I know the usual thing is 999 and go to A and E but I have been having chest pains since February. I've been to A and E three times (well once was Covid), the last time they said it was anxiety and then a doctor reviewed things and she said it was bacterial pleurisy. I've had a scan to check for a blood clot as my leg swelled up. Have also been told in March it was costocondritis though the pain has evolved since then.
(TMI Warning) I coughed up a gunky bloody lump last night and called 111 who said to go to A and E. I actually fell asleep (think the codeine is knocking me out).
I am really hesitant to go back to A and E as it has gone on for so long that it's not life threatening clearly AND I am not sure they can do much more than give me more pain killers. OOH GP and Minor Injuries are both triaged through the same nurse who triages for A and E so if I went to see either of those I think I would just end up in the A and E stream.
I don't have a cough, I am not breathless, and, weirdly it is only sore when I am lying down. I have spent weeks trying to sleep sitting up.
The pain alternates between stabbing and cramp and is usually front around the shoulders and breast, but can also be in the middle of my back.
Is this just anxiety? Is there absolutely anything else I can do to help it?
I have been prescribed the stronger codeine version, have had four rounds of antibiotics, have tried steam inhalations (ended up triggering my asthma) and arnica.