Question:
My main symptom is that I'm always exhausted, no matter how much rest I get. It feels like I can barely make it through the day sometimes. Then, about 6 weeks ago, I started getting this horrible tightness in my chest, which sent me to the ER twice. They did all sorts of bloodwork, CAT scan, chest x-rays, etc. and sent me home with an inhaler, saying it was nothing but asthma (the first time). The second time they gave me a shot and an Rx of Toradol, saying I must have just had some inflammation (or mild pleurisy of unknown cause). Neither the inhaler or the Toradol did anything for the tightness and shortness of breath. So I was referred to an ENT doc to see if I had allergies, but he didn't think so, so he sent me to a Rheumatologist, whom I saw today. She checked me out and said I had a few 'trigger points', but 'everyone does' and it was nothing abnormal. She's sending me to have a pulmonary function test and to come back to her after that.
Also, in between her and the ER visit, I saw my family practicioner who put me on Lexapro, saying that it was all possibly from anxiety.
I feel like I'm getting the runaround from all these doctors, and it's beginning to get very frustrating. The chest tightness comes and goes, but the exhaustion is always here. It's all I can do to keep up with everything sometimes.
Can anyone offer any insights? Is there something more I should be asking these doctors or tests I should be getting? I would appreciate help from anyone with even a little knowledge about all this. Oh, and I've had my thyroid levels tested, and they told me they were all normal, too. Help!
Answer:
Hi,
There could be a few possible explanations for the breathing and exhaustion.
If the tests are coming back that there is nothing wrong, I personally wouldn't go down the route of taking lots of drugs if they are not helping as they in themselves cause other problems. (but obviously don't stop taking them without advice as I am not a Dr).
Have you had any history of probs with your liver or with viruses?
Do you have any pets in the home?
Do you find the breathing prob happens maybe after a meal or at any particular time. Does it happen when you are really tired?
Do you have any other symptoms?
L
Answer:
No, I haven't had any history of liver problems or viruses that I know of. We do have cats, but I've never had any problems with them before, and it can happen even when I'm not at home, so I'm not thinking it has anything to do with them.
I don't have to be doing anything for the chest tightness to come about. Actually, the first time it hit me I was just sitting at the computer. It's weird.
I guess those are the main symptoms I have, the exhaustion being the main one now.
It does seem like this has all really come about ever since I had my son, but that's been 18 mos ago now, and it's not like he's up all night or anything, keeping me from getting rest.
This morning I feel like a bus hit me, after having a full night's sleep. This is getting so annoying.
Answer:
Having a baby is a massive stress on the body Maybe your immune system was lowered and this has caused problems. A build up of toxins can cause fatigue and breathing problems (according to my Dr/Naturopath)
I would try and eat as natural as possible to help your immune system anyway.
The other thing is have you been bitten by a tick or something that you know of? Have you noticed any little itchy patch somwhere that went away?
over the past two years? It's worth getting tested for Lyme disease
I am just suggesting routes that you may not have explored.
Answer:
You may want to find out if you have sleep apnea.
You have to go for a sleep study to see if you stop breathing periodically.
If you do, you never get the sleep you need.
Hope this helps.