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LOTS going on...grateful for any direction or helpful hints...

Posted , 8 users are following.

pamela02500
pamela02500

Hi - I have multiple conditions (hoping to figure out the reason or the larger one) I don't even know which section to post under, but my most immediate issues today (this happens sometimes) it feels like there is a lump on the left side of my throat, food was going down with difficulty, then I was vomiting everything back up. It still feels like there is a lump when I swallow. Feels like a hair is stuck but I'm 99% sure there isn't a hair. I have a very complex health situation that I'm still waiting for all the specialists to figure out. Recently I've been having some heart weirdness, back and forth to emerg, tachycardic and high blood pressure (I'm 27 year old female - a LOT of cardiovascular problems in my family, my dad has a lot too and he and I share many health similarities). I've been very dizzy and fuzzy lately, almost passed out a couple times, feel as though I'm high, very tired and EXTREMELY fatigued even though my heart is hammering away like a hummingbird. I'm not stressed or anxious, I'm cognizant to seperate those from the symptoms as I've learned over the years anxiety just makes everything worse. They ordered a holter monitor test and I had to do 2 24-hour urine tests to check for adrenal crisis (results not back yet), and they perscribed me betablockers that I'm supposed to start today, but I don't want to take them because what if they don't find out what is wrong then? Will the betablockers mask an issue? Plus I'm already taking 4 reactine a day, omnaprazole, avamys, singulaire, simbibort and sometimes atrovent, toradol and ventolin and I'm not excited to add another one to the list (I have chronic angioedema, my tongue swells a lot for unknown reasons, my left cheek often gets "on fire" and swells and turns beet red, and my limbs swell, especially right thigh, right arm, I have anaphylaxsis too and have had to take two epipens and countless steroid and benedryl shots/IVs), I'm also a severe asthmatic, and have been going back and forth to rheumatologist to check for autoimmune issues (there is definitely one but they can't agree on which, my ANA is negative but I have almost all the symptoms of lupus, they are thinking psoriatic arthritis because I've had what seemed like "gout" attacks in different joints, uric acid spikes but the Rheum said he believes it to be some level of psoriatoc arthritis, I get joint pain (and some swelling) all the time, for the past 11-12 years), I also have had regular chest pain since I was 12 or so, but it has been getting worse and is lately accompanied by the "fuzzies", near fainting, weak hands, tachycardia, headaches and some nausea. Forgetting things, high-low BP but always high heartrate. They are rushing my cardiology appointment. I'm trying not to worry in the meantime, but now I've been throwing up all day as well. And feel like I can't swallow (not like my throat is like swollen shut, but just like there is an obstruction), sorry for the million symptoms and maybe TMI...there is a LOT more I can tell you, but any ideas on how to speed of diagnosis? Different things I could ask about? Frustrated sad Thanks so much for your time and advice! Even with this swallowing thing...it is weird.

1 like, 21 replies

21 Replies

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  • Nefret
    Nefret pamela02500

    Posted

    Hello Pamela, you might find more help under General Conditions?  Those of us here with either Polymyalgia Rheumatica or Giant Cell Arteritis don't have most of the conditions you need help with so can't really help.
    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 Nefret

      Posted

      Aww thanks so much, Nefret!! That's helpful, I'll go there instead. I didn't really know what category I fit under. Thanks smile
  • barb30898
    barb30898 pamela02500

    Posted

    Hi Pamela,

    sorry you are going through all of these strange symptoms. I hope the docs get answers, quickly, and soon thing s will, again, be under control.

    Beta Blockers are usually given to stabilize your heart beat while trying to determine cause.

    Hoping for a quick resolution.

    Barb

    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 barb30898

      Posted

      Thanks Barb! You're sweet...I hope so too but I'm used to most of it, the swelling and chest pains, but this new fatigue and dizziness is really throwing me for a loop, I can't even seem to drive anymore, it's not safe. I'll take the blockers - but do you think they will still be able to detect any heart abnormality even if I take the blockers? I was concerned that the holtimonitor results will be normal then just because my heartrate is being stabalized, then the problem will go on undetected...my GP says they will still be able to detect any problems...but I don't know?

