Aa
Where to start...many symptoms, much frustration!
Hi all, I'm a newbie, so if I'm posting this in an inappropriate spot, please feel free to bring it to my attention. I wanted to do the "ask the doctor" forum, but I don't really have 20 bucks to spare right now. ;)
Okay, so here is my story. I am a relatively healthy 26-year old female who was diagnosed with hypertension about three months ago. It was discovered during an ER visit for an unrelated illness (allergic reaction to cleaning chemicals at work). At that time, it was 170/110, and the lowest it ever got was 150/105. They chalked it up to "ER anxiety" (even though I really wasn't that ruffled) and referred me to my family physician for follow-up, just to be on the safe side. Sure enough, followed up with family doc who found out my baseline was anywhere from 150-160 systolic and 90-110 diastolic. He had me keep a log for about a week, taking it at different times and places, and then after that I was placed on Lisinopril. Hypertension did not respond to that, so then I was switched to Cardizem LA. Still nothing, but it was a $50 co-pay, so I'll be darned if I don't finish them out! ;)
Anyway, I've been feeling fine up until Friday. Around 9:00 am that day, I began to feel extremely dizzy (I blacked out for a second, but luckily came right back, still sitting in the same position I was in!) Later in the afternoon, I began feeling chest pressure and sort of an ache in my right breast area. It wasn't a sharp pain; it was as if someone was squeezing my heart. The pain was not constant in nature, but the pressure was. I also noticed that my feet and ankles were very puffy, which is completely new for me.
Anyway, I headed to the Immediate Care center after work, an EKG was done and the doc was concerned about some things that he thought could be abnormal. I ended up in the ER, where a cat scan and bloodwork were done, and heart attack and pulmonary embolus were ruled out. I was told it was "anxiety" and to "go home, put my feet up, and rest." I don't know where they get the anxiety thing from. I do not have a history of anxiety, nor do I feel I have an abnormal level of anxiety.
I'm just frustrated because I feel like I've been "blown off" because of my age. I just feel like this is not related to simple "anxiety."
I'm posting here because I just want to know - has anyone else out there had a similar situation? Do any of you have any ideas here?
Okay, so here is my story. I am a relatively healthy 26-year old female who was diagnosed with hypertension about three months ago. It was discovered during an ER visit for an unrelated illness (allergic reaction to cleaning chemicals at work). At that time, it was 170/110, and the lowest it ever got was 150/105. They chalked it up to "ER anxiety" (even though I really wasn't that ruffled) and referred me to my family physician for follow-up, just to be on the safe side. Sure enough, followed up with family doc who found out my baseline was anywhere from 150-160 systolic and 90-110 diastolic. He had me keep a log for about a week, taking it at different times and places, and then after that I was placed on Lisinopril. Hypertension did not respond to that, so then I was switched to Cardizem LA. Still nothing, but it was a $50 co-pay, so I'll be darned if I don't finish them out! ;)
Anyway, I've been feeling fine up until Friday. Around 9:00 am that day, I began to feel extremely dizzy (I blacked out for a second, but luckily came right back, still sitting in the same position I was in!) Later in the afternoon, I began feeling chest pressure and sort of an ache in my right breast area. It wasn't a sharp pain; it was as if someone was squeezing my heart. The pain was not constant in nature, but the pressure was. I also noticed that my feet and ankles were very puffy, which is completely new for me.
Anyway, I headed to the Immediate Care center after work, an EKG was done and the doc was concerned about some things that he thought could be abnormal. I ended up in the ER, where a cat scan and bloodwork were done, and heart attack and pulmonary embolus were ruled out. I was told it was "anxiety" and to "go home, put my feet up, and rest." I don't know where they get the anxiety thing from. I do not have a history of anxiety, nor do I feel I have an abnormal level of anxiety.
I'm just frustrated because I feel like I've been "blown off" because of my age. I just feel like this is not related to simple "anxiety."
I'm posting here because I just want to know - has anyone else out there had a similar situation? Do any of you have any ideas here?
Hey everyone, thanks for the input. To Momto3, I have not received a referral to a cardiologist yet. I have a feeling that when I call my family doc to follow up, that will be the next step. There's only so much he can do, especially if my hypertension isn't going to respond to meds. And thanks for the posting advice, I'll try what you suggested. :)
To boogernose (hahaha!! I love that name!), the doc that did the EKG was at the immediate care and felt as though my problem was serious enough to go to the ER, so that's how I ended up there. I don't think the immediate care had the resources to do the bloodwork, cardiac monitoring, and CT scan that he wanted me to have. And the dizziness that I experienced was while on meds. I thought, okay, maybe this Cardizem is finally working and maybe my pressure bottomed out, but I had one of my co-workers take it (I work in a hospital) and it was still high. (160/110) And yeah, I thought about complaining about the brush-off I received, but since I work there at the hospital, I didn't want to make waves...know what I mean? Hospital politics, drama, drama.
