Many years ago, I witnessed a terrible, almost metaphysical ordeal. I couldn't change or even assuage the intense pain of another. I was young, but within 20 minutes, I felt a severe, stabbing pain in my heart. Not just in my chest, but in my heart.
The mind can reveal things that one can never anticipate. I was astounded. I simply knew at that moment, that "heartbreak" or "heartache" or "heartwrenching" were not merely "poetic" terms. They were not merely metaphors, but described truly, real physical events.
I can only speak for myself, but it was nothing like a "panic attack" - which is pretty awful in its own right - or angina, both of which I experienced years later. This was very stark, very definite..
I was young, so never contemplated medical help. But, I never forgot the episode. And, it gave me a renewed respect for poetry which can tell a Truer Truth.
We are simply not divided into little separate compartments without interaction. Teaching is compartmentalized - history, music, science, art, etc - because it is difficult to encompass all in a given course for a given time. There are so many causations and effects. And, stranger things like "referred pain", as I'm sure you know.
But, because we are taught in a pragmatic, compartmentalized manner, we come to believe that is our reality - that is who and how we are. Unfortunately, it is false and, even dangerous.
I'm glad to see some research in this area. I don't sense it's quite as benign as the few studies have concluded. I believe the connection between sudden neurochemical imbalances are somehow relevant and would factor in with postmenopause, especially, early menopause and also, PTSD.
I'm left with the feeling that we are owners of our bodies and minds and lives. Doctors can not be expected to read all of that for all of us. We have a responsibility to pay attention.