      Thanks so much for your kind wishes!!!

  • cindy63197
    cindy63197 pamela02500

    Posted

    I am so sorry that you have all these symptoms as the doctors don't seem to be helping you. Are you in England? I feel certain my doctor would order an endoscopy for you, and I don't believe you've had one from what you wrote. In US they would send you to a gastroenterologist, and after that possibly a speech pathologist to get down to the bottom of the swallowing disorder. At any rate I would run not walk to get immediate help as the conditions you may have are extremely serious. I sometimes work in home health as an OT, and if someone had your symptoms I would be on the phone to the doctor without hesitation, and in the US, most likely he or she would admit you to emergency to find out what is the matter right away.
    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 cindy63197

      Posted

      Hi Cindy!! Thanks so much for your kind and helpful response. I live in Canada, and while the emerg doctors were concerned and perscribed the betas until I see the cardiologist (My allergist is trying to rush the appointment, but unfortunately there are year-long waiting lists here in my province, she is hoping for a few weeks), they don't really admit people easily here. The swallowing thing I kind of keep forgetting to mention to my doctors because there are so many more pressing issues, but I should make a point to tell my allergist on Monday. Even though I'm used to having constant health issues, daily problems, I do have the feeling lately like I really need to get this new chest stuff figured out soon. As I mentioned below, my family history is terrible for heart stuff, and it always worries my parents and husband that because I have symptoms like severe chest pain, tachycardia, tightness and swelling in my arm and limbs, breath shortness red, hot cheeks and upper stomach upset (I call it pointy stomach pains) frequently, I'd never know if I was having a heart episode or attack because I'd just think it is my normal. You know? So I don't know...I'm just frustrated lately with being so tired. I can't even seem to walk up and down the stairs without feeling faint and having to sit down right away. The other day I was folding clothes, just standing folding and I had to sit down, I was overcome with a wave, and I checked my heartrate and it was 126. I've had to pull over driving a lot lately too so I'm trying not to go anywhere, mostly just lying down and doing my work in bed. I don't mean to sound complainy or anything, I have a wonderful life and a wonderful man who takes care of me, but we are both concerned lately, I just hope the doctors figure it out soon. And I hope they don't go too leisurely just because I'm young. Thanks so much for your care and concern smile
    • cindy63197
      cindy63197 pamela02500

      Posted

      Pamela, I really have to say I'm very concerned for you. Make sure you tell the docs about the swallowing problem and nausea, as it might help them to get closer to a proper diagnosis. It's best in the case of these situations to make your symptoms sound a little worse rather than better even though I know it sounds like complaining. I don't like to complain either, and so usually I end up having a bad case of something before it is figured out. It's a very unusual set of symptoms for a 27 year old. Perhaps your husband could come with you to the doctors as they seem to listen better to men than women. Please get back on here with any news of diagnosis.

      Could someone drive you to Florida? I feel certain our US hospitals might get you closer to an answer, but unfortunately I think you'd have to pay to the nose for it. Good luck finding some decent help.

