Aa
Could it be my heart?
I am a 24 year old female who's family has a history of major heart problems. My father has had 4 heart attacks, two major and two minor. He has a defibrillator installed.
Since I was a child I have always been a tired person. I never had energy. Its only been in the past 7years its gotten much worse.
Here in the past 3 weeks, I have been experiencing chest pains. They occur at various times, whether I'm relaxing or working out. When they happen, they are sometimes sharp, sometimes dull. I didnt pay much attention to these pains thinking it could have been something I ate (although my diet consists of chicken or fish, and veggies).
The past three days have been what's starting to worry me. It all started when I laid down to sleep three nights ago. I immediately had trouble breathing. It felt like I was breathing through a large straw.
I assumed it was because I had just finished a workout. Nothing extreme, but it did include a little cardio.
The next night, same thing...
and the next night (last night), same thing again...
Well, about 30 minutes ago, I started walking around while on the phone, and almost immediately this same difficulty breathing started back up. I'm sitting down typing this and still feeling it. On top of that, I feel as if I'm getting hot, I'm also starting to feel quite exhausted, and I'm feeling like something is in my throat when I swallow.
It hasnt occurred to me that my heart could be the issue. I know that sounds funny, especially knowing my family's history, but everyone always said I was too young.
At this point, I'm wondering what this could be about..does anyone have any ideas or maybe know of any additional symptoms that perhaps could be related that I didnt know were related at all?
(I've been suffering from various symptoms for years, that no one has been able to put their finger on)
Since I was a child I have always been a tired person. I never had energy. Its only been in the past 7years its gotten much worse.
Here in the past 3 weeks, I have been experiencing chest pains. They occur at various times, whether I'm relaxing or working out. When they happen, they are sometimes sharp, sometimes dull. I didnt pay much attention to these pains thinking it could have been something I ate (although my diet consists of chicken or fish, and veggies).
The past three days have been what's starting to worry me. It all started when I laid down to sleep three nights ago. I immediately had trouble breathing. It felt like I was breathing through a large straw.
I assumed it was because I had just finished a workout. Nothing extreme, but it did include a little cardio.
The next night, same thing...
and the next night (last night), same thing again...
Well, about 30 minutes ago, I started walking around while on the phone, and almost immediately this same difficulty breathing started back up. I'm sitting down typing this and still feeling it. On top of that, I feel as if I'm getting hot, I'm also starting to feel quite exhausted, and I'm feeling like something is in my throat when I swallow.
It hasnt occurred to me that my heart could be the issue. I know that sounds funny, especially knowing my family's history, but everyone always said I was too young.
At this point, I'm wondering what this could be about..does anyone have any ideas or maybe know of any additional symptoms that perhaps could be related that I didnt know were related at all?
(I've been suffering from various symptoms for years, that no one has been able to put their finger on)
If you have no job and no insurance, then you need to know that many hospitals and doctors will see you, IF you start out in the ER and most will forgive the bill. It's not something that is a "giveme", because there is a ton of paperwork to wade through in order for it to happen, and they will require you to sign up for Medicaid, receive a denial from them, and then they will consider you for "Catostrophic Medcial Need." They do have a caseworker in the hospital who will help you with all of the paperwork, but you have to ask for the help before they will lift a finger.
I'm not proud of it, but my first go around in the hospital was paid for by the above means, and the bill was in excess of $80,000. I had no insurance, yet because of the retirement income in my household, I didn't qualify for Medicaid. However, my household expenses for utilities, the house payment, and food, left very little "play" money, and so with that in mind the doctor involved, as well as his clinic, and the hospital, forgave the entire bill. It's a humbling experiece, but it is also a life saving program for people who don't have insurance, and are faced will debilitating medical costs.
The program is only good for one hospital stay, and follow up, so you need to make it count. Hopefully it will be the help you need to get back on your feet and back to work, where you can afford insurance.
I hope this helps. I know it sure helped me.
I'm not proud of it, but my first go around in the hospital was paid for by the above means, and the bill was in excess of $80,000. I had no insurance, yet because of the retirement income in my household, I didn't qualify for Medicaid. However, my household expenses for utilities, the house payment, and food, left very little "play" money, and so with that in mind the doctor involved, as well as his clinic, and the hospital, forgave the entire bill. It's a humbling experiece, but it is also a life saving program for people who don't have insurance, and are faced will debilitating medical costs.
The program is only good for one hospital stay, and follow up, so you need to make it count. Hopefully it will be the help you need to get back on your feet and back to work, where you can afford insurance.
