I am a 27 year old male.
I have had anxiety my entire life but it really reared it's head a few years ago just before I graduated college. Most of my anxiety is surrounded by health or fear of having certain health conditions. I have been convinced I had a terrible hear, brain tumors, ect..I experience a lot of the regular symptoms but can typically keep everything under control (Including Panic Attacks) with a combination of medication (Zoloft), exercise (Crossfit 4x/week) and eating clean (I basically follow the Whole30 when eating.
In January, I went on the whole30 diet where I ate clean and did not consume any alcohol for 30 days. Since then, I have maintained a similar diet and have a glass of red wine once or twice a week.
A few weeks ago, I started experiencing a weird sensation in my chest. It is difficult to tell if it is my chest, or my esophagus, or throat. All signs pointed to it being some sort of acid reflux but I do not have any heart burn. I started taking some Tums and that weekend, went on a trip with some college friends and ate everything in my sight (Things I had not been eating like cheese and bread) and binge drank beers and liquor in no particular order. I felt ok that whole weekend and even felt alright on Monday.
But after eating breakfast, the weird feeling in my throat started creeping back. I also noticed some discomfort in my stomach either after eating, or after going a long time without eating (when on empty). This strange sensation in my throat is now accompanied by terrible neck pain and occaisionally some mild chest and back pain. These symptoms do not start until I start eating. I wake up feeling fine and having slept fine. After breakfast, I begin to anticipate the dreaded throat sensation that now is starting to feel more and more sore and painful. In addition, it creates a lot of tension and pain in my neck and jaw. It tends to get worse when I think about it and if I am distracted it lessens. It seems to come and go with food.
Keep in mind I typically eat really clean. Eggs and veggies for breakfast, lean meat and veggies for lunch and dinner. No Alochol. Workouts once a week.
My first thought was that it was anxiety. I then thought that it might be GERD without heartburn. Then I thought it could perhaps be a stomach or esophagus ulcer from my binge eating/drinking weekend with a lot of ibruprophen.
Now I don't know what to think. I am in between jobs so am waiting to switch to my wifes health insurance before I go see a doctor to examine my throat but I wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience. Thanks in advance.