Confusing symptoms

[Lyn2]

Thank you for your time.  I am a 34yr. old female.  About 5 yrs. ago I had a stomach virus. As the virus resolved I was left with numbness, tingling, headaches, dizziness and overwhelming fatigue.  At that time I had an MRI, which was normal. The episode lasted about 3 wks, but I had lingering symptoms for several months. The thought was post-viral syndrome. Since then, every time the hot weather creeps in, right about this time of year, I develop the symptoms again. And sure enough I have it again now. Everytime they go away I think it is over, and it won't return, but it does. I also get a return of the symptoms to a lesser degree when I get the same type of stomach virus I started with. Coincidence?  I also have severe arrythmia problems, and have a pacemaker and a-fib. Last week I developed edema so bad that I went from 100lbs. to 120lbs.in 2 days. Took heavy doses of dieretics and lost it all.

So I am wondering if any of this fits in with a neuro. problem? Is there anything associated with arrythmias?  I was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome around the time this all started. I cannot have an MRI. I am not fearful of going to my cardiologist because he can read all of my arrythmias through my pacemaker, so I don't have to worry about him doubting me. I know when I go to the neuro. it is all subjective, and I have a terrible fear of being looked at like I am a lunatic. Almost a phobia, to the point where I dread seeing the neuro. and have not really shared any recent symptoms with him.  Should I ride it out, or call?  Thank you so much!

[mama2boysjj]

Have you been tested for lyme diease.  Chronic lyme can cause various neurological problems and in 10-15% of case can cause heart block including first degree blocks and sick sinus syndrome.  It can also affect many other organ systems like the kidneys and liver. A western blot test would be the best to have done. Best of luck!!

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

The decision to see a neurologist is based on the severity of your symptoms, how intense, how much it bothers you, and how it affects your daily life. Ideally, the neurologist should objectively listen to your problems without looking at you as if you were a "lunatic", then hopefully help you get to the bottom of things. If you feel uncomfortable with your current doc, consider a second opinion.

The symptoms are probably not related to the arrhythmia itself, but the medications used for arrythmia like amiodarone are well known to cause neurological side effects. One simple thing to do is go over the symptoms with your cardiologist who may be able to isolate a medicine with the potential side effects.

I cannot accurately comment on what this could represent due to the nonspecific nature of your symptoms and the fact that I have not personally examined you or reviewed your history. It's possible that it's nothing to worry about and may represent a certain degree of anxiety. On the other hand, as a young woman, there is always a possibility of MS (chances are, it probably should have been picked up by the prior MRI). It could also be a disease of the nerves in your arms and legs called a peripheral neuropathy. Talk to a neurologist and get a formal exam. This will help you get the appropriate testing as needed. Good luck.