Seeking Advice on This Ongoing Sickness

Hi D.,

I have several ideas; but would need to ask you some questions before commenting. I'm a Holistic Health and Nutritional Consultant and would be happy to give you a complimentary health history. If interested, please call my office at ###-###-####. Whatever it is, I'm quite certain we could get to the bottom of it. :)

Best of luck to you!

Warm Regards,
G. Van Luven

I had very similiar symtoms when I had severe estrogen loss after my first baby. Though you may not have recently had a child estrogen loss is the first sign of peri-menopause which can start as early as mid 30 and menopause which starts affecting people at different ages.

How long have you been feeling like this? Honestly the symptoms sound like menopause. Except for the queezy stomach.

D.,

I have been through the same things you are going through. I recommend seeing a natural doctor.
She has helped me ALOT. You can email me if you want some more information,
email: ____@____.com

I'm not a doctor, but this sounds like anxiety to me. If I were in your shoes, I would try some meditation and yoga. Both have other benefits for your health, so nothing lost. Good luck!

Hi, D..

I had somewhat similar problems for 2 years. I also had extremely high blood pressure and it turned out to be a tumor on my adrenal gland which was producing a wicked amount of a hormone called aldosterone. During my research to find out what was wrong with me I came across many possibilities, so do your research. Have you checked a pituitary gland tumor or a pheochromocytoma? See if the definitions of these match the bulk of your symptoms and ask for the recommended tests. It took me 2 years to find a doctor who would listen to me and order the right tests. I just had surgery to remove my adrenal gland. I am completely cured of all my symptoms. I had been told numerous times this was a very rare condition. My research and ultimate diagnosis proved otherwise. Don't give up; keep reading; and be your own best advocate. You know your body better than anyone else.

Hi. I am NOT a doctor, but those symptoms sound similiar to Menopaus. I am 44 and have done a lot of reading about it so when it hits me I am ready. Try getting a OBGYN that specializes in Menopaus, preferable a woman. You can have a blood test done to find out if you are menopausal yet. Also, a have a friends that started having anxiety attacks and it seems to be related to allergies - she took an allergy test with a doctor. Also, there is a lot of information about heart attacks in women and I would seek out a heart specialist, preferable a woman until they definately rule that out. Sometimes male doctors brush us off and call it anxiety or stress because the symptoms can be more subtle and different than men's. I hope you feel better soonand find out what it is.

I don't mean to upset you but it sounds like you are going through menopause. You might want to go see your doctor and he can give you some medication that will help.

T.

Hi D.!

It sounds like anxiety/panic attacks. Have you talked to a therapist about these feelings. I was originally thinking menopause but you are only 43, although it is very possible to start feeling the horrible effects of hormones your symptoms sound more like panic attacks. Maybe they need to start you on some benzodiazipines or antidepression medication. I am including a list of the symptoms that accompany panic attacks...let me know what you think.

~Chest pain or discomfort
~A sensation of choking or actual choking
~Dizziness, lightheadedness, uneasiness, or faintness
~Fear of dying or losing someone you love
~Fear of going crazy or of losing control
~Feelings of unreality, strangeness, or detachment from the environment
~Flushes or chills
~Nausea, stomachache, indigestion or diarrhea
~Numbness or tingling sensations
~Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
~Shortness of breath or a sense of being smothered
~Sweating
~Trembling or shaking

Hope this was helpful!

A.

It could be pre-menopause. However, the first thing I thought of was low blood sugar. Have you been tested for diabetes? If it is a blood sugar issue, take cinnamon tablets, one after you eat each meal. It is nothing but compressed cinnamon and it will aid your body in maintaining blood sugar levels, it regulates the ups and downs and keeps you even.

Hi D.,
Your symptoms definitely sound anxiety related and the "rushes", etc sound like panic attacks. The best place to start is a Behavioral Health professional for a consultation and formal diagnosis. If you go directly to your physician you may be put on medication which may alleviate the symptoms but will not address the root of the problem. You can also try to eliminate caffeine from your diet and try some relaxation exercises and/or meditation. I wish you the best!

Hi D.,
I am 41 and I have a sister who is 39. When my sister was in her late twenties she started having panic attacks. What you describe is kind of similar to what she was experiencing. Has anyone talked to you about this? It can be treated and now my sister is panic attack free. I hope this helps in some way. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

B.

