Chest pain

[parryDoh]

I have been fencing on and off for 5+ years now. I didnt fence much at all last year but during this time I had light ache on my left side of my chest. (Im a left-handed foilist). I even went to the doc cause I thought maybe a heart problem but he said I was fine after examining me. He actually thought I might be nerve damage from fencing. Last few months been fencing heavy again and the pain has gotten worse. Its not terrible pain but bothersome when unactive or trying to sleep. It also worse when I breath in deep. Anyone have any experience like this?? Nerve damage?

[D'Artag-NOT]

Congratulations on having had the sense to rule out cardiac problems.

Now go back to your doctor, re-check the heart thing, and then describe the symptoms and let your doctor try to determine what the problem is. He (or she) may need to refer you to a sports medicine specialist. It could be nerve damage, a repetitive stress injury, a musculoskeletal problem--but I'm not a doctor, and I don't even play one on TV. And if I were a doctor, I hope I'd have the sense to avoid diagnosing a patient I've never seen from a description of symptoms on an online discussion forum.

See your doctor. Then let us know how you are, 'cos we all care.

(Just to let you know how off-the-wall these things can be--I developed right elbow pain [I'm a righty] some time back and was sure it was related to my fencing. Then I took an ergometrics class and reconfigured my workstation. Problem solved!)

[Inquartata]

Indeed.

We have probably all had perplexing aches and pains...some of us have had more years of them than others. Pester your doctor until he pins it down, or at least can assure you that's it's nothing serious and will go away on its own eventually ( as most of them do ).

[Orangeaholic]

It could be more serious than your doctor is diagnosing. I would definatly go to another doctor maybe get a second opinion.


-Orange

[MyrddinsPrecint]

how did he test the cardiac theory?

i mean, if there was some sort of stress test or electrocadiogram, then i'll believe him.

if he put a stethoscope to your chest and told you that you were fine, that's a little bit more skeptical.

[VELISARIOS]

Please go to the doctor again.