Intensifying Chest Discomfort for Eight Days
I'm a 25-year-old woman, and last Thursday evening, I began experiencing chest discomfort that's unlike anything I've encountered before. It didn’t resemble my usual asthma issues nor did it feel like the onset of a cold or flu. After waiting a couple of days in hopes it would improve, the pain only escalated. I decided to visit an urgent care facility, assuming it might be asthma related. There, they administered a steroid injection and provided me with oral steroids to take at home. Despite this treatment, the pain continued to intensify over the following days, prompting me to seek help at another urgent care. They conducted tests for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other conditions, but all results were negative. I was provided with additional steroids and a Z-pak as a precaution against possible infection. This morning, the pain reached an unbearable level, so I took it upon myself to go to the emergency room. They performed an EKG, which revealed tachycardia. I have POTS and am under the care of a cardiologist, so this wasn’t entirely unexpected. Blood tests were run to check for clots, all of which returned negative, and my chest X-ray appeared normal. However, it was found that my potassium levels were low, so they administered potassium supplements before discharging me, saying everything looked fine and advising me to return if the discomfort persisted. Yet, the pain is excruciating. I'm currently in bed, unable to find a comfortable position, and I’m in tears. The discomfort has shifted predominantly to my back, manifesting as a sharp, stabbing sensation that worsens with each breath. It’s incredibly difficult to inhale deeply or hold my breath. The only way I find minimal relief is by arching my chest forward and supporting my back. I'm seriously contemplating revisiting the ER. Never before have I felt such relentless pain, and now I find myself at the eighth day of this ordeal.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 5:10:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I’m truly sorry to hear that you are experiencing such intense chest and back discomfort. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after enduring persistent pain for several days without clear answers. Given the severity of your symptoms and the duration of your chest discomfort, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms, particularly the sharp, stabbing sensation that worsens with breathing and the history of tachycardia, warrant close attention.
- Urgent re-evaluation may be necessary, especially if the pain is so severe that it affects your ability to breathe comfortably.
Explanation:
The shifts in pain location, the extreme severity, and the difficulty with breathing suggest that this may not be a typical asthma or POTS episode. While tests for major concerns like blood clots and infections have been negative, your situation's persistence and intensity cannot be overlooked. Sharp, worsening pain in the chest and back can sometimes indicate musculoskeletal issues, but it can also stem from other more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
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Consider Returning to the Emergency Room (ER): Given that you're experiencing unbearable pain, especially with difficulty in inhalation, it’s wise to seek immediate medical attention. Don’t hesitate if you feel that your situation warrants it—it’s better to be evaluated again, particularly since your discomfort has escalated.
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Document Your Symptoms: Before going to the ER, take note of exactly how your pain feels, when it worsens, and any other accompanying symptoms (like changes in heart rate, nausea, etc.). This information can help healthcare providers make a better assessment.
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Short-Term Pain Relief: If you have any pain relievers available that you can tolerate, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, you may take them temporarily while you seek further care. However, consult a healthcare provider before doing so, especially considering your current medications.
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Rest and Positioning: While waiting to revisit the ER, continue finding a position that helps ease your pain—using cushions to support your back may provide temporary relief.
Your well-being is of utmost importance. If your pain worsens or you experience any new symptoms like tightening in the chest, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, please do not hesitate to seek emergency medical help immediately. I'm here if you have any follow-up questions or need further support.
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