Racing heart at 3 AM for no reason. Chest tightness that makes you think you're having a heart attack. Buzzing sensations in your limbs. Night sweats that soak your sheets. Morning stiffness that makes you feel ancient.
You rush to the doctor, certain something is seriously wrong. Blood tests, EKGs, imaging - everything comes back "normal." Your doctor says it's stress, anxiety, or menopause and hands you a pamphlet about relaxation techniques.
But you know your body. This isn't normal stress. These symptoms are real, intense, and getting worse. You start googling your symptoms at 2 AM, convinced you have some rare disease they're missing.
Friends and family mean well, but their "it's probably nothing" doesn't help when your chest feels like it's in a vice at midnight or your heart pounds so hard you can feel it in your throat.