I hope this helps. I know it sure helped me.
Your story sounds similar to mine.. I was a very active forty year old with strong family history of heart disease. Go to a dr. and insist on tests...my heart disease didn't show up on EKG's, scans or treadmill, though. The breathing and problems at night sound so similar. I went through that for a month or six weeks. The nurses and drs. were beginning to think I was just anxious. Don't look like a typical heart patient. Tried advil, diff. pillows! Went to another dr. (esp. because of family history) and had a cath. that day showing a major blockage in a major artery. Three stents later, I recovered! I think drs. are listening a little more to women today, hopefully, #1 killer of women, not cancer. If it happens tonight, go to ER near you and be insistent on having tests. I
I do have a history of kidney stones back when I was younger. Havent had one since I was 17. But they felt completely different. A kidney stone is excruciating pain in your abdomen. Very familiar. Not fun lol.
Never had an issue with acid reflux thankfully. I can eat pretty much anything and never have an issue. Always had a stomach of steel.
Anxiety disorder, maybe, but I'm familiar with panic attacks and even though they are scary, they dont last forever, and they happen intensely with me.
Whats happening with me is constant. It isnt coming and going every few weeks or something. It isnt dependent upon mood. My trouble breathing begins mainly when I lay down to go to bed. It's annoying but not freaking me out.
Never had an issue with acid reflux thankfully. I can eat pretty much anything and never have an issue. Always had a stomach of steel.
Anxiety disorder, maybe, but I'm familiar with panic attacks and even though they are scary, they dont last forever, and they happen intensely with me.
Whats happening with me is constant. It isnt coming and going every few weeks or something. It isnt dependent upon mood. My trouble breathing begins mainly when I lay down to go to bed. It's annoying but not freaking me out.
Your symptoms are very similar to mine. I know how distressing these types of symptoms can be, especially if you don't have answers.
Do you think you could you have acid reflux or kidney stones? Allergies?
You may also be suffering from anxiety disorder.
Try to rule out these things too.
Do you think you could you have acid reflux or kidney stones? Allergies?
You may also be suffering from anxiety disorder.
Try to rule out these things too.
It's been a long time since I have logged in. I had no idea so many people had posted responses (never got an email or anything!). I'll have to change my email settings to notify me of responses.
Anyway, just as a little update, I have been blessed recently by winning an old car (my old car had died remember). The car I've won does have some electrical problems, but nothing I can't get fixed. I'm still on the hunt for a job so I can get back to the doctor and find out what's going on.
As for symptoms, they're all still there. Every day. I spoke to my dad about it (remember, it's his side of the family that has heart problems), and he told me he knew exactly what is was.
He explained to me that he has the same issue I do. He takes a medication for it now, as has been for some time, but he described exactly what I'm feeling. I told him about the trouble breathing laying down, the complete inability to workout, the exhaustion, etc... and he non-chalantly goes "Yeah, that's how I've been living for years. You just have a little bit of fluid building up in your body".
My dad was a body builder for many years and even still has a great physique going for him, but he is unable to do cardio just like me.
Who knows... all I know is, I need some health insurance again, and I need a job lol
Anyway, just as a little update, I have been blessed recently by winning an old car (my old car had died remember). The car I've won does have some electrical problems, but nothing I can't get fixed. I'm still on the hunt for a job so I can get back to the doctor and find out what's going on.
As for symptoms, they're all still there. Every day. I spoke to my dad about it (remember, it's his side of the family that has heart problems), and he told me he knew exactly what is was.
He explained to me that he has the same issue I do. He takes a medication for it now, as has been for some time, but he described exactly what I'm feeling. I told him about the trouble breathing laying down, the complete inability to workout, the exhaustion, etc... and he non-chalantly goes "Yeah, that's how I've been living for years. You just have a little bit of fluid building up in your body".
My dad was a body builder for many years and even still has a great physique going for him, but he is unable to do cardio just like me.
Who knows... all I know is, I need some health insurance again, and I need a job lol
Hey there, I was just reading your post and it sounds like you were having anxiety attacks. Believe me, I refused to believe the symptoms I was experiencing were due to anxiety but they were. There are so many physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Many people (including myself) who have been diagnosed with anxiety think they may have heart trouble because many of the symptoms involve the heart (palpitations, flutters, pounding heart, racing heart, etc). When you experience the symptoms for a prolonged period, you are considered to have anxiety disorder and need to consult a doctor so they can prescribe you something. In the early stages of my anxiety, I experienced chronic fatigue, dizziness/lightheadedness, feeling of a lump in the throat (as you mentioned), trouble breathing (when having an attack), body tremors, pounding heart, skipped heart beats, headache, and many other symptoms that may have came and gone over the course of this ordeal. I am almost certain that your symptoms are caused by anxiety because certain symptoms that you mentioned just dont have any relevance to any particular heart problems and they are very consistent with the symptoms of anxiety. In any event for your own assurance and peace of mind, schedule an appointment to see the cardiologist so they can rule out heart disease. I hope this helps ease your worries because I know what it feels like. I've been dealing with this for over a year now and I'm fine.
