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All came out fine, now I wait for echo results. I am almost sure that will be fine because the cardiolite was, guess this chest discomfort is in my head...so disappointing, I know it sounds strange to say that especially because you ladies have been through so much, but I just want answers. Thanks for all the support.
Arthritis Hysterectomy Anemia Plavix Anxiety Pain Menopause Heart attack Lupus Stent Xanax Stress
Sorry this is not going well for you and we all understand what you are feeling. At some point you really want to hear that they KNOW what is causing the problem. Please know that because the tests didn't show a problem doesn't mean there isn't one. Maybe it is not heart related. There are many things that can cause chest pain that are not heart related.
Be relieved the test results were good but don't stop looking. A few of the most common places to start would be esophogus spasams, hormone problems or menopause, chest wall problems associated with arthritis or Lupus, and so forth. You could be having heart spasams which are very difficult to diagnose. Anxiety and panic disorders are another source that often give symptoms that would appear heart related. I have a hietal hernea which also sometimes gives heart feeling symptoms. Hang in there. Maybe breathe a little easier because it sounds like the results were good. Check in with us often. You would be amazed at the info that comes up on a daily basis and there might be something along the way that will help you. Diane
Thanks Diane, very good information. This has been going on since I was around 19, I was diagnosed with a heart murmur back then, then I was told it went away and now the cardiologist since I have one, just all very confusing. I know the murmur isn't causing chest pain, at least I don't think so, but when it radiates to your arm and in your neck sometimes it gets scary. Some of the ladies stories on this site scare me because some of you went through a lot with no answers and then something bad happened. I won't give up, but I will stop thinking the worse. Thanks for your encouraging words and thoughts about what it could be, you are very sweet.
Kim
Just wanted to also encourage your to keep your mind open to your gut feelings too.
I was diagnosed as a child with a heart murmur and later as an adult told it was a mitral valve prolapse. Five years ago I had two perfect nucleur stress tests and echo then ended up having an emergency double bypass.
I was under the care of a cardiologist just for yearly check-ups but with no symptoms. (years before had minor problems and told it was from the prolapse.) Five years ago I started having distinct symptoms, saw the cardiologist and said he was sure it was from prolapse but did order a nucleur stress test and echo. All came back perfect. Problems continued for 9 months off and on then started to become more severe. Had another nucleur stress test and it was perfect also and told that it means "you have NO blockages". After a bad night and thinking I was going crazy, I called the nurse for an appt., had to see another cardiologist who happened to be a women. She review my records and said, "You know sometimes women present differently than men". She gave me the option of having a heart cath and after several days of trying to decide to do the test or not, I asked for it. The test showed two main blockages, over 90 percent, one in the left main artery, plus other smaller blockages, nothing stentable, which led to an emergency bypass operation. All doctors have been surprised by the fact that two stress tests missed all of this and told me I had been a time bomb waiting to happen.
I was told these tests are 90 percent plus accurate but I have heard situations like mine since. I am very thankful that I am still here and that the female Dr. was willing to step outside the box.
I am not suggesting that you not believe the test results but be aware that they are not perfect but the best that the Dr.'s have to help find the problem. It does take a team effort and you are a Co-Captain.
Do keep looking to eliminate other things it could be. Keep us posted on your progress.
Marci
Thank you Marci, this is precisely why I don't want to let it go. I do and I don't the fear of something bad happening is in my mind. But my lady cardiologist isn't the friendliest lady, she's good, but believes none of the pain relates to my heart. Unfortunately I have really bad med benefits and after a scare of lymphoma a fews months ago because of an MRI showing abnormal lymph node problem, it has really set my husband and I back about $3000 just for that. Now I have a $2500 er to pay and whatever these last two tests are going to cost. I want to keep going to find answers but.......unfortunately money talks. I will certainly watch it and if it gets out of control I will move on, but for now, things look normal, so I will stick to that, even though my gut says different. Thank you and I hope you are doing better and keep being healthy, I will be around though!!!
Kim,
I too have a lady cardiologist who is very good. Last Aug/Sept I had all the tests for the heart....everything came back "normal". Then on Sept 26,07 I had 2 heart attacks in 1hr. After the cath was told my aorta was 95% blocked...thought I was "OK". I was fine no pains or anything for about 6wks then the pains started almost all the time. I went to cardio Dr. (male at the time) he said nothing wrong all in my head. So went a few more months and found my lady cardio Dr. She ran all the tests said nothing wrng but did do a 2nd Cath and found the same stent blocked 50% so re-stented that one. I continued to have pain. Went to my primary Dr. who ran blood wrk and found I was anemic....started iron etc and got that under control but still had pain.....My cardio Dr. got angry when I came in again complaining about the pain. She did a CAT w/contrast and some blood work....the CAT found I have enlarged heart and the blood work showed my thyroid was all messed up. She said no wonder you feel so bad. That same day of the results went to my primary who put me on thyroid meds....The pains have been gone for about 2wks now. I do have some when I lay down but nothing like what I had. Read up on thyroid & anemia and both can cause chest pains. These blood tests had been done Aug07 with no probs at all.
So like Diane & Marci said keep on trying to find out what is causing it. I'm feeling so much better I will be going back to work next Monday....I've been out since 072408 because of how bad I've felt. Also while I've been out I've been seeing a therpist because of the pent up anger I have had all this time and that has really helped too.
