Takasbo

[Blackpool-]

Hi,

I had a Takasbo episode 15 months ago and still experiencing symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain. Anyone else experiencing these symptoms

[Silvertail]

Have you had any followup since your takotsubo event ,and are you on any medication? Definitely check with a doctor re your symptoms.

[Lesmis85]

I was diagnosed with Takotsubo a year, although I had suffered with it undiagnosed for years previously, and my symptoms have never gone away completely. I was referred back to Cardiac by my GP 2 months ago but I have no appointment as yet. The worst of my symptoms is my extreme weakness, I struggle to walk and cope with any physical activity as I get so breathless. Unfortunately this condition is a bit of a mystery and doctors just seem to want to send you away with medication and not bother them again. Perhaps you should go to A&E rather than your GP?

[fishonabike in reply to Lesmis85]

you might want to read my response to Blackpool, below

[Lesmis85 in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks fishonabike. My breathlessness isn't caused by asthma. My GP has referred me back to Cardiac. I'm hoping they will give me a stress test to find out why I can't walk fast or far.

[fishonabike in reply to Lesmis85]

that's a good start, I hope that brings some answers for you - in the meantime I recommend the Facebook group, we have lots of experience and medical reports on the issue and it's a really well moderated group

[fishonabike]

I had a Takotsubo episode 10 yrs ago and have now been a long-time member of a facebook support group for people with Takotsubo (Takotsubo Support Group), you might find it helpful to join that

many doctors still believe that everyone recovers fully after Takotsubo and that any problems after that can not be heart-related - this is not true - it is now known and recognized that a significant proportion of people continue to have issues long afterwards - and breathlessness can have other causes (e.g. undiagnosed asthma, which I had)

so it is important to get any ongoing issues checked, investigated and treated - but first you have to see your GP

so keep a record of your breathing, pain and other problems, like when it happens, what you were doing, what helps or makes it worse - you might start to see a pattern but also you will have some evidence to tell the GP about

I also suggest you read up on self advocacy so that you can improve your chances of having a constructive discussion with your GP and others, take control - it's your body, and your health, so you are part of your care team

good luck