Heart Problems?
Discussion
FlyingMeeces said:
boobles said:
I seem to feel so much better once the bottle of red wine is half empty. I know this is only masking the issue but I feel "relaxed" & the pain seems to go until the morning.
That sounds like very good grounds for an open chat with your GP. When I was a lot younger and going through tough times I got diagnosed with reactive depression - basically body & soul ran out of ability to cope with a load of really difficult stuff. There's nothing wrong with needing a helping hand to get through the hard times, although I'm aware that's a spectacularly un-well-built-directorlike stance. boobles said:
FlyingMeeces said:
boobles said:
I seem to feel so much better once the bottle of red wine is half empty. I know this is only masking the issue but I feel "relaxed" & the pain seems to go until the morning.
That sounds like very good grounds for an open chat with your GP. When I was a lot younger and going through tough times I got diagnosed with reactive depression - basically body & soul ran out of ability to cope with a load of really difficult stuff. There's nothing wrong with needing a helping hand to get through the hard times, although I'm aware that's a spectacularly un-well-built-directorlike stance. I'm sorry medics haven't listened in the past, but please keep trying. You might have to be quite blunt - "I think I'm drinking to help myself cope, but it's not working particularly well, can we talk about medication or some sort of therapy please?". These days, they really ought to take a bottle a night quite seriously but the thing that wants paying attention to is the why, not the what/how much.
There are some half decent online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) resources, it may be worth you investigating that yourself, it's not for everybody, but if it DOES help, well, it's right there. There's at least one online CBT course that a GP can actually refer to, at least in some areas.
Just an update - took really poorly this morning so went straight to A&E where another ECG was taken. I was admitted straight to Basingstoke hospital for further tests & thankfully after yet another ECG & blood tests and chest xray, all seems fine with my heart! They are more than happy with the results. I have more bloods booked for tomorrow back where I live for thyroid function etc. Feel bit happier that this isn't heart related, but something is making me feel really poorly.
J.. said:
My story –
3 months ago I had a regular man-flu virus which took about a week to get over. Shortly after I had intense chest pain, arm ache, dizziness, jaw ache, nausea, palpitations… all heart attack symptoms, so rushed off to A&E. The ECG and blood pressure/pulse tests were fine, but blood test for troponin indicating heart failure was extremely high. They didn’t know what it was, so shipped me off to Harefield hospital who quickly diagnosed viral myocarditis. CT scan was good, but MRI showed up some inflammation. Since then I’ve been having symptoms of tiredness, exhaustion, dizzy spells, shortness of breath, chest pain. It’s just about gone now, but still get the odd dizzy spell and chest pain. I’m on beta blockers and ace inhibitors to avoid blood pressure going up and not allowed to exercise. Apparently myocarditis isn’t that common, but you can get it very mild (that you put it down to a bit indigestion) to very severe. Just wanted to share to ensure people go and get advice if they have any heart issues.
Interesting post, thanks. My heart failure came soon after a nasty virus that I had just before Christmas. In early January I got the classic symptoms of heart failure, and I'm convinced it was the virus Wot Done It. The consultant says we may never know. Prior to all this, I was fairly fit, e.g. played competitive 5 a side, could easily run 5 miles. The drugs (beta blocker, A.C.E. inhibitor, blood thinner, diuretics) seem to be working and I feel much better, just occasional fatigue.3 months ago I had a regular man-flu virus which took about a week to get over. Shortly after I had intense chest pain, arm ache, dizziness, jaw ache, nausea, palpitations… all heart attack symptoms, so rushed off to A&E. The ECG and blood pressure/pulse tests were fine, but blood test for troponin indicating heart failure was extremely high. They didn’t know what it was, so shipped me off to Harefield hospital who quickly diagnosed viral myocarditis. CT scan was good, but MRI showed up some inflammation. Since then I’ve been having symptoms of tiredness, exhaustion, dizzy spells, shortness of breath, chest pain. It’s just about gone now, but still get the odd dizzy spell and chest pain. I’m on beta blockers and ace inhibitors to avoid blood pressure going up and not allowed to exercise. Apparently myocarditis isn’t that common, but you can get it very mild (that you put it down to a bit indigestion) to very severe. Just wanted to share to ensure people go and get advice if they have any heart issues.
