I have continous chest pains (like pressure), upper back pain, feel exhausted, often confused, and have started coughing lately. I've had bouts of hard time breathing & physically shaking in my hands, legs etc. with being very cold & dizzy. I've been to the ER numerous times & had ECGs done but they do not show anything. My doctor says I have to lose weight. But my weight hasn't changed from last year & all of a sudden I started getting these pains. I feel like I am dying. I used to read, garden ,walk & now I just want to sleep all day. I can't even climb a flight of stairs. I'm a chubby 33 year old & was in good health before, except for the weight gain. I used to be athletic & run but quit due to a knee injury about 3 years ago & have put on about 60 lbs since. I called Telecare once & they told me to go straight to the ER cause I was having a cardiac episode, but the ER doctor didn't even examine me...didn't even come within 3 feet. Anyone have any ideas? I feel like an idiot.
2006-10-02 16:16:19 · 23 answers · asked by jenm 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
It sounds like a medical condition, so the best people to treat it would probably be trained doctors. If the ER doctor didn't examine you, you might try seeing a different doctor and getting a few opinions.
Weight is probably an issue.
It might have something to do with your sleep if you are tired all the time - maybe sleep apnea.
It might be stress related, and maybe some type of panic attack.
At any rate, a medical doctor is really the one to see.
2006-10-02 16:20:44 · answer #1 · answered by a_blue_grey_mist 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, definitely establish with a primary care physician if you haven't already. Make sure he/she is an Internist (Internal Medicine doctor). Unfortuntely I can't tell you what is wrong because there could be numerous things and without a physical examination by a doctor and tests, who knows. From the symptoms you describe though, it sounds like it could be some kind of pulmonary problem. Especially because of the cough. It is true that obesity can cause back pain, trouble breathing, a hard time walking up stairs - basically anything that can be attributed to being 'out of shape'. But the chest pain, dizziness, cold flashes and tremors indicate something else is going on as well. It may be that some of your symtoms are from being out of shape while others are from something else. Establish with an Internist, and ask him/her if your troubles could be stemming from something lung related. Pulmonary Function Testing wouldn't be a bad idea. You might want to get a cardiac stress test as well just to make sure it isn't your heart. ECG's are good for detecting rhythm disturbances and heart muscle damage (like from a heart attack) but a stress test checks to see if you have blocked arteries and an ECG will not tell you that. Hope this helps and good luck!
2006-10-02 16:33:45 · answer #2 · answered by PuppetyDog 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're NOT an idiot! The weight could still be a major factor in your health, just cause your body cut you some slack & let you get away with a huge weight gain for several months doesn't mean that your recent symptoms aren't caused by being overweight.
Go on a diet & exercise programme that is strictly supervised by a physician, & then if you go to an emergency room again they may take your symptoms a little more seriously.
You are probably suffering from stress.
A doctor & personal trainer will help you work through this bad period of constant fatigue, but you've got to want it bad, real bad.
The doctors you have been seeing lately probably have seen too many guys like you recently, & are tired of having their advice go in one ear & out the other.
Take their advice like your life depends on it. BECAUSE IT DOES!
2006-10-02 16:29:28 · answer #3 · answered by No More 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This could be a heart or lung issue either one.
I would see a different doctor and sue the pants off the hospital that refused to treat you.
A hospital has to treat you no matter what if you go into the E.R. I don't understand how they expect you to loose weight if you can even go up a flight of stairs. You should have blood work done and a chest X-Ray done to rule out lung issues. If you doctor won't do anything for you then I would seek a second opinion and go to a different doctor/E.R even if it cost more. You life is not worth waisting on doctors that don't give a crap. I will pray for you and just hang in there. Good Luck..
2006-10-02 16:25:32 · answer #4 · answered by lisa_sonydadc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get a referral and go to a cardiologost. This way you can rule out any heart problems instead of second guessing. It is possible it is a gall bladder attack. You might have pain and beltch more often when having an episode. Chest pain and coughing can sometimes be a symptom of pneumonia. At any rate an EKG isn't enough you need blood work, and perhaps an echocardiogram-all can be done at the cardiologists. If these are negative I would then maybe want to rule out gall bladder! Good luck!
2006-10-02 16:32:18 · answer #5 · answered by surfer1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to make an appointment with a cardiologist! Don't bank on the "er" advice because most of the doctors in ER's in my opinion are incompetent! I went to the ER numerous times with like symptoms and always sent home as a flu, or stress, or some totally rediculous diagnosis. It wasn't until someone involved in the medical field noticed my color was a very greyish blue and suggested to me that I might want to see a cardiologist!
Good thing I did! I had a 95%blocked LAD and three other major blockages! Luckey to be alive today!!! The er would kill you before they cure you!
Don't hesitate and call your cardiologist today!!!!!
2006-10-03 08:15:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
do you have a regular family dr. He might help. or are you depressed by any chance or strangly enough allergic to anything or ... Just get a regular check up. I'm not a dr. Not many ppl here are. To be on the safe side go to some nice person who is not in a hurry...say not the ER and get a full body check up. Blood pressure, hormon level the works. Even if they all show up negative, you'll feel better afterwards
2006-10-02 16:24:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
honey please get on the phone and do not get off until you find a doctor who will see you. i am a nursing assistant (im not a nurse) but i work in an ICU in a hospital and see people all the time who have various heart issues and it could be any number of things. also, some things that are psychological caused by anxiety, depression, etc. can have serious physiological effects. im sorry, i can't say what it could be because i don't know, i'm just saying it is worth getting it checked out. your health is precious and you have a right to ask and expect the health care you deserve. only you know your body and if you know that something is wrong, do not stop until you find someone to help you.
good luck honey.
2006-10-02 16:32:16 · answer #8 · answered by verykari♥ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel stupid.Find another doctor.Go on a low carb diet and your weight will fall off.Sleeping all day sounds like depression for sure and you have the right to be with that doctor you been seeing! Find a internist ask a friend or neighbor who can help you
a GOOD one. And go as soon as you can !!
2006-10-02 16:23:40 · answer #9 · answered by Joan C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to a Dr and have blood work done. You could be having problems with cholesterol,diabetes, fibromyalgia,thyroid or lupus.
The symptoms you have could be a number of things and though your medical history is pretty good at this point,there is more pertinent history your Dr would be asking to help pin point your problem(s).
People take their health too casually and I know it is because of the time lost from work to go to a Dr not to mention the cost whether you have insurance or not. . .hell,even a co pay can get costly as alot of companies have deductibles on top of the co pay.
2006-10-02 16:23:29 · answer #10 · answered by Just Q 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