Thought I’d stop here again. Struggling. - British Heart Fou...

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Thought I’d stop here again. Struggling.

Dshadzz07 profile image
35 Replies

Just the stupid symptoms, chest pain, left arm pain, jaw issues. At the age of 22 with the only factor being my obesity and hypothyroidism.

Cholesterol is nearly ideal LDL is 1.9 and I know that’s a huge factor for heart disease. A GP on the phone shouted I don’t have heart disease to me because I guess he’s tired after all my testing and there being nothing from in all the tests yet symptoms persist. I know this is for people with heart issues but I guess it’s my fear. I still keep my CTPA results close to me and read no calcifications in my arteries.

I want to live again just the pain doesn’t stop

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Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07
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35 Replies
MummaSoap profile image
MummaSoap

Hi Dshadzz

I’m sorry to hear that you’re still struggling; it can be so difficult trying to juggle the anxiety as well as physical symptoms. I can’t imagine how frustrating this situation is for you but I can hear it coming through in your post.

I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone, I hope that you can find some comfort in that.

Having your results close by and reading them to yourself is a great idea if you find that helpful.

You have the benefit of being young on your side, (I know it’s easier said than done) but try to focus on the positives. You’re only 22, that means more time to make changes. Your scan results showed no calcification. You want to feel better.

Do what you can, and take each day as it comes. I know it can be frustrating and overwhelming but I find just focusing on getting through the day more manageable on days when thinking about the future feels too much.

Hope you start feeling better soon, keep talking and be kind to yourself.

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

Hi Dshadzz07 sorry to hear your back here again 💔. Have you tried asking GP for anxiety meds I think you would really benefit. Anxiety definitely mimics heart symptoms as I have anxiety and heart disease so can be tricky to pinpoint which one is causing the agro! That's great that there is no calcification in your arteries! ❤️. I know it's easier said then done but have you considered taking to someone about how you have been feeling it sounds like it's really affecting your life, which at 22 you really don't need 💔😞. Just think about counselling mate. Because you have hypothyroidism can that condition cause those type of symptoms and maybe could be a flare up of your hypothyroidism 🤷‍♀️. Anway wish you all the best and sorry to hear your going through these symptoms again 😣.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

It might even be GERD maybe mention this to your doctor the symptoms sound the same as the ones your experiencing.

Tos92 profile image
Tos92

I’m sorry you’re still struggling with your health. You have got some good advice from others. Did you manage to take up any counselling or therapy to help with the anxiety and worry surrounding your health conditions? I wonder if you would benefit from taking anti-anxiety meds if you aren’t already. Perhaps it’s worth having a chat about this with your GP and see what they have to say.

Let us know how you’re feeling and doing on here. As you know, there is always someone around to lend a listening ear.

All the best.

Tos

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

Hasn't the GP discussed referring you to a thyroid specialist, the Pain Clinic or Neurology to get you assessed for other possible reasons for the chest and other pains that might not be heart related? Have you had any blood tests recently, and how well us your hypothyroidism being controlled?

I only ask because thyroid problems can also cause pain symptoms.

I'm not surprised you are feeling anxious , when you don't know what is happening it is worrying.

You can request a referral to any or all of the above specialists to help rule out causes for your symptoms and get a diagnosis.

Especially if your GP has not found any answers it is your right to see a specialist to help sort things out. Your GP might be frustrated, but so are you , and shouting at you on the phone is unprofessional and isn't going to get answers for either of you.

Take care and I hope you get some help soon , Bee

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toBlearyeyed

My thyroid issues are a joke and have asked for specialty advice as I know it can cause so many symptoms. They just seem to not listen or care about me. I have asked about neurological issues but they don’t think so but have suggest physiotherapy as they think costochondritis and spine issues but on a long waiting list. All I get is paracetamol and ibuprofen, but then again opioids are dreadful for me make me sick. So I don’t know.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toDshadzz07

If you haven't been seen by a Thyroid Specialist and a Dietitian these are going to be the best places to start.I suggest a Dietitian not in reference to any weight concerns but because they will be able to help guide you with a diet plan to improve your hypothyroidism. This , in itself , will also help to improve your ability to exercise and control the swings in weight that can happen with thyroid imbalance.

Ask to be referred , if they refuse ask for a second opinion at your surgery and ask for a medical reason why they are refusing referrals. Whatever they say request for them to give their answer in writing.

Be polite but don't be afraid to tell them that you do not feel you are getting adequate help and that you feel that you will have to submit a complaint if more action is taken on your behalf.

If it's costochondritis you would not be given physiotherapy anyway, that initially involves breathing techniques and rest to improve , over exercise of the upper body actually irritates the problem. Sleeping with your head and shoulders raised on graduated pillows can also bring relief to that type of chest pain.

If they think it's spinal have they sent you for xrays to help confirm that?

How are your thyroid blood results?

