About 4 months ago I had this feeling in my chest, like my heart was sinking into me but it only happened every once in awhile.. It's really hard to explain. It didn't hurt but it was weird and a bit uncomfortable.It kinda made me feel like I was losing my breath. My mom took me to the doctor and he said it was probably nothing. About a month later it got a little more intense and was happening more then once a week. It started hurting a little and made me a little sick to my stomach. Now, it is a constant feeling. I feel like someone is grabbing my heart and twisting it. It isn't always real bad but sometimes it gets tearjerking. I am also having alot of headaches recently. I'm only 17 and I have no way to get to a doctor. My parents think I'm overreacting but I'm starting to get really worried. Does anyone have any idea what this could be and what should I do if I can't get my parents to get me to a doctor? Should I even be concerned so much?
2006-07-06 13:20:43 · 21 answers · asked by mysarcophagus 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
One of the biggest challenges with these types of symptoms are that they can be from a number of things that range from serious health risks to psychological symptoms of anxiety. The problem with the anxiety attack symptoms is that they make you more anxious, then the symptoms get worse - it's a cycle.
Did the family doctor do an EKG where they put the sensors on your chest and measure the electrical impulses from the heart muscle? or did he/she just listen through the stethoscope? Do you have a history of anxiety or depressions? Are you going through (or recently went through) something very difficult or emotional?
At 17 do you have a driver's license? The local hospital should have a free clinic if you really feel that concerned. If they tell you that it might be some sort of cardiovascular illness, then ask for a written report to show your parents so they'll take you to a specialist. If they tell you it's anxiety, then ask if they can refer you to a mental health services clinic. Your parents' insurance probably has a mental health policy, but I'm not sure that they'll help you, based on your question, so that's why I suggested the clinic. I was also thinking of suggesting a Family Planning/Planned Parenthood Clinic - and I see someone else already did. It may be a better option as a starting point than a hospital clinic because their rules are a bit different at your age and they are people who care for just young women like yourself and have a lot of resources to recommend.
Whatever the cause - worrying and stressing about the problem does make it worse, so try to do some deep breathing, relaxation and meditation exercises - maybe some yoga. This way, when the symptoms act up, you can help your body overcome them by triggering the relaxation response, which is a proven medical phenomenon.
Other common sense health and wellness tips also apply - get plenty of sleep; drink plenty of water; minimize or eliminate caffeine; minimize or eliminate sugary/processed foods. Get some low impact exercise, like yoga, pilates, or even walking at an moderate pace.
Good luck!
2006-07-06 13:36:37 · answer #1 · answered by HearKat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If money is a concerned that your parents won't take you, volunteer to pay for the visit.
This maybe a round about way to do this, but go to Planned Parenthood, I think they will give you a 1/2 decent physical. Talk to them about it. They should be able to help you and I am sure if there is a problem they will contact your parents for you. Their fee is on a sliding scale, so if you say you have no money, I don't think they would charge you very much if at all.
If you go to an ER, they will contact your parents before they do anything to treat you, they might find something and I would think that would force your parents into a corner to do something.
2006-07-06 20:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by starting over 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should be concerned. Express your concerns to your parents again, the doctor said it PROBABLY was nothing, that means it may also be something. If your symptoms persist, call 911, trust me the paramedics will be on your side and get you to your local ER. Hopefully it is nothing, maybe a little bit of stress or something, but it is not worth taking that chance, you are young, but no one is too young for a heart condition/abnormality. Could even be something inherited from your folks. Please seek medical attention soon. Good Luck!!
2006-07-06 20:30:07 · answer #3 · answered by cheri-er-rn@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know you or anything about you other than what you've chosen to say here. It may be an anxiety attack. If your parents don't respond maybe they know something about you that we don't. Or maybe you need to kick and scream until they take you back to the doctor. If you're this concerned, ask a neighbor or the parent of a friend to take you. However, this may be difficult because it's probably your mother who has your health insurance card in her wallet and she makes the co-pay. Your best bet is to seen by someone who already knows your medical & psychological history. Make your parents understand how concerned you are. Convince them.
2006-07-09 15:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself to the emergency room, have a friend take you, or a friend's parent, or an aunt, or some adult relative. If not, just go. The hospital will have to call your parents eventually because you're underage, so they can't treat you without their consent. Of course, your parents could always say NO to having you treated, but maybe this will get them to realize you're not overreacting. I can't believe that they won't listen to you when you tell them about this... if anything, most parents are overly cautious when it comes to their child's health. Good luck!
2006-07-06 20:27:17 · answer #5 · answered by lachicadecafe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next time it feels really bad call 911 (or whatever emergency number you use in the country you're in). Paramedics can usually hook you up to a heart monitor and see what's going on as it's happening. Then THEY can get you to a Dr if your parents wont.
2006-07-06 20:26:44 · answer #6 · answered by David T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctor would have noticed something odd when he listened to your heart..if he did he would have done an ekg..Ive had Heartburn that sounds exactly like what you are describing..At least try some over the counter heartburn meds to see if that will allieviate some of the problem..If you are still having the problem after that. go to the emergency room..Get an EKG to ease your mind..
2006-07-06 20:32:14 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a heart doctor or go to the er when this happens, so they have to check you. Since you describe this very good in writing, print your question and take it with you. You can also go the the American Heart Assc. website and email them. But you should do something to ease your mind
2006-07-06 20:29:25 · answer #8 · answered by harrowgate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call 911
2006-07-06 23:53:17 · answer #9 · answered by pachenz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you emotionally healthy? Strong emotions like heartbreak or homesickness can cause pain like that. Too much caffeine might too. Check your local phonebook for an ask-a-nurse telephone number and call them.
2006-07-08 03:56:38 · answer #10 · answered by Wyld Stallyns 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