just got the call need advice quickly

[bridetobe]

I actually just posted like 5 minutes ago about waiting for test results. I still did not get them but I did get a call from a cardio I called. Ok my primary cardio refuses to do a stress test for my chest pain and shortness of breath and left arm pain. He thinks it is anxiety after 2 perfect ekgs, 2 perfect echos and 2 sets of full blood work. This cardiologist said he would in fact do one for me. When I just called my husband this to tell him he hung up on me and is really unhappy with this decision. He says after this comes back normal I'll be lying on a table where they cut me open to find nothing wrong once again. I really want this test. My mother doesn't even know I called a new cardio and would not agree either. They feel that my testing was thorough enough and that I need to realize its anxiety and deal with it. Do you think I should go through with this test? I am currently 22 weeks pregnant or should I realize the constant year long arm and chest pain is just my ha?

[kazoo]

I would totally advise you NOT to get another test.  Don't set off a never-ending cycle like this.  Your original cardiologist refused you this test, and he wouldn't do that if he thought there was any chance you have a problem.

At some point, you have to stop the pattern.  This looks like a good place to stop.

[mollyfin]

Kazoo is giving you smart advice.  Your family is losing patience, and you are just feeding the flames of anxiety.  I know it's hard.  I know you want more tests.  But there is NOTHING wrong with your heart.  Try to let it go and work on managing your anxiety instead of focusing on your physical symptoms.

[trainwreck]

Bridetobe-
Shortness of breath, left arm pain, and chest pain are symptoms of a heart attack.  NOT HEART DISEASE.
What you are saying is that for one year you have been in the midst of a constant heart attack.  And while you were having this year long heart attack, 2 ekg's , 2 stress tests and 2 echos missed it. 

Call your GP and tell them the situation and tell them you want help.  Until you get over the obsession, you are going to continue to have the symptoms and continue to be miserable. 

[mariea]

How would you feel if you got hte test done and it came out fine?  Would you accept it and let it go?  If so I would personally do the test, if I knew it wouldn't be enough for me i wouldn't bother because it won't help.  Truthfully I say do what will make you feel the most relaxed. 

[vardnas]

How would you feel if you got hte test done and it came out fine?  Would you accept it and let it go?  If so I would personally do the test, if I knew it wouldn't be enough for me i wouldn't bother because it won't help.  Truthfully I say do what will make you feel the most relaxed.

Yes, but the next test is NEVER enough.

bridetobe—do not get this test. I repeat, do not get this test. It's unnecessary and will only keep you on the path of ramped up anxiety, okay?

[JP90]

I agree with most of the people here, don't do it! I went through what i thought were "heart issues" for months, they tested me like crazy, lots and lots and lots of tests, all said i was fine, not once did anyone mention anxiety to me (i had never even HEARD of anxiety at this time) so i was conviced i was going to die, finally my dr. sat me down and said "here are the tests we have done over the passed few months, if you had an issue any one of these tests would have picked it up, where exactly is your pain? what other symptoms?" (keep in mind i had seen different drs. for this issue) He told me when he is "stressed" he goes through the same thing, said to relax and if something was going to happen it would have already. I finally relaxed, ignored the symptoms, met the most wondering woman to ever walk into my life and she helped me forget my issues and they went away completely!

Point is, if you have had tons of tests already and they all turn out good, instead of going to the dr, you need to talk to a professional about your anxiety or find something to keep yourself occupied and your mind off of it! Hard to do but once you do you will feel SO much better! Good luck! 

[bridetobe]

I want to thank you all so much! I decided you are all 100 percent right. I won't be happy with this. I'll probably do what I did after my echo and come home googling about how often these tests are wrong. This site is like my sanctuary and it feels so much easier to listen to you than to my husband or friends because you have all been in a situation like mine and know what it feels like to genuinely think there is something wrong with you. Hugs to you all.  I am absolutely not going to give in and have this test. This year long heart attack is impossible! I almost let this ruin so many important days in my life. It kills me to think about letting it take away even one more. 

[trainwreck]

This site is like my sanctuary and it feels so much easier to listen to you than to my husband or friends because you have all been in a situation like mine and know what it feels like to genuinely think there is something wrong with you. Hugs to you all.  I am absolutely not going to give in and have this test. This year long heart attack is impossible! I almost let this ruin so many important days in my life. It kills me to think about letting it take away even one more.

Have you talked to your doctor about your health anxiety?  It does not have to steal your days from you. 

[bridetobe]

My cardio wrote me a prescription for kolonopin but I cannot take anything because I am pregnant. The hormones from the pregnancy are putting me through a hard time. I am trying to keep busy with some new hobbies, which is something I read on here is important. I enrolled by daughter in swimming classes, signed up to help organize a few school functions, and I have been writing a lot.

[puppyswan]

Finding ways to cope is great. I have been going through several bouts of hypochondria like yours. Any other tips to relaxing?

[bridetobe]

My husband goes to work early and my daughter sometimes gets to bed early so I would fill up the tub, pour a glass of wine, youtube a lifetime movie and relax in the tub until my skin pruned. That always helped calm me down.

[hypomom]

SO glad you aren't going to do this test. There is NO need for it! You need to sit your husband down tonight and agree to put all the energy you've put into these tests into treatment and then start calling to get an appointment. Your marriage and the mental health of your children depend on it.