I totally agree that if you have symptoms especially chest pain - seek expert advice ASAP.
Having had a rather persistent chest infection over Christmas that has dragged on for some time, I was sent off for a chest x-ray to check all was clear. When I called my Doctors surgery to get the results I was told I would have to come in as it contained sensitive information.
When I saw my doctor he said my chest was clear and everything looked good. So when I asked why the receptionist had said there was sensitive information he replied
'Your x-ray indicates you have an enlarged heart, but I think it was just the angle the x-ray was taken so don't worry about it'!!!!!!!!
He wouldn't have even told me had I not probed him. I have since had an ECG which he says was fine and I am off for an Echocardiogram on Monday - all at my insistence. I'd rather know now and do something about it than leave it untreated if I do have heart issues. I'm a single parent and my child isn't very old.
Worrying times.
When I saw my doctor he said my chest was clear and everything looked good. So when I asked why the receptionist had said there was sensitive information he replied
'Your x-ray indicates you have an enlarged heart, but I think it was just the angle the x-ray was taken so don't worry about it'!!!!!!!!
He wouldn't have even told me had I not probed him. I have since had an ECG which he says was fine and I am off for an Echocardiogram on Monday - all at my insistence. I'd rather know now and do something about it than leave it untreated if I do have heart issues. I'm a single parent and my child isn't very old.
Worrying times.
One MoreDonkey said:
Having had a rather persistent chest infection over Christmas that has dragged on for some time, I was sent off for a chest x-ray to check all was clear. When I called my Doctors surgery to get the results I was told I would have to come in as it contained sensitive information.
When I saw my doctor he said my chest was clear and everything looked good. So when I asked why the receptionist had said there was sensitive information he replied
'Your x-ray indicates you have an enlarged heart, but I think it was just the angle the x-ray was taken so don't worry about it'!!!!!!!!
He wouldn't have even told me had I not probed him. I have since had an ECG which he says was fine and I am off for an Echocardiogram on Monday - all at my insistence. I'd rather know now and do something about it than leave it untreated if I do have heart issues. I'm a single parent and my child isn't very old.
Worrying times.
That is a strange way for the doctor to treat you. You do have to trust what you are being told but I agree about getting more tests. I have seen 3 different doctors in 2 different hospitals, so I am hoping they are not all wrong! The bloods were the definitive thing I was told which were all fine. (apparently)When I saw my doctor he said my chest was clear and everything looked good. So when I asked why the receptionist had said there was sensitive information he replied
'Your x-ray indicates you have an enlarged heart, but I think it was just the angle the x-ray was taken so don't worry about it'!!!!!!!!
He wouldn't have even told me had I not probed him. I have since had an ECG which he says was fine and I am off for an Echocardiogram on Monday - all at my insistence. I'd rather know now and do something about it than leave it untreated if I do have heart issues. I'm a single parent and my child isn't very old.
Worrying times.
I can't even think of his logic for not wanting to mention what was on the x-ray? Whether it's a 'I think it was the angle of the x-ray' or not, surely something as important as that being reported requires further follow up investigations.
Guess I'll know one way or the other after Monday and the scan has taken place, though I guess I'll have to wait a further 5 -10 days for the report to be sent out to my doctor.
Guess I'll know one way or the other after Monday and the scan has taken place, though I guess I'll have to wait a further 5 -10 days for the report to be sent out to my doctor.
One MoreDonkey said:
I can't even think of his logic for not wanting to mention what was on the x-ray? Whether it's a 'I think it was the angle of the x-ray' or not, surely something as important as that being reported requires further follow up investigations.
Guess I'll know one way or the other after Monday and the scan has taken place, though I guess I'll have to wait a further 5 -10 days for the report to be sent out to my doctor.
I had an ECG a while back - the nurse said "oh it looks like you might have Left Vetnricular Hypertrophy. I sh at myself for two weeks until I got the see the consultant who said I absolutely didn't have it.Guess I'll know one way or the other after Monday and the scan has taken place, though I guess I'll have to wait a further 5 -10 days for the report to be sent out to my doctor.
