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Started By
Message
Dealing with severe health anxiety
Posted on 2/3/26 at 1:41 pm
Posted on 2/3/26 at 1:41 pm
I’m currently dealing with health anxiety that is slowly ruining my life and draining me of happiness.
In October, I had an EKG, nuclear stress test and an echocardiogram - I did extremely well on all of these (including the running portion of the nuclear stress test). Except I had some inflammation (per the Echo) and some slight compressions on the EKG.
I was the diagnosed with pericarditis (although it was so mild the doctor said I could still exercise daily).
I took prescribed meds for about 2 weeks after and the chest pains I’d been having disappeared.
That was in November. Early December, the chest pains returned but felt different.
I went to the ER (for precautionary reasons) in December and January - both times I had normal troponin, normal EKG, etc. They also did CRP and inflammatory markers during my Dec and Jan ER visits, everything was fine.
During my follow up with my cardiologist on December 31, we did an EKG and he listened to my heart - said I was fine and that what I’m feeling (the new chest pains) are either GI or musculoskeletal. Many nurses who’ve I’ve spoken to have said the same.
Further, during my ER visit in December they gave me a GI cocktail that relived me of all pains (including chest) for 12 hours. Said no signs of active pericarditis
I got a second option (second cardiologist) in January, he said more or less I’m fine and asked what it would take to get me over my fears (they took EKG and looked at work done for my December inflammation markers and said there’s nothing).
So it’s supposedly residual chest pains from chest wall sensitivity after dealing with acute pericarditis.
Problem is, I keep having chest pains (likely due to stress, anxiety and high blood pressure - which can cause heart-attack like sensations).
But I can’t stop thinking about what if my condition has returned and the doctors are missing it? What if I now have a new condition? Sorry this is so long.
In October, I had an EKG, nuclear stress test and an echocardiogram - I did extremely well on all of these (including the running portion of the nuclear stress test). Except I had some inflammation (per the Echo) and some slight compressions on the EKG.
I was the diagnosed with pericarditis (although it was so mild the doctor said I could still exercise daily).
I took prescribed meds for about 2 weeks after and the chest pains I’d been having disappeared.
That was in November. Early December, the chest pains returned but felt different.
I went to the ER (for precautionary reasons) in December and January - both times I had normal troponin, normal EKG, etc. They also did CRP and inflammatory markers during my Dec and Jan ER visits, everything was fine.
During my follow up with my cardiologist on December 31, we did an EKG and he listened to my heart - said I was fine and that what I’m feeling (the new chest pains) are either GI or musculoskeletal. Many nurses who’ve I’ve spoken to have said the same.
Further, during my ER visit in December they gave me a GI cocktail that relived me of all pains (including chest) for 12 hours. Said no signs of active pericarditis
I got a second option (second cardiologist) in January, he said more or less I’m fine and asked what it would take to get me over my fears (they took EKG and looked at work done for my December inflammation markers and said there’s nothing).
So it’s supposedly residual chest pains from chest wall sensitivity after dealing with acute pericarditis.
Problem is, I keep having chest pains (likely due to stress, anxiety and high blood pressure - which can cause heart-attack like sensations).
But I can’t stop thinking about what if my condition has returned and the doctors are missing it? What if I now have a new condition? Sorry this is so long.
9
Posted on 2/3/26 at 1:50 pm to The Silverback
Always the worst part of it...having anxiety about having anxiety. It just compounds on itself.
Are you still taking the medication? How much exercise are you getting?
Are you still taking the medication? How much exercise are you getting?
Posted on 2/3/26 at 1:52 pm to lsugerberbaby
I used to be an exercise freak. Grip training, arm wrestling, powerlifting, etc
I haven’t touched a weight since early December out of fear of myocarditis (which I never had but my mind keeps this “what if you do” on an anxiety loop)
This is why this is destroying my life. I’ve lost a lot of weight and gains
I only take blood pressure medication twice a day now
I haven’t touched a weight since early December out of fear of myocarditis (which I never had but my mind keeps this “what if you do” on an anxiety loop)
This is why this is destroying my life. I’ve lost a lot of weight and gains
I only take blood pressure medication twice a day now
Posted on 2/3/26 at 1:54 pm to The Silverback
Yeah that sucks. Did they give you other symptoms to look out for?
Did they give you something for anxiety?
Did they give you something for anxiety?
Posted on 2/3/26 at 2:08 pm to OysterPoBoy
They said to seek help for anxiety and take Propanolol (which was previously prescribed I hate the way it makes me feel).
