Hypochondriac

[P0rtnahapp1e]

Hiya! Was diagnosed with AF, HF and DCM in the past two years and have been hospitalised with sepsis and endocarditis. All this after 68 years of nothing more than colds and flu.

Since starting Entresto a year ago have been feeling really well and able to go for long walks again, on holidays which I hadn’t done since first diagnosis. In the past month I’ve been to Santorini, Aberdeen, Lincoln, Manchester and Ischia.

For the past week I’ve had flu like symptoms, with no raised temperature, but aching joints, chest pains, thudding heart and general lethargy. Prediagnosis I would have discounted this as a head cold/bugs from flights, but I’m neurotic now about my heart.

I know there is no substitute for having the symptoms checked out professionally, but any comments from your good selves?

[Hidden]

What would you say if I said you were just suffering from stress and let it be and relax, when in five days time you collapse with some form of Lergy that only breeds in Ischia? No one here will give you a prognosis - because no one could - you know yourself best and if you are concerned then off to the doctor with you. No doctor would chastise you for help if you have real concerns. If you think it relates to a procedure you have had, then I feel you must still be under the umbrella of the hospital. Just a small point, we are only patients ourselves who may or may not know what AF, HF and DCM might mean - I don't - always best to refer to them by their name at least once then by all means go into abbreviations.

Good luck to you and keep warm

[P0rtnahapp1e in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply Hidden , and sorry, I hate acronyms myself.

Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

You’re quite right in that I should nip up to A&E to be checked but, and this is ridiculous, my husband is off on hols on Monday and he would be in a difficult position if I was admitted, (which is what they have always done in the past, especially if it’s a weekend and the main cardiologists aren’t working.)

Thanks again. Appreciate you taking the time to talk sense into a fellow member!

[Hidden in reply to P0rtnahapp1e]

I am sometimes reticent to speak plainly since it can offend, but on the other hand, plain speech is probably just what people want - Let me ask you another question - So hubby would be in a difficult position if you were admitted - what situation would he find himself in if, God forbid, you got worse and...........!!!!

You are important too - if you think it warrants a visit to A & E then go. You know yourself best and who knows, perhaps you will be diagnosed and not admitted - at least you will know either way and if there is anything wrong, you are in the best place

[jimmyq]

"In the past month I’ve been to Santorini, Aberdeen, Lincoln, Manchester and Ischia."

I bet Manchester was the best!

[P0rtnahapp1e]

So, took your advice Hidden , and went up to A&E where I had an ECG done, usual checks like temp, blood pressure etc. The nurse took my tracing away and came back to say that the doctor said it wasn’t changed since my last one, so I was reassured that my ‘flu symptoms were just that, and weren’t affecting my heart.

They said to nip back for blood tests if my symptoms worsened, or I could wait and have them done, but I was so relieved that I just wanted to go.

Thanks again for the words of wisdom. Sometimes it takes another person to say what you’re thinking.

[Qualipop]

If I'd done all that you've done, I think I'd be worn out

[Emily_BHF]

Hi P0rtnahapp1e,

I think you should make an appointment with your GP to check that everything is ok. It sounds like typical flu like symptoms, but because of your medical history it is even more important to make sure that this is managed properly. Even if all they suggest is lots of rest and relaxation.

Take care,

Emily

[P0rtnahapp1e in reply to Emily_BHF]

Thanks Emily_BHF , my gp retires tomorrow which is sad, but I’ve never really had much communication with him re my heart problems as they have been looked after by my consultant and my Hf nurse. I might give her a call this afternoon as I’m still very weak and lightheaded as though my bp is very low. I also have back pains as though I’m retaining fluid, but don’t want to take extra furosemide because of low bp. It’s all a matter of balance.

Thank you again for your advice.

[frankiec10]

Hi there,

I was just wondering if your weight fluctuates ( both up and down) and by how much?

Thank you