Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
6817691 tn?1385071550

Heart palpitations at 16?

Long story, but I need answers desperately.
My mother abused me, plain and simple. I've moved out since it got to it's worst, but i have extensive physical damage. Ever since she (all 323 lbs of her) tackled me in a hallway and layed on top of me, held me down, i've been having:
Heart palpitations
Chest pains,
Lungs collapsing,
and difficulty breathing.
I'm 16 years old, and i'm getting really sick of waking up every hour to feeling like my heart is going to implode. it's a very weird feeling, like, i'll be fine one moment and then it will flutter very aggressively, then a wave of pain, takes my breath. If i try to breathe while this pain is racking my chest, my lungs feel like they are being vacuumed out.

I know this is sort of an obvious question, but should i be concerned?

Also, that same night, she dislocated my shoulder and now, well....i can put weight on it..she popped it back in...but if i try for example to prop myself up on one arm from a laying position, or attempt to do push ups or carry anything, the shoulder (left) begins to shake; not a small shake either but huge convulsions.
10 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
6817691 tn?1385071550
She says she's coming to take me home very soon, i'll call as soon as possible, i just need to get alone with the phone, heh...
Helpful - 0
1807132 tn?1318743597
I really urge you to call the domestic violence hotline.  It is important that in the minimum you find a professional to help you work through the trauma you have been through.  Self harm is serious and though you aren't doing it anymore the emotional trauma still needs to be dealt with and healed.  It doesn't just go away.  You deserve to have a happy life.  So call the hotline and see what services they may have to help you.  
Helpful - 0
6817691 tn?1385071550
this happened months go, and sadly, this woman spent years downsising my credibility with the family, so when i went to the hospital about my shoulder at the time....she told them it was from a sports injury (i've only ever played volleyball,....and that was years ago and only for two months in PE -_-)

Since i was a child (before i knew any better) she convinced me to lie, and just told me i was "being creative" and over the years i learned that it was wrong, but in most cases, if i didn't lie for her the consequences would be painful. due to that, my entire family has a disgust/distrust for me, but trusts her completely because she is "mentally disabled" because of an AVM she had 14-15 years ago.

I also used to self-harm....she blamed the scars on my cat whenever anyone asked, and then laughed in my face about it. I've stopped thanks to my boyfriend, who helped me get out of that situation, but i very well know that i'm not out of the woods yet...
now that i've moved out, i've had alot of blackouts, emotional breakdowns, flashbacks and anxiety attacks that do not help the issue in my chest. >.<
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had friends with broken ribs who didn't know it, precisely because the pain came and went.  What was going on was that the broken ends were shifting with certain movements and not others, but when they did move, they poked and hurt nearby structures.  One guy kept fainting from stabbing pains in the heart.  He was certain he was having repeated heart attacks (several a day!), and it turned out that one end of a broken rib was physically irritating his heart.

It sounds as though CPS isn't going to be of much use to you, and if you do have some kind of police record, that can pose a problem in terms of credibility.  

**However** if you have been beaten badly enough to show injuries which a doctor can document (and must, if he sees any), the situation will change to protect you.  For that reason, it's best to get medical help while bruises and injuries are not healed.

Also, check out shelters for women in your area, and as Michelle said, the Domestic Violence Hotline.
Helpful - 0
6817691 tn?1385071550
Thank you both, I've tried talking to CPS...but truthfully i will never trust them again. I was told that what was occurring was not abuse, and i was in fact just being a delinquent. I was given a choice to go back to her or go to jail. So I chose jail, but some friends of the family fought and took me in. The cops helped and believed me, but CPS is worthless anymore :/ I'll get it checked out ASAP, and, if my rib was broken, wouldn't it be painful all the time? :o
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree with all the suggestions you have received, especially the part about going to the ER for medical assessment and seeking shelter though the domestic violence hotline.  If the doc at the ER finds that you have suffered injury from your mother, and you explain what is going on (I know it is difficult and embarrassing), and ask for help, I think the process of getting you, an endangered minor, into public assistance will begin automatically.  

By the way, your symptoms suggest to me that some of the pain you feel might be due to broken ribs. You should get yourself to an emergency room or call 911 the very next time you have pain and have trouble breathing.

As a victim of childhood beatings myself, I do sympathize with your situation, but when I was a kid, there was NOTHING in place in the system to help.  I could have gone to the ER, and they would have patched me up--and sent me right home, no police report, no nothing.

Reach out for help:  Use the emergency room, your school's counseling system, or domestic violence hotlines.

Let us know what happens, OK?
Helpful - 0
1807132 tn?1318743597
I would try a community clinic or even a hospital ER, let them know your situation and that you are a minor and see what they say.  If that doesn't seem feasible then see if you have someone at school you can consult with.  Most should have counselors assigned to the students.  I would definitely discuss with them your options for not only getting your health checked out but getting help dealing with your mother.  You can also research domestic shelters in your area.  I am sure they would have resources available to you to help with all you are dealing with.  If you need help finding one in the states try the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.  If you aren't in the states look yours up online in the country you are in.  You shouldn't have to deal with this or figure this out alone. Call them up because I am sure they would know where you could go to get help.  I send prayers your way that you find the help you need.  Stay strong.
Helpful - 0
6817691 tn?1385071550
Thank you very much...yes i feel myself having anxiety attacks, especially when she calls. No matter what I do, I'm forced to talk to her. I've begged, I've screamed, I've cried.. I have even cut the phone lines in despair trying to get away from her but because she is my legal guardian i'm suck with her, and that just exasperates the issue with the palpitations..I wouldn't know where to go to get checked out though, i'm completely broke.
Helpful - 0
1807132 tn?1318743597
Abuse is never OK.  You need to see someone.  I would suggest finding a clinic and seeing a doctor to get your chest checked out for physical damage that may be putting stress on your heart.  The heart is a very resilient muscle and can repair itself pretty well from damage but it does take some time and rest.  But the symptoms you mention warrant a trip to the doctor to get checked out.  And please don't hesitate to find a counselor to talk to about the abuse you have endured.  Especially if you notice that you are feeling anxious and afraid a lot.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Helpful - 0
6823582 tn?1385130746
Hey Alice. It sounds like you may be dealing with stress induced palpitations. You may or may not have an underlying condition. I would follow up with a cardiologist. I would pace yourself and stay away from anything that brings on these stresses. Also limit your caffeine intake and anything that can stimulate your heart to work faster. Exercise daily and bring yourself to a calm place mentally. I have had my run in with anxiety and stress and I still battle it till this day. I'm on here looking for answers as well because I have a heart condition with a series  of a fib. Trust me Atrial Fibrillation is something you never want to encounter. It seems to me that your anxiety is taking over. Remember that your nerves ties into your mental state in your brain which ties back to your heart.  Keep yourself hydrated and calm. Remember "Keep Calm and Carry On" :-)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.