Heart and breathing regulation problems?

[Missmegsmom]

Hello everyone. I have been reading posts now for several weeks and I have found all of your kind and supportive responses to one another to be very encouraging. I thought I would ask two of my burning questions. But first-- a little background. I have had and am having weird symptoms that seem to indicate MS (internal vibrating/buzzing, burning feet, eye pain, numbness, weak hands, etc). I have an appointment with a neuro in Jan (I'm scared but calming down the more I read your comments!!) Anyhow, I have two questions for you experts.

1) Have any of you ever had a sensation of being weak in the chest? It sort of feels like I have gone out and jogged way too hard and now my chest feels internally weak. The feeling has come and gone, but seems to be more pronounced when I am tired.

2) Have any of you ever had problems with breathing and heart rate regulation? Sometimes my heart feels "trigger happy" and is quick to elevate, as if it is overreacting to a stimulus. Likewise, sometimes I feel light headed, my heart speeds up (doesn't race), and I have to lie down. I have had my heart checked (EKG, echo, cardiac enzymes and it looks fine). They did do a tilt table test on me and I did pass out. All of these symptoms started about the same time as the MS-ssy symptoms, so I have to wonder about a connection.

I would appreciate any comments. And, thank you for suggesting a symptom journal. I have been preparing mine for the neuro appointment.

Oh, one last question for Johnny from Utah. Is there a way you could advise me on neuros?

[Missmegsmom]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I will be sure to mention my heart beat/breathing regulation issues with the neurologist. I wish I could get in sooner, but I imagine that everyone who goes to a neurologist wishes he or she could get in sooner. Thanks again.

[Heather3418]

I have had a bone density test and I show no bone loss at age 54.  I have been on Beta blockers for over 20 years. (Atenolol) If you are fighting a rapid heartbeat and are in need of medication that will slow it down, I feel it's worth a shot.  Thinning bones can be helped by other means, both natural and through medication.  

It's scary to have such a rapid heartbeat.  Very scary.  Not to mention that it's not the healthiest thing for your heart.  As always, it would be best to ask your doctor their opinion, to weigh the pros and the cons.

Ess, I will go do some reserach on beta-blockers and re-post when I get some information.  Thanks for bringing up this possible side effect.

Heather

[essdipity]

On the subject of beta blockers, does anyone know how these affect bone density loss? My neuro said they'e not a good idea if you're already experiencing thinning bones, but I'm not so sure.

ess

[pennst8r]

I just thought that was an interesting thnig, I'm not trying to put it on MS.  Especially since I'm less and less convinced that's what my problem is. If it were, something would surely have surfaced by now. I just hang around here coz I really like you guys and need all the cyber hugs I can get.

My heart rate was perfectly normal a year ago - high 60's to mid 70's. I will look into the beta-blocker though. Had been on one years ago I think - do they use them for migraines? I think when my migraines were active I took a beta blocker. I certainly could use some weight loss, which is tough when you spasms so much there's little time to get on the treadmill in between.

I have asked more than once re the high heart rate; just didn't get an answer - "let's get you through this before we worry about anything else". We've been "getting me through this" so long, but yet doing nothing and ignoring other issues. Plus "we" aren't doing much to get me through.   Recently I am coming to the conclusion that I should just leave "this" (whatever it may be) alone and accept that I'm just going to have to deal with it and acceot that this is what I may be like. It's really more effort to try to find an answer than it's worth, and stretch over more than a year... not worth it. Sorry, I'm rambling and going to be late for work.

Thanks and God bless

Penn

[Heather3418]

I used to have resting heart rates similar to yours.  My doctor's put me on a Beta-Blocker.  This helped lower my heart rate.  I also had high blood pressure at the time.  Tha was 25 years ago...I am still on a Beta-blocker, but my heart rate runs in the 70's now.  I guess with my over 100 pound weight loss in my case, this helped tremendously.

Some people are prone to higher heart rates than others.  In some people the cardiologist said that is "their" normal.

Penn I would ask your doctor about putting you on a beta blocker.  This does wonders to lower the heart rate, then ask him about the possible causes for your high heart rate.  True it can be from the autonomic nervous system or even a lesion on the brain stem from MS.  I am always hesitant to blame everything on MS.

Be well Penn, big (((HUGS))))

Heather

[pennst8r]

Very interesting post. Have been asking when I see my doc (rare these days), mostly asking my DH daily, why I have good BP (has recovered from the air that got in during my LP), but always have a heart rate between 90 and 110, even at rest. The 110's occur in the evenings. Doc never able to give answer. Had cardiac workup within past year and all was well. Never thought to mention here. interesting.

Penn

[Heather3418]

Welcome to the forum.  We are glad that you are no longer lurking int he background and have decided to post.  This is a great group where you will find much support.

Before I forget, Johnny Utah has not been on our forum in almost two months.  We do not know if he has left the board for good.  We have been unable to get in touch with him.

You talk about your breathing and heart rate problems.  Can this be caused by MS?  Yes, but also can be caused from other disorders.  It seems that you have a good doctor that has run all the necessary tests on your heart.  I am happy that they came back normal.

The system you talk about is called the thermoregulatory system.  The autonomic nervous system.  Anything that goes hay-wire with this system, can cause the symptoms you speak of.  A lesion on the brain stem, can cause some of the symptoms you speak of.  The narrowing of the spine space at the area where the spine starts at the bottom of the skull can also cause this.  This can be very hard to detect on MRI and has to be specifically looked for.  It is often missed by many radiologists.  It's a form of spinal stenosis.

I have been diagnosed with MS for 12 years.  I have had lesions appear on my brain stem which results in problems with heat/cold regulation, heart rate and breathing.  It can be scary, to say the least.  You can also have what is called the "MS Hug."  This feels like someone is pushing on the sides of your upper chest making it hard to take in a full breath or at least the feeling like you cannot do so.

The tilt table test is used often.  I understand that you did pass out during your testing.  This can signal a problem with the autonomic nervous system in the absence of heart disease or disorders of the heart.

All the symptoms you speak of CAN be a symptom of MS, but also can mimic other disorders.  Seeing a Neurologist and being tested is of utmost important.  You will probably have an MRI, with and without contrast dye.  If you go the MS Society Website, it can help you find an Neurologist in your area, if you don't have access to one now.

Again, I welcome you to our forum.  I call it the forum full of "Angels with Invisible Wings."  A GREAT group of caring and compassionate people, always willling to assist and most importantly, listen....

Heather