And finally to KLB32, I agree. It's not PMS, either (someone suggested that), because I don't have periods because of the type of birth control I'm on. And I've never bloated like that when I'm ready to start, anyway. I had kidney functions tested right before I started on the Lisinopril and BUN & Creatnine were fine. I've never had an ultrasound before, however, and someone at work today suggested that maybe I have an adrenal gland issue. I'll have to ask the doc when I follow up. I do have a great internist, and I know he will take me seriously when I see him next. And I am an ex-smoker and not obese - I could stand to lose about 20 lbs, but I'm not extremely overweight. So those might be factors too.
Anyway, thanks again to all who gave input!
Jen
To boogernose (hahaha!! I love that name!), the doc that did the EKG was at the immediate care and felt as though my problem was serious enough to go to the ER, so that's how I ended up there. I don't think the immediate care had the resources to do the bloodwork, cardiac monitoring, and CT scan that he wanted me to have. And the dizziness that I experienced was while on meds. I thought, okay, maybe this Cardizem is finally working and maybe my pressure bottomed out, but I had one of my co-workers take it (I work in a hospital) and it was still high. (160/110) And yeah, I thought about complaining about the brush-off I received, but since I work there at the hospital, I didn't want to make waves...know what I mean? Hospital politics, drama, drama.
And finally to KLB32, I agree. It's not PMS, either (someone suggested that), because I don't have periods because of the type of birth control I'm on. And I've never bloated like that when I'm ready to start, anyway. I had kidney functions tested right before I started on the Lisinopril and BUN & Creatnine were fine. I've never had an ultrasound before, however, and someone at work today suggested that maybe I have an adrenal gland issue. I'll have to ask the doc when I follow up. I do have a great internist, and I know he will take me seriously when I see him next. And I am an ex-smoker and not obese - I could stand to lose about 20 lbs, but I'm not extremely overweight. So those might be factors too.
Anyway, thanks again to all who gave input!
Jen
Please continue to look into this because it doesn't sound like anxiety. Anxiety wouldn't cause your ankles to swell. It sounds like your heart may be malfunctioning due to the hypertension.
If they have not done so already, insist that your kidneys be checked. I have a kidney problem that causes hypertension. Many doctors overlook this. Your kidney function can be assessed by a simple blood test.
It seems to me there is secondary reason for your hypertension (like a kidney problem) since it is not responding to medications. I took Lisinopril for several years at it worked very well for me with very few side effects. But what works for one person doesn't always work for another.
Don't stop until you get an answer! I would start by finding a good internist then take it from there.
Of course the obvious reasons like smoking and obesity could be a contributor but not sure that is applicable to you.
Good luck!
If they have not done so already, insist that your kidneys be checked. I have a kidney problem that causes hypertension. Many doctors overlook this. Your kidney function can be assessed by a simple blood test.
It seems to me there is secondary reason for your hypertension (like a kidney problem) since it is not responding to medications. I took Lisinopril for several years at it worked very well for me with very few side effects. But what works for one person doesn't always work for another.
Don't stop until you get an answer! I would start by finding a good internist then take it from there.
Of course the obvious reasons like smoking and obesity could be a contributor but not sure that is applicable to you.
Good luck!
Sounds like you have a case of hypertention H.B.P. Lisinopril (zestril) has some bad side effects on some people! clamping of the chest ,cramps breathing problems (out of breath) so on.. though some folks dont have any? go figure ??? I never took Cardizem LA. so dont know the side effects
yeah thats a high co pay alrighty ! 50.00 - I just got off Toprol xl beta blocker non generic it cost
me 165.00 per 30day dose ! they get us good on the meds !
when you had the dizzyness were on any type of medication at all ? or without meds ..
some of the medications can cause lightheadedness - and I have blacked out a few times for seconds on toprol xl . its no fun !! however if you were not , your b.p could have gone skyhigh on you and that is the reason for that !
what gets me, if the Doctor was concerned about your test results ,and thought something could be abnormal wonder why he didnt check it out more? unless he stuck to rotuine oh yes that wonderfull
word , you will find it hmo's and insurance plans everywhere.. Doctors love to use this rule..
routine means he went as far as the insurance company or rules allowed him to.
Anxiety can cause problems and pains to happen. so its always good to be very calm and relaxed
ha it never works for me.. I have white coat syndrome ! cant get near a doctor without my b.p going skyhigh !! just the way I am..
