OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Life with Anxiety and Unresolved Pain

Greetings! I’m a 23-year-old female, standing at 5’2” and weighing 125 lbs, grappling with persistent and excruciating discomfort. My challenges began at just five years old when I underwent a muscle biopsy after a drastic deterioration in my health. Concerning lab results led to the diagnosis of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). My early childhood revolved around hospitals and heavy medications, primarily Methotrexate, which was particularly harsh. The combination of JDM pain, along with severe GERD and chemotherapy, was an overwhelming journey. However, through years of relentless treatment under the care of my dedicated doctor, I eventually achieved remission. Fast forward to the present, at 23, I find myself engulfed in pain once more. The trouble ignited at the end of June when my husband rushed me to the emergency department, fearing I was having a heart attack. While we enjoyed a film together, I experienced a series of rapid and painful heart palpitations. It felt as if time itself had stalled; my vision narrowed, and I was struck by an excruciating heat surging through my chest and left arm. As I attempted to alert my husband, breathing became a battle; it was as though an invisible weight was crushing and scorching me. In the ER, I curled into a position reminiscent of a spider, contorting in agony. My body was rigid, with arms pressed against my chest and legs extended outward. I could barely breathe, much less speak, while my husband hovered over me, visibly concerned. The nurse instructed me to calm my breaths, but I found myself unable to comply. My heart raced to 207 beats per minute, and my blood pressure soared to 159/107—numbers I never imagined I would see. Even the nurse struggled to draw my arms away for an IV and ECG, causing me to cry out in pain. Following two injections, one of Ativan and another that escapes my memory, my husband and I were left to cope in the room while I slowly regained control over my body and heart rate. The pain gradually subsided, yet exhaustion enveloped me as I leaned on my husband for comfort. A different nurse later entered, attributing my ordeal to a mild panic attack and preparing my discharge paperwork. My anxiety history is not insignificant, but I questioned how this experience could simply be classified as such. Sensing my skepticism, my husband voiced his doubts, noting he believed what I had endured was beyond a typical panic episode. The nurse, having not witnessed the events herself, dismissed our concerns, citing my stabilization as proof of my wellbeing. We exited the hospital unsure, fatigued, and unsettled. The following day continued the trend of distress. Persistent chest pain, throbbing arms, and waves of nausea plagued me. I pleaded with my husband not to return to the ER, fearing the financial burden of medical bills. But by nightfall, unable to witness my suffering any longer, he insisted we revisit. This time, thankfully, the muscle spasms had subsided. An EKG and various blood tests (including TSH, magnesium, troponin I, D-dimer, a complete metabolic panel, and a complete blood count) were conducted. Results appeared normal, with only slightly elevated platelets and glucose, which were deemed non-threatening. Yet once again, I was sent home with a panic attack diagnosis. As pain flared up again in subsequent ER visits, doctors were divided in their opinions—some attributed it to anxiety, while others pointed toward my GERD as the culprit behind symptoms mimicking a heart attack. Though insurance covered most costs, the financial anxiety began to mount, compounded by the fear of a potential relapse of JDM. At last, I had the chance to consult a new primary care physician. Having just relocated across the country, it had taken a month to secure this appointment, and I hoped for clarity surrounding my troubling symptoms. In our meeting, I recounted my experiences in detail, emphasizing my initial hospital visit and my concerns about a JDM recurrence. My physician diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and prescribed Metoprolol Succinate (25 mg) and Lexapro (10 mg), directing me to take the medications at night. That evening, however, I experienced a severe allergic reaction to Lexapro, complete with uncontrollable shakes, restlessness, racing heart, swelling, and vomiting. Following another appointment, we decided to switch my anxiety medication to Zoloft. Despite my insistence that I was still in pain affecting my daily life, my doctor believed Metoprolol needed time to work. After testing my thyroid, which yielded normal results, I was simply told it was GAD symptoms manifesting physically, with no further investigation into potential underlying conditions. Things took a turn for the worse when I developed serotonin syndrome as a result of Zoloft, leading to an ICU admission. At this juncture, the barrage of stress escalated my anxiety, leading me to dread every minor physical twinge—triggering thoughts of severe health crises such as heart attacks or strokes. Now, it’s been nearly six months since this torment began, and I find myself trapped in a cycle of continual physical pain that only intensifies. My chest pain can become excruciating, my arms ache, I battle debilitating palpitations that leave me light-headed, and I experience waves of dizziness. To complicate matters, my legs are now painfully difficult to navigate. Bed has become my primary refuge, and even the slightest exertion often results in nausea. My doctor insists no testing for JDM is warranted, citing a lack of physical symptoms like weight loss or rashes, firmly concluding that my issues stem from GAD alone. Despite my attempts to trust her professional opinion, fear gnaws at me. I diligently continue taking Metoprolol but have yet to feel any improvement. I live a lifestyle devoid of smoking, vaping, drinking, or illegal substances. In the past, I enjoyed nutritious meals and morning jogs after yoga, yet these activities now seem distant. I once thrived as a healthy individual, and I can’t help but wonder what has transpired in my life. Yearning to return to a state of normalcy devoid of the fear of collapse, I draft this lengthy message amidst the ongoing agony that has plagued me for months. Sleep remains elusive, especially under the weight of crushing chest pain. I apologize for any slips in grammar or coherence. I feel terrible for causing my husband distress and simply wish for guidance—or even a hug. In summary: I am trapped in a near-constant state of discomfort rated at about 6.5 out of 10, questioning if my struggles stem from anxiety or something deeper lurking beneath the surface.