Just thought I'd throw out a couple of things that made my chest hurt. Good Luck with you and keep us up to date with how you are doing!!!
Dory
Dory,
You may have just hit on something. I have autoimmune thyroiditis and about 10 wks ago my tests for thyroid came back high. They increased my meds, but unfortunately my pain is still there of and on. I have not gone back for a recheck on my levels and I was suppose to 2 weeks ago, I think I will schedule that appointment now. I too tend to run anemic, last time I had a bout with anemia my count was 3, that was 3 years ago, since it has been low end average. Thank you so much, I had mentioned to my primary that I read that autoimmune tyroiditis can cause chest pain and he said no.........ummmm makes me wonder now!!!!
Thank you so very much.
Kim,
You are very welcome. I hope that is what is wrong. It's amazing how our bodies tell us there is something wrong...we all just have to figure out what.
Let me know what you find out...I'd be most interested
:-)
Dory
Dory,
Just had time to read this.
" have autoimmune thyroiditis and about 10 wks ago my tests for thyroid came back high. They increased my meds, but unfortunately my pain is still there of and on. I have not gone back for a recheck on my levels and I was suppose to 2 weeks ago, I think I will schedule that appointment now. I too tend to run anemic, last time I had a bout with anemia my count was 3,"
Acute anemia is a risk factor for heart attack. Mine got down to 8-9....7 and below means hospitalization with iron IV to avoid HA. If your monthly periods are very heavy your body may not be able to keep replenishing iron levels in time....that adds up to more risk. My levels could not be pulled up until partial hysterectomy at 48. It took a full year to climb back up to 11 after 7 years of living with chronic anemia none of my doctors were willing to address. This may not pertain to you at all....just throwing it out there.
Your pain is advancing in intensity, frequency and longevity. Doctors won't know until they see your heart beating on screen during cath if and where blockage is located. It's the gold standard at this time...and can be dealt with then and there.
Best of luck to you Dory. Kenna's advice to keep a brief time log of symptoms is a good one...keep it nearby.
Hugs,
Jaynie
ps. Something I learned to do early on is keep a small bag packed....warm socks, deodorant, paperback, shampoo and comb....overnight stay things. That way, hubby can just grab it and go and you have the peace of mind that everything you need is in there no matter who you send to get it for you. A list of names and phone numbers of doctors, family, friends is good too because you don't know if you'll be able to recall phone numbers in an emergency. Printouts are best.
My cardiologist doesn't bother with any type of stress test anymore.I had a cardiolite stress that was good showed no problems.Still had pain so the next day he did a cath.Sent me via ambulance to Pittsburgh for bypass surgery.Stress is only about 75% accurate in women especially.
Kim,
I am scheduled for a cardiolite test tomorrow morning. May I ask ... was it a difficult test? Is there any pain involved? I was told I cannot take any morning medication and Im nervious because I wont be able to take my xanax to calm me down.
Jaynie.... I was able to get a little chuckle when I read that you have a bag packed and ready.
I started to do that last week. I have it ready at all times. I also added chapstick , body lotion. and most important.... Hair de tangler.
On another note.... I have had sever heavy periods and was concerned cause im on plavix. I was concerned about anemia but I was told as of hospital stay 10/10 my blood work came back fine.
Marie
Hey Marie and Kim,
Yep, we're the ER Overnight Bag Club members huh : ) Detangler...I didn't think of that one.
Why in the world are they doing a Cardiolite test on you for after all those caths? They are totally painless sweetie.....either you do a little treadmill walking to get your heart rate up and they inject tracer dye near the end and you lie very still while your heart is nuclear imaged....or they give an injection (all injections go into IV line) that creates a similar rise in heart rate or instigates spasms if that is what has been going on already. All painless...just tedious and boring. Your heart gets scanned before and after treadmill to see how much blood gets used where by your arteries.
I'm questioning this because normal procedure is Cardiolite testing first....then on to cath labs. Not the other way around.
Except for the brief treadmill part, you get to lie around and relax. I feel asleep last time.
Take good care.....and take your Xanax at midnight if you are worried you might stress out. It is important that you lie still during the scanning..but that isn't stressful. Take Xanax with you so you can take it as soon as the scan is over.
Jaynie
me again Marie,
oh yeah, you need to stay on the Plavix girl..... (smile). If your blood test numbers are good you are ok.
cheers, Jaynie
Jaynie I haven't a clue why the test now. Other then the cardiologist said to me yesterday..... I know you dont want to hear this... as far as why your having these problems.... I DON'T KNOW Nice ...huh
In a way I think he's feeling guilty for not doing the other stent that was 80 % blocked and the other doct did.
Thanks for the discription of the test... will go with xanax in pocket !
Marie
I know it hard to go through all these test just for a doctor to tell you that there is nothing wrong, when you know that something just isn't right. I've been through the stress test, the echo, the upper gi, the colon test nothing major showed just a slow leak on right side of heart, doctor says no big concern now next Thursday I go for a ct scan i guess if that doesn't show anything I will have to just learn to live with the chest pains.
LODACOX
lodacox,
well, my test are all normal, echo and all. i have a murmur but benign, so i too will just learn to deal with the pains. i hope you get answers and thanks for responding.
jaynie,
i have to go for my blood work and check my levels, but thank you for the information about anemia, i had know idea.
marie,
i hope your cardiolite comes back fine, hope you get some answers too. good luck.
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