Permanent Chest Pain

[Smowball]

Hi everyone, Happy Easter btw. Ok for weeks now I’ve had a permanent pain in what I can only describe as my chest, right below my bust. It feel like I have a belt strapped round my chest and every time I breath in deeply it feels like the belt is being tightened. I do have asthma, which is controlled with inhalers and I can’t remember the last time I had an attack - years ago probably. I’ve recently had a problem with a racing heartbeat which comes on and off. Doctor sent me for ECG and to wear heart monitor for 24 hours but never ever gave me the results of either, despite me asking . I cannot get doctors appointment so went to local walk in centre and saw a doctor who was totally not interested in what I was saying and frankly looked bored out of her mind. I’m not in agony, but it’s just really uncomfortable. Any ideas what it is??

[NoMercy]

Sounds musculoskeletal tbh. Cardiac pain is usually centralised, not left-sided, and tends to radiate to the jaw and arm.

However chest pain is a Cat A and you should always seek professional medical advice.

If pain worsens or you suddenly become unwell, call 999 x

[Smowball]

Hi Nom. Like I said, if I’m sitting quietly im ok,sort of, but aware it hurts, but if I breathe in deeply it really hurts.

[Sqad]

I think that the important thing here is that I can tell you what it isn't........it is't cardiac pain (it is not coming from your heart.)
You do mention any cough, so we can assume that it is unlikely to be coming from your lungs.
Being persistent and not related to food, I think that we can rule out a gastric problem (hiatus hernia), which only incriminates a musculo-skeletal problem ( have you done any lifting?)or a psychosomatic problem ( depression perhaps)
Well ther you go....something to think about.

[NoMercy]

Is it a stabbing pain or dull aching?

[Smowball]

I’ve had a cold for weeks and weeks but not really coughing anymore. I take Omeprazole for acid reflux. Lifting.... ummm I don’t think so. Stressed with kids, family, etc lol but not depressed. (Hi Sqad!)

[NoMercy]

Hmmmm... I wonder if you hurt your diaprgam when coughing?

Sqad will have a better idea of what it could be.

[NoMercy]

*diaphragm*

[Smowball]

It’s a really strong dull ache, almost as though I’ve broken ribs(which I haven’t)

[Sqad]

Yes, I am thinking on the lines of NoM.....not necessarily the diaphragm, but certainly your chest wall.
Take paracetamol and monitor the situation.

[Smowball]

Oh blimey, I’ve been taking pain killers for weeks now with no effect, it’s driving me mad!

[Sqad]

O.K...the we are looking into a trip to your GP who may well delve more closely into your state of mind and may....just may ...prescribe anti-depressants.

[Smowball]

Anti depressants?? What on earth for?

[Sqad]

Snowball..........anti-depressants have many uses other than treating depression.

[Smowball]

Ohhh I see.

[woofgang]

costochondritis? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costochondritis

[NoMercy]

My GP commenced me on Citalopram for suspected IBS. It didn't help and I stopped taking them.

I definitely had problems with constipation, diarrhoea and mood swings but it got better gradually with a combination of time and counselling.

I know you've had a turbulent time and sometimes we hold on to our anxiety and strange symptoms manifest much later...

[Cloverjo]

I was thinking it could be anxiety, too.

[douglas9401]

What NoMercy said.

Or

You've twisted something slightly out of kilter and it'll fix itself over time.

[Mamyalynne]

The first step towards lessening any anxiety will be to get the results of the tests you had done, then move on from there.

Good luck.

[Smowball]

Omg I’m not suffering from anxiety. (And I already have IBS)