I have been having pain in the left side of my chest, under my breast or on the side. It comes on suddenly, at times waking me while I am sleeping. It can happen when I am watching tv or reading. It is sharp, sometimes stabbing. Last year, I had to get a stent for a blockage in my right coronary artery, so when I get this pain I worry that it is my heart. Usually I take Tylenol and it goes away. Sometimes it lasts almost an hour, and I have been to the ER countless times, where after ekg, bloodwork, and chest xrays I am told I am ok. Has anyone else had the same experience?
I do get sharp pain sometimes, although it’s not a regular thing with me. I also take OTC meds and use cold packs in-between to make sure I’m keeping the inflammation down and the pain under control.
how did they find your previous blockage? if it was via the same kind of tests you should find comfort in them further tests knowing they are ok. I have heard costochondritis can cause shooting pains.
Diane,
Thank you for your reply. The cold packs are a good idea. I will try that.
Nancy
Sophie,
They found my previous blockage by a CT Angiogram. I just had a video appointment with my cardiologist two days ago, and he ordered a stress test with echocardiogram. I just had one in October that was normal, but this is the next best thing to actually having a catheterization. I also have to wear a Cam monitor for seven days. This is similar to a holter monitor but it is smaller. It is so hard to know if my pain is heart-related or costochondritis.
Nancy