Can't figure out my symptoms...can you help?

[Pattyisha]

Hello~

I normally post on the Thyroid Forum but have been having symptoms lately that don't seem to be related to the Thyroid.

Here goes....

The symptom that is bothering me the most is a feeling of breathlessness in my chest along with the feeling sometimes that I have swallowed something.  Also, it feels like I have bronchitis without the fever and coughing. (although I have been noticing that I am coughing more lately)  I am losing stamina when I exercise to the point of feeling like I am going to pass out if I push myself too hard (this seems to be progressively getting worse). I have had a couple of nights where I have woken up sweatier than normal, didn't have to change clothes or the bed sheets but was definitely sweaty). I feel feverish sometimes but have yet to take my temp.  I have noticed a rash under my right armpit that itches but I abstain from scratching, I do seem to have some sort of rash/eczema at the back of my neck. I don't have any swollen lymph nodes that I can feel, just concerned about the chest thing, but do have pain in my neck that wakes me up sometimes.  

I had a CT scan of my throat last week but doc won't be in till tomorrow/appt is on Thursday.  He told me in November that he would do an Xray of my chest but didn't think he would find anything.  I'm not sure why he ordered the CT of my throat other than my feeling that something was stuck.  I wanted to have something done before the end of the year for insurance reasons since I wasn't feeling any better since I saw him in November.  I basically feel pretty crappy most of the time. I've lost some weight lately, not sure how much.

One last thing that is going to sound very strange, I have been waking up in the night, quite often, with the feeling that something is shaking internally from my head through my torso.  No outward appearance of this symptom whatsoever.  This has been happening for a few years, but last night was exceptionally noticeable. It actually wakes me up.

I can't sleep with the worry about what is wrong with me and The Google doesn't help either:)

Thanks so much for your time.

[Ken_PA]

Have you read about exercise induced asthma?

I'd suggest taking your pulse to see if it i racing when you feel faint. You can also pinch your fingernails to get an idea about being low on oxygen.

I don't think you've mentioned any drug. If you mean synthroid, then too high of a dose could do that.

Gluten allergy? Yes, that is possible.

[Pattyisha]

No, my blood pressure has actually been very good except for this last visit to the doc, it was higher than usual.  

I actually teach an indoor cycling class, so I think my lung function is excellent, I just feel like something is stuck just below my collar bone and have been going through this "weak" feeling/breathing issue for a few weeks.  It feels like I have bronchitis without the cough or fever, and it comes and goes.  It's gotten to the point where I am afraid I won't make it through the entire class without passing out.  I've taken a few days off from teaching, I go back next week.

I know this isn't the thyroid forum, but could it be related to gluten allergies or the medication I am taking?

[Ken_PA]

Patty, Fx means "family history". Immune dysfunction tends to have a genetic connection. Also, when a person has one kind of immune dysfunction, they have a higher probability of other immune problems. So as an example, you have Hashimoto's plus the strange rashes.

Shortness of breath can be caused by the immune system chemical: histamine. That constricts air passages. Do you tend to low blood pressure?

[Pattyisha]

Just found out from my doc that my CT scan of my throat showed nothing unusual except my right thyroid was slightly larger than my left. (I have Hashi's)  I did have a chest X-ray and blood work (i know he was thinking of anemia as well)but they were normal. Still having the breathing issues and not feeling great. Not sure what to do next.

Thanks for your insight!!

PS, what does Fx mean? I know dx and rx.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, with regard to the last I wonder if hypoxia from the air hunger might be causing something similar to myoclonic spasms - not the same, but similar in method.

Overall, you might have some unusual immune dysfunction which is at the root of all the problems - especially considering the rashes. Clues might be in Fx, plus any chemical or food sensitivities. Also, if there was any event that started it all.

This assumes you likely were tested for and have no type of anemia.

In your situation, it might be very bad to push yourself physically. It's a time to be prudent and rest, not to demonstrate toughness. Good luck.