OpenHealth Q&A

Nervous about Moving with Ongoing Health Concerns

At 20 years old, I find myself troubled by persistent and vague symptoms that have been bothering me for almost five months. Additionally, I struggle with debilitating anxiety, which often leads to unpredictable symptom flare-ups. What truly unsettles me is the consistent feeling of unease with any movement or exertion. Whenever I rise or move about, I frequently experience a sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness. More often than not, it manifests as a general weakness throughout my body instead of the terrifying feeling of imminent fainting. To clarify, I’ve only experienced a true presyncope—characterized by darkening vision and muffled hearing—on a couple of rare occasions, such as during blood draws and once in PE class as a child. Accompanying these sensations are usually other unusual symptoms. Sometimes I experience discomfort in my chest, which can range from slight tightness, typically on the left side, to a feeling of fullness or mild soreness. At other times, I encounter random sensations, such as pressure in my head or ears, a perception that my vision is distorted (though I have not lost any visual clarity), or a vague shortness of breath, which isn’t quite gasping but rather a feeling of constriction in my airways. I’ve considered the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) due to my heart rate sporadically spiking by over 40 beats per minute just from standing but not always reacting in the same way. There are fluctuations day to day, and symptoms tend to ease in the evenings. I realize I am out of shape, yet even prior to my symptoms worsening and my anxiety becoming more pronounced, I was never particularly active. A couple of weeks ago, I attempted a brief 10-minute workout designed for seniors, resulting in soreness and raising my heart rate to 190. Nowadays, my “exercise” consists of encouraging myself to take brief walks around my home and yard, engaging in gentle yoga, preparing meals, and completing basic hygiene tasks. As a recovering agoraphobic, my outings are few, limited mostly to scheduled exposure activities. With a move fast approaching in under a week, I am anxious that the physical demands of the process might land me in a hospital. A few weeks back, I began light packing for 30 to 60 minutes daily, but even this left me feeling utterly drained, necessitating frequent breaks. During those times, I often experienced recurring chest discomfort—sometimes sharp and fleeting, and other times a dull, intermittent tightness on the left side. This constant concern about chest discomfort is unnerving, and I often face a sense of air hunger, though my oxygen saturation levels have remained normal. Clarifying point: while my chest tightness can fluctuate, it hasn’t escalated to unbearable pain, but merely feels like a bothersome irritation, nonetheless frightening due to its location. Strikingly, recent days have seen me doing less packing, yet I feel as though I’m bracing for a storm. The chest discomfort has felt more chronic lately—varying from a tight sensation in my chest and neck to recurrent dull pressure on my left side. Increased fatigue and a sense of dissociation also seem more pronounced. Some days, I’ve noticed that the tight fullness in my chest lingers for an hour or two during rest in the evening before dissipating completely. Over the past months, I’ve experienced “flare-ups” where both chest symptoms and fatigue worsen for days or weeks, only to abate somewhat later. Every day, I become increasingly aware of how simple tasks feel perilous, with symptomatic awareness heightening my anxiety. For instance, I noticed discomfort while taking out the trash and playing the piano. Currently, I’m in the process of establishing care with a new primary care provider, as my previous doctor’s practice has closed; however, it may be several weeks before my first appointment. This means I won’t likely have any consultation before my move. Back in March, I had a telehealth session coupled with bloodwork that did not yield any reassuring results, revealing only minor, possibly inconsequential irregularities. Consequently, potential heart issues remain my greatest concern. Though I underwent a normal EKG and wore a Holter monitor two years ago, I feel that those tests may not rule out underlying problems, and I intend to request a new referral to a cardiologist once I establish my new PCP. I find myself uncertain about how to approach moving day. I don’t want to be completely ineffective, but regardless of my anxiety, I fear I won’t be able to help much because I’ll constantly wonder whether I’m in a safe state to do so. I’ve considered visiting urgent care before the move; however, I doubt much can be done aside from an EKG and bloodwork, both of which might not lead to definitive conclusions. The last thing I want is to be stuck in the emergency room on moving day. Otherwise, if there wasn’t a move scheduled, I’d probably wait for my PCP appointment, yet I just want to make it through the day without complications.

Answers (1)

7/28/2025, 6:50:58 AM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: You're experiencing persistent symptoms and anxiety that are complicating your move. Symptom management and preparation for moving day are crucial.

Explanation: It’s understandable to feel anxious given your ongoing health concerns and the stress of moving. Symptoms like lightheadedness, chest discomfort, and fatigue can be distressing, especially when compounded by anxiety. Many of your symptoms, including dizziness with exertion, might be linked to issues like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), anxiety, or even deconditioning. While these concerns can feel alarming, prioritizing symptom management and creating a solid plan can help you navigate the move.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Management:

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen dizziness and fatigue. Aim for at least 8 cups (64 ounces) a day, adjusting based on your needs.
   • Pacing Yourself: Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on packing in short sessions (15-20 minutes) followed by rest (15-30 minutes) to reduce fatigue and lightheadedness.
   • Listen to Your Body: If you feel dizzy or anxious, stop what you are doing and take a break. Sitting or lying down can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Prepare for Moving Day:

   • Plan for Support: Inform friends or family about your situation and enlist their help on moving day. Having extra hands can relieve the pressure on you.
   • Manage Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, leading up to and on moving day to ease your anxiety.
   • Set Up a Rest Area: Make a small, comfortable space where you can retreat if you start feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate items that help you feel safe and calm, like water, snacks, and entertainment.

3. Follow Up with Care Providers:

   • Since you are establishing care with a new primary care provider, ensure you communicate your concerns clearly once you have your appointment. They can help you assess your symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist if necessary.
   • If symptoms worsen or you experience any concerning changes, such as severe chest pain, prolonged dizziness, or shortness of breath, consider visiting urgent care for immediate evaluation.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a simple journal documenting your symptoms, activities, and triggers. This can help both you and your new doctor gain insights into your health patterns.

While it’s natural to feel anxious about moving, remember that taking these practical and manageable steps can empower you, helping to make the day smoother. You’re doing a great job by recognizing your boundaries and seeking to navigate this transition mindfully.