As I posted before, I am a 24 year old
female who has had chest pain for about 2
months. The pain would be sharp (in the
middle of my chest, slightly on the left
side), but not unbearable and would only
last for a few seconds (would occur
frequently in a day - every hour or so). I
went to the doctor and they performed an
EKG, blood test, chest x-ray and
blood/oxygen level test which all came out
normal to much relief.
A month later, the chest pain occurred
less and less frequently. However, the
night before last, I woke up on my left
side in SEVERE pain. It felt as though
someone was stabbing my chest (same
area-middle of chest, slightly on the
left). It made it feel worse when I moved
or took a deep breath. However this pain
only lasted for about 2 minutes.
Throughout the day, I had no sharp pain
similar to that one, but a dull ache in my
chest and left shoulder. That night, my
left arm (armpit radiating down my arm), I
had a tingling sensation, but not pain.
I don't know what is wrong with me. I am
5'7 and weight 121 lbs and have no history
(that I know of) of heart conditions. The
only medication I take is prilosec and
birth control. What can be causing this
pain? Are those test results accurate?
I'm glad the pain doesn't last long, but
it is still worrying me!
According to your diagnostic tests that
appeared all negative, it seems that your
heart and lungs are OK. ECG, X-ray and
physical examination are enough to rule
out most of the lung or heart disorders
that can be manifested with symptoms like
yours. Your symptoms can be also due to
psychical stress. That possibility is very
often in young adults like you.
Are you exposed to stress at work/school,
at home, in your relationship, community
etc.?
Do you smoke, drink alcohol, a lot of
coffee or take drugs?
No, I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take
drugs. But I am a counselor for young
children (for one year-new career) and am
also dealing with pre-marital stress
(getting every thing done on time).
Although I don't believe I usually feel
extremely stressed, my job and wedding
plans can be overwhelming at times. Thanks
for your reply!
According to these additional date I
believe that your chest pain is
stress-related. Try to relax yourself. If
anxiety is too big you can try taking some
anxiolitic drugs (benzodiazepines) but
only under doctor's supervision because
their prolonged usage can cause addiction.
