A Little Scared....

[janeway24]

I have had trouble breathing the last couple of months and my doctor did some blood tests, apparently I have high cholesterol 6.5 and very low vitamin D levels, he also sent me for a Spirometry test which he said indicated something up with my lung, so he sent me to the hospital (my second home) for chest xray and scan, I get the results on Monday and needless to say I am a little scared as to what they will be, not least because I did not tell him I was also having chest pain (left side) when I went about my breathing , mainly out of fear as to what it all means and because I always feel like a hypochondriac with the many ailments Lupus has, any way I guess come Monday I will have to face the music.But I am so scared of what will happen next.?? Trish

[gummy]

or sorry to here that hope it goes well for u on monday xxxxxxx

[janiceray]

Try not to worry and about you being a Hypochondriac when you have Lupus the Doctor should understand as we have different aliments so please always tell your Doctor.

Let us know how you get on

Love & Sunshine to brighten your day

JanX

[midlifecrisis1]

So sorry to hear you are worried.I totally understand how you feel.I have had Lupus for many years and I still feel awkward about telling my consultant about any new health problems.It is a very strange illness as you can feel fine one day and the next totally wiped out.I also have an appointment with my consultant next week and I've told myself to mention "everything"that is bothering me.I mentioned to the practise nurse I was having chest pains and also pains in my neck.She was very concerned and went off to see the GP who later fitted me in as an emergency.He just took my pulse and said I was alright!I know my body and I know it isn't alright so I will mention all next week.Please do the same Trish.We shouldn't feel bad about this.I hope all goes well for you and you get the treatment you need.I'm sure we'd all like to hear how you get on.ChrisX

[sebitha]

I hope this helps, as I too struggle with what is relevant. I now begin by framing my statements. So I'll tell the doc that I'm striving for some balance, and dont what to be worrying unnecessarily and is this new symptom relevant?

I too have had heart pain, it's been very sudden and alarming, as Ive been unable to breathe, it always happens at night and its impossible to lie down as it's restricts breathing completely. if your pain is similar it's something you defiantly need to say about. mine was inflammation of the sac that holds the heart muscle in place and Ive been told it needs to be treated immediately. when it first happened I had it investigated but not correctly identified prior to my DX. It is something quite dangerous, but my thinking was, it didn't kill me last time, so stay calm and let it pass. Not the best self- assessment

[Tigerlily4]

Hi Jane Totally agree with Janice - you must always tell. A normal cholesterol level for women is 5.6 so yours is only slightly raised. Mine was 8.3 at one time and not of major concern nor requiring statins to lower it - chest pain is common with SLE also and can be stress-induced (in my personal experience). Yours may be brought back to normal with a simple change of diet. There's excellent info re. cholesterol on the British Heart Foundation website so start by checking that out and make any necessary changes now - then ask to be referred to a Nutritionist so you can discuss your diet in detail, learn what foods to avoid in future and be given a healthy eating plan. Knowledge is power and makes things so much less scarey! Try not to worry unless and until you definitely have something to worry about. Takes time to reach the stage where you can do this but it's an entirely-necessary skill that will enable you to better manage your disease and keep physical symptoms to a minimum. Please don't think I'm belittling your symptoms/fears in any way - truly I'm not and will have my fingers crossed for you Monday. It's quite amazing, though, how many unpleasant phyical symptoms can manifest through stress and worry alone. Big hugs x

[janeway24]

Hi all, I've had lupus for 10 yrs now so you would think I would not be afraid to mention my worries to my GP but my original doctor retired and I have only been with this new one about 3 mnths' he seems far more aware as to what Lupus can do and any problems he gets onto it straight away, but I just don't want to overwhelm him straight away, he may race for the nearest exit every time I have an appointment Lol. thankyou all for your reasurance , will let you know how it goes on Monday. Sincere regards Trish xx

[Clairebear]

So sorry to here your not well. Wishing you all the best for Monday. Keep us posted xx

[bodmin]

So sorry to hear that you are under the weather, I hope all goes well for Monday x

[Boldonganny]

Sorry to hear you are not well. However what a godsend you have, a gp who understands Lupus. Make the most of him. Tell him ALL you symptoms but also talk about your fear of being labeled a hypochondriac. Make the most of your gp as you have a very rare specimen, someone who understands lupus.

[Herb]

I also have Lupus many years, most of my life, last year I had trouble breathing (not severe) mentioned to consultant who sent me for chest x ray and lung function test. All came back normal and I now think it was due to stress.

Your doctor can listen to your chest and know straight away if something is wrong.

Many years ago I went to GP with chest pain and she said it was arthritis in chest bones!

However I have history of pleurisy and pericarditis so it is always worth checking. More recently due due to stress from dealing with benefits assessments I have had chest pain which travels down both arms into my hands but I am sure it is due to the severe anxiety I experienced at the time when I was completing the form and waiting for the phone calls, it has gone away now but I will tell the consultant about it when I see her and the GP.

Always tell the doctors about these things, after all, some people would dial 999 if they had chest pain!

[Hidden]

Always tell your consultant as lupus mimics so many other health ailments and people can confuse it with other stuff.