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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 24 June 2015, 11:25:52

Title: Really scared - Health
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 24 June 2015, 11:25:52
Just over a week ago I had some chest pain and didn't feel right. I took myself off to A+E and to be fair the staff and Drs there were awesome. I had the full works, ECG, Ultrasound on the heart, full bloods, you name it.

The diagnosis was Pericarditis - basically an inflammation of the fluid filled sack that houses the heart (Pericardium). I've had it before - once briefly in 2010, when I collapsed completely. On that occasion, I was uncomfortable for a week or so, but recovered, and by the end of the week my ECG was normal again.

In late 2012 I again had chest pain and went to hospital - again, diagnosed with Pericarditis. This episode lasted about six weeks, and I struggled, I was out of breath doing not very much and felt crap. It's worth noting that I never had a 'Normal' ECG, after this bout. There were still some unusually high ST elevations. My last ECG in 2012, the cardiologist said whilst it was out of a range he would expect, it may well be normal for me, being of such slim build, and that he wasn't worried and I need not come back.

In recent months I have felt lethargic and not had much energy. I have put this down to the fact that I am a rotating shift worker, working long hours in a mentally and physically demanding job, and haven't really worried about it that much.

A few days ago, I got up to go to work. My alarm clock went off at 0530, and I sat upright in bed as I always do. I suddenly, after sitting up, felt massively light headed, and fell straight back down again onto the pillow. I put it down to getting up to quickly, so got up again, slower, and went for a shower. I felt a bit disorientated, but put it down to the fact I had just woken up and not had much sleep.

During the shift, I felt a bit unbalanced, and on a couple of occasions, stumbled, but recovered from it.

I finished work and got home at 1900, there was just me at home. Out of nowhere, the room started spinning, REALLY fast, everything was a blur, I felt like I was falling, but had no control over my body to put my arms etc out to save myself. I had a sensation I was just falling and falling, EG like jumping off a building, and my vision at the same time tunnelled into darkness, and I blacked out.

I went into hospital, by ambulance, and again have had a full neurological and cardic examination.

ECG is apparently very consistent with Pericarditis, which appears alive and well, but, with that said - the Drs do not think that is related to why I blacked out.

Since then, I have not fully blacked out again, but I have had spells of extreme dizziness whereby I get the falling sensation, but have managed to recover. One of these happened in front of the Dr, who to be fair, was very concerned.

To cut a long story short I have been discharged, and despite all the tests, they can't work out why I blacked out or keep going dizzy. A CT Scan was not conducted, because a bleed on the brain was considered very unlikely, in comparison to the risk of exposure to radiation, from the scan.

Currently now at home, thankfully I have a long block of restdays, but if I'm still unwell afterwards I'm going to have to speak to work about a few adjustments (Eg I can't drive at the moment)

I just want to feel better  :-[






Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 24 June 2015, 11:30:01
Ruddy hell, so saddened to read this not-very-short list of maladies.

All I can say is I hope that you get the very best of care (sounds like you are) and that whatever medication and treatment is given bings you back to 100% very soon. All the very best, and take it easy, as I'm sure you will be.  :)

All the very best
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Lagondanet on 24 June 2015, 11:57:52
You've had all the appropriate blood tests for sugar levels etc?
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 24 June 2015, 12:51:32
You've had all the appropriate blood tests for sugar levels etc?

Yep, full bloods
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Lagondanet on 24 June 2015, 13:24:33
Hadn't heard of this condition before, even though it is apparently quite common. Looked it up. Hope you can find an acceptable  resolution soon.
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Varche on 24 June 2015, 13:48:11
My thoughts and I am sure those of many others on the forum are with you.

Hope you manage to get things sorted.
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Kevin Wood on 24 June 2015, 14:09:54
Sorry to hear this, James. I know it's easily said, but it'd probably help an awful lot of you could try to take your mind off it. You're young and fit, keep pestering the docs if you need to and I'm sure it will be sorted out in the fullness of time.

Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: tunnie on 24 June 2015, 14:10:22
Bloody hell mate, take care of yourself.  :y

Do work offer private healthcare? Go for the full scans ect really quickly
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 24 June 2015, 14:48:48
All the best James and I hope you get better soon!  :y
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: RobG on 24 June 2015, 15:38:46
Unlikely that Pericarditis will cause those symptoms James. Suggest you pester for an MRI scan as soon as
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 24 June 2015, 15:39:47
Unlikely that Pericarditis will cause those symptoms James. Suggest you pester for an MRI scan as soon as

They are reluctant to do this due to the radiation risks. They want to rule out something like viral vertigo first..  :-\
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: RobG on 24 June 2015, 15:41:26
MRI is not a CT scan. No radiation involved, has no harm whatsoever to the human body
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: EMD on 24 June 2015, 15:50:40
All the best James and I hope you get better soon!  :y

+1  :y



Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: tunnie on 24 June 2015, 15:55:49
MRI is not a CT scan. No radiation involved, has no harm whatsoever to the human body

Second this, as asked above, can you get anything private through work? Means you can jump the MRI queue
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Gaffers on 24 June 2015, 16:11:56
Pericarditis is serious stuff and potentially lethal.  It's one of those heart attack types for which chest compressions have little effect unless you drain the fluid from the sack first.  All of which is not easy.  Thus it is important you keep on top of your treatment James.