What you are experiencing are panic attacks and you are not alone. I've struggled with them for years. I started out thinking that it was my stomach or my heart but your mind is powerful enough to convince you that you are feeling symptoms. Definitely seek a good therapist to help you through this and hang in there, it does get better!

could it be menopause? i know plenty of 40 y.o.'s that went though the same symptoms.

Sounds like the start of menopause. Everyone goes through it differently but you sound like my mom. Try natural progesterone cream. It's inexpensive about 16 for 3 months supply. Give it 1 month. If this works for you then you will know for sure, that is just that time of life.

Have you tried your OB?GYN? This just might be the beginning of menopause. I had many of the same symptoms you described. They can do a blood test to see where you are regarding menopause with I assume hormone levels. Hope you feel better soon.

From my own experiences it sounds like you are having anxiety/panic attacks. You should consult your primary care physician first. Let them know ALL of your symptoms and they may be able to help you with medication. Best wishes. I know it's not fun. I'm a constant sufferer of anxiety and anxiety attacks. I have been on medication for almost 2 years and if I stop taking it for even a couple of days, the attacks and feeling come back.

Are you on a regular exercise program? If not, at your annual physical ask your dr if you could start one. Start slowly with small daily goals then progress until you are getting a minimum of 30 minutes active aerobic exercise every day. Walking, swimming, bicycling etc. If your symptoms still persist let us know and we'll try to explore other options. Good luck.

Sounds like you have reactive hypoglicemia. It is common for your blood sugar to be really low in the morning when you awake and for your blood sugar to fluctuate during the day due to your diet. I also have it and before knowing what it was, I ended up in the hospital a few times for "gastritis & severe dehydration." I was finally diagnosed by a naturopathic doctor, when everyone else could not figure out what it was.

Try eating ALOT of protein and many meals throughout the day. Also limit your complex sugars and only stick with real sugars like fruit. Maybe try doing a protein shake in the morning (30grams) then protein bars later in the day(with little sugar in them). Also, quit coffee or exessive caffiene if you do them, they mess with your blood sugar levels too much. Oh and drinking a Gatorade is also a quick fix for the pass out feeling. I have been on this diet and it immediately helped me feel better. I felt the same way as you (even the anxiety attacks).

Hope this helps you. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.

I'm no doctor, but being someone who lives with General Anxiety Disorder I think you have it too. Nothing to be ashamed of. They lightheaded spells with the heart racing are probably small panic attacks. I'd go talk to your regular physician about GAD and possibly trying an antianxiety med like Paxil CR. It works wonders for me! I also had no idea what my underlying issues to my anxiety was so I went to talk with a Certified Master Social Worker. Just someone to talk to with no medical or psych mumbo jumbo. If all your tests are coming back normal I would assume that it's just GAD. Nothing you can't fix!! Good luck!

Maybe it could be menopause. Have it checked out.
Good luck and drink lots of water.

I would say menopause, caffiene, or diet pills. If your doctor cant find anything wrong, get a second opinion. Maybe from a general practicioner who looks at the whole picture, not a specialist. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm am no doctor, but it sounds like an anxiety attack? Try looking into something like that and go see someone about it. The web is a good place to start. Hope you feel better and figure this out...

This sounds like it might be some kind of hormonal inbalance. (I am not a dr.) You might need an endocrinologist to help. However, I have a similar kind of reaction if I eat chicken. There's a delay before the symptoms hit, after I have eaten it, but I no longer eat it because of how sick it makes me. Somebody else clued me in to this problem, but apparently nowadays they are pumping the chickens full of hormones and the like, to the point that some of us just can't take it. For me, I'm okay eating natural (free range) chicken, which a few restaurants are now starting to use, and New Frontiers chicken is okay, but the rest I just can't handle. I have since learned there are others like me. Even beef (not natural) is a slight problem for me, because of what they add to it, but chicken is by far the worst. Somehow the drs. never seem to think of this. You can simply experiment by eliminating it for a while.

D.,

There are many illness that could make you feel this way from drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so hormonal imbalances, to heart or blood pressure problems. Do not give up on the doctors - go back and tell them that symptoms are continuing and get them to look at you some more. Do not accept that nothing is wrong if you still have symptoms, and insist that your doctor investigate your symptoms further.

M.

Have you considered the possibility you may be starting to go through menopause it almost sounds like premenopausal symptoms, you should make an appointment with your gynocologist and get your hormone levels checked.