QUOTE: "Disregard - all the information in all the posts - since you began this thread. No one here has the right to give you medical advice." 1st, second, third, etc.
Well said grendslore. You and other contributing members are not giving advice. We are providing information based on our experience, self understanding, research and continuing education on the medical issues that have our personal interest either having the medcal problem or of family member interest. Members volunteer their time to provide information that can give a pespective and insights into similar situated individuals.
To suggest the procedure that an individual should follow after posting a medical question is pathetically and utterly nonsensical. All I can say is WOW!, I thought I had heard almost everything!:)
Well said grendslore. You and other contributing members are not giving advice. We are providing information based on our experience, self understanding, research and continuing education on the medical issues that have our personal interest either having the medcal problem or of family member interest. Members volunteer their time to provide information that can give a pespective and insights into similar situated individuals.
To suggest the procedure that an individual should follow after posting a medical question is pathetically and utterly nonsensical. All I can say is WOW!, I thought I had heard almost everything!:)
One more thing: justagirl doesn't have to 'report' ANYTHING back to any of us. She is under no obligation to justify anything to any of us. So why are you telling (not asking) her, that what she should be doing, is to report back to us about what the ER determined? It is no one's business what the ER determined. She owes these people on this forum absolutely nothing. It is only a courtesy if she chooses to share that information; it's not something that any of us should be expecting, or worse still, demanding.
Don't you think you are being a bit harsh on the people who are writing on here? Maybe you haven't read the "member's comments" on the left side of the forum pages where it talks about people NOT acting on the advice given on the forums? To seek the advice of their own doctors? Many of those here who write on the forums, including myself work, or have worked, in the cardiology field of medicine and have a great deal of knowledge in that field. I don't think I read on here, anywhere, where she was advised to NOT seek a doctor's help. To tell her to disregard everything she is reading on here could be a big mistake. Sometimes people need to 'think out of the box' especially some doctors who think that if it looks like a black bear and sounds like a black bear, it's a black bear........too bad it turned out to be a sun bear! When people write on here, the answers that are given, give that patient something else to question their doctor on and in turn, he may consider an alterative to his first thoughts as to what is going on. The questions and the answers that comwe back onto these forums have helped a great deal of people and no one on here should have to ignore the answers that have been written in an attempt to help them to understand what could be going on. All of the treatments are the left up to the patients.
The first piece of advance that you should have been given - was - get to the Emergency Room.
Disregard - all the information in all the posts - since you began this thread. No one here has the right to give you medical advice.
The second thing that you should have done - is report to us what they have determined from the Emergency Room - after you are home comfortably.
The third thing you should do - is report to us when you return home - about your treatment.
Disregard - all the information in all the posts - since you began this thread. No one here has the right to give you medical advice.
The second thing that you should have done - is report to us what they have determined from the Emergency Room - after you are home comfortably.
The third thing you should do - is report to us when you return home - about your treatment.
Most people who have heart disease severe enough to be considered CHF don't have the energy to do any kind of cardio workout, even if only for a few minutes. heart disease does affect young people, my daughter had to have a transplant at 22. She was dying from a diastolic form of heart failure from the age of 13. What you are describing can be a number of things, not necessarily heart related. You know the symptoms of heart disease and therefore that is probably what comes to mind first for you...that's natural. Sharp chest pains are never a symptom of heart disease, it is usually related to muscle or to cartiledge issues. True heart rellated chest pain is due to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) which is caused by blocked arteries. At your age, that is basically unheard of. The other cause for true heart related chest pain would be if you had a muscle disease of the heart known as a Cardiomyopathy, especially a form called Hypertrophic where the blood flow is stripped due to the thick walls of the heart (in that disease you are actually having heart attacks all the time along with the chest pain, even sitting in a chair) or some form of Congenital Heart Disease (CAD) where there are structural issues. Even then, chest pain for children is extremely rare. It's best for you to probably see an Internist whose specialty is all of the body combined. take care
I agree with the last poster, it does not matter your age, and no, I don't believe that pneumonia is your problem. I also suffered from multiple symptoms for over 10 years, and the doctors could find "nothing wrong", but I realized in all those 10 years of massive chest pain, not once did they run an EKG, because I was considered "too young". Well, I'm also "too young" to have a defibrillator, but I do. I was 40 when I had my first major heart attack. 18 days in a coma, 4 months to recover and get back to work. 2nd heart attack at 42, and the defibrillator implanted at age 44.
