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Anxiety? Perimenopause? Both? Overwhelming Physical Symptoms.

Posted , 155 users are following.

wearykitty
wearykitty

So....I'll try to be brief. I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder last March, after suffering a panic attack while traveling for business. Since then, I've had a multitude of daily physical symptoms...dizziness/lightheadedness, body aches, headaches, insomnia, night sweats, increased body temperature, feeling weak in my limbs, general fatigue, shakiness....you name it, I've had it. I've just about worn out my welcome at my GP's office, I've been there so often....I've been to the emergency room four times, had an MRI, multiple ECGs, countless rounds of bloodwork, an upper endoscopy...everything comes back clear. So why do I feel so sick all the time? I did have my hormone levels checked, and my doctor confirmed that I'm at least perimenopausal (I'm 45 years old)....could all of these symptoms (and truly, they occur daily) be related to perimeopause? I've developed a serious issue wtih health anxiety due to all of this, because I can't accept that these symptoms are harmless...I'm convinced that something catastrophic is wrong with me. Help!!!

17 likes, 201 replies

201 Replies

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  • lisa215
    lisa215 wearykitty

    Posted

    Hello Kerry.  Thank you so much for reading and replying.  Ive felt so isolated lately and its so nice to hear from someone who understands what it feels like.  There seems to be such a low tolerance amongst GP of menopausal woman and its so unfair because its such a difficult time and when no ones seems to be listening it can be unbearably lonely and frightening.  Ive been taking B vitamins for about 6 months but they are only a very low doseage and barely supply the reccommended daily allowance so maybe I should try a different vitamin? Have you had much success with evening primrose oil? The food thing is a problem for me as I seem to crave sugary foods during the evening and as a consequence Ive gained almost 20lbs in about 2 years  My weight always sat around 140lbs and its now closer to 160lbs.  My IBS is causing me real problems at the moment so maybe easing that will help me feel a little better in myself.  Thank you for taking the time to reply.  Best wishes Lisa x
    • kerry91
      kerry91 lisa215

      Posted

      Hi Lisa,

      Benn taking 'Super primrose' 2x 1300mg for a few months now and I'm just starting to feel the benefits (less mood swings) they also help with the drying process along with omega 3s; my hair is much better now. vit Bs help most people here but my intestines can't take them. The sugar is a killer though, it's making your insulin production go up and down like a yo yo, can you imagine what that's doing to your metabolism? I know it's hard but try to eat healthier you'll reap the rewards. And remember you're not alone. There's always someone on here ready to chat/console/ give advice!!  

  • lisa215
    lisa215 wearykitty

    Posted

    Hello Kerry.  I will definitely try the evening primrose oil and I know Ive got to start eating better cos its not helping.  Ive had so much to do today, Ive just sat down briefly because I feel really unbalanced and wobbly and its just dawned on me that Ive not eaten since breakfast so I guess Im not helping myself.  Thank you for your advice, you really ont know how much its appreciated.
    • kerry91
      kerry91 lisa215

      Posted

      You're a carer Lisa, but I think you forgot to take care of yourself. Don't forget that you're precious too! Have a nice Weekend! Kerry xxx 
  • Tracky
    Tracky wearykitty

    Posted

    Yes I feel your pain :-( I suffer anxiety attacks and am convinced there's something wrong with me.  I have all the same symptoms as you and it's horrible. Been having pain under my left armpit and doctor said I don't think it's your heart! I'm trying to stay ppositive but I can just be watching tv and I go all woozie like I'm going to pass out! Just so scary.  I also suffer health anxiety but just try and keep my mind occupied.  I'm 48.  Wish you well x
  • samantha_70759
    samantha_70759 wearykitty

    Posted

    I feel exactly like you. I could have wrote your post. I have been feeling like this since giving birth to my daughter 2 and a half years ago. It's awful I sweat and burn up a lot whilst walking or doing exercise. It only takes me 5 minutes to burn up. I have had bloodwork and is normal. The only thing that wasn't right was my vitamin D levels were very low which the Doctor said Is not causing my symptoms. I have been treated for it but symptoms still here. I am starting to wonder what it is now. I am 27 so the doctor said I can't be going though the menopause yet. I know how frustrated you are. The best thing to do it maybe change GPs and ask for a second opinion as every GP has a different way of looking at things. I requested a second opinion and I have been referred to a different hospital.

    • Snatchpiece
      Snatchpiece samantha_70759

      Posted

      Where I go for my massages the owner of the company is my age (51) and 2 years ago when I first started with my anxiety etc and was really low I went to her as she specialises in Reiki and was really kind and listened to all what I was experiencing and kindly put my mind at rest that these feelings were to do with the peri/menopause and nothing sinister.  Anyway during our conversations she told me that she went through into full menopause after having her son and this was a simular age to yours, so it can happen may be rare but not out of the question.

