Posted 5/12/2015 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
recent history just dx'ed yesterday as Fibromyalgia. 3 month history so far of symptoms -
Prior to the history start, I had none of these symptoms.
starts with allergic skin reaction to rocephin (ceftriaxone), had severe shortness breath/forehead sensation/lightheadedness while seated within 12 hours. This symptom has persisted to date, mainly seated (i.e. positional).
intermittent chest pains, also back pain and radicular component into arms (usually inside of elbows). Occasionally I have the 'blood pressure cuff' sensation in right arm.
Walking up 1 flight of stairs or more causes same headache but more notable, right arm and eventually leg 'sensation' (not pain nor tingling nor paresthesia, more very mild 'blood pressure cuff' sensation ), and a bit later notable right chest/back pain. Stairs and higher grade climbing can leave me feeling quite unwell.
since start of history, my blood pressure on average has dropped at least 15/10 (sistolic often in 90s now, diastolic often in 60s). prior to history, consistently was 115-120/75-80, though readings were of course infrequent. I have not been able to verify a positional component here but am aware of both orthostatic hypotension and neurally mediated hypotension. I am most symptomatic seated. I am most interested in investigating this.
workup to date has included extensive CV studies, inc. nuclear stress test; (negative finding though interesting i walked in the door at 90/70 bp, another abnormally low reading for me), blood work. also have had auto-immune related bloodwork (inc. ana,), all negative. It is notable that the stress test itself quickly replicated the 'band across forehead' sensation and right arm sensation, and during the test I did develop a reduced sense of balance (very mild but present). have noticed this on prolonged walking too.
Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia seem to be more symptom-based diagnoses and I suspect there is room for a fair amount of overlap of people placed in the category with wildly different presentations and even etiologies - that said, I do seem to have a number of the flags.
In terms of disruption, the headaches (while seated) and shortness of breath and lightheadedness are reaching unhelpful levels. avoidance of stairs/climbing is an issue in and of itself. I am aware the chest pain/extremity sensation on climbing is a warning sign for a couple of issues (angina, aortic valve issues) but to date findings there appear normal.
Any suggestions at all on my history or further investigation appreciated. I am mainly based in the Las Vegas area.