12 replies to this topic

[kathyms3150]

I'm slowly feeling less of the withdrawal effects, thank goodness. It's been almost 3 months since I'm off the Cymbalta. Since I'm having some chest pain my doctor wants me to go for a nuclear cardiac stress test with Lexiscan. I've read that Lexiscan can cause some uncomfortable feelings like rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, dizziness etc. Since these feelings are similar to having anxiety I really don't want to go through this. Just wondering if anyone has had this test with the Lexiscan and what it felt like. Thanks. Hope that everyone is okay.

[thismoment]

Kathy

 

You are doing so well-- congratulations! 

 

I was having chest pains too during early discontinuation and they gave me a simple ECG in the office and said, "We will call if something's abnormal." They never called and the chest pain went away but re-appeared about 5 months later. It went away too.

 

Questions-- any shortness of breath climbing stairs or during 'normal' activities? Any other pains associated with the chest pain?

[kathyms3150]

Thanks so much TM. I honestly didn't think I would be able to say that I'm doing better. I did have an EKG/ECG that my doctor felt was slightly abnormal, but others on the forum have said that they also had chest pain and abnormal EKG's during withdrawal. I do sometimes have shortness of breath climbing stairs or exercising, but I'm very out of shape from having surgery on my leg a few years ago.I seem to only have chest pain when I'm anxious, so I really feel that it has something to do with the withdrawal. Glad to hear that your chest pain went away.

[thismoment]

Kathy

 

Walking is a great way to work your way back into fitness. Use time as your guide, not distance: start out with a time that does not tire you out, and increase the time you walk every few days.

 

On chest pain and anxiety: This link isn't the answer of course, but it's a place to start.

 

http://healthworksco...pain-30-seconds

[fishinghat]

Kathy, the abnormal EKG and chest pain is normal during high stress events like withdrawal. The adrenaline generated is hard on the heart. BUT I am glad you are getting it checked out.

 

I will check out the history on Lexiscan.

[fishinghat]

This is the info on Lexiscan, The first two pages have the side effects and warning.

 

http://www.astellas....cs/lexiscan.pdf

[fishinghat]

Side effects of the Lexiscan.

 

What are the possible side effects of regadenoson (Lexiscan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath, uneven heart rate);
• seizure (convulsions);
• wheezing, trouble breathing; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• nausea, stomach discomfort, decreased sense of taste;
• mild chest discomfort; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

[kathyms3150]

Kathy
 
Walking is a great way to work your way back into fitness. Use time as your guide, not distance: start out with a time that does not tire you out, and increase the time you walk every few days.
 
On chest pain and anxiety: This link isn't the answer of course, but it's a place to start.
 
http://healthworksco...ain-30-seconrds

TM, Since I had the cancer surgery on my leg I can't walk too much. They fused my ankle which kind of makes my leg shorter than the other one. I've been to a few podiatrists and had wedges and insoles made to try and even me out, but they don't help much. Recently I've started swimming and hope to build up my endurance. Thanks for the link on chest pain and anxiety. I really think that's what the pain is from.

[kathyms3150]

Hi fishinghat, I'm pretty sure anxiety from the withdrawal is the cause of my chest pain. Thanks for the info on Lexiscan. Just reading it causes my heart to pound...lol. I decided that I don't want it, I don't need the extra stress from worrying about it. Called my doctor to let them know but I had to leave a message. They haven't called me back yet. I think I could ride a stationary bike for the stress test.

[kathyms3150]

I finally got the results of my Lexiscan. No problems with my heart, so the chest pain/discomfort has to be from the anxiety I'm having from the withdrawal. My doctor asked if I want to see a cardiologist because the withdrawal shouldn't last this long! I said no.

[TryinginFL]

Kathy,

 

I'm so happy to hear that all is well!  And, again, another Dr. who doesn't have a clue...   

[brzghoff]

I finally got the results of my Lexiscan. No problems with my heart, so the chest pain/discomfort has to be from the anxiety I'm having from the withdrawal. My doctor asked if I want to see a cardiologist because the withdrawal shouldn't last this long! I said no.

 

 

congrats kathy! heart palpitations, chest pain and tightness are all classic symptoms of anxiety - but of course, it is always important to get it checked out to rule out heart problems. glad you did that. as you continue on your withdrawal recovery you should see those symptoms fade away to a large degree. i have found that for me, the physical impact of anxiety is much harder to deal with than the mental. i can tell myself the thoughts aren't real but its hard to tell my body that the racing heart and intense butterflies in the stomach feelings aren't real - 'cause they are! 

[kathyms3150]

Thanks Ladies!   I'm grateful that there's nothing wrong with my heart, although I wonder if all the stress from the withdrawal could eventually cause damage. I'm so upset, the past month I was feeling a lot better, especially physically. Then about a week or so ago I started to not feel well again. I got that flu like feeling with aches and feeling very hot and then my anxiety got bad again. I know this can be normal with withdrawal, but I can't help fear that it will never go away for good. The anxiety is intense and I'm also very depressed. I need help with these 2 things, but I have a crazy fear of medication now. I'm on a low dose of Prozac and Wellbutrin but they aren't helping. I'm also taking Klonopin and occasionally hydroxyzine or Clonidine, but they only help so much.

 

brzghoff, the anxiety is very hard to deal with physically, it's an all consuming feeling that you just can't talk yourself out of no matter how hard you try.