Experiencing Shoulder and Lung Discomfort During Inhalation - Seeking Guidance
I am at my wit's end because I feel like no one is taking me seriously, and my doctors have been unhelpful. I’m a 17-year-old female, slender and tall, and I generally don’t have any major health issues that I’m aware of. To provide some background, I’ve struggled with low blood pressure for some time, with readings dipping as low as 70/30. I measured my blood pressure using a machine that belongs to my family, which showed normal results. This low pressure persisted for a week, accompanied by debilitating sciatica, muscle weakness, mental fog, constipation, chest discomfort, neck soreness, sporadic sharp pains in my heart, and overwhelming fatigue along with dizziness. I consulted the doctors to have my blood tested, but when they drew blood, none came out, causing me to faint. Afterward, a second attempt resulted in normal blood test results. My blood pressure readings at the clinic were also higher than what I measured at home, leading the doctors to dismiss my concerns as valid. I had to push hard to be referred for an ECG, which took a month to schedule and came back normal. Throughout this time, I had been taking high doses of vitamin B1 daily, which helped improve both my symptoms and blood pressure before the scan. My parents and the medical professionals continue to disregard my feelings, suggesting that I am simply a hypochondriac, which is incredibly frustrating. I am persistently exhausted; it’s affecting my daily life, and I feel like I could sleep for days without any relief. Today, I experienced a sudden sharp pain in my left shoulder blade. Initially, I dismissed it, attributing it to poor posture. However, the pain quickly escalated, radiating to my back and side ribs, and eventually to my sternum. My blood pressure dipped to 80/40, and I started to feel hot and cold, with intense pain making it difficult to breathe. I was also feeling lightheaded. This was a new level of pain for me. I noticed my heart rate increased significantly, from 55 beats per minute to 134 within a minute—despite my attempts to remain calm. I took vitamin B1 again, which provided temporary relief. Shortly after, I encountered severe pain in my shoulder that made deep breathing impossible. My left arm felt weak, and I experienced some aching in my left jaw. Whenever I inhale, I experience discomfort near my lungs or heart—it's hard to pinpoint. It feels constricting, making it uncomfortable to breathe deeply. After taking an aspirin, the pain diminished considerably, but it still lingers, resulting in a dull ache. To update, it has been two days and the tightness during inhalation persists along with significant shoulder pain. The discomfort in my shoulder is ongoing and fluctuates, but it does not seem to improve with movement. Just inhaling exacerbates the sensation. Originally, I thought this might just be muscle soreness, but the rapid progression of these symptoms feels unusual. What could be happening?
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 7:21:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear you're feeling this way, and it's understandable to be frustrated with how your concerns have been addressed. The symptoms you're describing—including shoulder and lung discomfort during inhalation, fatigue, dizziness, and significant fluctuations in blood pressure—are concerning and merit careful attention.
Main Points
Your symptoms could involve several interconnected issues, possibly related to both musculoskeletal and cardiovascular elements given your low blood pressure and sharp pain episodes. The ongoing discomfort during inhalation, especially combined with shoulder pain, deserves to be evaluated more closely.
Explanation
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Shoulder and Lung Discomfort: The pain you're experiencing could be musculoskeletal (related to muscles or bones) or potentially related to your lung or heart. Sharp pain in the shoulder blade that radiates suggests a possible nerve or muscle issue, but the associated symptoms—including the tightness in your chest when inhaling—could indicate something more serious that deserves attention.
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Low Blood Pressure: Your history of low blood pressure readings can contribute to feelings of fatigue and dizziness. If you’re experiencing low blood pressure again, this can be linked to various factors including dehydration, improper nutrition, or potential underlying conditions that need further assessment.
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Other Symptoms: The combination of symptoms like weakness, muscle pain, fatigue, and lightheadedness could also point toward a systemic issue, such as anemia or hormonal imbalances, which could affect how your body responds.
Next Steps
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen, what activities precede them, and any changes in your medication or diet. Use this document to organize this information effectively.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and eating balanced meals with enough electrolytes. Low blood sugar or dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. Have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health.
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Rest and Relaxation: Given your fatigue, prioritize rest. Engage in gentle stretching or relaxation exercises, as overexertion may exacerbate symptoms, but consider avoiding anything that increases your discomfort.
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Immediate Attention: If you experience worsening symptoms—such as severe breast pain, significant dizziness, changes in consciousness, or persistent high heart rate—seek immediate medical attention. You have the right to feel heard and understood, so don't hesitate to push for action if your condition worsens.
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Consult a Specialist: It may be beneficial to connect with a specialist (such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist) to discuss your symptoms comprehensively, especially given the recurring shoulder and lung discomfort. Bring your symptom diary along to help convey the severity and persistence of your situation.
Reminder
While it’s frustrating when your health concerns are dismissed, advocating for your health is important. Your symptoms are valid, and you deserve clarity and support from healthcare professionals. If you can, bring a family member or friend to appointments to ensure your concerns are heard.
Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or support!
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