Get well soon and look after yourself.  A common cause is thought to be an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) although this can be difficult to find.  Thus it might be useful to look at infection vectors in your daily routine, eg possible fungi in the house/car, bacteria in the fridge, etc, etc.

Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 24 June 2015, 16:22:35
Pericarditis is serious stuff and potentially lethal.  It's one of those heart attack types for which chest compressions have little effect unless you drain the fluid from the sack first.  All of which is not easy.  Thus it is important you keep on top of your treatment James.

Get well soon and look after yourself.  A common cause is thought to be an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) although this can be difficult to find.  Thus it might be useful to look at infection vectors in your daily routine, eg possible fungi in the house/car, bacteria in the fridge, etc, etc.

Thanks :y

I've moved house three times in the last three years so I don't think it's anything at home.

You say about fluid being drained... are you confusing plain old pericarditis, (just inflammation) with a pericardial effusion (unwanted fluid?)
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 June 2015, 16:29:01
All scary stuff... Mum ended up having a monitor fitted for a year... the results of which were inconclusive  :-\ but shortly before her first collapse, she had had a long while off work due to her asthma being set off in a big way... pneumonia and all sorts to boot... caused by a pigeon infestation at work.

Rest up, follow the docs advice and try not to fret, easier said than done I know, but stressing will only make things worse :-\
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: joff on 24 June 2015, 18:51:53
Hope you get well soon James, take it easy if you can. :y
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 June 2015, 19:12:20
Guy at work had viral meningitis recently,  with similar symptoms plus headaches obviously. Suspected, apparently, to have spread from a synus problem.

I'm no Dr but both are fluid sacks around major organs so wonder if it's spread from a lesser issue somewhere else in the body perhaps?

Maybe "Nurse" will know. "NUUURSE.....? " ;D

Anyway get well soon James. Feet up! That's order mind ;) ;D
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Rods2 on 24 June 2015, 19:14:07
Sorry to hear about your problems. We all rely on our health and naturally worry when it is not 100%. I hope they quickly find the causes and you make a speedy and full recovery. :y :y :y
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: BazaJT on 24 June 2015, 19:38:54
Serious stuff indeed.I sincerely hope they get to the bottom of your problem soon and you are soon on the road to a full recovery.Wishing you nothing but the best.
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: D on 24 June 2015, 22:06:31
Pericarditis is serious stuff and potentially lethal.  It's one of those heart attack types for which chest compressions have little effect unless you drain the fluid from the sack first.  All of which is not easy.  Thus it is important you keep on top of your treatment James.

Get well soon and look after yourself.  A common cause is thought to be an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) although this can be difficult to find.  Thus it might be useful to look at infection vectors in your daily routine, eg possible fungi in the house/car, bacteria in the fridge, etc, etc.

No
No, you are thinking of something else
Less likely especially in recurrent disease, even if the initial trigger may have been viral
Pretty unhelpful, in that order.
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: D on 24 June 2015, 22:08:27

You say about fluid being drained... are you confusing plain old pericarditis, (just inflammation) with a pericardial effusion (unwanted fluid?)

Correct!
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Vamps on 24 June 2015, 22:15:11
Sounds bad for you at the moment, I hope you get sorted soon James.......... :y
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Gaffers on 25 June 2015, 00:38:43
You say about fluid being drained... are you confusing plain old pericarditis, (just inflammation) with a pericardial effusion (unwanted fluid?)

Indeed, sorry. I blame posting at what is 4am here (had to do a days work) :-[

Get some rest and get well soon :y
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: Gaffers on 25 June 2015, 00:45:54
Pericarditis is serious stuff and potentially lethal.  It's one of those heart attack types for which chest compressions have little effect unless you drain the fluid from the sack first.  All of which is not easy.  Thus it is important you keep on top of your treatment James.

Get well soon and look after yourself.  A common cause is thought to be an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) although this can be difficult to find.  Thus it might be useful to look at infection vectors in your daily routine, eg possible fungi in the house/car, bacteria in the fridge, etc, etc.

No
No, you are thinking of something else
Less likely especially in recurrent disease, even if the initial trigger may have been viral
Pretty unhelpful, in that order.

Agreed,
mea culpa,
if you say so
pretty unnecessary comment, oh and in that order too ;)
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: D on 26 June 2015, 00:41:15
Pericarditis is serious stuff and potentially lethal.  It's one of those heart attack types for which chest compressions have little effect unless you drain the fluid from the sack first.  All of which is not easy.  Thus it is important you keep on top of your treatment James.

Get well soon and look after yourself.  A common cause is thought to be an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) although this can be difficult to find.  Thus it might be useful to look at infection vectors in your daily routine, eg possible fungi in the house/car, bacteria in the fridge, etc, etc.

No
No, you are thinking of something else
Less likely especially in recurrent disease, even if the initial trigger may have been viral
Pretty unhelpful, in that order.

Agreed,
mea culpa,
if you say so
pretty unnecessary comment, oh and in that order too ;)

I meant unhelpful to look for infective agents, not your post per se!
Title: Re: Really scared - Health
Post by: chrisgixer on 06 July 2015, 21:30:19
How's James?

Anyone know?