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6 years of light-headedness, panic attacks and visual distortion

Posted , 14 users are following.

Suit24
Suit24

I have suffered with a so called anxiety disorder now for about 6 years. It started when I was on the train home from university and all of a sudden I lost some of my vision, felt very light-headed, pins and needles all over and thought I might pass out. This was the first time I had ever felt like this and before this incident, I was a very outgoing and independent person. However, since this I have has 6 years of constant, 24/7, light-headedness with severe panic attacks. I cannot go out, I cannot be left alone so my life is basically non-existent.

I have had every medical check there is - bloods, MRI, EEG, ECG - and all sorts of differing meds - citalopram, sertraline, lamotragine, pregabolin and the list continues. All tests have come back negative and none of the meds have made any difference really. I have also had many diagnosis - depression, GAD, depersonalisation disorder, agrophibia and even an inner ear issue. I have had counselling, CBT, hypnotherapy and all haven't made a difference.

Has anyone else had any of these experiences and does anyone have any answers? I feel like I am coming to the end of the road.

0 likes, 31 replies

31 Replies

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  • Mango6
    Mango6

    Posted

    Morning Joan my sister suffers depression and that med saved her so good luck I'm like you only take them for a while but I then have allergic reactions and the doc takes me off them.managed school run again this morning it was hell but did it I've now got the lurgy my little boy has been of with sore throat and a cold so that will just make my head even more bunged up hey Ho happy days xx

  • joan152
    joan152

    Posted

    Hiya Mango,

    More brownie points for going to school again this morning,do you drive or walk? You deserve a quiet day just do the essentials,do you like the garden I am going to try and go out there but back and head are saying no but must get some fresh air.

    Joan

    Xx

  • Mango6
    Mango6

    Posted

    Hi Joan I drive to school because I'm fine driving but doing the 2 minute walk from the car to the gates is awful.i love gardening but am just lacking motivation to do anything since Xmas been out front talking to neighbour for last half hour but head is now getting soo bunged up from the cold my ears and dizzyness has gone crazy then I will start worrying about the school run again vicious circle I guess xx
  • joan152
    joan152

    Posted

    You done well chatting to neighbour, just have a rest now I tried to go into the garden but cannot walk with back and head so on the bed with ice on back.Have you got any cold remedy in the house you could take.have you ever tried the steam inhalation over a bowl might ease the sinuses.

    You said your sister had these tablets do you know how long before they kick in inpatient me.

    Joan

  • Mango6
    Mango6

    Posted

    I'm sorry can't help will ask her when I speak to her she is off them now but her depression has come back because she isn't working at the moment.cant take decongestant cause I'm still weaning myself off the Valium I tried to stop it last week and felt worse but then when I started it again I realised it isn't actually helping me so weaning off again.my neighbour is great he has suffered anxiety 10 years really bad he is doing well at the moment he can't take meds either he keeps assuring me this is just anxiety because he has felt exactly the same as me for a long time he Ian's his girlfriend are a great support going to lay down now before little trouble comes home xxx
  • joan152
    joan152

    Posted

    Hi

    Good idea glad you have a good neighbour,would the steam not hurt you

    Joan

  • Meg222
    Meg222

    Posted

    A great thing I've found for bunged up nose, head etc is a facial steamer. Best thing I ever bought as I can't take any meds either for the side effects. Boots have them or online. Get some menthol crystals, just use one of those with the steamer, lasts me for hours. The other good thing is the vicks micro mist spray. Just be careful you only use it as it says as it can make your nose worse if used wrongly. If you really can't get any relief, you may need antibiotics. I did, only a few weeks ago as it was so bad I just couldn't clear it. The vicks rub is great too. We all need some sunshine!! Hopefully we'll get some soon.
  • ............
    ............ Suit24

    Posted

    G'day Suit24, I live in Australia and I was amazed to see how many people suffer from similar symptons as me. Mine in comparison are only light, but the same anyway. And I have suffered from panic attacks since 2001 and the light-headedness for the last 4 or 5 years. What my GP prescribed for me and I don't know if you can get it via your GP in the UK and that is Ativan Tablets 1mg. Only a vey small dose and I only take a half tablet regularly of a morning and if I have an attack during the day I take the second half of the tablet and after 15 to 20 minutes the feeling subsides and I can continue going about my business. I believe they can be prescribed in larger doses. I hope that this helps. Styx48.
  • pradeep41883
    pradeep41883 Suit24

    Posted

    I think you should search three things i.e candida, Vit. D3 level and Gluten. take Gluten free diet.All these three are associated with vague symptoms which GP cant detect. Try one thing at one time and observe its effects. Even if a step taken in this direction will suit you, still initially symptoms will deteriorate for few days.
  • pradeep41883
    pradeep41883 Suit24

    Posted

    I think, first do some elementary tests  which rule out any major organic disease. then you get checked your Thyroid and hyperthyroid gland or you say get it checked from some endocrinologist. If endocrinologist says ok, then focus on levels of Vit B12,B6, folate, Na,Ca and Magnisium. If these levels are also not abnormally bad then focus on  three things i.e candida, Vit. D3 (25(oh) level and Gluten.I am dead sure that not only you but most anxiety/GAD/Somatization/Panic attack sufferers will find a solution among Vit B, Magnesium, anti candida diet, gluten free diet and repletion of vitamin D deficiency.  These are associated with vague symptoms which GP cant detect. For example heart is the largest muscle and in panic attack it is like pounding while Vit D is a muscle moment controller. Try one thing at one time and observe its effects. Even if a step taken in this direction will suit you, still initially symptoms will deteriorate for few days and by mistake you can abandon it thinking that it is harming you (heleximer effect).  Good wishes.
  • chanel25
    chanel25 Suit24

    Posted

    I feel The same way I feel lightheaded all the time eye pain  I mean is like I have no control over  it's been like this are ready since three or four   years  now still kind find out what's my problem they just keep telling me to lose weight ringing in the years can't watch TV or play with any type of technology can't be left alone or even go outside alone can't we do anything on my own I rely on my husband and I'm sick and tired of this please if you know what's wrong let me know I also get stiffness in the neck and slight headaches but the worst thing is the lightheadedness feels like I have no control over it my whole body gets light in them 
  • Meg222
    Meg222 Suit24

    Posted

    Merry Christmas! Sorry you're feeling so rotten. I've been struggling for years as you can see, I've had every test in the book with no luck. Best thing I have ever done about 2 months ago is started venlafaxine antidepressants. I was soooooo against giving into it, but I've never felt this good for 5 years. Have you tried them? Speak to your GP or get a referral to a psychiatrist like I did. The best thing that's worked so far. I really hope you get some help with this. Good luck
  • alliekat
    alliekat Suit24

    Posted

    I also have this problem. I was wondering if you ever found any help?
    • Suit24
      Suit24 alliekat

      Posted

      I have months when I am better and months when I'm still pretty bad. Since I last posted on here I have undergone CBT with limited success. The most useful technique I learnt was graduated exposure - doing things you are uncomfortable doing for increase periods of time. As long as it is well controlled, it can work quite well... However, if you take it too far too quickly, it can do more damage than good. Best thing I've found recently - being with mates, drinking (only moderately), sports, gym and basically keeping busy. If you couple this with plenty of sleep it can help. I've also been eating a lot healthier recently and taking vitamins.
  • tickedoffchick
    tickedoffchick Suit24

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder for fifteen years. I never believed that all of my horrible symptoms were due to anxiety and it turns out that i was right! After fifteen years i was finally diagnosed with lyme disease and coinfections. If you feel like something isn't right about your diagnosis then keep looking because you know your body better than any one else does.
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