You are NEVER too young for anything. And if the doctors blow you off, find another. Demand that these symptoms be checked on.
This is your life your talking about, and I wouldn't wait another day. IMHO.
Best wishes to you.
You are NEVER too young for anything. And if the doctors blow you off, find another. Demand that these symptoms be checked on.
This is your life your talking about, and I wouldn't wait another day. IMHO.
Best wishes to you.
I've suffered a heart attack, and overheating was one of the most prominent sypmtoms, along with severe pain, of course. But I understand that a heart attack does not always have to be painful and often times is not.
Congestive heart failure won't allow you to lay down to sleep, and can come with so much swelling that your legs could begin to weep fluid. Breathing is a major issue with CHF, and sitting up to sleep seems to help, until the swelling becomes so much that your lungs fill up and you can't breathe at all. I wouldn't wait until that happens, I would find a way to the doctor's office.
About a year ago, I ended up in ER, not able to breathe, and I never want to go there again. My husband was just outside the backdoor, about 20 feet away, and I couldn't let him know that I was in trouble. He finally came in, asked me how I felt and I had to write him a note. I would not wish the feeling of drowning in your own body fluids on anyone. I was given Coreg, and lasix, and lost 35 lbs, the first week, which would have been a perk, but I had to gain it, to lose it.
I'm so sorry about your car, but you NEED to see a doctor, even if you have to call an ambulance. I lost one of my best friends to heart failure when she was 28, leaving behind a husband, 2 sons and a baby girl. Age has nothing to do with heart conditions.
I hope the best for you.
Congestive heart failure won't allow you to lay down to sleep, and can come with so much swelling that your legs could begin to weep fluid. Breathing is a major issue with CHF, and sitting up to sleep seems to help, until the swelling becomes so much that your lungs fill up and you can't breathe at all. I wouldn't wait until that happens, I would find a way to the doctor's office.
About a year ago, I ended up in ER, not able to breathe, and I never want to go there again. My husband was just outside the backdoor, about 20 feet away, and I couldn't let him know that I was in trouble. He finally came in, asked me how I felt and I had to write him a note. I would not wish the feeling of drowning in your own body fluids on anyone. I was given Coreg, and lasix, and lost 35 lbs, the first week, which would have been a perk, but I had to gain it, to lose it.
I'm so sorry about your car, but you NEED to see a doctor, even if you have to call an ambulance. I lost one of my best friends to heart failure when she was 28, leaving behind a husband, 2 sons and a baby girl. Age has nothing to do with heart conditions.
I hope the best for you.
Thank you for your response. It definitely seems as if its the best fit, and knowing my family's history, a heart issue is quite likely.
It's funny you mention weight gain, as I have gained over 15 lbs in the past few months and my diet is quite healthy. I also have had fatigue for many many years, and it could have been one of the first signs of a heart problem.
I have heart palpitations as well, not often but weekly I would say...
I also have major circulation issues. My legs are usually purple when I stand up and my ankles are slightly swollen. I also have pinching pains that run through my legs at various times throughout the day.
This breathing problem is not pneumonia by any means. I have no other symptoms of that. Besides that, it wouldn't just suddenly go away (or at least diminish greatly) upon standing. Pneumonia has symptoms similar to the flu, which I do not have.
When I mentioned the slight fever earlier, I shouldnt have really referred to it as that and should have clarified...
It was actually more like my body began to overheat WITH my lack of oxygen. When i stood up and was still, that heat stroke feeling went away. My body overheated as a reaction to this breathing issue.
On top of this, my car died today. Looks like I'm not going anywhere...
It's funny you mention weight gain, as I have gained over 15 lbs in the past few months and my diet is quite healthy. I also have had fatigue for many many years, and it could have been one of the first signs of a heart problem.
I have heart palpitations as well, not often but weekly I would say...
I also have major circulation issues. My legs are usually purple when I stand up and my ankles are slightly swollen. I also have pinching pains that run through my legs at various times throughout the day.
