Hi there,

I've had pains in my chest since I was 14 or 15. They started around the time I got severe tonsolitis as far as I can remember. I never brought them up until I moved and got a new doctor and she has been telling me since I was 17 that they're growing pains. I can't believe that anymore since I'm almost 21 and I still get them! They've always showed up irregularly, maybe once every 2 weeks or more and last for as long as 3 minutes. They seem to be getting longer. When they happen, my heart rate goes up about 30bpm (I'm normally between 60-70 and go up to 90 or so in just a few seconds). I can't take deep breaths or move body positions (especially twisting my back/waist) as it hurts too much during an episode, and I'd describe the pains like a shock in my chest or like my lungs/heart are sticking to my ribcage. They usually occur on the left side of my body but do happen on the right side occasionally. No matter which side they're on though, they're very close to the middle of my chest, right under the breast.

I am almost 21, am 120 to 130 pounds, 5'4" and medium-large in the chest area. I do smoke but did not when the pains started. Other 'symptoms' that may be helpful could be that I tend to have dizzy spells out of nowhere (not from getting up.. not from working out or anything), my posture has always been bad and I often have back pain, too.

So are these growing pains?? Could they be something to worry about? Should I demand a chest x-ray?

Please reply, and tnx for your time!
IG