      Hope that you can find a good GP who will take your symptoms seriously and perhaps go to a hormone specialist who will be able to some other test.

      Good Luck with your findings and massive hugs to you.

      Joy

      x

  • f4vesss
    f4vesss wearykitty

    Posted

    I am in a panic....I feel overwhelming anxiety..can't go to work. Am written up allready for absentee. ...

    All I want to do is be in bed....I am 49...taking physc meds for depression. . .progesterone now

    I feel very aline and scared. ...

    • Ruthie49
      Ruthie49 f4vesss

      Posted

      I feel for you. I am having a similar time. I'm 49 too and have had lots of physical symptoms in the last four months as well as severe anxiety/panic attacks and depression. I've made so much progress then, wham! this last week I've had waves of tingling all over and adrenalin 'surges' through my body leaving me with panic attacks and anxiety. I had been clear of these symtoms for a couple of months so it's a real blow. I feel sure this must be due to perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations but it's so destabilising and makes you feel so vulnerable and unsure of yourself.

      I have to go to a meeting now and don't know how I will get through it or what will happen to me. I hate feeling like this.

      Just know that you are not alone. Hold on and know that this will pass, just keep letting a bit more time pass until we are through this. We will get through this. YOU will get through this. Love and hugs to you xx

       

    • debbie12340
      debbie12340 f4vesss

      Posted

      Hi Sweetheart,

      It's so common in Peri to feel like this ! I have it myself so do many others on here, you have to try really hard to tell yourself it's just a feeling it can't harm you, try and take deep breaths and relax your body, the more uptight you get the worse it feels, it's the worst I know ! Maybe try some anxiety Meds ? They have helped me on occassions. Big hug to you x

    • Ruthie49
      Ruthie49 debbie12340

      Posted

      Hi Debbie,

      How are things with you? I've been seeing some good progress in the last month or two but this last week has been tough again. I hate it when the symptoms come back and it makes you feel despondent. It's so unpredictable isn't it.

      Hugs, Ruthie x

    • debbie12340
      debbie12340 Ruthie49

      Posted

      Hi Ruthie,

      Lovely to hear from you. I have been a lot better than I was to be honest, still taking Magnesium, B12 and liquid iron, but I know what you mean about it coming back after a calm period ?? I still get anxiety around getting my hair done, silly I know . . . So I take half a Dizapaem to help keep me calm ! I'm so happy things have improved for you overall.

      Big hug back to you Debbie x

    • Ruthie49
      Ruthie49 debbie12340

      Posted

      Hi Debbie,

      I'm so pleased to hear you are feeling better lately. It's up and down isn't it. Every time I think about making a hair appointment I think of you! I still haven't got around to doing it. I sat in a meeting for an hour yesterday though and the dentist's chair for a filling in the afternoon and all was well! I think with the hairdresser's I feel more captive - it's harder to escape with your hair in rollers! Ha! I might bite the bullet, make an appointment and take a Diazepam like you.

      I'm still struggling with the depression a bit - that empty feeling, sometimes it just hits me and knocks my confidence. Do you get those feelings?

      Anyway, onward and upward!

      Ruthie xx

    • debbie12340
      debbie12340 Ruthie49

      Posted

      Hi again Ruthie,

      Thanks so much ! You are doing amazingly well coping with a meeting and the Dentist ? I would love to be able to go the Dentist and feel calm  .  .  . Maybe one day soon ? I would feel more captive at the dentist than the Hairdressers personally, starnge how it's different situations.  Yes take half or a full valium and you will be so calm, have you not taken any yet ?

      Yes I'm the same the week before my period I go right down in mood and feel like everything is too much !  I have noticed they are getting closer together as wellAs you say onward and upward !

    • suzyQ999
      suzyQ999 f4vesss

      Posted

      Hi, im 50 and just quit my job of 8 years cause I couldnt cope and pretty much have had all the symptoms mentioned by all at some point during the last year. Thankfully my brother is helping me with money. Ive been going crazy with doctors, tests etc. and them of course wanting me to go on drugs which i refuse. I can only keep not working for another 3 months and hope to hell with diet, reiki and as much getting out of the house as i can i hope it will all improve. Mostly i feel like im losing it but something inside me refuses to give up. All i can say is keep trying some or all of the things people on here have suggested and follow what feels right for you. Trust yourself. At this point it seems for most on here, that our own intuition and those who share in this challenging journey are both the only things we can rely on at the moment.
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