is it in my head???

[firewatch]

Hi guys! I am still having problems with my heart. the thing is the scans came back normal, which although is a relief, it still gives me no answer as to what is wrong.
Im starting to think it is my head, cos no-one can seem to find anything wrong? Have you ever felt like this?? Im really fed up.

[firewatch]

thanx 4getmenot, as for panic attacks we thought this at first but they can start really randomly, in totally stress free environments, like when i am doing the washing up for example.
As for stress my life is all ways stressful, im trying to juggle a horrible job with college and never ever having money, only enough to cover bills and food. And now im being pressured into finding a new job and learning to drive.
But i have all ways had stress and never experianced a panic attack before, having witnessed them and knowing the symptoms, i dont think so. Im mean i can carry on pretty much normally when im having an 'episode' , its only twice when i collapsed/feinted.

[LoftyLottie]

Panic attacks often do happen when you are not stressed.

[firewatch]

I wasn't aware of that one loftie, i just dont think that is what it is, but i will have to wait and see what the specialist says!

[Androcles]

I had similar symptoms to yours about three years ago (palpitations and very irregular heartbeat, tiredness etc,and spent about a month in hospital for tests hooked up to a monitor, in two periods. Consultant eventually discovered it was a viral infection of the heart. I was told it would take about a year to recover, which proved about right. I was given drugs for the arrythmia and even that has settled down now.

[MrXLA]

Hi firewatch best thing really is to re-attend your GP and raise your concerns. This site is very good and there are lots friendly people willing to share their experiences and give their oppinions, however note MOST are NOT medically qualified in any way so be careful and always seek the advice of a professional.

[MrXLA]

NB someone commented on ME/CFS, I don't wish to preclude this condition as a cause of firewatch's symptoms.
However ME/CFS is not an especially common syndrome (although awful for people who suffer from it) and its aetiology and exact symptoms are not clear making it very difficut to diagnose.

[LoftyLottie]

Totally agree with MrXLA. Please go back to your GP. Write down all the things that are troubling you and when you make your appointment tell them that you will need a long appointment. You need to get this sorted out.

I mentioned ME because I had it and suffered from all the things that you suffer from, but there are loads of conditons that are similar.

If you get it all off your chest to a sympathetic GP, you might feel a lot better - worrying will do no good whatever you are suffering from.

[firewatch]

i have!!!!The doctor witnessed an episode(i was having one when i had an appointment), and although he is very sympathetic i think he is slightly stumped as well.
I know the peeps on here are not medically qualifiead neither am i, but with a hubby who he does not often listen its nice to get it off my chest, so to speak.

[LoftyLottie]

Yes, it's nice to have somewhere to talk and a lot of people on here are very good to talk to. I wish you luck and keep us informed how you are getting on.

[foodluva]

Firewatch,

Do you take any medication? If so, can you tell me what you're taking? You don't take Omeprazole or any of the other proton pump inhibitors do you?

[firewatch]

no i do not, i only take anadin/asprin/ibruprofen depending on the day and severity of pain/discomfort i am in. I wont take POM pain killers as i have had bad reactions with them in the past. I have had a bad day today, im tired uncomfortable hearts been doing 90 to the dozen, shakey and just feeling like crap, trying to keep it from hubby as he is off on a lads long weekend this weekend. and before you say it i think he needs a break, ok so do i but i can wait! Foodluva r you a medic? you seem to know your medcations??!

[foodluva]

I'm a nurse so I know my drugs!!!!. However, none of the drugs you mention would give you the problems you're having. They've ruled out cardiac problems so that's the main one. Have you had your thyroid function checked? Have you asked for a full blood screen to be taken? This just means having blood samples taken to check the function of all of your organs etc. If the medics have discounted any physiological reasons for your symptoms then this can only leave some sort of anxiety disorder. Your life sounds hectic and seems to have its fair share of stress. The symptoms you describe can be indicative of stress/anxiety and the reality can be terrifying. Patients of mine have said they seriously thought they were dying when they had an attack. If everything else has been exhausted, theere are medications available to control your symptoms. If you do not want to go down this route, then I would suggest perhaps you ask your GP for a referral to a counsellor who might help you to make sense of your symptoms and help you to manage them with cognitive therapy. I really hope that this information is useful and wish you good luck for the future!

[firewatch]

I have had full bloods done which included LFTs RBC WBCs thyroid calcium etc and everything came back within normal parameters. I am not keen on taking medication, as i am rarely ill.
Im pretty level headed although i suffered with very bad depression this time last year, to the point where my other half called me an emotionally unstable cripple ( i had a bad RSI and could not use my left hand, its alright now care of physio).
I have had to speak to shrinks in the past and really would not like to go there again.
Im just really caught between a rock and a hard place, guess i will have to wait and see what the monitor recorded.

[foodluva]

In the meantime it may be helpful to read up on panic/anxiety disorders. I've just checked Amazon and they seem to have some decent books on there from as little as �0.01 (link below). Obviously you don't know for sure if that's what it is although your history of depression makes you more predisposed to anxiety so it might be worth considering. If you are not keen on drugs or therapy then maybe self therapy is the answer? One of my patients read a book on panic/anxiety disorders and reported that it reduced her to tears because she realised that she wasn't going crazy after all and it was a relief to find that her symptoms were not in her head but were in fact very real. She continues to adopt some of the self help therapies in her book and feels more in control of her life and her symptoms. Food for thought maybe........


http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/202-4 423107-5564606?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-ke ywords=anxiety+attacks&x=11&y=17

[LoftyLottie]

Oh firewatch, I really do feel you might be suffering from an anxiety related illness, particularly now you have mentioned what your other half has called you. I do feel for you.

Foodluva has given you an excellent answer. I am no stranger to anxiety and panic so feel I do have enough knowledge to offer my thoughts. Have you a close best friend you can talk to really frankly and who will respect your confidence. Sometimes just talking about things and even having a good laugh can help so much.

I tend to think that your were feeling like you did today because of the Doctor's appointment. I went for a cardiogram once and the very fact that I was going sent my heartbeat haywire and they gave up on it!

Take care.

[firewatch]

wow thanx foodluva! im looking into those now. the cardiac nurse gave me some tips on how to try and stop the palpitations but they don't seem to work.
You certainly know your stuff!!! You are the kind of person answer bank needs not some of the morons we get on here FSK for example.
You are a****

[LoftyLottie]

You weren't there when I started my screed Foodluva! Again excellent advice for firewatch.

[foodluva]

Glad to be of some help! This is one of those times when I am glad to be in my job. Keep us posted!

Foodluva!
xxxx

[firewatch]

sorry loftie!!!!im gonna put a star rating next to you as well, your just as brilliant, honestly you guys are great to talk to!
The drs appointment was a few weeks ago prior to the cardiologist, today i was ironing my hubbys drill uniform and an episode started, often does when im ironing, does that get me out of it?? It could be down to the fact i had to have a waisted bus journey into town and back again, which left me falling asleep on the bus.
I have no close friends up here, they are in somerset,everyone up here uses anything you say to them against you at some point in the future or tries one up-manship and i cant be doing with false faced bimbos, drama queens and those who will kick you when you are down.