Feel like something is stuck right in the middle of my chest (sternum/oesophagus?)

[Elopelo]

Since the weekend I feel like something is stuck right in the middle of my chest, like there is a pressure or weight there. It’s not actually painful, I can do my day to day activities, it’s more of a discomfort that is constantly there and nothing is making it better/worse.

On Tuesday I started feeling tingling and cold numb sensations on the left side of my chest, managed to speak to GP who told me to go straight to A&E. Had an ECG, bloods and X-ray taken. Had to leave hospital and chased up results with GP. Thankfully everything came back clear but this blocked feeling and occasional numbness near the heart is still there and it’s making me panic.

Some extra things before I forget:

I can swallow and eat as normal, don’t feel any pain while doing so but it really feels like some food is stuck there even though I’ve been having my meals as usual.

I am burping a lot (sorry if tmi) which provides some relief for a few seconds but then the pressure/blocked feeling comes right back again so it’s making me think that maybe it’s gastro related?

I’ve tried taking some heartburn remedies (Rennies/Nexium) but no difference and this doesn’t feel like the classic heartburn symptoms I’ve experienced before.

I have had tingling and numbness in the chest before, years ago when I was a student and back then I put it down to anxiety/nerves re:final exams.

When I was at A&E. the doctors there said as ECG was clear that it could be a mix of anxiety/stomach issues and when my GP gave me my results, there was no follow up or suggestion of what to do/try next.

Because this feeling has been there constantly, I can’t relax and Googling my symptoms is turning this all into a vicious cycle because the anxiety from that makes me feel a whole lot worse.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What do I ask the GP to do next?

Forgot to add had Covid in September and second jab in October, if there’s any relation there?

I had something very similar about 2 years ago, although I didn't get the tingling sensations. Mine started with feeling like something was stuck in my throat and escalated to severe pain in my chest which lasted 4-5 hours then gradually eased. I could swallow but this would make the pain worse.
It always started when I went to bed and lay down. I found once I noticed the discomfort it would get worse and worse (probably because I was anxious about it) until I was in so much pain I could barely sit still.
Dialled 111 at one point who sent an ambulance who did an ECG, heart checks etc but found nothing.
Went to my GP who diagnosed it as oesophageal spasm, likely brought on by acid reflux. They can be very painful apparently.
At the time I had no idea what was causing it, but in hindsight I was extremely stressed and it was a sort of internalised anxiety. Haven't had it now for almost 2 years (fingers crossed!)

Thank you for your reply and I am glad you are better now. Did your GP do any other checks when diagnosing you?

It’s a really horrible feeling isn’t it? I just can’t relax because it’s there all the time. It’s almost like there’s a giant balloon stuck in my chest and I need it to pop so all the air gets out!

Could it be something like a hiatus hernia

I've had something very similar.

Lansoprazole helped.

I got prescribed omeprazole for the same reason. It makes a big difference. It takes a few days before the discomfort goes though.

I’d get back to your gp as soon as, so you don’t need to be in pain any longer.

You’ve been checked out so I’d suggest it’s likely the stomach issues are the cause.

You don’t want to be on these meds for a long time but a few months til the stress if over will hopefully help.

Thanks everyone for your replies will be back on at GP tomorrow hopefully if I can get through the ever increasing phone queues! Will update too.

Sounds like GERD, especially the burping.

If you’re burping I’d say it’s acid reflux. Can take a while to settle even with omeprazole etc. but it’s uncomfortable while it’s there. Def get on to GP tomorrow!