Glad to hear you've already seen a Rheum. If you're Cardio doesn't give you any answers you might consider going to see another Rheum at the biggest research hospital in your area. Given your symptoms and that you have some blood work that points in the general direction, it seems likely that a good rheumatologist will be able to help you even if you don't fall "perfectly" into one of the standard diangostic boxes. Often it takes several years to get a rheumatological diagnosis and sometimes the "name" they give it changes over the years as your symptoms develop - frustrating I know. Best of luck!
madjilp - Thanks. I have already been to a rheumatologist once. I had a positive ANA and a raised RH level so they thought I might have had RA or Lupus, but the rheumatologist said he didn't think I had either.
zachs - Thank you, I will look into it.
Hi. Totally agree with others on the board about an event monitor. You mention that you're going in for a stress test as well which should let the Drs know if your heart is sound structurally - shape, wall motion, valves etc etc. - in your case a regular echocardiogram would probably be fine too but your Dr knows best I suppose.
MOSTLY - I'm writing to encourage you to see a rheumatologist in addition to the cardiac check up you have scheduled. The field of rheumatology covers joints and connective tissue disorders among other things. Sometimes people with hyperflexible joints have other symptoms including heart rhythm symptoms, palpitations etc that may or may not all be related to a single underlying disorder. Most often these disorders are very manageable but you have to have a diagnosis in order to do the managing! If you google "connective tissue disorders" you'll easily find stories from people who have connective tissue disorders, what they're symptoms are like etc and you'll be able to decide for yourself if its worth your time. Rheumatology is a really specialized field so its important that if you decide to pursue this line if inquiry that you see an actual rheumatologist and not a regular internist.
Best of luck!
There are a few online reads that you may want to consider. I cannot mention them here because of conflict of interest. It seems that you are just suffering from anxiety/panic. The symptoms you describe hit the bullseye and are typical of someone experiencing fright. And trust me, anxiety/panic is the last diagnosis you want to hear. I listened to it for years. Our bodies are very well tuned machines, and our thoughts have a lot more to do with hemostatis than experts want to admit. Try meditation in the evenings before bed, or a breathing exercise.
Zach.
blueberry703 - I already had one EKG and it turned up fine.
Carey01 - Thanks. I will definitely look into getting the event monitor. My parents do know, and they have been coming with me to the appointments. My college is about two hours away from them though, so it's not all that easy. I'm actually having to wait almost a month before I can have my next appointment because I don't have time to go home because of school.
Definetely get an event monitor -- it soundls like that will help your Dr diagnose you. Its MUCH smaller that the holter monitor -about the size of a small cell phone. Have you talked to your parents about his? Are they going to the Dr with you? Sometimes it helps to have some support with you. I think you are smart to figure it our early so you dont worry.
hey you might try getting a ekg u might have mitral valve prolapse.
The doctor didn't give me any medication for it. I already have some prescription medication, but it's for my joints.
The monitor was a Holter. I wasn't aware that the event monitor existed, but I will ask about that at my next appointment.
Thank you for your reply.
Hello...
Sorry to hear how scared you are. I am assuming that the 24 hr monitor you had was a Holter. These are not usually the best device for people who have sporadic episodes. I am surprised that your Dr didn't suggest an event monitor. These are given for a period of about 30 days. They are great for people who have infrequent episodes. You should mention this to your Dr at your next appt.
I cannot say for certain what is going on with you. The symptoms that you describe do resemble those of SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) This type of arrhythmia, while scary, will not cause any type of life threatening event. For this to cause damage to the heart, it really would be considered a rare event.
Were you given any type of medication when you saw your Dr.?