Seems to be one thing after another

Mental health
1

I'm not going to go through what I've been through over the last year and a half. Because I'd be typing all evening.

I'm just going to say what has happened recently.

Last Friday I found my grandfather unconscious, I thought he was after taking a stroke...but after tests in hospital, they said he is epileptic. He has heart failure for the last few years...and the doctors told us he could die any time over the summer.

I don't know if it's been going in and out if the hospital, and seeing all these people with cardiac problems...but I seem to be having chest pains the last two days.

I woke up 3 mornings ago, and my left arm felt weird, and heavy. I thought it was to do with my heart, and went to my doctor the next day. I described the feeling, and she didn't even mention anything to do with my heart. She did tests ( made me grip her hand, pull and push her etc). She said that it was just the way I was sleeping, and after a while it went.

Since then, I've been having chest pains. They only last a few minutes, and aren't that bad. I'm petrified I have something wrong with my heart. Of course...stupid me went and googled chest pain, and a massive list of symptoms and causes came up. I know there are many causes of chest pain...but I'm scared it's to do with my heart. I had a pain when I started typing this...and now it's gone. Anytime I get a pain, it seems to go when I get comfortable.

I had something similar to this about 6 months ago...and it turned out to be silent heartburn or something like that. I've never had an ECG or a scan on my heart, my doctor used to check my blood pressure, heart rate and ask how the pain felt...she would then say what she thought it was and it would go away after a few days ( or hours).

Should I visit my GP again?? I haven't had an anxiety attack in a while so I'm not sure if this is the start of one ( I hope not). I don't have any nausea and don't really feel dizzy so I know that's a good sign it's not a heart attack.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks, Jack

By the way...I'm only 16...so I know heart problems aren't that common at my age

2

Hi Jack, I am not a physician, but I do suffer from anxiety. The chest pain could be anxiety. Finding your grandfather like that had to be terribly disturbing. Also to know that your grandfather could pass at any moment has to be horrible. Please try some deep breathing, and maybe some exercise or journalling. Try anything that might help calm you. Hugs to you. 

3

Hi Brenda, thanks for your reply. After posting this discussion, I used one of the breathing techniques I learned in counselling. The pain is gone at the moment. I plan on going back to my GP in the morning just to make sure. Better safe than sorry!!

Thanks again for the reply, Jack

4

Hi Jack you have been under a lot of stress with your grandfather being ill.l know you have googled which is never a good idea.It does sound like you have a bit of anxiety or perhaps you have strained a muscle.Nothing you have said sounds like a heart problem.Try to find ways to relax and try not to overthink any sensations.