cardiomegaly and fatigue

[siron]

I am a female 52 yrs.  have been coughing for 2 mos.  MD first prescribe albuterol, steroids and amoxicilin.  Then QVar and albuterol.  Still Coughing.  I wake up fine.  As soon as start my normal duties, I feel exhaustion fatigued.  I almost passed out twice. I also feel cold most of the time. Had an X-Ray done.
Lungs ok, but heart is enlarged.  I am on Levothyroxine 50 mcg for Hypothyrodism.  Before seeing this MD, I was prescribe Levothyroxine 75mcg and felt good.

I am concerned and scared about my heart. My heart sometimes beats funny, but I don't have chest pain.  I am very scared because my grandmother and aunts died of heart problems young (They had autoinmune diseases ).  My three elder cousins have autoinmune problems and also have heart disease and 2 had heart attacks).

Could I have an autoinmune problem too?  I have dry eyes, nose and mouth.  My ANA tests 1 was positive and 2 were negative.  I don't understand.

Need help.  I don't want to die young.

[vienna13]

Hi,
Did they do the echo? If yes, you must ask: what is your EF number, it is more important then the stress test. I never even had a stress test, but of course wont hurt to have it, some doctor doesn't care about to have it. I do think you should start to exercise as much as you feel comfortable with. First and most walk. 10- 15 minutes even....then slowly more and more as you feel. Sorry about your insurance, when do you think you will get the HBP medication? They should find the way to start with some simple free pills for you until. How high is your BP if not taking medication for it?
Great you lost water weight. Now be very careful with sodium. Did the cardiologist tell you about the salt free, low sodium diet is a MUST!? No more sodium then 1600 mg per day. Maximum 2000 mg...Less is better….also one meal should not go higher in sodium then 600 mg. Don’t forget almost everything has sodium naturally. There are always  first times, I never took any pills, hardly some for headache until age 54...... don’t worry to take them...they can adjust it if your BP goes down to much. I take 100 my Metoprolol ,20mg Altace and 20mg Lasix......4 years ago before DX almost died, I feel perfect now. My EF was 20% ...medication, keep the BP down, good diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, sodium watch...............that’s all you have to do....

The first year is hard for most people, and then all gets better!

Let us know.

[siron]

Hi,

I went to cardioligst two days ago.  I had HBP.  It had not been detected properly.  He said HBP causes congestive heart failure which  causes the heart to enlarge.  I was put on two types of diuretics and med for hbp for life.  I couldn't start the HBP med due to insurance, but I started the diuretic pills.  I also started a new diet. No exercise for now until stress test is done.  Dr. didn't want to do it now.  He said he will prepare me for test.
I have lost 10lbs of water in 2 days.  Not coughing, BP went to 96/69 morning and 115/79 throughout the day.  Have less fatigue.

I wonder if when dr. prescribes a new HBP and I take it my BP combined with diuretics will decrease too much.  I never had to take this type of meds.

[siron]

Thanks for your comments.

I have seen two reumy.  One said I have Sjogrens.  The other one says not sure.  Will have another ANA in a few months.

Primary MD. referred me to ENT and eye MD for dryness.  Cardio MD appt. for echocardiogram tomorrow.  Eye MD confirmed dry eyes.  If ENT confirms dry mouth, it will be pretty sure that have Sjogrens (autoinmune).

Lipid profile test results bad.  Tried many diets and don't work.

Thanks,
siron

[siron]

Thanks.
I am female 52
Have appt w. cardiologyst for echo & consult tomorrow.
My dr. also referred me to ENT.  Appt for March.

Have already tried everything and Triglycerids don't go down.  Hopefuly cardio MD will help.

Thanks,
siron

[ireneo]

Have you seen a rheumatologist yet? I see you got the ANA test results but someone needs to follow up on that, preferably a rheumy. If you have something like lupus, you'll have to learn how to manage it. Take care.

[vienna13]

in your profile:
Male, 52, Riverside - CA
I am a 55 yr. female.

in your post:
I am a female 52 yrs.

You might want to clear that. :)

[vienna13]

Forget about your aunts and grandmother, and concentrate on you.(We all think because that and that happened to them …NO. .irrelevant, only about 25%  of the DCM deleted cardiomiopathy  are or probably  inherited as I know of, but I am not a doctor , but this is my cardiologist (and my research) opinion) Even if so, it is your duty to take the best care of yourself ,instead of worrying . You need a cardiologist. You need more test. Ultrasound for one, only with that test they can tell your EF., that’s important, also they can tell if you have cardiomegaly (larger heart)as the  said or more :cardiomiopathy . Coughing is a sign of an edema. It can be because your heart is not working as it should.
  Stop eating all the salty food. Don’t use salt at all. It seems you retaining water.
  You do not need to die and you wont , you need answers for all. You need a  cardiologist, who can help you to figure it all out. And do not worry! I had it all 4 years ago. Today, I couldn’t feel better. Good luck to you.

I can not comment on the autoinmune problem....but again need good doctors and dare  ask questions. This is why they get their pay to tell what we do not understand.
  
You also might want to ask that at the Expert forum.