Eating Disorders Support Group
Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.
Hello, I used to be very active on here about 4 years ago, and recently decided to come back since it looks like I need some more support.
Yesterday I had very out of the normal chest pains. They felt like they where behind my breasts and worsened when I took a deep breath in. They came and went off and on for the entire afternoon. Today they are gone and I feel fine, but I am a little worried as to why I had those pains. Can stress be a cause? Usually when stress comes around I have anxiety attacks and difficulty breathing, but this was different. I do have stressful things going on, planning a wedding, starting nursing school, etc.
Any thoughts or advice?
Yesterday I had very out of the normal chest pains. They felt like they where behind my breasts and worsened when I took a deep breath in. They came and went off and on for the entire afternoon. Today they are gone and I feel fine, but I am a little worried as to why I had those pains. Can stress be a cause? Usually when stress comes around I have anxiety attacks and difficulty breathing, but this was different. I do have stressful things going on, planning a wedding, starting nursing school, etc.
Any thoughts or advice?
kathywonders
Sounds worrying. I too can have breathing difficulties if Im emotionally upset and tight upper back muscles have also caused breathing pains. However Im not familiar with what you describe. If post exercise muscle fatigue isnt a possibility for the cause of the pains then Id see a doctor if it occurs again.
tuxedomck
Thanks. I spoke with my therapist today and she thinks that it may have been a panic attack. She stated that even though I am trying to push away the anxiety and stress, it can still take a toll on one's body even if the mind is not focused on it. I promised her that if it happens again I will go to my doctor to get it checked out.
kathywonders
Your therapist may be right - panic attacks can take different forms. Im sorry youre suffering so much anxiety right now. Are you on medication for the anxiety?
tuxedomck
Oh do I have a cocktail of meds that I'm on. I have additional medicine that I can take as needed for anxiety as well, but the problem is that I don't feel like I'm anxious....so if I don't feel it, how do I know when to take it.?
kathywonders
Thats a tricky one when you dont feel anxious. I certainly feel anxiety strongly when it comes and have found some meds to help. Your anxiety is obviously different and since youre on medication I cant really advise there. I do hope youll find ways to relieve the stress youre suffering and begin to feel more balanced again.
AnnaB12
It's fascinating and a bit scary what stress can do to the body. I hope this doesn't happen to you again. Good idea bringing it up with your therapist.
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