What tests should I have? Please help!

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hello,

I'm having terrible problems with fatigue and shortness of breath. Every breath feels an effort and a very uncomfortable tight feeling in the chest. I'm only in my thirties and try and avoid leaving the house as exercise makes it worse.

So far I had an ECG and ECHO on the heart and they came back clear. In 2 weeks I am having a CT scan of the chest.

What I would really like to know (I'm literally clueless!) is what other tests can I have done?

Should I be measuring the oxygen in my blood somehow? What else can I request from my GP as they aren't helping?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks you,

Kate

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi....I have the same symptoms but also had a dry cough. Have you got a cough? x
    • Posted

      No cough. No cold either. The shortness of breath is literally on every breath and I've been off work for 6 weeks now.

      ?My GP just sends me away so I need to be able to go back and ask for some tests but I have no idea what I need to be asking for!

      Any ideas anyone?

      ?Thanks!

    • Posted

      My GPS sent me for an x ray and said I had pneumonia. I had antibiotics...clarithromycin and that stopped my cough but am still breathless on exertion and just felt really tired. I had a c t scan and I have the results 20th July with a respiratory Consultant ...my GP looked at the c t scan and said I had pneumonitis and some nodules on my lungs. Not trying to frightening you.This is just what's happening to me . Everybody's case is different. I think you will know more when you have your c t scan results. Hope you get sorted soon x

  • Posted

    Kate,

    This may not be much help, but you may want to consider an pulse oximeter that measures your blood oxygen levels:

    A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood (as opposed to measuring oxygen saturation directly through a blood sample) and changes in blood volume in the skin, producing a photoplethysmogram.

    If you are concerned about your blood oxygen levels maybe consider talking to your doctor about having some sort of additional testing for that. You can also  purchase an oximeter and monitor your oxygen levels, they are fairly well priced usually around $50.00 U.S.D.

    Atleast by taking these additional tests you will rule out more issues, if your symptoms persist or worsen you should continue to see your GP and see if there is a solution. I don't know if there is anyway of seeing another doctor to get a second opinion? I apologize as I am not well versed in the medical field, just trying to give you some options. Best of luck to you!

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