Look up this UK paper. I am having the same problem getting my primary to look at my condition seriously. I think it is the heart muscle getting a low uptake of oxygen. Mitochondria problems. Have you received any further information?
CFS - The Central Cause: Mitochondrial Failure
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/CFS_-_The_Central_Cause:_Mitochondrial_Failure
Have you seen a pulmonary specialist? Even though heart and lungs seem to go together in medical terms, the respective doctors seem only focused on their particular area. I wouldn't return to the original doctors who've been telling you not to worry. Move on to fresh ground.
Also, you don't say if you're on some kind of medication, i.e., for blood pressure, cholesterol perhaps. I went in for a stent and ended up with a heart attack when the probe hit a hard patch and cause it to collapse. I was put on Metoprolol and aspirin plus 2 blood pressure meds. I, too, had difficulty sleeping lying down, walking without having to stop and catch my breath, and urine leakage! Every time I complained, the cardiologist increased the dosage of the Metoprolol. Now, in addition to CHF, I have COPD and diabetes. I finally convinced him to stop the Metoprolol but it was too late to reverse the other damage.
If you haven't already done so, go to some safe Web sites and see if you can find some ideas to follow up on with a medical specialist.
Be aggressive -- and keep us informed of your progress.
Rose
Hi Frank,
I'm 53 and was diagnosed with heart failure at the age of 43 after about 4 years of symptoms. I have also had a host of other symptoms which only recently has been diagnosed as Vitamin D deficiency. Have a look at the vit d chat on this web page. It might help..
Frank,
Yes, the echo should have shown evidence of CHF, It did in my case resulting in a more precise nucular stress test to determine the extent of damage. As to my symptoms, I had shortness of breath, fatigue, and a general feeling of unease. I never had the jaw/ tooth/pain you describe, but these can be HA symptoms.
Though your symptoms sound very much like HF, it appears that your doctors have pretty much ruled that out. I suggest that you request your doctor to continue to persue a diagnosis, or as Jesus suggested, see an good internist for help in finding the reasons for your symptoms.
Rich
Hi Rich and thanks for your comments,
I saw my doctor yesterday evening because of the radiating pains around my jaws and in my teeth that have been niggling me over the past few days (along with the fatigue, feeling unwell and shortness of breath). He took a lot of time examining me and listened to my heart rhythm and, specifically, for any mitral valve issues. He said there are definitely no problems there. He is totally convinced, not even slightly concerned.
I know this isn't the same as seeing a CHF specialist and if the problem continues I'll search one out and ask for the tests that Jesus and yourself have recommended.
From your comment are you saying that, as my symptoms seem similar to yours earlier on, that CHF is probable in my case or not? As Jesus says, the cardiac echography would have shown something to worry about if there was a problem.
Thanks again,
Frank
Frank,
I've been following your discussion and agree with everything Jesus has said. I've had CHF since 2000, my symptoms were much as you describe. I would suggest that, if possible you find a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure (they do exist) if you haven't had a BNP test you should request one, a neuclear stress test would also seem to be in order. The two test should determine if you do in fact have HF. Also you might want to discuss wearing a heart monitor for a while with your cardiologist.
I will add that if you are not getting the attention to your problem from your doctors that you feel you need, you may need to be more aggressive in your relationship with them. If they can't find the cause of your sympyoms, find another doctor.
Good luck,
Rich
Of course your vital signs are OK, otherwise you will be probably death. The problem is that this is the focus of the drs. they keep us alive, but they are less interested about how to measure and improve our quality of life.
Yes, I have HF due to a massive heart attack almost 6 years ago and today I peeked up my last blood tests.. all perfect. My normal BP is 110/70 and my pulse 60-65. My oxygen saturation is about 96%
You need to realize that in a blood test only appears what the dr. asks for. The parameter that indicates HF it is rarely asked, is the BNP or pro-BNP.
However HF appears always in a cardiac echography that you already have.
Jesus.
Thanks again Jesus.
Yes, I know what you mean. I've been hospitalised three or four times because of feeling unwell, exhausted, short of breath, dizzy etc. and internists have taken a look at me. The longest I was in hospital was four days. But they've done their tests and always said my vital signs look OK and have sent me home again.
Can you give me your thoughts on one question in particular. Can you have heart failure yet have consistent,normal, even healthy pulse rates? Even when I feel really unwell and I'm thinking "this really isn't good", my pulse is at 60 and my oxygen level at about 97. Does this happen to people who have CHF?
Thank
Frank
As far as I know, it is doctor that will get the best overall picture of a patient, he will check all your body areas in coordination with other specialist.
It is also called Internist.
See this: http://www.acponline.org/patients_families/about_internal_medicine/
If you have seen the TV series "Dr. House" he is and internist.
Jesus
Thanks Jesus,
What do you mean exactly when you say an internal medicine doctor?
Frank
I agree that many of your symptoms looks like HF, however the test that you had are the right ones to discard them.
If I were you, I will look in other areas, have you tried an internal medicine dr.?
Jesus.