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5684282 tn?1372321722

22 Years old and it ***** to have Anxiety...........

I never thought id ever be in a forum asking for help but here goes...Last year November I experienced my first attack - i hit me from nowhere I was simply laying on my bed. I thought I was having a heart attack but when I was rushed to the hospital, the tests came back as clear and I was just another patient with anxiety....

I don't believe in anti depressants or medication I have tried to keep it natural... by taking rescue drops and so forth.
I dont know what the cause is- im not so stressed out but my symptoms are INSANE. I get sharp pains in my chest close to my left breast. It lasts really long.. as im typing this message i am getting pains just thinking of it. My left arm goes numb? It even aches... My back and neck aches... and most of all I FEEL LIKE IM GOING NUTS! like nobody understands what I am experiencing and they all say its in my head.

I think its because I fear having a heart attack that Im experiencing this... but I need to know what I can do?? I dont take drugs or steroids... I dont gym because I fear ill drop dead and die.. I eat very healthy and actually went on the candida diet.... which is no bread,flour,pasta,sweets,chocolates,sugar,caffeine etc Im totally lost...... could it be a high level of acid? Please help... I want these pains in my heart to go and get the life I had before :(  
Best Answer
Avatar universal
You're not going crazy and we do understand what you're going through. I'm glad to hear you've already had some testing done but I would recommend to have more done to rule everything out.
You're only 22 so the odds of you having a heart attack are almost non existent. It sounds like possible stomach problems. I know those can make you feel like you're having a heart attack. So, I would would start with a gastro Dr first.You might also want to have your vitamin levels checked. B vitamins, because if they're low that can cause anxiety. Your thyroid levels. Ask your Dr to not only check TSH but also FT3, FT4 and antibodies. Are you getting enough sunshine? If not, ask to have your D levels checked.
Exercise is actually good for anxiety so you might want to start taking walks or doing some kind of light training. You've been checked so you know your heart is fine for exercise.
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Avatar universal
I think going to the gastro Dr will put your mind at ease. I wish you could diagnose you but we can't. We can only suggest possible causes of your symptoms. You could very well have acid reflux or an ulcer like the above poster mentioned. A gastro Dr would be able to tell you if you have either or both.
Your back, neck and arm pain could related or it could be a separate issue. A pinched nerve in your neck can cause your arm to go numb. You would need to see your family Dr or a Chiropractor to find out if that's what's going on.
You should'nt brush off any kind of pain, and you're not, because your body is trying to tell you something.
Helpful - 0
5684282 tn?1372321722
Thank you Remar.. I just want to ask one more thing:

Could the stomach problems cause pain in my left arm and left breast? Your answer has really eased my mind and the only concern I have is my left arm paining and the ever so now and again chest pains. By me going to the Gastro doctor will it put my mind at ease? I do think its a stomach problem as I noticed that I have had indigestion problems where my tummy makes horrible sounds.  

If the pain lasted for a day or two I would have brushed it off- but I can honestly say that for 3 weeks straight I have pain in my left breast (nipple mainly)/chest pain and my left arm is numb.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear friend ,  
Please consult someone to rule out stomach ulcer . The other possible cause is panic attacks . Both can be treated so dont worry  ...

Pls give feedback  and yes there forums exist because no one knows when they need help . I too never thought i would land in forums but am happy that these exist  
Helpful - 0
5595906 tn?1370579645
"It sounds like possible stomach problems. I know those can make you feel like you're having a heart attack. So, I would would start with a gastro Dr first.You might also want to have your vitamin levels checked. B vitamins, because if they're low that can cause anxiety. Your thyroid levels."

I agree with remar.
Helpful - 0
5669694 tn?1372070410
Your describing panic attacks, not acid. Although, when anxiety levels get really high, you can have issues with stomach acid. With panic attacks, you'll have chest pains, sweating, dizziness, etc. It's good to start going to therapy to discuss your anxiety and learn techniques on how to deal with it.

It's important to eat healthy and exercise regularly. You need to at least get outside and walk around everyday. Eat at the same time and go to bed/get up at the same time. And like you said, stay away from caffeine if possible.

Next time you have a panic attack - try placing a cold press/bag on the back of your neck. You can also place it in your hands or on your forehead. You can sit up or lay down. Whatever is more comfortable. Close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Breathe in. Breathe out. Slow breaths. Visualize something relaxing (you are at the beach, the waves are slowly moving, and you wiggle your toes in the sand, or floating in space. Whatever you find relaxing). Everytime someting stressful pops in your mind (a specific event or just the feeling that you are having a heart attack), push that thought away, refocus on your breathing and revisualize the relaxing scene. Just continue to do this with your cold pack on your skin.

If you are in a public place, you can go to the restroom and splash cold water on your face. At night, you can drink herbal Bedtime tea and take a hot bath. Somtimes, just walking outside to breath in fresh air can make a big difference.

Here are some more calming exercises for anxiety attacks:
http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/relaxation
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