Idiot nurse.
boobles said:
The trouble is, I have openly spoken to my GP & other GP's about drinking up to 1 bottle per night 7 nights a week & have done for several years. They all seem to not really be that concerned about this. I know it's too much but when you feel like utter crap (like I have over the last few weeks) it seems to give me "release" from the pain & feeling that I am bout to drop dead. It doesn't make it right, I know this but it gives me a few hours of feeling "normal"
Hi Boobles,I found that red wine was a catalyst for a heart problem with me.
It would be worth stopping drinking for a week or changing to a light white wine like Chablis.
regards Mark.
markbe said:
Hi Boobles,
I found that red wine was a catalyst for a heart problem with me.
It would be worth stopping drinking for a week or changing to a light white wine like Chablis.
regards Mark.
I have started to cut back considerably. Half a bottle over two nights rather than 2 bottles. It's a start I found that red wine was a catalyst for a heart problem with me.
It would be worth stopping drinking for a week or changing to a light white wine like Chablis.
regards Mark.
Never trust a GP's assessment of an ECG. I won't bore everyone to death with the details but my brother is only alive today because a GP couldn't spot an anamoly on an ECG that a Cardiologist did spot. It was the smallest of bumps (amongst other bumps either side) on the read out that wasn't even considered by the GP.
It's not good when GP's fail to mention things, whether they deem it insignificant or not. It certainly doesn't put much faith in ones GP when they have failed to mention something so important.
I have my Echocardiogram this morning. Not sure if they will say anything or not about what they find whilst I'm there, but I'm certainly worried this morning.
I have my Echocardiogram this morning. Not sure if they will say anything or not about what they find whilst I'm there, but I'm certainly worried this morning.
markbe said:
Hi Boobles,
It was not the amount, it was what was in it. I was on 1 glass a night.
That is why I suggest changing to white wine.
worth trying for a while.
Mark.
1 glass a night caused you harm? Really sorry to hear that! that is shocking as that isn't even drinking too much.It was not the amount, it was what was in it. I was on 1 glass a night.
That is why I suggest changing to white wine.
worth trying for a while.
Mark.
boobles said:
Just an update - took really poorly this morning so went straight to A&E where another ECG was taken. I was admitted straight to Basingstoke hospital for further tests & thankfully after yet another ECG & blood tests and chest xray, all seems fine with my heart! They are more than happy with the results. I have more bloods booked for tomorrow back where I live for thyroid function etc. Feel bit happier that this isn't heart related, but something is making me feel really poorly.
Oddly going through all the same motions as you at the moment myself with similar symptoms, mutliple ecg's, chest xray, blood tests, even did an ultrasound today when I saw a cardiologist but nothings shown anything noteworthy. Been on several different medications but now on ramipril, lansoprol...
It's all a bit crap tbh, but going back for a stressed ecg this week too, though given so far I don't really expect that to show anything either.
GrumpyTwig said:
Oddly going through all the same motions as you at the moment myself with similar symptoms, mutliple ecg's, chest xray, blood tests, even did an ultrasound today when I saw a cardiologist but nothings shown anything noteworthy.
Been on several different medications but now on ramipril, lansoprol...
It's all a bit crap tbh, but going back for a stressed ecg this week too, though given so far I don't really expect that to show anything either.
I really hope they can find out what's wrong. At least all of the major checks like mine came back fine. I have an appointment soon to try controlling the stress/anxiety that they still think it could be. I have cut down the red wine to 1 bottle per week with the odd pint of beer thrown in. That has to be better than 7 bottles of wine per week! Been on several different medications but now on ramipril, lansoprol...
It's all a bit crap tbh, but going back for a stressed ecg this week too, though given so far I don't really expect that to show anything either.
boobles said:
Try to remain positive & good luck. 
Sonographer couldn't say too much obviously and I need to wait for the full report to be sent to my Doctor, but what she did say was 'You can relax, there was nothing of concern on your scan'.So that must be good news then I hope, though I wont fully relax until the report has come in and I've seen my doctor to discuss it in full.
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