what kind of dr. do i need?

[les80]

I recently developed tachycardia and cold sweats and have an appointment scheduled with a cardiologist but I believe my symtoms are due to taking bactrim for a sinus infection.  I have been off the anitbiotic for 10 days but my symptoms have not subsided and I am not able to do my normal daily activities.  Do I need a cardiologist or another kind of doctor?

Thanks

[KStuff]

There are times when I think that everything's back to normal and then I'll have the episodic sweats and palipiations that you've been having.  So far, my symptoms have not gone away on their own. I did find a PCP that's willing to run tons of tests on me and hopefully he'll have a diagnosis soon.  I'll keep you updated.  In the meantime, good luck with search for an answer. Chances are if you feel like something is off with your health, it probably is, you know your body better than any doctor, so keep pressing for an explanation. :)

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

Options for evaluating this include : 24 hour Holter, as you are doing, thyroid function tests to look for high thyroid levels. I would do an echocardiogram to make sure the heart is structurally normal and go from there. Also, avoid caffeine, over the counter health aids that may contain pseudoephedrine, weight loss meds, and smoking.Also, make sure you get a healthy night's sleep and daily exercise.

[les80]

thanks for your post, i am awaiting the results from my pcp of the holter monitor that i wore for 24hrs.  I have been second guessing myself because at times i think the heart rate is slowing and i am ok but then i have an episode of cold sweats and palpitations.  Did your symptoms go away on their own?  I'd really like to be able to get back to my normal activities soon.  Any more info would be appreciated.

[KStuff]

I can relate to your story.  I was given Bactrim for a UTI and ended up in the ER with tachycardia and flushing, also racing heart and high blood pressure.  I also believe that my symptoms started with Bactrim and have continued despite discontinuing it months ago.

After seeing many different types of specialists, I have finally decided to see a cardiologist, since none of the others had any viable explanatiohn.  It sounds like a good place for you to start.  You've seen a PCP, right?  What did the PCP say about your reaction to Bactrim? Let me know what you find out.

Hope you feel better soon!
kstuff