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Misdiagnosed with Severe Asthma!!!!

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Posted 9/29/2008 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to share with you- I have had allergies most of my adult life (49 yr old female) but developed severe asthma symptoms in May '08- was taking all kinds of meds including prednisone bursts, neb treatments, etc.  A week ago my feet, ankles and legs were swollen to 4x their normal size and would not go down- went to the allergist for my 4th round of Xolair shots, and the doc sent me to the ER.  Turns out that I NEVER had severe asthma, I have Congestive Heart Failure, which presents very similar to asthma.  I had a build up of fluid around my heart, in my lungs, not to mention my lower extremities.  With the proper meds, and a stay in the hospital, I lost 17 lbs in 3 days, and am now following up with a Cardiologist to treat the real problem.  During my stay in the hospital, I did not take ANY of my asthma or allergy meds, and I did not have any symptoms of asthma!!!  I haven't felt this good in months!!!  Please everyone, be sure and question your doctors and your diagnosis, get the correct treatment for what is ailing you.  At least know I know what is really wrong with me, and I can adjust my lifestyle and treatment accordingly!!!

PW

Posted 9/30/2008 12:55 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Pw, My Mom was diagnosed at age 85 with congestive heart failure.  We noticed something was wrong as her feet and ankles swelled very badly.   It was on Mother's Day and we had gone out to brunch and when we got home she said she was having trouble breathing.  I immediately called the dr. and she went to the hospital.  They drained the water out and she went on to recover and lived to 93.  You are right that asthma can be confused with this disease.  It is the swelling in legs and ankles that is the big clue.  Don't you wonder why the drs. didn't give you heart tests to determine this?  On the right meds I am sure you will live a very good and long life.  And I am glad that you are all right.  Take good care of yourself and post anytime you want someone to talk to.

Hugs,

Aurora

Posted 10/3/2008 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Aurora for your reply and kind words.  I am now embarking on a whole different treatment plan.  Have to go and have a treadmill/stress test next week, then on to the Cardiologist to determine the damage to my heart, and a treatment plan.  It has been a wake up call for me.  Having to change my diet and thnking will be some work.. You know I never paid a lot of attention to labels on food items.  Almost everything has sodium in it!  And when you have to limit your intake of it, you have to make lots of choices.  I love to cook, so now I will have to learn how to prepare dishes minus the salt.  Well at least I will be thinner!  Take care & I'll keep in touch on the board. Stay well, and keep smiling.

PW

Posted 10/3/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hi PW, I am sorry you are having to go through all of this.  I had to have a number of heart tests this summer as the dr. thought my lung problems might be related to heart trouble. I had stress tests and an echocardiogram.  I was at the cardiologists for about 4 hrs.  Might I suggest that you have someone drive you and pick you up because you probably will not feel like driving after the tests.  As far as diet is concerned there is all kinds of help on the internet and books on heart healthy cooking.  It is very important to read labels as so many products have so much sodium in them.  Don't be discouraged though, as when I had to change my diet my dr. said it is much easier to give up the taste of salt than any other flavors.  Also, there are many salt substitutes that work well and many kinds of spices and herbs that you can use to flavor your food. Read as much as you can and if your cardiologist offers a program on managing your condition and healthy eatiing take advantage of it.  If you have a big teaching hospital near you they often have classes on managing your care and cooking.  The big things to stay away from are salt, butter and red meat.  And you can stir fry with those no calorie cooking sprays.  I find they work very well and always use them.  They have flavored ones to enhance food. Please post after you have your tests and let me know how you are doing.  I would like to help you as much as I can and will reply to your posts.  Take good care of yourself and just take it one step at a time. 

Gentle hugs,

Aurora

Posted 11/18/2008 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PW. My brother was mis-diagnosed with asthma for two years before he died of Scleroderma. The doctor that DXd the asthma came to his funeral and my mother was furious! But, unfortunately, doctors aren't gods and they make mistakes. I am very glad that you were diagnosed in time to prevent permanent heart damage or worse. I have cardiac issues (3 heart attacks) and I know the chest pain is very, very similiar to the chest pain I have with asthma. Glad for you that you can now control your symptoms and life.

Sundog
Posted 11/18/2008 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Doctors do not always have the right answers, sometimes it just guess work.
If your in the older group and just resently been dx with asthma, then yes you
might want to see a cardiologist, as well to rule out any other problems.
Doctors are not always all knowing and we do have a tendacy to put them on
a pedestal.
It's always important to go to the doctor with a list of what is going on, when and how.
Always be prepared, make sure they do get all the facts for a correct diagnosis..
and if your not comfortable with the doctor or his/her diagnosis then always seek out other help.
So very sorry this had to happen to you PW and it's good you posted.
Soft hugz to all
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