Are you on medication for that issue yet?

Unfortunately, you may be experiencing a little bit of apathy because of your age but that is inappropriate, you need guidance now to help prevent further problems in the future, hope things are resolved soon , Bee

devonian186 profile image
devonian186

Don't you think your obesity is a huge factor in all this? What is your programme to bring your weight down which in turn would enable you to exercise and presumably change the foods that caused the problems? At 22 you have your life ahead of you and need to make changes

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply todevonian186

I know it’s a factor and I’m 95% sure some of these issues will be gone if I lose weight but for some reason I just can’t shift it. I’m trying diets and speaking to specialists. I suffer from hypothyroidism but I’m going to start a completely new diet and think I can get to my goal weight over the next year.

devonian186 profile image
devonian186 in reply toDshadzz07

well done. Your weight seems to be absolutely key to your future well being.

JeremiahObadiah profile image
JeremiahObadiah

Are you getting any help for the hypothyroidism and obesity? Is there a local gym where you could use the machines to gradually get you walking further/get an appropriately gentle programme drawn up to help you gain health , confidence and work towards losing weight.

A food diary drawn up over a few weeks and then discussed with the dietitian at your GPs surgery might assist with seeing how you could tweak your food intake to better work for you.

I’m sorry that at 22 you have these problems and you need professional help to escape from the spiral of anxiety and health issues. Best wishes.

Have they considered a cardiac mri to check for pericarditis I think they should keep

Pushing for answers before accepting the anxiety diagnosis

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

They ruled out pericarditis with bloods, ecg and echo

in reply toDshadzz07

Mine were all normal only the cardiac mri with contrast showed it

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

Hmm I’ll ask but due to all the tests they’ve done they are so reluctant for more especially a 22 year old. It’s frustrating

in reply toDshadzz07

If they won’t ask your Gp to refer you to the Brompton they will do this and investigate further

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

That like a hospital, is it free?

in reply toDshadzz07

Yes Nhs

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

I’ll ask but my gp is tired of referring me for heart tests since I’ve nearly had em all. What’s even the treatment for pericarditis

in reply toDshadzz07

Colchicine and aspirin you can ask to try this and see if you feel better

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

Yeah I’ll ask about always scared to take aspirin incase I get like a brain bleed (my anxiety)

in reply toDshadzz07

It’s usually quite safe

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply to

Guess it reduces chance of heart issues too. I’ll ask my doctor about it. Your response has been very helpful though thank you

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toDshadzz07

You wouldn't be prescribed Colchicine unless you were diagnosed with a condition that requires it.At the moment , you are probably better sticking with paracetamol until you know what you have.

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toBlearyeyed

Don’t think I’ll ever find out but like with the symptoms been on and off for a year. I don’t know but obviously muscular and nerve make sense. Who knows? Too many heart tests already.

Nedragymni profile image
Nedragymni

Hi, sorry to hear about your pain! I had pain in shoulder blade, arm, neck, chest, and side of face and all on the left. After many tests and many meds was referred to a pain clinic and it was discovered that the Vagus Nerve was affected by neck problems. I had trigger point injections and meds and feel human again. Perhaps it is something to look into for you. Just a thought…. Hope for relief for you.

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toNedragymni

Never thought about this. I’ll have to look into it, like how would I go about asking?

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Have you had an x ray or scan of your neck and upper spine? I have trapped nerves that give the same feelings

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toQualipop

See I’ve had chest X-rays. Only issue is like I have a feeling it’s nerve related due to my posture/anxiety but a pinched nerve is very hard to diagnose especially in the neck

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toDshadzz07

Nerves are as thin as a piece of cotton thread and don't show on x rays or even an MRI scan but doctors go off nearby structures that could be pressing on a nerve. If your posture isn't the best, try sleeping in a soft collar but don't use one during the day. If you spend a long time looking down at yoru phone, prop the phone up at eye level. Thousands of people are now suffering from neck issues because of phones. If it doesn't ease maybe suggest to your doctor that you try gabapentin or lyrica and low dose amitryptilene which are good for nerve pain but first try a physiotherapist or an osteopath to check your neck/shoulders.

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toQualipop

Sadly tried pregablin and no help

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toDshadzz07

nor for me but it does help lot of people. osteopath then

Dshadzz07 profile image
Dshadzz07 in reply toQualipop

What’s an osteopath, I just get concerned it’s my heart but like what’s the point in believing that anymore especially with the tests I’ve had. I just feel stupid.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toDshadzz07

someone who manipulates joints and muscles. Similar to a chiropractor. The major difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor is that while the Chiropractor is primarily focused on the spine, joints and the muscles, an Osteopath is also concerned with the rest of the body.

KIMMY60 profile image
KIMMY60

Severe heart burn can cause your symptoms can be unbelievably painful and can trigger palpitations even if there isn't anything wrong with your heart

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