain for people who have asthma or other lung conditions. The inhaling of the Vape or smoke can trigger a tightening of the bronchial tubes, which in turn can cause pain. Chest pain can radiate or refer into other parts of the body and can mimic a cardiac condition, such as a heart attack. You may also be reacting to allergens, either at home or elsewhere. A board certified pulmonologist or allergist might be the way to go. With journaling, you can hopefully identify what environments or scenarios are the triggers. I agree with the good advice that the best places to find good doctors are respected medical centers such as the Mayo Clinic or a teaching hospital. Think of your medical issue as a journey to a destination known as the answer to the question.

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@mikquack

I went to the er 2 weeks ago because I was in so much pain and they didn’t do anything only gave me Ativan which I took but it didn’t stop my chest pain only made me fall asleep. I hate going to the er because I just don’t like having to deal with the medical costs that come with it for my mom I just feel guilty and since they haven’t found anything yet she’s to the point where she doesn’t know what to do and basically says there’s nothing else we can do so I doubt she would let me go to the er again and she’s annoyed that I complain everyday about my pain.
I don’t have a high stress job I only ask covid questions before people come in to see an eye doctor and before that I was unemployed so even when I was just at home I was having pain. It doesn’t ever go away I would say it’s always there sometimes I can deal with it better because it doesn’t hurt as much.
I am a female and I do vape and occasionally smoke weed. But with my lung scan and X-ray coming back fine the doctors don’t think that’s what’s causing my pain. Now I know vaping isn’t well and I am trying to quit. I also want to say ibuprofen doesn’t help

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@mikquack It is good you are stopping vaping. Below are a few articles that may be of interest to you. I encourage you to do further research. Vaping is new and the many chemicals people are ingesting while vaping are not something the medical community has seen before. Very young people (18 or 19) are developing serious unknown lung issues from vaping a short period of time.

- Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

-The Vaping Illness Outbreak: What We Know So Far https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/09/18/760635457/the-vaping-illness-outbreak-what-we-know-so-far

-COVID-19: the connection to smoking and vaping, and resources for quitting https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/quitting-smoking-vaping/covid-19-connection-smoking-and-vaping-and-resources-for-quitting?

It's important that you continue to seek care for your symptoms. Medical expenses add up quickly. I'm wondering if you have considered contacting county human services to see if you could receive help with medical expenses and/or if they could provide you with state insurance? You could also contact the hospital billing and ask if there is any assistance.

I'm sorry your medical issues are causing you and your family extra stress. It is important that you feel supported at this time. May I ask who your main support is?

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UPDATE: so these past couple days I’ve been extremely miserable- waking up and feeling like shit right away. Work is hardly manageable I want to go home almost everyday ): also these last two days it’s been kinda hard to breath? To take deep breaths at times ? And then sometimes it will hurt to do so also at times I will feel faint. My Apple Watch says my heart rate is at anywhere between 54-60 I think that’s fine? But when walking it can spike to like 123/143 idk what’s good or bad but I’ve been told my heart rate is fine . This is a new thing with my chest pain that hasn’t happened before so it just adds To my pain. Tomorrow I have a heart ultrasound so maybe I will get answers I’m hoping they don’t find anything bad but then again I want answers to why I’m having so much pain everyday

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@mikquack

UPDATE: so these past couple days I’ve been extremely miserable- waking up and feeling like shit right away. Work is hardly manageable I want to go home almost everyday ): also these last two days it’s been kinda hard to breath? To take deep breaths at times ? And then sometimes it will hurt to do so also at times I will feel faint. My Apple Watch says my heart rate is at anywhere between 54-60 I think that’s fine? But when walking it can spike to like 123/143 idk what’s good or bad but I’ve been told my heart rate is fine . This is a new thing with my chest pain that hasn’t happened before so it just adds To my pain. Tomorrow I have a heart ultrasound so maybe I will get answers I’m hoping they don’t find anything bad but then again I want answers to why I’m having so much pain everyday

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Mikayla - I am sending you a private message. Please click on the little envelope at the top of the screen to read it.
Sue

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@mikquack

UPDATE: so these past couple days I’ve been extremely miserable- waking up and feeling like shit right away. Work is hardly manageable I want to go home almost everyday ): also these last two days it’s been kinda hard to breath? To take deep breaths at times ? And then sometimes it will hurt to do so also at times I will feel faint. My Apple Watch says my heart rate is at anywhere between 54-60 I think that’s fine? But when walking it can spike to like 123/143 idk what’s good or bad but I’ve been told my heart rate is fine . This is a new thing with my chest pain that hasn’t happened before so it just adds To my pain. Tomorrow I have a heart ultrasound so maybe I will get answers I’m hoping they don’t find anything bad but then again I want answers to why I’m having so much pain everyday

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@mikquack Mikayla, how did the appointment go today? Were you able to get any further answers to your concerns?
Ginger

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@gingerw

@mikquack Mikayla, how did the appointment go today? Were you able to get any further answers to your concerns?
Ginger

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No they only did the ultrasound and said the doctor would review them and then call me with results in no more than 5 business days. Kinda frustrating but I guess that’s how it works

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