Posted on 2/3/26 at 2:10 pm to The Silverback
Sounds like you suffer from pretty severe anxiety - I'd probably recommend you go back to the doctor to address this. Not sure if you have hang up with taking anxiety medication, but there's nothing wrong with getting on medication, if you need it...especially when it can drastically improve your life.
ETA:
Try another. There's ton of different medications for this stuff - find the one that works for you.
ETA:
quote:
Propanolol (which was previously prescribed I hate the way it makes me feel).
Try another. There's ton of different medications for this stuff - find the one that works for you.
This post was edited on 2/3/26 at 2:12 pm
Posted on 2/3/26 at 3:15 pm to lsugerberbaby
Just be wary of benzos. I was given Ativan once, and didn't care about shite.
Posted on 2/3/26 at 7:12 pm to The Silverback
I’ll tell you what a cardiologist once told me.
“What are you scared of? Dying? I promise you’ll never know if you do.”
I was 29, super stressed and had an anxiety attack that I felt was a heart attack. Had them brutally for a few months, until I saw him and he did every test showing I was healthy.
“What are you scared of? Dying? I promise you’ll never know if you do.”
I was 29, super stressed and had an anxiety attack that I felt was a heart attack. Had them brutally for a few months, until I saw him and he did every test showing I was healthy.
Posted on 2/3/26 at 7:27 pm to The Silverback
Your anxiety is the problem. Its probably causing high blood pressure.
You need to relax and stop worrying about heart.
You need to relax and stop worrying about heart.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 5:32 am to The Silverback
Sorry to hear about your issues. Anxiety of any kind can be crippling...and the last thing you tell someone with anxiety is to "relax," because that just makes it worse.
It seems that multiple doctors and possibly other health professionals have done copious amounts of tests and have let you know that everything looks great. That is awesome news. But you still have issues of what you "might" have. It's that fear of the unknown. We can't control that, because it hasn't manifest itself...and likely never will. You need to build trust in your own body again.
If you love exercising...start doing some. But start off slow. You need to build that trust again. And as you gain confidence in yourself again...add a little more to your routine. It probably won't be easy for you, but you have to start somewhere.
I will also echo that if a medication makes you feel not so great, then seek other options. It may be that your body is telling you something.
I really hope you figure this out. Let us know what you decide. Good Luck.
It seems that multiple doctors and possibly other health professionals have done copious amounts of tests and have let you know that everything looks great. That is awesome news. But you still have issues of what you "might" have. It's that fear of the unknown. We can't control that, because it hasn't manifest itself...and likely never will. You need to build trust in your own body again.
If you love exercising...start doing some. But start off slow. You need to build that trust again. And as you gain confidence in yourself again...add a little more to your routine. It probably won't be easy for you, but you have to start somewhere.
I will also echo that if a medication makes you feel not so great, then seek other options. It may be that your body is telling you something.
I really hope you figure this out. Let us know what you decide. Good Luck.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 12:09 pm to The Silverback
Did something happen to trigger this when you were working out?
Posted on 2/4/26 at 4:10 pm to The Silverback
Are you drinking?
Obviously everyone is different, but I had SEVERE health anxiety all through my 20s. No joke, probably 15-20 ER trips over the span of 5-7 years. Countless imagine, medical bills, specialists etc. It 100% coincides with my drinking. Took me years to isolate and be sure of the link.
Mine is to do with OCD, specifically pure O, being more prominent after using alcohol. Thoughts that would normally not be noticed become prominent and on repeat until you convince yourself you're going to die.
Not saying that's what is happening with you. Might be worth it to see if a correlation exists.
Obviously everyone is different, but I had SEVERE health anxiety all through my 20s. No joke, probably 15-20 ER trips over the span of 5-7 years. Countless imagine, medical bills, specialists etc. It 100% coincides with my drinking. Took me years to isolate and be sure of the link.
Mine is to do with OCD, specifically pure O, being more prominent after using alcohol. Thoughts that would normally not be noticed become prominent and on repeat until you convince yourself you're going to die.
Not saying that's what is happening with you. Might be worth it to see if a correlation exists.
This post was edited on 2/4/26 at 4:13 pm
Posted on 2/4/26 at 4:13 pm to The Silverback
quote:Have you considered microdosing mushrooms or something like that and/or macrodosing via guided session?
They said to seek help for anxiety and take Propanolol (which was previously prescribed I hate the way it makes me feel).
You might could benefit from a psilocybin retreat - 5-7 days, 2-3 doses. Relaxing, restorative, etc.
