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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Tightness In Jaw And Chest?

My husband is 43 years old and had Right Shoulder Arthroscopic Aeromioplasty this past Monday. He was prescribed Oxycodine, Hydrocodine and a Nerve Block Ball with Catheter. He woke up from a nap Tuesday night at 8:00PM, clinching the center of his chest, and with severe jaw pain, which he had felt the jaw pain earlier in the day. I rushed him to the ER and Chest Xrays, blood work and EKG all came back normal. Today is Friday, the catheter was removed yesterday and he is taking the Hydrocodine for pain as needed, however the chest and jaw tightness are still there. He really feels the chest tightness when he lays on his left side, or twists his body to the side, or takes a deep breath (He's a smoker, by the way). We have an appointment set up with a cardiologist for next Thursday, but would like to have these questions answered so we don't spend the weekend worrying. We are wondering if this pain could be due to the Hydrocodine, or perhaps a muscle in his chest could be pulled due to the stress on his body, causing the additional pain to the jaw, or perhaps even an infection of some sort. The last thing I want to think is perhaps there is a clot or embolism, but is it possible? We've been told to take him back to the ER if the pain worsens, I can have him there in minutes. Thank you for your time.
Wed, 23 Dec 2015
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, possibility of pulmonary embolism is high in his case.
Risk factors in his case are
1. Recent surgery
2. Active smoker
3. Chest pain and Chest tightness, recurrent and not relieving.
So possibility of pulmonary embolism is more.
He needs CT Pulmonary angiography to rule out this.
If CT Pulmonary angiography is normal then no need to worry for Pulmonary embolism. His pain can be due to musculoskeletal cause.
Don't worry, he will be alright. But better to first rule out Pulmonary embolism.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.
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What Causes Pain And Tightness In Jaw And Chest?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, possibility of pulmonary embolism is high in his case. Risk factors in his case are 1. Recent surgery 2. Active smoker 3. Chest pain and Chest tightness, recurrent and not relieving. So possibility of pulmonary embolism is more. He needs CT Pulmonary angiography to rule out this. If CT Pulmonary angiography is normal then no need to worry for Pulmonary embolism. His pain can be due to musculoskeletal cause. Don t worry, he will be alright. But better to first rule out Pulmonary embolism. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.