D.- I have a possible idea as to what is happening. It sounds very familiar to my situation.
I had the same exact symptoms and guess what it was?
wheat and gluten allergy. I could not believe that is what was causing me to feel so bad- the sweating and everything.
It took me a while to figure it out- but now no problems when I went off wheat and gluten.
If you think that is what it is, let me know and I can help you with food suggestions and someone to vent to:)
Best wishes,
D.

Hello D...the things you are feeling are awful..I was the same way for a long time and went to all the same doctors you did..It sounds to me like generalized anxiety disorder or anxiety and panic attacks..You get nauseated hot flashes dizziness and the feeling of your heart wanting to pop out of your chest..the feeling goes away but can come back at anytime..mornings and evenings are the worst. Some things that might help without medicine are plenty of sleep, lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a proper diet. If these don't help, I would recommend asking your doctor about Lexapro..It is really great and has helped me cope with panic attacks! I hope you start to feel better because I know how awful and scary it is!
M.

Hi D.,

have you ever thought you might be going through menopause?
It's been a couple of years that I've been going through menopause and I have felt the same way you do many times...I also had my heart and everything else checked..nothing found..I started to take vitamins that my sister suggested and I have been feeling much better. I just turned 54 but my sister which is 5 years younger than me went through it a couple of years before me...also my friend...

Let me know if you want to try the vitamins that I'm taking..

thanks

B.

Hi D.,

Could you be sensitive to MSG in your foods? I am, and I get similar feelings to what you discribed when I eat food that has to much MSG added.
Good luck, M.

Sounds like anxiety to me. I know, I have a anxiety disorder and it was driving me crazy. I called 911 thinking I was having a heart attack once. I called back and told them not to come because I realized that I wasn't really having one.

After a few months of this my doctor put me on zoloft and I don't have any more trouble. It is frequently a famial thing. Don't be ashamed to take an SSRI type drug to help you with this. It has changed my life. SSRI's (drugs like zoloft) DO NOT make you high and are not addictive. They just help the level of seratonin in your blood. They are frequently used for depression but also work for anxiety.

It takes about 2 weeks for the meds to really kick in. I tried to go off of the zoloft after a while but I felt the panic creeping back in so I started back. This has been going on with me since 2003. It truly makes a big difference to me. Your anxiety is real and can be treated. You are NOT crazy!

T. C.
Spa Girlfriend Parties
www.spaescapescottsdale.com

Hi D., Many of these symptoms are indicating you need to detox your systems, your liver and intestines are toxic and causing your sweating. It is my experience that 'medical testing' does not address toxic colon, toxic liver and gall bladder, and he imbalances they create. Check into a book called 21 POUNDS IN 21 DAYS, MARTHA VINEYARDS DIET DETOX. Loads of good information all in one place, and perfect timing...for internal Spring Cleaning. Call me Wellness Waters in Scottsdale, ###-###-####. Best of health and love of Easter to you. K.

D., This sounds like something my sister went through. It was diagnosed as anxiety attacks. She was under a lot of stress and was not good at asking for help. She has it under control now but she did take some medication(not sure what it was) for a little while and got better at asking for help and saying no to obligations.
Good luck!

It sounds to me like a panic attack, sweetie. I had those for several years. I never really believed that that was what they were, but I finally went to a psychologist. She showed me how every symptom I was having was on a chart of symptoms related to panic attacks. I refused drugs...they just seem like they're a band-aid but don't fix the problem. Knowing that my symptoms were all within the realm of panic made it easier for me to let them go.

The fact that you're feeling anxious is a real clue. Have you had any recent upsets in your life? Here's what happens. You have a system in your body that is called the Sympathetic nervous system. It is designed to give you bursts of energy for fight or flight when you are threatened. The opposite of this system is called the Parasympathetic nervous system. It is what your body kicks in when you're relaxed. The Sympathetic part kicks in when stress appears. Biologically, this is a very important system because it speeds your heart rate and sends blood to your limbs to prepare you to run away or fight danger. It's very important for survival. You also become hyper-aware, but blood is diverted from your thinking brain to the primitive part of your brain, so you are more aware, but less able to reason. Blood is also diverted from your digestive, and reproductive systems in order to provide more oxygen to the systems that need it right away.

