Fear I have been misdiagnosed

[Luludean]

Following a coughing bug have now been told I have Pleurisy but, I have had Valve repair and have persistent AF. On Doxycycline, but , woke today with all the heart symptoms I usually cope with , ( pleurisy symptoms and heart symptoms seem very similar) . Feeling very wobbly and afraid now.I live alone , that is fine but I also watched my mum die a month ago of pneumonia, so I may be over reacting Not sure what to do , only see my cardiologist privately at Papworth , if I get taken in to A and E at Addenbrookes he is quite sarcastic to me. Any suggestions?

[10gingercats]

How about trying 111? It sounds to me from what you rather 'risky' to do nothing.

[Buffafly in reply to 10gingercats]

And you can blame 111!

[Luludean in reply to Buffafly]

Buffafly, I do not want to blame any one. I just want reassurance and to feel well again . Also very reluctant yo go to A and E.

[Buffafly in reply to Luludean]

I meant if your consultant is annoyed 😊

[rosyG]

ignore sarcasm or tell him to behave!!

Go and get checked out!!

[cassie46]

Hi Lulu - What is your heart rate - if it is high call 111. I had a chest infection a year ago and had difficulty breathing and my heart rate was high 160/180 and was taken into A & E (I did not have any chest pain though). It is quite common for an infection to aggravate AF. Did your GP not send you for an xray, just to make sure that there is no fluid on your lungs. I have never had pleurisy but I understand that it is quite painful and very debilitating. I hope the antibiotic starts to make you feel better soon, but I think you will feel very drained for a while. Take care.

Cassie

[Luludean in reply to cassie46]

Thank you Cassie, I only had strange breathing for three nights, like someone sitting on my chest and nose blocked . Then woke to this pain in shoulders and rib and feeling so wobbly. But, I had had a vile bug before. It is taking a long time to begin to feel right and symptoms are so like AF . I am overwhelmed by every one on this site's kindness.

[cassie46 in reply to Luludean]

Hi again Lulu - After the chest infection I mentioned (in hospital for 4 days) it took me well over a month before I felt anywhere near normal, it really took it out of me. Also you are still recovering from the loss of your mother, and from what you told me before you were quite stressed with all the travelling ect. So you have had a hard time, take it easy, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Cassie

[JaneFinn in reply to cassie46]

I so agree with Cassie - even normal chest infections knock me back for weeks, let alone pleurisy. I remember pleurisy (long before I had AF) being very painful around my heart area, and my heart rate being up. I can’t imagine combining that with AF

Sending love and best wishes xx

[Luludean in reply to cassie46]

I so appreciate your advice and shared experience , I am much calmer knowing others have also been wiped out by this sort of thing , looking symptoms up on line made me panic . My daughter is coming this week end and I will talk to her. Thank you.

[JaneFinn]

Hi lulu, I’ve only just seen your post and was wondering how you’re feeling now? I’m hoping you got checked out and some reassurance, or you’re feeling better...

I know how dreadful it is to feel ill and anxious about it (obviously) and not sure of the best course of action. And it sounds like you have a very unhelpful cardiologist. But in my experience, sometimes they can go from being sarcastic or acting like you’re a nuisance one time, to suddenly taking you and your condition very seriously - maybe because of test results or new presenting symptoms. Or maybe because they’re in a better mood! And even if they don’t, I’d say however hard it is, it’s best try not to let anyone’s attitude stop us getting any help or reassurance we need

Really hope you’re feeling a little better... do let us know.

Love and hugs x

[Luludean in reply to JaneFinn]

Hi Jane , I have just thanked Cassie for her help. Thank you too. I am a terrible invalid ,find it impossible to rest because when I'm doing nothing I think too much.I will see how I am on Monday. My daughter is coming this week end so I can talk to her, but, I hate worrying the kids.

[JaneFinn]

Oh I do understand! But (talking as a daughter), I’ve always wanted my mum to share her symptoms and worries with me and let me support her. Remember you've always been there for her, and it’s lovely as a daughter to be there for your mum

As others have said, if your heart rate is high or you’re just generally feeling worse or scared, personally I’d make a phone call to my GP today (or 111 if out of hours) just for some advice and hopefully peace of mind. You’re not being a nuisance to anyone!!!

Love and best wishes x

[Luludean in reply to JaneFinn]

What a good friend you are.

Heart is calming down so coping better , have not had a fright like that for 2 years. I will be careful.

[seasider18]

Look at the symptoms for pneumothorax to see if they are similar.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

I had it after my heart valve was replaced and after my pacemaker was fitted. It has also happened spontaneously a few times.

[Luludean in reply to seasider18]

Thank you for advice , I did look. I will finish the anti biotics and see.