This breathing problem is not pneumonia by any means. I have no other symptoms of that. Besides that, it wouldn't just suddenly go away (or at least diminish greatly) upon standing. Pneumonia has symptoms similar to the flu, which I do not have.
When I mentioned the slight fever earlier, I shouldnt have really referred to it as that and should have clarified...
It was actually more like my body began to overheat WITH my lack of oxygen. When i stood up and was still, that heat stroke feeling went away. My body overheated as a reaction to this breathing issue.
On top of this, my car died today. Looks like I'm not going anywhere...
The chances of congestive heart failureor any kind of heart problem for a 24 year old female are consistant with an abduction by aliens.
Yes, these symptoms are textbook characteristic of pneumonia, etiology unknown.
Forget about the work "walking". Forget about the other symtoms
The pneumonia symptoms may come and go, as the infection "flares".
The infection acts as an antigen, and causes constriction of the alveoli, just as in an asthmatic attack.
But the answer is, of course "see a doctor."
Yes, these symptoms are textbook characteristic of pneumonia, etiology unknown.
Forget about the work "walking". Forget about the other symtoms
The pneumonia symptoms may come and go, as the infection "flares".
The infection acts as an antigen, and causes constriction of the alveoli, just as in an asthmatic attack.
But the answer is, of course "see a doctor."
Problems breathing could be a sign of Congestive Heart Failure, or it could be an allergic reaction to something in the air.
The bottom line is, if you think you're having problems with your heart, you need to see a doctor and have it checked out.
Congestive heart failure comes with weight gain, due to retaining large amounts of fluid. Fatigue is another sign of something going wrong with the heart. There are several other symptoms, but everyone is different, and the only one who can tell you what is going on is a doctor, and with your family history it would not be wise to wait and see what happens.
I hope the best for you.
The bottom line is, if you think you're having problems with your heart, you need to see a doctor and have it checked out.
Congestive heart failure comes with weight gain, due to retaining large amounts of fluid. Fatigue is another sign of something going wrong with the heart. There are several other symptoms, but everyone is different, and the only one who can tell you what is going on is a doctor, and with your family history it would not be wise to wait and see what happens.
I hope the best for you.
i cant freakin type tonight....
I had a couple typos up there...
I meant to say...
that are similar to the flu*
and
cough* not couch
I had a couple typos up there...
I meant to say...
that are similar to the flu*
and
cough* not couch
I was just reading up on walking pneumonia... it doesnt fit. The only symptom of that condition that does fit is the chest pain, but there are many other symptoms to walking pneumonia there are similar to the flu that I do not have. For example, couch, body ache, headache, etc. I dont have those symptoms.
Besides that, as I specified before, my difficulty breathing originates when I am lying down. It wasn't until today when I started walking around while I was on the phone that I realized that if I exert myself it happens too.
When I am inactive is the only time the symptoms minimize. I'm pretty sure walking pneumonia doesn't just go away when someone is resting.
At this point, I have found that my most comfortable position is sitting up in a chair. I dont see myself being able to workout for a while considering when I do I get worn out and have trouble breathing again.
I still have the chest pain as we speak, its a dull ache with little shooting pains sometimes. I feel exhausted and as if I'm losing focus... :::sigh:::
Besides that, as I specified before, my difficulty breathing originates when I am lying down. It wasn't until today when I started walking around while I was on the phone that I realized that if I exert myself it happens too.
When I am inactive is the only time the symptoms minimize. I'm pretty sure walking pneumonia doesn't just go away when someone is resting.
At this point, I have found that my most comfortable position is sitting up in a chair. I dont see myself being able to workout for a while considering when I do I get worn out and have trouble breathing again.
I still have the chest pain as we speak, its a dull ache with little shooting pains sometimes. I feel exhausted and as if I'm losing focus... :::sigh:::
The symptoms of difficulty breathing are suggestive of walking pneumonia, a bacterial infection in the lung. This is far more likely than a cardiac problem.
It can be very scary.
You can develop such an infection at any age and the combination of chest pains, and the intermitttant onset of air hunger are hallmarks.
The treatment prescribed is zithromax.
I would hop on my pony and head to my doctor. They often poo-poo this diagnosis, but that's my gut feeling. Hint - it doesn't always show on an x-ray.
It can be very scary.
You can develop such an infection at any age and the combination of chest pains, and the intermitttant onset of air hunger are hallmarks.
The treatment prescribed is zithromax.
I would hop on my pony and head to my doctor. They often poo-poo this diagnosis, but that's my gut feeling. Hint - it doesn't always show on an x-ray.
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