The sympathetic nervous system is only designed for short bursts. Unfortunately, we often live in this state because of stress. It's hard on our system, and can cause lots of problems. If you had some sort of upset recently, your mind might be mistakenly seeing danger in something not inherently dangerous, which leaves you feeling pretty uncomfortable. All of the sudden your heart is pounding, your stomach is upset, your chest feels tight, you have adrenaline pulsing through you...your body is ready to move away from danger.

To get past this, it's important to address what the danger is. What is your trigger? Self-talk that is negative can be a trigger. What are you telling yourself? Try stopping negative thoughts and instead be your own best friend. There's a book called "Self-Esteem" by McKay and Fanning that's really good for that. Try carrying around mints, and put one in your mouth when you start to feel it kicking in. This can re-activate your parasympathetic system, which is all about relaxation. Go see a psychologist or hypnotherapist to deal with underlying issues. You can get control of this!

I know it's scary and hard. You have everything you need to deal with it inside of you, though. I haven't had a panic attack in years. When I feel nervous, I just tell myself to calm down, take a few nice, deep breaths, and do something else.

Take care! Good luck!

You might want to see an acupuncturist who will evaluate all your symptoms and give you a personalized treatment to address them.

What is your blood pressure? When I get stressed mine goes up and I feel this way. Maybe it isn't high when you go to the doctor, but it is going up because of anxiety and stress during the day.

I also started exercising and I haven't felt this sensation since. To be honest, all of my 'little' ailments have disappeared since I started exercising. Just a thought:)

My sister was going through the same thing for months after her 2nd son she spent weeks in the hospital had every test imaginable ran to figure out she was having panic attacks so the gave her meds for that & its helped.

It sounds like early onset menopause to me. You might want to ask the doctor.

Obviously, something isn't quite right. Have you considered seeing an herbalist? Brittney at Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler has a holistic center. She is quite knowledgeable in herbs and health issues. Kita at Chakra4 in Phoenix would be another option. Why not give them a call and see what they say? Both have web sites, google them. (Desert Sage Herbs+Chandler, Chakra 4+Phoenix) Let me know if you contact them and how it goes, ok?

It sounds to me like you may have some early signs of menapause. I haven't experienced this myself, but the flushness, the racing heart and sweatiness all sounds like what my late mother-in-law described as a "hot flash." You may want to talk to a gynecologist to discuss hormone therapy.

Maybe you could have your adrenal gland checked. I work with a woman that has an adrenal disorder and some of your symptoms sound like what she has described. Or maybe it could be an anxiety disorder or panic attacks? Stress can cause a lot of strange physical symptoms. I would keep pursuing it with different doctors until you get a diagnosis. You shouldn't have to feel that way.

This soulds like it could be anxiety (panic) attacks. Sometimes the subconscious will kick the body into the fight or flight response without us consciously understanding the cause. Hypnosis has been shown to help disconnect what is triggering these attacks. It can also assist you with reducing stress. Talk with a good hypnotherapist about it.

That sounds like anxiety attacks. Talk to your regular doctor about anxiety. i have it and an on medication for it now. I also have depression along with it though which makes it a double whammy.

Maybe a panic attack? Or hypoglycemia or diabetes?

D.,I was very shocked when I read your question this am.I am going through the very same thing.It was like reading my own question.The only thing different is that I also lactated for a few days! I went to the Dr and I have a goiter on my thyroid.They have biopsied it and I will be going to an Endocronologist in July.All of my thyroid test have came back normal as have all other blood tests.It is very frustrating feeling this way and I feel the Drs think I am crazy.I recently went on Zoloft for the anxiety.I hope you find what is wrong!! I know I didnt answer your question but wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

Hi D.,

I experienced the exact same thing. Have been thru blood wk, cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, my hair fell out...all results came back normal. (I also help husband with business.) I returned to work a couple of years ago, and have been depressed since.

I narrowed my symptoms down to stress, depression, and anxiety. I was also having crazy heart palpatations. Dr. said to cut out the coffee, so I did, but I still had the same syptoms at times. So, I knew it wasn't just the caffeine, although, it did help my heart go a little crazy.

Is every thing ok at home and with your biz? If not, this could be the cause of your anxiety. Or,if that is all okay, then maybe it is the adjustment from working full time, to staying at home?? That can be very difficult to adjust to.

