Hi, I hope there is somebody who can help me here. I am desperate!
I have been sick since the beginning of the year and undergone a load of tests.... to only NOW be referred to a cardiologist. I think the other doctors screwed up ..
It started with episodes of extreme tiredness and heavy legs, weight gain, falling asleep at work ... to then getting lightheaded, to then feeling like Im drunk, and actually coming very close to fainting. The near-fainting happens often when I am sitting or standing too long.
All the time my body feels like it is moving by itself, as if Im out at sea. Its particularly bad on lying down, especially when Im feeling particularly near-fainty. During bad episodes my legs also almost collapse under me. Sometimes I have to hold the walls of my flat to get around.
Often any pressure on my upper body or head can also bring on near fainting.
The near fainting can go on for several hours.
I have pulsatile tinnitus (ie I hear the sound of my blood moving, to my heartbeat, sounds like an engine) and acid reflux.
On top of this I also get a tight chest and recently started getting wierd pains in my arms, legs and hands that I never had before. One of the pains was definately where my blood vessel in my hand is, and the "vessel crossroads" was raised and it looked blue.

I have been admitted to hospital several times. My BP has often been high but they say its "normal". It was always 126, now its never under 140. My heart rate is normal although I get an extra beat here and there.

Neurological and ENT causes have been ruled out. Also my thyroid was checked and although I have high antibodies, ie Hashimotos, my thyroid reading was normal and stable.

I am at the end of my tether. Thankfully the cardiologist I saw today was very sweet. I have had a rough time with other doctors who - because they couldnt find anything - accused me of being a hypocondriac. and when I have been upset for not getting help they have written in my medical records that I have psychiatric problems (because I went to the psychiatric ER to get help for extreme depression from this).

Before all this started, I lived a healthy lifestyle, have always been active, fit, sporty, eat healthily, dont smoke, and dont drink a lot. Dont drink any alcohol now. I got quite annoyed when the doctors said "its just from stress go home the dizziness will disappear". There was no stress in my life when this happened. I dont allow stress in if I can help it - I am a buddhist and meditate and do exercise to deal with stress.

Now its 6 months on and Im so worn down by being so ill and in and out of hospital.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, anything I could perhaps discuss with the doctor I would be so greatful.

As the first part of the investigations I am home for a week with a heart monitor then I will go back to the cardiologist.

Thank you.

Shan