    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 cindy63197

      Posted

      Thanks so much Cindy for your good advice and concern. I'm pretty tough usually but lately I'm not handling all this as well as I usually do. The chest pain is way worse than my usual. I was talking to my Allergist on the phone, she ordered a chest xray to check on my asthma/lungs and see the size of my heart. She said to wait on the bbeta blockers because my bp seems to be high-low not just high, it goes down to 100/65 (heart still hammers away at 100) so she said it could be dangerous to take the betas, they might make it dip too low. Told her about the food thing, she thinks it is my angioedema. Heart rate was up to 139 today, terrible headache all day. Guess it is a waiting game now! She said she is calling to try to get me in to the cardiologist ASAP but she said it may soon be a while because I'm young and functioning (plus I don't want to jump ahead of people who are in more serious condition). So she said to rest. I can't really do anything anyway, when I try to run errands I end up in terrible shape. Sorry about all the complaints!! It is just so much lately. I feel a little like a zombie. Things seem better when I rest though. They said no NSAIDS but unfortunately, those are the only meds that help some of my pain since most of my pain is due to inflammation. I sent my info to a friend who's dad is a doctor in new york city, he offered to take a look at my case smile so that's good! I guess the more medical advice the better!! Thanks so much for everything smile You are such a sweet lady. I don't really know what to be doing in the meantime, I guess just wait haha. Probably nothing serious, maybe it is something little like low iron or something...but maybe not.
  • barb30898
    barb30898 pamela02500

    Posted

    Pamela,

    you raise an important point with respect to the haltimonitor.iThe beta blockers will help to regulate the rhythm  and speed of the heart. And therefore the results from the haltimonitor will not be as useful. 

    They probably. Want to protect your hearti, while they do other, in depth tests to find the problem(s)

    Hopingfor much better days to come

    Barb

     

    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 barb30898

      Posted

      Thanks Barb, yeah there is something in my back of my mind saying "don't take them yet!" but all the doctors are saying "hurry! Take them". One doctor listened to my heart and said while the beat is irregular, it could be just palpitations or arrythmia, but she said she didn't hear any fluid on my heart (but my dad has 2 stents, 2 more blockages, an aneurysm, an enlarged heart and an arrythmia, and I have all his other health problems like arthritic issues and allergies and chest pain), and none of his issues were detected by physical exams, only when he was rushed to the hospital when in Florida (we live in Canada). I also have a pop that died at 50 from heart issues, another pop who had his first heart attack in his early 30's and several aunts and uncles with angioplasts and bypasses. So even though I'm young, I guess nothing is definite with all my recent heart symptoms and stuff. So I guess they do want to make sure my heart is okay until I see the Cardio...but I don't know...maybe I'll wait to see if the holter monitor comes soon. Sorry for rambling on!! Thanks again for your advice!! Take care Barb!! You're sweet smile
    • barb30898
      barb30898 pamela02500

      Posted

      As you get some answers and have gotten whatever is going on, under more control, please take the time to let us know.

      Thanks

    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 barb30898

      Posted

      I will, thanks so much again for the advice and concern.

      I'm sure it is just a matter of one weird problem and once it is found and fixed, hopefully alot of my symptoms will calm down. smile

  • artfingers
    artfingers pamela02500

    Posted

    Wow what a lot of symptoms and issues, I'm so sorry.  If you are in the U.S. or are willing to travel and no one is able to sort all this out for you, there is a real "House" doctor who specializes in unsolved cases.  He is out of NYC and you can google him "the real Dr. House" or some such.  Until I was finally diagnosed with PMR I almost went to him as I tried to figure it all out.  It might be a good last resort but the article explains how he is a real sleuth on medical issues.  Good luck!
    • pamela02500
      pamela02500 artfingers

      Posted

      Thanks so much! That is so helpful smile I will definitely look him up!! My mom and dad want to fly me to Florida to get it figured out soon if something doesn't happen soon. Before any MORE meds...haha. But I really don't travel well, the last time I was in bed for 2 and a half weeks when I got home, with similar issues as I am experiencing now, and I have to wear a mask when I travel because of scents, but I'll do anything once we save up the money go to get it all figured out if the medical system here keeps going slowly with it...thanks so much smile I really appreciate all the helpful advice! I'm glad I came here...
    • maid_mariane
      maid_mariane pamela02500

      Posted

      Hi Pamela

      We're in Canada are you? I'm in Toronto and my mom goes to an excellent heart specialist she says better than the one she had in Kelowna. Mom is in and out of specialist like crazy and no problem in getting tests done fast, she is actually amazed. This is why I ask.

      Mariane

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