When Chest Pain Strikes—and You Just Don’t Know Why
- Michele Roys
- May 26
- 3 min read
These past two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind.
If you listened to my latest podcast episode, you’ll know I’ve been in and out of the hospital again—this time with unexpected chest pain that, quite honestly, left me scared and exhausted. It was the kind of stabbing pain in my heart that made me pause. I live with chronic illness daily—fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and Lyme—so I’ve learned to listen to my body closely. But this felt different. Something was off.
I never expected to be calling an ambulance or sitting in A&E at 2 a.m., trying to breathe through the pain while everything in me just wanted to go home. I kept thinking, Not again. Please, not again.
And yet there I was. Again.
The Hospital at 2 A.M.
Hospitals are never easy for anyone. They’re loud, overstimulating, and filled with a whole mix of emotions—not just your own. This time, I found myself observing, reflecting, and yes, even praying for the people around me. One woman had a fractured finger and was told to take weeks off work—she was shocked. And it reminded me of myself years ago, when I thought rest was optional. When I was in denial.
That pattern of pushing through? It’s still there. But this time, my body wasn’t having it. It forced me to slow down. To sit. To feel. And to reflect.
What Helped Me Cope
As I waited through the long hours of the night, I journaled, prayed, and tried my best to stay grounded. I had to remind myself—Michele, it’s okay not to know yet. You will find answers. But for now, be gentle with yourself.
That’s easier said than done when every fibre of you wants clarity—especially when you live with invisible illness. I know what it’s like to look fine and still be dismissed. To have test results come back “normal” while your body screams that something is very wrong.
Advocating for yourself in the medical system isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Where I Am Now
Eventually, a consultant I know came to check in on me (after I finally asked for help—hello pride!), and things started moving faster. I’m incredibly grateful for that. But even now, I still don’t have all the answers. I’m being sent for more tests and wearing a Holter monitor soon to track what’s happening with my heart.
In the meantime, I’m holding onto what I do know:
💛 I’m not crazy.
💛 Something is happening.
💛 I’m doing the best I can.
What’s Coming Next
This coming Wednesday, on the podcast, I’ll be sharing the next part of the story—how I was diagnosed with something called costochondritis, which can mimic a heart attack (yep, terrifying). I’ll explain what it is, how it’s linked to inflammation, and why so many people—especially those of us with chronic pain—need to be aware of it.
But more than that, I’ll talk about the importance of not giving up when something doesn’t feel right in your body. Even when you're tired. Even when you’ve been dismissed before.
Keep seeking answers. Keep showing up for yourself.
In Case You Missed These Episodes:
Thank you for being here. I’ve missed showing up in your inbox—and I’m grateful to share this journey with you.
With love and light,
Michele 💛
P.S. If you’ve read my book But You Look Just Fine, I’d love to hear what you thoughts. A review on Amazon or Good Reads would mean the world to me—it helps others find the book and reminds them they’re not alone. If the message resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need it today.
Thank you so much—and God bless you. 💛
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