I worked full time until I had my first child. Once I started to stay home, I felt so uncomfortable about not making my own pay check, and worried all of the time. I finally adjusted to the idea and loved it. But once my second child turned 1 1/2, I HAD to return to work for financial reasons, and worried about day care, felt awful for my kids...marriage sometimes not so great...anyhow, holding it all in led to those awful feeling symptoms you described. My chest felt so bad on my way home from work, that I pulled off the freeway because I thought I was going to just pass out, or I even felt like I was going to die. Yikes!

I know FOR SURE, there is TRUTH in the statement "Stress Kills". I also did research on heart and stress, and it is amazing what problems can be caused by stress!

My Dr.'s PA said to try Yoga, or anything to practice relaxing, and to definately do what I could to kick out the stress in my life.

I don't know if I answered your question, but you almost sounded like you were telling my story...LOL

Hope you get to feeling better. You gotta take care of yourself, girl!

M.

Hi D.: Have you had your gluscose levels checked? I am diabetic and when my sugar is low I get to feel sick to my stomack, dizzy, tremors and so on. I know the symptoms so I have learned to deal with them.

Levels of anxiety and nervousness will produce this feelings too. What is going on in your life? Are you depressed? Any significant changes?

Try eliminating high contents of sugar, salt, foods high on carbs, caffeine and keep a record. I am doing so at this time. One more thing, high content of niacin will also produce these feelings. check your vitamins.

Pray to see you well. A.

Sounds like the same thing I went through. Do you get chills to the bone sometimes, too? I had been misdiagnosed with anxiety and put on SSRI medications. Finally I found a cardiologist willing to believe me that I wasn't anxious, and he did a 24-hour holter monitor and found an extra electrical pathway firing in my heart. He put me on a beta blocker, and it's been pretty good since. Of course, I think I did get anxious when my heart was beating twice the normal speed...so maybe I was having actual panic attacks on top of it, which in turn stopped when my heart rate was properly controlled. Good luck. Go see Dr. Winter at Pima Heart.

Hi D.!
It sounds to me like it could be several different things all happening at the same time, and contributing to eachother. I know I was hypoglycemic and felt the same heart racing/cold sweats and it left me feeling weak. It also sounds similar to the anxiety I've felt before. Have you tried any nutritional products? I know all my sympotms have completely vanished since I've been taking mine, its so wonderful. They are safe for anyone, plus they are soy based so if it is menopause issues there could be some relief there too! Email me if you would like more information: ____@____.com I hope you feel better soon and get some answers! And don't worry about going to back to the doctor, sometimes they just miss whatever it is the first time around! Good luck and God Bless!
E.

Have you considered that you may be in the beginnings of pre-menopause. The doctors will tell you that you are too young but my family has all gone through menopause young. I am 43 as well and know exactly what you are talking about. I would go to your OB/GYN and talk to them. Even if it's not early signs of menopause, it still could be some kind of hormonal imbalance. I am currently in the process of having my levels checked.
C.

Hi D.,

So sorry to hear about your problem. Have any of the doctors suggested you are having anxiety attacks? Many if not all of your symptoms are what my brother in law had and he ended up suffering from anxiety attacks. He was placed on medication for a short period of time and he hasn't had a reoccurrence in years.

I hope this helps and don't give up, you will get the answer.

L.

If you've been checked out physicially and cleared by the medical doctors, it could be a psycho-social issue. It could be that you're having difficulties adjusting to your new situation. I know when I started staying home more after working for so many years, I thought I'd have no problems adjusting to staying at home, you'd think it to be a breeze! But I missed the "adult" conversations and dialogue w/my co-workers and staying at home is much harder. You don't see the rewards right away as when you're working outside the home. It's much more demanding. I became more anxious about even the littlest things and things that I had no control over.
Prayer and going out to meet other moms in the same situation helped me overcome those issues. Staying at home is traditionally not seen as very rewarding as when you work outside the home, but you don't see the wonderful rewards until much later. You need to make sure you take care of yourself and that you don't forget/loose yourself in the process. We tend to become so focused on our families that we forget about ourselves. Also make sure that you are exercising, eating right and getting as much sleep as you can. Talking about your feelings is something that most of us also don't do enough of. Hope this helps some and know that you are not the only one feeling like this!

Have you been checked for diabetes?? It also sounds like you should check your diet. Eat plenty of protien and make sure you eat three times a day and that the meals are balanced!!

Hi D.,

Could it possibly be pre-menopause?

D.,
Have you checked with your GYN? Although you're only 43, you could be experiencing menopause.