Answers (1)

12/14/2025, 10:11:03 AM

OpenHealth AI

I can see that you’re facing an incredibly challenging situation filled with both physical and emotional pain. Your history with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) and the recent distressing episodes are understandably overwhelming. It's clear you desire relief from your symptoms and support in navigating this complex situation.

Key Points:

1. Your symptoms could be influenced by a combination of anxiety, previous medical history, and potential physical conditions that may need further examination.
2. It's important to address both your physical pain and the anxiety that arises from it.
3. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers is crucial for your support and treatment.

Explanation: Your history of JDM places you in a unique position where some symptoms could be related to your past condition, but it’s also possible that anxiety is significantly contributing to what you’re experiencing now. The panic attacks and associated symptoms you’ve described can feel very real and distressing, even if anxiety is the underlying cause. The physical manifestations of anxiety can mimic other serious conditions, leading to confusion regarding diagnosis and treatment.

The allergic reaction and subsequent complications with medications (like Zoloft leading to serotonin syndrome) are serious and require careful management. Given the situation, a comprehensive review of your symptoms and a multi-faceted treatment approach may be beneficial.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms meticulously, including pain levels, instances of anxiety, triggers, and any significant events or lifestyle changes. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand patterns and correlations.

2. Consult a Specialist: Given your complex history and ongoing symptoms, consider consulting a rheumatologist or an integrative medicine specialist who can review your history with JDM and current symptoms holistically. They may suggest additional testing or different treatment approaches.

3. Explore Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can provide coping strategies for anxiety, particularly in managing fears of physical symptoms. A therapist can help you address the emotional impact of your situation and guide you through exposure techniques to gradually reduce fear responses.

4. Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques: Engage in gentle mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help manage both anxiety and some physical discomfort. Ensure that any physical activities are light and within your comfort zone.

5. Discuss Medication Adjustments: Since you've experienced adverse effects from recent medications, communicate these concerns with your physician. There may be alternative medications or lower doses you can try that might alleviate your symptoms without the side effects.

6. Nutritional Support: Consider reintroducing balanced, nutrient-rich foods into your diet as tolerated and hydrate well. Nutrition plays a significant role in overall health and mood regulation.

7. Support System: Keep communicating with your husband and other supportive people in your life about your feelings and concerns. Emotional support can help ease the burden of your anxiety.

Your concerns are valid, and I encourage you to trust your instincts about your health. Continue advocating for your needs and seeking clarity and help from healthcare professionals. Remember, you are not alone in this, and with time and support, there is hope for improvement. Take care.