OpenHealth Q&A

Anxiety About Moving Amid Ongoing Health Concerns

I am a 20-year-old experiencing distressing yet mild symptoms that have persisted for nearly five months. My personal history includes severe anxiety, which complicates my perception of physical sensations. While my symptoms can be random, what troubles me profoundly is my consistent feeling of unease whenever I engage in any physical activity or exertion. Whenever I stand or move about, I often feel a wave of lightheadedness or dizziness. Generally, it feels more like my body is faint and lacks strength rather than nearing complete unconsciousness. It’s important to note that I've experienced true presyncope—such as blurred vision and muffled hearing—only a few times, specifically after giving blood and once during physical education class as a child in hot weather. Additionally, I frequently contend with peculiar symptoms that may not always relate to my chest. Sometimes, I do experience mild chest sensations—such as slight tightness on the left side, a feeling of fullness, or occasional soreness. On other occasions, I encounter symptoms like pressure in my head and ears, vision disturbances (which I suspect may be related to dissociation), or a sensation of breathlessness, though I’m not gasping for air; it just feels like my airways are constricted or odd in sensation. I have considered the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) due to my heart rate spiking over 40 beats per minute simply from standing, yet at other times my heart rate remains stable. My symptoms do vary from day to day, and they tend to lessen in the evening. I am aware of my physical deconditioning; prior to the intensification of my symptoms and anxiety, I led a relatively inactive lifestyle. About two weeks ago, I attempted a gentle 10-minute exercise designed for seniors, and it left me sore, with my heart rate reaching 190 BPM. Nowadays, I restrict my "exercise" to short walks around my home or yard for a few minutes several times throughout the day, minimal yoga, food preparation, and maintaining personal hygiene. As someone recovering from agoraphobia, I seldom venture out except for pre-planned therapeutic exposures. With my moving day looming just two days away, I’m terrified that the entire process could lead to hospitalization. Recently, I've started packing lightly for 30 to 60 minutes each day, but by the end, I often feel so exhausted that I need to stop. Accompanying this fatigue, there is often discomfort in my chest ranging from fleeting tight sensations to dull soreness, particularly on the left side. Almost invariably, I experience some level of discomfort, which understandably frightens me. Alongside this, I frequently experience feelings of air hunger or dyspnea, although I am aware that oxygen levels typically remain normal, indicating that the sensation might be perceived rather than physical. It’s worth noting that while the discomfort may differ in intensity, it seldom escalates to something severe—a minor irritant that naturally raises concerns due to its location. I tend to believe these ongoing symptoms relate to the stress of moving, although my anxiety has exacerbated my focus on the sensations. Unfortunately, my anxiety has hindered my ability to contribute significantly to the packing processes. In the last few days, packing has been minimized due to its near completion, yet I feel an ominous calm before the upheaval. While my physical activity has decreased, my chest discomfort seems more persistent, ranging from a general tightness in my upper chest and neck to that dull, often painless tension on the left side. Fatigue and feelings of dissociation have escalated as well. Sometimes, the discomfort appears after certain movements, while at other times it arises unexpectedly. There were several occasions where I experienced lingering tightness in the left side of my chest, lasting 1-2 hours while resting before fading completely. I have noticed flare-ups of both chest discomfort and fatigue, oscillating in severity over the past months. Each day feels like a challenge as I navigate simple tasks that have begun to feel “risky” due to these worrying symptoms; yesterday, I even felt affected while taking out the trash and playing the piano. Currently, I am in the process of finding a new primary care physician (PCP) since my previous one shut their practice, but the next available appointment won’t be for at least a couple of weeks—definitely not before the move. At the end of March, I had a telemedicine appointment and some bloodwork done, yet there were no definitive answers; just minor abnormalities. I’m uncertain whether my symptoms signal a cardiac issue, but that remains my primary concern. Two years ago, I underwent a normal EKG and Holter monitor, yet I do not believe that fully excludes potential problems, so I plan to request a referral for another cardiologist when I secure a new PCP. I’m at a loss for what to do. I want to be helpful on moving day, yet the anxiety makes me feel as though I won’t be able to contribute effectively out of fear regarding my safety. I’m even contemplating whether I should seek urgent care before the move, but I worry the only outcome would be an EKG and blood test—neither of which would necessarily alleviate my uncertainty. I dread the thought of ending up in the emergency room during the move. If that day weren’t approaching, I would likely just wait for my new PCP appointment, but the urgency of the situation makes me want to find some reassurance before then.

Answers (1)

8/1/2025, 11:11:09 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling this way, especially with the upcoming move and your ongoing symptoms. It's completely understandable to be anxious about your health during a stressful time. Let's break this down and focus on some practical next steps that can help you manage your concerns and support your well-being during the moving process.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms, including lightheadedness, chest discomfort, and feelings of anxiety, can be influenced by both physical deconditioning and anxiety.
2. Developing a plan to manage anxiety and establish a gentle routine during your move can make this process smoother.

Explanation

Your experience of dizziness and discomfort, particularly during physical activities, could indeed be influenced by anxiety, physical deconditioning, and possibly a mild autonomic dysfunction like POTS. Anxiety often amplifies physical sensations, making you more aware of them and potentially leading to a cycle of worry. The key here is to distinguish between the physical sensations and your anxiety responses.

Next Steps

1. Gentle Movement and Breaks: Continue with short walks and stretching, but ensure you take regular breaks to avoid overexertion. Consider planning your moving day so that you have plenty of rest periods. This might mean scheduling 5-10 minutes of rest for every 20-30 minutes of packing or moving.

2. Breathing Techniques: Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and may alleviate sensations of breathlessness. For instance, the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds) can be calming.

3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you are drinking enough water and eating balanced meals, as dehydration and poor nutrition can contribute to feelings of fatigue and dizziness.

4. Communicate Your Needs: If possible, talk to friends or family helping with the move. Let them know about your concerns so they can support you effectively, whether that means taking on more physical tasks or helping you pace.

5. Plan for Moving Day: On the day of the move, have an emergency plan ready. This could involve knowing the location of the nearest urgent care or having someone available to assist you if you start feeling unwell.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve. This might help you identify patterns or triggers. If you notice concerning changes, it may be worth seeking medical advice sooner.

7. Consider Mental Health Support: Since anxiety is a significant concern, using techniques from a therapist, such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, might also be beneficial. If you feel that your anxiety is overwhelming, it may be worth discussing options for temporary relief with someone you trust or a professional.

Final Thoughts

It's perfectly okay to feel anxious during this transition, and it's commendable that you are getting through each day. The focus should be on manageable steps that prioritize your well-being. Listen to your body, and adjust as needed. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, remember that seeking help is always a valid option. Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends or professionals. You’re not alone in this.