Persistent Chest Discomfort
Hello everyone, I hope my message is clear despite it being my first time here. I’m a 21-year-old female, weighing 250 pounds and standing at 5'3", living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without any medication. For roughly the past three months, I've been experiencing an intense, dull pressure right in the center of my chest. Initially, it felt like a literal punch right between my breasts, but now the sensation radiates across my chest. The duration of the pain varies, sometimes lasting for just a few minutes, while at other times, like last night, it can persist for hours. I've sought medical attention at both an emergency care center and the hospital's emergency room on two occasions. During my first visit, the doctors suspected issues related to an ulcer or my gallbladder. After examining my gallbladder, they assured me that it was functioning properly. For my second visit, I was prescribed medication intended for an ulcer, specifically sucralfate and omeprazole. I followed the instructions and completed the regimen, stopping the medication a week later. Unfortunately, last night, the discomfort returned. When the pain is at its worst, I struggle to breathe because inhaling intensifies the pain. Furthermore, I find myself feeling unusually shaky and weak, limiting my ability to move around. In terms of other medications, I occasionally use over-the-counter antacids, take Tylenol (but I avoid ibuprofen), and sometimes use cranberry pills for urinary health, along with allergy medications as needed. To provide a bit more context regarding my health, I deal with multiple issues, including allergies to a variety of outdoor elements, depression and anxiety, and stress-induced stomach pain in addition to my PCOS. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I’m eager to alleviate this ongoing discomfort. Additionally, during my last visit to the ER, I was unable to afford the treatment and had to leave; I'm currently reaching out to family for assistance. The medical team recommended several more tests than in my previous visits, where the first facility even checked for a urinary tract infection, but the second did not conduct extensive checks aside from evaluating my gallbladder and prescribing ulcer treatment. The third visit involved monitoring equipment with various leads attached to my body on the left side of my chest, arms, and legs, but I had to depart before any results could be gathered. Thank you for taking the time to read my post; I truly appreciate it.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 1:41:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the persistent discomfort you’re experiencing. It’s understandable to be concerned when you have ongoing chest pressure, especially since you’ve already sought medical attention multiple times. Your symptoms can be distressing, and it's important to work towards identifying what's causing them and finding relief.
Key Points:
- Persistent Chest Discomfort: Ongoing intense pressure can stem from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, stress, or anxiety.
- Monitoring Symptoms: The duration and characteristics of your symptoms are critical for further evaluation.
- Self-Care and Action Steps: While you continue to seek comprehensive medical evaluation, there are immediate self-care strategies you can implement.
Explanation:
Chest discomfort can arise from several sources. Given your description, aside from potential ulcer-related issues, conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), panic attacks, or muscle strain may also contribute. The feeling of increased pressure when breathing can be alarming and may warrant further investigation. The fact that you occasionally feel shaky and weak is also significant, as these could indicate a response to pain or anxiety.
Considering your experience with multiple healthcare visits, it would be beneficial to maintain a detailed log of your symptoms. This chart can include:
- When the chest discomfort occurs (time of day, after eating, during certain activities, etc.)
- Intensity of pain (scale of 1-10)
- Associated symptoms (like shortness of breath, shaking, nausea)
- Any activities or foods that seem to worsen or alleviate the discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Start keeping a daily record of your symptoms as mentioned above. This will be useful for any future doctor.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Pay attention to your diet. Reducing spicy, acidic, or greasy foods may help if GERD is a factor. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also be beneficial.
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Relaxation Techniques: Given your mention of anxiety and stress, exploring relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation may help manage your symptoms, particularly during episodes of pain.
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Regular Follow-Up: Continue seeking medical advice. It may be helpful to find a primary care provider who can better coordinate your care and follow up with specialists if needed.
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Consider Financial Options: If cost is a barrier, look into community health resources, sliding scale clinics, or local health charities that might provide assistance for necessary tests and treatments.
If your symptoms worsen or if you experience new symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, fainting, or worsening pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Please remember, it’s crucial to have ongoing communication with healthcare providers about your concerns and treatment options, and prioritize transparency about any financial constraints you may have. You are not alone in this, and seeking help is a significant and admirable step.
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