Looking for Answers

[De-De]

My posting may be long, bear with me!  I'm 43 Y/O Female with continuing health problems (over a year).  It all began last Spring '00 had a mild "heart attack" (some would call it a "cardiac event" - EKG, Enzyme changes) while exercising.  Had cath, w/normal arteries.  Continued with numerous hospitalizations due to chest pain all that year.  In Dec. developed rash on upper left arm.  Developed tingling in left leg (advised both Cardiologist and Internist - they felt it was an irritated nerve and we would keep an eye on it).  In March '01 had an overwhelming feeling of weakness while driving w/chest pain while driving.  Subsequently hospitalized, cardiac check done everything ok and released.  Few days later same feeling came back but with numbness and tingling on right side of body.  In addition, developed expressive aphasia.  Was hospitalized again, Neuro Doc indicated that I was having TIA's in front of him.  CT done, no evidence of bleed.  Next day, MRI done, showed inflammation on both sides of brain, solumedrol was started.  Hospitalized for a week - every blood test done in the book.  Noticed rash completely disappeared.  Was released and advised to follow up with Reumatologist.  First week home, rash came back with a vengance.  Was rehospitalized w/weakness, etc. in April, Reuma Doc said no vasculitis, Neuro Docs said possible cardiac.  Derm Doc said rash possibly folliculitis use hydrocord cream.  Cardiacs did tilt table (normal) now have sent me back to Neuro.  Neuro wants to wait until Sept then redo MRI / Lumbar Puncture.  Rash still there, Internist prescribed triamcinolone cream 3x day and doxycycline 100 mg 2 x day.  Just finished this prescription and rash (lumpy, red) is still there.  Now Docs are looking into possible pheochromocytoma or endocrine issue.  Thanks for hanging in there with all this information, but I thought it important that it be provided.  Yes, I've certainly been through hell.

My question is why can't anyone come up with a reason as to why I'm feeling this way?  Since this has been going on for quite a while, is there a possibility that the tingling/numbness could be permanent?  Could the solumedrol be causing false negative test results?  How long does solumedrol stay in ones system?

Thanks for your answers, forums like this are a god send! :-)

[redeemed92]

Hi, just to remind you, I commented last time about my doctors prescribing anti-depressants for multi-symptoms I have. Well, I have been searching this forum for a while now and I had someone mention H. Pylori. Well, sure enough I tested positive and was given an "Anti-biotic Cocktail" which will be completed tomorrow. My problem is that my symptoms are still there. I just wanted to see if you'd been tested for that. Continued good-luck. Don't give up until you find the answers. No matter how frustrated you get.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-GS]

Sorry to hear about your problem. These certainly become very difficult for patients and there doctors. It sounds like someone thought that you had an abnormality on the MRI scan based on the inflammation that was noted. I assume a spinal tap was done at that time and various cultures were sent. The differential diagnosis can be broad in these cases. I'm not sure why the steroids were given? - probably because of "inflammation" but with certain disese states use of steroids can affect your ability to make a diagnosis. Is the rash related to the CNS symptoms? do not know. A biopsy of your skin rash could be considered to help with the diagnosis. If you have pheo I would suspect that you have had alot of blood pressure problems. These cases can be difficult and occassionally patient will have a brain biopsy performed. This is too difficult of a question to give you any real answer over the internet. If you wish a second opinion at CCF it could be arranged by calling 216 444 5559. best of luck, gs

[De-De]

Since my original posting, my test for the pheo came up negative.  Now the Drs. want to try an antidepressant for 4 - 8 weeks.  Talk about frustration!  I'm not depressed, not anxious just want to get some answers.  Last Dr. for me to see is an Endocrinologist.  Going to see that one and have any remaining tests done.  Then, if all this is negative too, only then, will I try the meds.  Perhaps a week at a health spa in Arizona will set me straight!  Well, at least throughout all this I haven't lost my sense of humor.  Believe me, our dear Lord has gotten me this far and he's not going to abandon me no matter what.  I'll pray for you, too!

[redeemed92]

I don't have an answer other than prayer. I've been going thru some health issues myself. Can you imagine everything you're going through and then the doctors in the same group prescribing anti depressants for all your symptoms!? I am also very frustrated and am tired of Doctors guessing with my health. I am going to give Dr. Jesus a try! Good luck to you and God bless.
From
Multi-Symptomed w/no answers.