Medical Mystery Husband (Non-specific autoimmune) How do we help?

I've had fatigue and dull pains in chest/normal cardiovascular since getting minor covid in March (in the event he had covid). My nephew has had sharp chest pains for the same reason for 6 months. I collect autimmune disorders (celiac, colitis, arthritis, etc) but am otherwise healthy and active. With autimmune issues, avoidance and acceptance are important. Avoid activities/food/stress that hit you, and accept that you have limitations (that you still have to work through emotionally and actively).

cherylconcernedwife, Covid can cause so many things. I had chest pain for a while during and after Covid. I was diagnosed this week with borderline Lupus which can cause chest pain as well. Can you get a referral to a rheumatologist so he can get a complete bloodwork done? Hugs & Prayers...

@cherylconcernedwife Your husband is suffering from the biggest issue in autoimmune disorders. They are very difficult to diagnose. The doctors sort of brushed me off until i went in to the ER non-responsive. The best place to get some help is at a university medical center or a comprehensive medical center. Have you tried either of these? Does your husband have a rheumatologist? This information with tips on getting a diagnosis may help you clarify everything before you see a new doctor.
https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/diagnosis-tips/
Will you try these suggestions and then get back to me?

Chest pain can be tricky because there are quite a few things that can be going on.

It sounds like scary things like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism have been ruled out (which is good), but there can be other things that cause pain in the chest. As mentioned above- COVID- especially if there’s shortness of breath with it. Then there’s a condition where the chest wall muscles are injured/strained/hurt causing pain. Then, let’s not forget about referred pain- that’s where the experience of the pain seems to be in a different spot entirely than the part that is hurt. About 6 months ago I had pain coming from the inflammation in my stomach that was referring up into my right chest wall. I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time, but once I was able to lie down on my right side and the liquid lidocaine sluiced over to that side… I could feel the pain dissolve. Weird, right?

You could absolutely talk me into the idea that someone with undifferentiated connective tissue disease could get random chest wall inflammation that causes pain. My questions though are less about what is causing it and more “how is it affecting his life and is there anything to be done about it?”.

Thank you so much! His internist is now exploring his gut for issues such as what you described. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Thank you for responding. These are great suggestions. If his internist doesn't find anything we will proceed with your advice!

Thanks for these suggestions. His internist is working on his gut issues currently and if nothing becomes of that the Rheumatologist is next. I appreciate your care and concern.