Difficulties Breathing and Slight Pain in the Chest and Bottom Leftside of Ribcage

[Blondie567]

For over 3 monthsI have been experiencing fatigue, breathlessness when walking only a few paces, and lightheaded.

I have had ECG and blood tests, and MRI but unable to find anything, except that i have 40% function.

My heart attack was March 23, together with pericarditis for 6 months after.

I have seen a cardiologist only once since the attack as he thinks there is nothing else he can do for me.

I feel a fraud when I go to the docs or hospital as one doctor asked me on my last visit at the hospital, “did I Google these symptoms “, because they can’t find anything with the tests they do.

I am at my wits end

Anyone else going through or been through this?

[Wheadon]

I understand how you feel. Your symptoms are real. Mine started 20 months ago. I had an ecocardiogram, CT scan and blood tests, finally, after an MRI I was diagnosed with mild cardiomyopathy. I already have a pacemaker so my treatment is a cocktail of drugs and self help. (Loosing weight and exercise. NB I must not get over stressed or over exert!) I have not received cardiac counselling nor a fitness referral. I am finally having a telephone consultation with my GP today so fingers crossed. This site has helped me cope. Good luck on your journey. You are not alone.

[Blondie567 in reply to Wheadon]

Thanks so much for being there for me. Greatly appreciated. I will continue to make as much noise as I can to be heard and listened to.

[Gladiator1951]

Sorry that you are going through this. Have you had an echocardiogram?

Given your symptoms, I would persue this as urgently needed.

[Blondie567 in reply to Gladiator1951]

Thank you for replying. So grateful. I haven't had an Echocardiogram since April 2022, where they found I had Pericarditis. I will do my best to seek further help, but feel a fraud, and made out, at times, that I am a hypochondriac. All my love to you.

[Bluelobby]

Hi are you on ramipril by any chance ? That caused me the same symptoms including passing out on a flight 😬 , and depending on your sense of humour , the funny thing was , 6 months later on a flight a lady in the seat in front of me passed out who was also on ramipril. Anyway I was taken off it and my improvement was unbelievable

[Blondie567 in reply to Bluelobby]

Thank you so much for replying. No, not on Ramipril. So glad you had an improvement!

[Bluelobby in reply to Blondie567]

Sorry I couldn't be of help , I hope you get sorted very quickly as it's not a nice feeling at all , good luck

[Bananacar]

I had exactly the same symptoms as you and until I had an echocardiagram followed by a ct scan they didn't know what was wrong. I have been diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm since. I understand how you must feel about feeling a fraud because nothing is very pronounced. You almost think it is in your mind but if you feel something is not right (which I did) then put the pressure on the medics. After 12days in hospital having blood tests every day and every test going they were still at a loss. Then 2 years later I had the echo and then the ct scan which finally answered the question. Best of luck.

[Blondie567 in reply to Bananacar]

Thanks so much for your reply. It is a great comfort to me to know that I am not alone and that doctors don't know everything. I will keep hammering away to get an Echo done.