Question
I am a 19 year old male. I weigh about 150 and am about 5'8".  For the
past 3 to 4 months I've been having really weird pains. I always have
pains in my chest. Like aching and sore. My back is always popping and
is very uncomfortable.  About 7 months ago I went to the hospital
because I was feeling very dizzy and felt like I was going to faint. When I
got there and they checked me for Mono it came back negative. But they
said I was dehydrated. They gave me potassium pills and sent me out.
Ever since that day I have been so scared of dying. Everyday I wake up I
dread going to work because I don't like being around anyone too
unfamiliar.  But now I don't like driving by myself or being anywhere without
someone I know.  I can't even go to a restaurant anymore without
FREAKING OUT. I also had a hernia surgery about 3 months ago. My arms feel
like they go numb sometimes. I also have a very bad pain in my chest
every now and then when I turn my head a certain way. It feels like
someone 300lbs. is sitting on my chest when I turn my head. I've gone to my
doctor a few times and he told me to go to a psychologist. I really
think there is something wrong with me. Couldmthis be a pinched nerve maybe
a rib out of place or fractured. Something that doesnt lead to the
heart? I have no history in my family of heart problems. Thank you and
please help!


Answer
Hi Ken

Thanks for your question. First let me make sure you understand that I'm a psychologist, not a medical doctor. Any answer I give you is based on my own research and the experiences my clients have shared with me.

One possibility that comes to mind is that you have pressure on a nerve or nerve damage that is causing this pain. I wouldn't want to speculate on the specifics. It could be related to the hernia surgery, but certainly this possibility needs to be properly evaluated by a medical doctor. Better to see someone outpatient than go to the E.R. if possible.

It is also possible that you are having anxiety or panic attacks. The symptoms you describe do occur sometimes with panic attacks. I'd always prefer that you have a thorough physical evaluation first before jumping to the conclusion that a psychologist is the answer.

While it's theoretically possible that it has to do with your heart, I think it is much more likely to be something else.

Try to get in and see a doctor for a thorough check; make sure you right everything down before you go so you don't forget to give all the information about your symptoms.

Best of luck

Barry Hughes

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com