Not sure what's wrong.

[JayseUK]

Hi,

I wasn't sure as to which community to post in but here goes.

I am a 52 year old male.

About 6 months ago I became unwell due to a virus of some sort. It’s likely I had COVID but I never tested positive for it. Ever since I’ve just not been right and most days I have a lack of energy and usually just feel unwell.

Shortly after this I started to experience breathlessness mainly upon waking in the morning which was accompanied with what I can only describe as a crackling type noise in my throat whilst inhaling through my mouth. I would also experience an odd taste in mouth. Its difficult to describe but its like a salty/metallic taste. There was mention of ‘acid reflux’ from my GP so I tried Gaviscon and Lansoprazole which didn’t help much.

I ended up getting a blood test and X-ray of my chest. Both came back as ok. Since then I’ve had an ECG which I’m told was ok albeit I have slight bradycardia.

I was also sent for a spirometry test and that came back as fine. Lungs of a 35 year old apparently.

A few weeks ago I started to notice tingling in my hands (pins & needles sensation) and my legs were twitching/shaking. It got that bad one night I visited A&E but other than having a further blood test (which was ok) I felt like I was wasting their time. I’ve not had the same level of trembling since but I continuously feel like my thighs are trembling/twitching. They feel a little weak but I can walk fine.

Throughout this I have always thought it might be a problem with my heart probably because of the ECG result. I’ve also had a pain/discomfort in the left part of my upper chest area. I’ve had this on and off for a number of years and feel like it’s something that flairs up now and then after exertion. If I press my chest slightly there is some discomfort and tenderness.

My blood pressure was checked over a short period of time and was slightly elevated. I’ve been prescribed Ramipril for this but have only been taking it for just over a week. My mood has been affected by all this and I worry about my health most of the time. I’ve been prescribed Sertraline to help with this and have been taking this for about a week also.

I had a palpitation yesterday but I had done a little bit more than usual. It came and went pretty quickly once I had rested.

I don’t know if I am feeling this way due to my mood but I honestly feel like my mental health has been affected due to the physical problems I am experiencing. I don’t know if it’s down to the recent medication but I’ve lost my appetite somewhat too.

17th January 2024 – update. I’ve been taking the Sertraline (50mg) and Ramipril (2.5mg) for a couple of weeks now and I do feel like my mood/symptoms have improved. I was still getting the odd pins and needles sensation mainly in my right hand but over the last few days this has subsided a bit. The discomfort in my chest/rib has subsided and my appetite has returned. I’ve noticed that I have been burping more than usual too.

Today I had a palpitation whilst out walking to the shop. I knew it was coming on as I was getting a burning sensation in my throat. I had the same feeling about 1½ weeks ago. Prior to going out to the shop I had eaten a beef & tomato ‘Pot Noodle’ snack (I don't eat these often). I also took my Sertraline medication (50mg) and prior to that a Multi-vitamin (Jointace Omega-3). It’s been about 2 hours since I ate and I can hear my stomach rumbling. I also started to get a headache which I've not had for a while.

I'm worrying about the palpitations and cant help but think something is wrong with my heart. I am told by the GP/ACP that my heart is fine.

If there is anyone that could offer any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.