lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
I have all the symptoms. They started about 5 days ago. I'm really uncomfortable. Talked to my LLMD yesterday and he said pericarditis is a fairly common experience amongst Lyme patients. He wants me to see a cardiologist.
Here's the problem - my husband doesn't want me to seek medical attention for this. He thinks it will be a waste of time and money. He wants me to wait it out.
What opinions do you have here on Lymenet? Am I being utterly stupid to "wait it out"?
My symptoms: heart palpitations, dry cough, slight fever, chest ache with occasional stabbing pain near the sternum, back pain, and a feeling that my heart is wrapped in cotton.
I'd appreciate advice. I know my husband sounds a bit rude, but he is a great guy and my lifeline. I think he's concerned that I'll be told there's nothing wrong with me, furthering my "bad" reputation in our local medical community.
Thank you! Lymelady
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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chiquita incognita
Unregistered
posted
I would suggest that "bad reputation" and image pale by comparison to your safety and wellbeing.
No good doctor would make laughingstock of your concerns given the symptoms you are describing. They would understand that it is something that needs to be checked out.
I made a similar mistake once of waiting it out for a symptom (not a heart matter) that I was afraid would cost us tons of money to check out, only to be told there was nothing wrong....in the end the worst was ruled out, but something important was diagnosed and the stress really got to me ultimately just because of waiting and wondering what could be wrong. I would never do it to myself again.
Health is wealth. Take care of yourself and we will be routing for you!
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i,too, kept putting off going to a doctor for the same reasons.
when i did go, i found out i have a dangerously enlarged heart.
now i have to have a checkup every six months.
it's better to know than not know.
besides if something happens and you end up in the er, you don't want to have a serious condition that they don't know about.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
Ditto to both above. Better to be on the safe side and get checked out.
Sidenote: remember too that Q-fever can cause endocarditis.
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
If heart related then I wsould probably get it checked out. Of course it could depend on when your last cardiac workup was and maybe on what antibiotics you are currently taking.
Sorry you are under the weather again.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
Pericarditis...or anything possibly heart related....isn't something you weight out.
If you don't want to see the cardiologist right away, you could always make a trip to the PCP's office. When listening to the heart, you can have muffled heart sounds, or what is referred to as a pericardial rub. You will hear the rub if you have pericarditis.
The PCP would be cheaper than the cardiologist. Just a thought. But I would definitely not just wait it out. If that is what is going on, complications can occur f you wait too long to get it looked at.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
I had endocarditis after untreated bartonella went to my heart.
Treat your infections, and see a doctor about the serious symptoms--this includes a cardio for your heart symptoms, if you can! These infections can damage us, you don't want to wait if things are getting worse.
Posts: 512 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2010
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
Thank you all for the advice. I am much worse at the moment. My husband seems strangely blas�. His attitude is upsetting me. I don't care what his opinion is, I am going to see my nurse practitioner tomorrow.
I will let you all know what happens.
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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