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What is going on?

Posted , 4 users are following.

ladypinata
ladypinata

Hello

I have a list of symptoms that the doctors can't seem to do anything about. I don't even know what the diagnoses are. Maybe you can shed some light?

I have a long history of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. I am now in my late 20s and feel physically and mentally unwell all the time. The doctors like to lump everything I have down to anxiety, but I feel as though there is more to investigate. I have had general obs - blood pressure, pulse rate, blood work, oxygen levels, an ECG (a 5 minute one), and they have tested my responses and reflexes. I also had an MRI, which came back as healthy. 

My symtpoms are consistent and are as follows:

Generally feeling groggy and run down, having little to no energy (even small things are difficult), constant phlegm in the back of my throat, getting regular tension-like headaches, some sneezing.

Chest pain at least once a day (worse when stressed or lying down), regular, strong heart pounding, tight chest, difficulty breathing, feeling as though I can't get enough air (I never inhale deep enough to feel like I get a proper breath), a very strong sensation in my chest, dizzyness, feeling as though I'm going to pass out, fear of choking/swallowing.

Generally feeling miserable, finding it difficult to laugh and smile, feeling as though I might break into pieces, being in a constant state of anxiety, impaired day to day function.

I barely leave the house as it makes a lot of symtoms worse. I have social anxiety and get stressed very easily. I used to smoke but haven't in months. I've been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and suspected complex post traumatic stress disorder. I feel very fragile.

I have other symtoms such as chronic lower back pain, constant UTI and genital herpes. I am 5 stone overweight, and even though I eat healthily (I really do eat healthily and normal portions), and do yoga / walking (at night), the weight doesn't budge.

My current state makes it hard for me to see a doctor. I have missed many appointments and the GP is my only support (I have a bf but our relationship is extremely strained). And when I do see a GP, it feels like we never get anywhere. All my smptoms are getting worse and worse and I am so lost and clueless as what to do.

I have heard some conditions called adrenal insufficiency and chronic fatigue syndrome, but I have no idea if these are applicable to me.

If anyone has any suggetions I would be so happy. I am sick of being like this and I just want to feel good!

Ladypinata

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Jaybelle
    Jaybelle ladypinata

    Posted

    Please bear in mind that we are not medical professionals here. That said, the symptoms you describe especially around feeling breathless/overbreathing, choking and chest pain do sound consistent with the horrible physical symptoms that anxiety can bring. I say that tentatively, and only as your doctor has not diagnosed any other more obvious cause from other forms of illness although you have been examined.

    Have you had your vitamin D levels checked? I ask because the symptoms of deficiency, which is common,  can cause or worsen depression, anxiety, head fog and feeling tearful or having emotional swings as well as the more obvious pain and chronic fatigue-type symptoms, and I have experienced this myself. Deficiency can also encourage persistent infections as the immune system becomes weaker,  so it's worth getting it checked out to see if that might be contributing to your symptoms and help you to start chipping away at the depression and pain and move towards feeling much better.

    Not sure where you live, but there are lots of meetups for people with social anxiety and shyness across the UK (that you can find through a google search) that you might find useful to check out. Everybody else in those groups knows just how it feels when your skin is trying to crawl off your body and go back home rather than confront a social situation, so are extremely kind, understanding and supportive! Things like this might help to give you some structure and something to look forward to - all the things that help to put depression and anxiety back in the hole they came out of.

    Wishing you all the best.

    :-) 

      

  • susan342
    susan342 ladypinata

    Posted

    You need to be reassured by the array of tests that you have had done that it is unlikely you have any undiagnosed major physical condition going on. Anxiety can cause lots of physical symptoms, even more if combined with a panic attack which causes breathing issues and tingling in your arms and fingers. 

    Try to focus on interests away from your health issues, and pace yourself when doing physical activities so that you do not become over tired. Living with herpes must be tough to cope with when they flare up and cystitis is not pleasant, no wonder you get depressed at times. With any long term condition it is learning to manage the symptoms, catch them early and treat with what has been agreed with your doctor. Life goes on, learn to manage in away that doesn't restrict you too much. It is important to get on top of your weight issues, as that will slow you down. Even if you are eating healthy foods, you can eat too much especially if you are not active most days. Yoga is good for relaxation, but not for burning calories. Try gradually increasing the distance you walk. Check that the foods you think are healthy really are! Manufacturers are very good at making claims that foods are low in fat, but on closer inspection you find they are high in sugar.  If your weight is increasing you are eating too much. Remember that many drinks are a source of calories. Some people are lucky and can seem to eat twice as much and not put on weight, but others of us cannot get away with a normal amount.

  • craig84609
    craig84609 ladypinata

    Posted

    Well, you must start by seeing a doctor. You have to keep your appointments. I have some of the symptoms you have and I can say that you probably have a problem with reflux from your stomach. You should try a strong acid blocker. But for the rest you need to see a doctor to get diagnosed. In order to feel better you need to take care of yourself and that starts by getting to the doctor. I believe then they will figure out what you need to feel good again. It may be that it is a lot of things that need to be fixed but it can be done, so hang in there and please go to your doctor. 
  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 ladypinata

    Posted

    Theres an anxiety forum on here. You might find it comforting and enlightening.
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