hi

for the past 2 days my biggest symptom has come back. i finished the program but i'm going through it again because i don't know for sure if this is just a "setback". i'm hoping it is. however, i just using my new coping skills but it's still there. and this is what scares me a little because i don't know if this is a real heart attack. anyone going through the same thing? any advice or comforting words will be appreciated....

Hi tweety,
you know what i think maybe you should go do? i personally feel like from reading your posts that this is anxiety. But i think you are reallly worried that you are going to die from the chest pains and palpitating heart. If it would make you feel better do go to the doctor and tell them and have them put you on a heart monitor you can push a button when it does that stuff and they can tell you if its just rapid heart beat or if it is something else.
I saw you post about lucinda saying stress can kill you, ihavent gotten to 13 yet, but i am assuming she is talking over long periods of time., You wont just have a panic attack and have a heart attack and die. I think what she is talking about is that studies probably show that stress over long periods of time can increase your chances of cancer, and other things, not from panic attacks.
I get chest pains alot when i am really upset about things but it is anxiety, not a heart attack.
Dont see the chest pains and palpitation as a set back ok? its just anxiety and youll be fine
Lori

Hey Tweety34!
Your have to go back to that "middle ground", your thinking in extremes and scaring yourself. I am on the program for the 2nd time, and I still can take an ache, pain, circumstance, situation, you name it, and elevate it to a worse case scenario in matter of seconds. This program is a process, baby steps not leaps. Recognize that you as well as probably all of the participants go through the same thing. Don't give it power, distract yourself. If you hve a heart condition then see a doctor, chances are your fine....
Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Tweety
I have finished the program, but am doing it all over again. It's just so much better the second time around. Anxiety will give you chest pain and every other symptom possible. I am a 34 year old man and let me tell you that the chest pain used to scare me really bad..I always thought of having a heart attack when my chest would hurt. but it hasn't happened. when your chest hurts just don't give it any attention it does go away. One thing that worked for me is taking a little walk when my chest would hurt and it helped alot. not to get too personal here but alot of people with anxiety have stomach problems which can of course lead to GAS which can also creep up to your chest and it is painful it could even feel like a heart attack. so don't worry so much take a walk stop worrying so much when you feel the pain. and if it keep happening it would be gas try a gas x they really work. take care Max

Hi Tweety,
My heart goes out to you. Of all the symptoms the chest pain is the scariest for me. Like others mentioned get the Dr to check it out. Also as Lucinda suggests eat healthy, take vitamins and exersise... all those things that make the heart healthier. I have found that yoga helps. The pain is usually muscle spasms and why it is in the location of the heart I don't know. You are doing great. Just sharing your feelings is a step to healing. I have been having chest pain for about fifteen years and I am still here! Every time it happens I go thro the "stuff" all over again! Is it a heart attack? I am dying, Why do I feel so much pain?... ect. Listen to the tapes tweety, it will help a lot. Its just thoughts remember you are going to be fine

Hey Tweety don't let the chest pains get the best of you. I've been having these pains on and off for yrs. and it does feel like a heart attack, but I'm still here! If you have not seen your doc. I would just to put you at ease. That's what I did and I feel better. Try to do other things when it happens. If you keep telling yourself over and over again this is anxiety this will go away and it is ok to feel like these it will lessen the stress and you won't keep the vicious circle going. I am only in session 3 and the program is helping me so much! I just saw my Doc. a couple days ok and he took me off my meds. He also told me that it is wonderful that I'm taking this program and if I keep it up it well help immensely! So hang in there. Remember everyone here is always willing to help. People like us are the most caring of all.
God Bless,
Carol