Anxiety?

[xceler8]

Hi.  I'm a 36 year old male that was in good health up to about a year ago.  Since then, I've had countless symptoms that seem to add up to anxiety.  It all started out of the blue with a sensation radiating from the upper abdomen/center chest area while trying to fall asleep one night.  I started to get palpitations, tightness in my chest and nausea.  I thought I was having a heart attack.  The ER checked me out and was told it was a "virus."  Since then, I've had digestive issues, fatigue, very easily winded and palpitations.  I can barely walk up a flight of steps without feeling winded.  The sensation that started my issues now comes and goes frequently (anxiety or panic attacks?)  I've been to a cardiologist, had countless blood tests, GI studies, even an upper endoscopy.  All normal.  Even with all these tests performed, I am still constantly worrying about my health.  The physical symptoms are so real that it's hard for me to accept that it could be mental.  I tried Paxil and Lexapro for a week each but could not stand the side effects.  Any advice?  Thanks.

[redding1]

I just went through all of what you said last year. I started out this new year great. I still have worries about what I went through, but now I know it was just my mind building up these thoughts. Its a vicious cycle. It needs to be broken with medication and counseling. Please seek help and it will all pass. You are OK> and if there is something that does come up health wise, you can deal with it. People die instantly and never get a chance to get worried. So remember there are worse situations than what you are anticipating. I'be been there, don't keep the cycle going. Get spiritual, please. Turn to the Lord for comfort. We will all be safe in his arms.

[alsky]

check out CFS   (chronic fatigue syndrome)

[Tangled]

This sounds almost identical to me. I have major problems with my entire digestive system, starting with gallstones and moving right up to a hernia. I also deal with major OCD and anxiety like you wouldn't believe! I know that GERD (as tinkerbell stated above) can cause these symptoms you're having as well as anxiety. Mix those two together and you feel like you've been body slammed into hell. Did you see any specialists for these tests or was it all done by your primary care doctor? I would not rule out digestive disease/disorders without seeing a specialist, and even at that GERD can be difficult to diagnose. When my gallbladder is really flaring up, I will become weak and start feeling short of breath. I normally walk 2 miles a night, but when that hits I am lucky to find the strength to take a shower.

Do NOT assume this is all mental! If it's one thing I have learned along the way, it's that Doctor's are only human, not God. They do not know everything and often misdiagnose or can't find an answer you're seeking, but that should never ever mean that something you feel is all in your head. Just because you might not have a medical answer as to why you feel these symptoms, that doesn't at all mean there isn't one there. Often times a doctor will tell you there's no problem JUST because he couldn't find one, but that doesn't mean there isn't one. It means he couldn't find it. I had an ovarian disease for 10 years before a doctor finally correctly diagnosed me. I am currently going through medical issues I believe to be Neurological in nature, yet I can't get a doctor to figure it out yet, but that will not make me conclude that it's all in my head. What I feel is very real and I will push until I have answers. So do not give up and wave your little flag in defeat and assume anything! If this feels real to you, do not give up. See a 2nd and even a 3rd doctor if that's what it takes.  I am not saying this all can't be anxiety, because it certainly can, just that you shouldn't resign yourself to believing that and resorting to antidepressants for help.

[Irenak]

I agree with the above.  Any life changes could set this off.  I believe, with you, that the cause is more emotional then mental, although they tend to go together.  Because of where this first started, in the solar plexis area, I'm willing to bet that you tend to internalize your emotions.  On the outside you look like you've got it all together, everything is under control,  yet on the inside you are ready to implode.  You probably don't realize what you are doing because you have the mental strength to keep you in a place of denial.  In your mind, you've got things under control.  Find a professional to talk to.  The sooner the better if you want to avoid medications.  

[tinkerbell1124]

What about GERD??? I had chest pains from that before. I too have anxiety. That can make me sick sometimes. I take prozac for that.

[cheshchesh819]

it do all sound like anxiety and yes it is a very physical yet mental illness,most peoples anxiety start because of an event or a fear that has happened in their lives,has anything happen to you to start it off?it helps to talk about it