Posted on 2/4/26 at 4:59 pm to The Silverback
quote:
They said to seek help for anxiety and take Propanolol (which was previously prescribed I hate the way it makes me feel).
Well, there goes my suggestion. Propranolol helped my anxiety chest pains immensely, and I have zero side effects.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 8:55 am to The Silverback
I was able to overcome pretty severe anxiety.
I take 5 mg Lexipro. Avoid benzos as mentioned.
Diet - avoid processed foods. Your heart loves vegetables.
Exercise - if you are concerned about intense workouts, just take long walks until you feel comfortable doing more.
Mindfulness- helpful to overcome the worry. The Waking Up App is very good.
I take 5 mg Lexipro. Avoid benzos as mentioned.
Diet - avoid processed foods. Your heart loves vegetables.
Exercise - if you are concerned about intense workouts, just take long walks until you feel comfortable doing more.
Mindfulness- helpful to overcome the worry. The Waking Up App is very good.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 5:34 pm to Hobie101
I had panic attacks for years that seemed to have no relation to outside stresses, diet, alcohol use anything I could figure out. I'd be reading a book, or driving, almost anything, and BAM, I'm having a full-blown panic attack.
Six years ago I started a new doctor, he changed several meds, but put me on duloxetine 60mg, have not had an attack since then.
Six years ago I started a new doctor, he changed several meds, but put me on duloxetine 60mg, have not had an attack since then.
Posted on 2/9/26 at 7:29 am to andouille
try something thats not a Benzo
what's your resting HR? My doctor said i can't take it because my resting HR is 42. It lowers your heart rate and cortisol so make sure you can take it. Almost everyone on Broadway and singer takes this before they take stage.
quote:
Propanolol (which was previously prescribed I hate the way it makes me feel).
what's your resting HR? My doctor said i can't take it because my resting HR is 42. It lowers your heart rate and cortisol so make sure you can take it. Almost everyone on Broadway and singer takes this before they take stage.
Posted on 2/10/26 at 5:40 am to The Silverback
Yup. Been dealing with mine for about 15 years and have it somewhat under control compared to what it used to be. The biggest game changer for me was taking a daily medication. Mine is vilazodone. Viibryd is the brand name and I take a 10mg once a day. Doc said it would take 3 weeks to begin working, and boy lemme tell you. Exactly day 21 I had no symptoms. A feeling I hadn’t felt in years. The freedom was incredible. If you look it up, it’s also used for depression (I don’t have any of that going on) but my doc said they mostly use it for anxiety. If I get wrapped around the axel about something worm related for too long I can still get a symptom here or there but nothing like before where I had trips to the ER. Once the symptoms go away, you’re more likely to resume working out because you won’t feel the doom. And then you can break the cycle you’re in. Good luck. Oh and Viibryd is like one of many meds out there, so don’t be stuck on it. It’s just the one I’m on.
Posted on 2/10/26 at 6:39 pm to BengalBlood81
quote:That's basically an SSRI. I would definitely recommend trying guided psychedelics before SSRIs.
vilazodone
Posted on 2/10/26 at 10:04 pm to The Silverback
Been through it, similar circumstances but more extreme initial event. Part of my recovery was no gym for several months until scans were clear. Sitting idle made health anxiety significantly worse. Went to the ER multiple times after incident, always a false alarm (0 troponin and normal EKG). Ran up quite the tab but I couldn’t have given two shits about the bill at the time. Went to several top specialists, was not impressed by anyone - limited knowledge, contradictory feedback, diagnosis by process of elimination, etc. Lost confidence in the system, increased anxiety. Finally found a specialist who was well studied, was a turning point.
Several years later still get minor anxiety when I get chest pain of any kind. Frequency and intensity of anxiety is way down. Regular exercise helps most (I try to sweat 5+ days a week). Took me a while to get comfortable going to gym - eased back in over several months with sauna then incline walks.
Personally would not recommend anxiety meds. You will get through it on your own - stay off of your phone, go for walks outside, focus on your personal goals / family, eat right, exercise. You’ll feel normal again in a few months
Several years later still get minor anxiety when I get chest pain of any kind. Frequency and intensity of anxiety is way down. Regular exercise helps most (I try to sweat 5+ days a week). Took me a while to get comfortable going to gym - eased back in over several months with sauna then incline walks.
Personally would not recommend anxiety meds. You will get through it on your own - stay off of your phone, go for walks outside, focus on your personal goals / family, eat right, exercise. You’ll feel normal again in a few months
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