If your in somekind of hmo system or insurance plan.. You can always go see another Doctor
and or find a Cardiologist with lots of years behind him /her...and have them look at you and maybe run a few tests on you, just to be sure your ok ! at least you would know what was going on.
you can always file a complaint online with a few watch dog groups about how you were treated
if you interested I can post a list of natural medications that can help you with b.p and calming
if needed.
take care , God bless ! hope you can get help on this matter.
yeah thats a high co pay alrighty ! 50.00 - I just got off Toprol xl beta blocker non generic it cost
me 165.00 per 30day dose ! they get us good on the meds !
when you had the dizzyness were on any type of medication at all ? or without meds ..
some of the medications can cause lightheadedness - and I have blacked out a few times for seconds on toprol xl . its no fun !! however if you were not , your b.p could have gone skyhigh on you and that is the reason for that !
what gets me, if the Doctor was concerned about your test results ,and thought something could be abnormal wonder why he didnt check it out more? unless he stuck to rotuine oh yes that wonderfull
word , you will find it hmo's and insurance plans everywhere.. Doctors love to use this rule..
routine means he went as far as the insurance company or rules allowed him to.
Anxiety can cause problems and pains to happen. so its always good to be very calm and relaxed
ha it never works for me.. I have white coat syndrome ! cant get near a doctor without my b.p going skyhigh !! just the way I am..
If your in somekind of hmo system or insurance plan.. You can always go see another Doctor
and or find a Cardiologist with lots of years behind him /her...and have them look at you and maybe run a few tests on you, just to be sure your ok ! at least you would know what was going on.
you can always file a complaint online with a few watch dog groups about how you were treated
if you interested I can post a list of natural medications that can help you with b.p and calming
if needed.
take care , God bless ! hope you can get help on this matter.
Hi and welcome!
Love the screen name!! I didn't see anywhere in your post where you mention a cardiologist. Have you seen a cardiologist? Given your elevated BP and recent blacking out episodes, it might be helpful to see a specialist. You may not find all the answers, but ruling out some things could be quite helpful. Are you aware of any heart rhythm abnormalities that might be causing the blackout spells?
I'm sorry I can't offer much help. Try posting again under the "Ask a Doctor" forum, perhaps tomorrow or another day. The site accepts 2 questions per day, but will take more on a fee basis. Also, try posting on one of the other cardiac "Ask a Doctor" forums. Each site accepts a number of questions and you may be able to get some answers as to what to do next.
As for anxiety, it seems to be a somewhat common diagnosis, particularly in women when other causes are not identifiable. Sometimes the diagnosis applies; sometimes it doesn't. If it were me, I'd want to be sure other causes were ruled out before accepting a diagnosis of anxiety. It very well could be the problem. Personally, I think that sometimes our systems are "anxious" or "sensitive", but we have not real outward manifestations of anxiety. Why not get a copy of the ER test results and take them to any followup appointments. Maybe a more thorough discussion with your family doctor would help. Explain your frustration and ask if he/she thinks a cardio referral would be a good idea. If nothing else, it could give you great peace of mind. With broad ranged symptoms, it's always a tough call as to how or if you should proceed. Good luck! Let us know what you find out.
connie
Love the screen name!! I didn't see anywhere in your post where you mention a cardiologist. Have you seen a cardiologist? Given your elevated BP and recent blacking out episodes, it might be helpful to see a specialist. You may not find all the answers, but ruling out some things could be quite helpful. Are you aware of any heart rhythm abnormalities that might be causing the blackout spells?
I'm sorry I can't offer much help. Try posting again under the "Ask a Doctor" forum, perhaps tomorrow or another day. The site accepts 2 questions per day, but will take more on a fee basis. Also, try posting on one of the other cardiac "Ask a Doctor" forums. Each site accepts a number of questions and you may be able to get some answers as to what to do next.
As for anxiety, it seems to be a somewhat common diagnosis, particularly in women when other causes are not identifiable. Sometimes the diagnosis applies; sometimes it doesn't. If it were me, I'd want to be sure other causes were ruled out before accepting a diagnosis of anxiety. It very well could be the problem. Personally, I think that sometimes our systems are "anxious" or "sensitive", but we have not real outward manifestations of anxiety. Why not get a copy of the ER test results and take them to any followup appointments. Maybe a more thorough discussion with your family doctor would help. Explain your frustration and ask if he/she thinks a cardio referral would be a good idea. If nothing else, it could give you great peace of mind. With broad ranged symptoms, it's always a tough call as to how or if you should proceed. Good luck! Let us know what you find out.
connie
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