Heart or anxiety?

[grace437]

Hi,

I have been having pain in my back (specifically my left shoulder into my arm and pinky) for the past 3 months.  I have visited the ER numerous times and my bloodwork (troponin, etc) and ECG have always come back normal.  More recently I saw a cardiologist who sent me for a coronary CT angiogram which also came back normal.  I am still worried that it is my heart.  Has anyone had similar issues and what were you diagnosed with?  My doctors have all said anxiety.  

[achillea]

You have been seen many times by people who went to medical school and who as a result probably know a lot more about how the body works than the average person.  You have even seen a cardiologist who probably knows a LOT more about hearts than almost anyone else.  All these people say your heart is fine.

What would you really hoping to hear?  That--in spite of all evidence to the contrary--you are dying of heart disease?  Is that reasonable or rational?

What I am getting at is that you might want to seriously consider that anxiety might just be your real problem.  This can be treated quite successfully by a good shrink, and I can reassure you that your life gets better with such treatment.

[grace437]

I guess it is hard to believe that anxiety can cause such terrible and persistent symptoms.  I was actually reading the definition of hypochondriac yesterday and it includes seeking validation from numerous sources....I have reached out to a therapist and am hoping to see them soon.

[achillea]

Good.  I believe you will do better now.