View Full Version : Worried sick now, and don't know where to go from here (headaches/dizziness)
Hi all,
I have only made one thread post on this site before, when I introduced myself - for some background, it's at:
http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=104201
Most of the stuff I am about to talk about is probably in there (I have not had another read through properly) But that was November and nothing has changed, if anything it is getting worse - I am worried sick at how I am feeling physically, and, in turn, mentally.
As in the post I made before, the doctors told me last May that I have an underactive thyroid and ever since that moment they kept upping my dosage of Levothyroxine and eventually they settled on 125mg a day - I have had numerous blood tests in the last year, and the last few months, the most recent being 3 weeks ago when again I was told, as I was in November, that my levels for my thyroid are now normal.
But I can't understand WHY I am feeling so bad. The doctors said back then in my last post that it may be down to severe depression/anxiety, and I was pescribed Fluoxetine (20mg) which I have been taking since then with no improvement.
Still the stream of symptoms persist - not sleeping well, constant headaches, heavy head, extreme fatigue, dizziness, tired legs etc. This has all got to the point where this has made me feel even more depressed and hopeless.
So I went back to the doctors last week and said "look, I don't know what's going on but I am still feeling no better at all and I don't know what to do" - I asked if she could check my blood test results I had most recently and she said the thyroid levels which were checked are normal. I also asked her to refer to a few of the previous full blood tests I have had, and she said that everything looks normal. So I sat there in disbelief explaining that I just don't understand why I am feeling the way I do. Her suggestion? To double my daily intake of Fluoxetine to 40mg and come back in 6 weeks! Again, disbelief - I am absolutely certain this is not something that is in my head, and to have to persist with weeks before going back to the doctors, explaining again that "I feel absolutely dreadful" and probably again being told to take more fluoxetine :(
The last few weeks my head has felt so much worse and I have felt more dizziness creeping in but this was nothing compared to when I woke up this morning, the room was spinning and I thought I was going to fall over. I have never felt anything quite like it, maybe only when I have been drunk on a night out - it was a horrendous experience and I am scared. Thankfully it has stopped being so bad now but my head still just feels so odd, so empty, so burnt out.
This is wrecking my life and I sure can't even think about getting a new job feeling like this, and I am just stuck at home all day every day on benefits feeling absolutely hopeless and I don't know what to do :( It feels like nobody will take me seriously.
Can anyone offer any advice? Would be much appreciated
Thanks,
Alex
paula lynne
24-02-12, 14:23
Hi there x |Even though your thyroid levels were normal, for you, its the unanswered question of "why do I feel so bad then?"......I dont know the answer, but I would give the increased dose time to work and see how it goes in a few weeks. And yes, I know thats sounds so far away right now, but hang on. I think youve been consumed by feelings of anxiety, and I understand your frustrations. I hope things improve for you soon, in the meantime, eat well, get some fresh air everyday, and carry on with your day as if you dont have anxiety.....Read Dr Claire Weekes. x
Paula x
jarmummy123
24-02-12, 14:47
Hi
I have had constant headaches for the past 2 weeks. They are there when I wake up and last the day. I am drinking alots (water), cut out caffiene and eating regular.
I did feel dizzy and off balance and twitched alot so went the Drs. I have had 6 appts and a trip to A and E and been told its all anxiety. I am on citalopram for the past 17 days and the dizzyness has gone, twitching has reduced but stíll got headaches and sore neck/shoulders.
miss sparkle
24-02-12, 14:51
I have just posted about dizziness. I get it pretty much constantly, and getting really fed up!
Thanks for the quick responses, people. I am at a total loss and just feel like crying all the time but I can't even cry, I feel so upset but not showing any emotion. I talk to the people around me about it but they just tell me that I am "fine" and stop worrying etc. No one understands me, not even my doctors. It seems the only people who understand are on here and I appreciate any advice etc.
I am just so worried something is very seriously wrong with me, I have just been for a walk to the doctors to get my sick note for the month to send to the job centre (always makes me feel good, not) but I feel absolutely whacked out, no energy at all and my head is hurting so much. I also feel lightheaded and spaced out right now.
I struggle to get my head around anxiety being able to cause these symptoms. I just have it in my head that the doctors always use the anxiety line when they have no other ideas. But this has been going on for almost a year and I don't know why they won't refer me or do anything.
jakesmummy05 - do you find drinking lots of water helps or makes no difference whatsoever? As I have also in recent weeks starting drinking a lot of water. I have heard good things about citalopram but the doctors have never tried it on me. I spoke to someone last night who works in the mental health profession and he told me that Fluoxetine can actually increase anxiousness, so I have no idea why they would give me that!
I am going absolutely insane with this, so scared and I just want someone to tell me that everything is OK and to be able to believe it :(
angel wings
24-02-12, 17:54
Really feel for you as i have had dizzyness and strange head feelings for so long i have seen a ent specialist and nerologist but they had no answers either exept anxiety but i would still ask to be refered for peace of mind i think it helps
Hi Alex, i really feel for you. To save going over my story, you can check my post 'anyone else', but I have similar feelings as yourself ( as do many others here). My GP puts it all down to anxiety and the tension that this causes in the back, neck and scalp. She said that the combination of this could easily explain my symptoms. To reinforce the point she prescribed me something exclusively to relieve the tension to see if the physical symptoms dropped off. Of course, I initially just stared at the box for a week in fear of side effects! However, after a shocker of a week, i had another chat with the GP last night and i took the plunge. I truly couldnt say what or why, but within 30 mins I felt somewhat different/ more at ease. I awoke today refreshed (tension impacts negatively on rem sleep apparently) and have only in the last 30 mins felt symptoms coming back, as the medication has worn off and tension has returned I guess.
I'm not suggesting this works for anyone else, or if it will continue for me. What I do know is that there can be respite, albeit moderately, and I am clinging onto it. I also believe that tension can cause symptoms, a milestone for me! Your situation is different due to your underlying condition, so you are right to be/think cautiously. Perhaps test your GP out on an alternative approach. I too am wary of anti-deps/ssris, but i am hoping that if I can get some relief from my symptoms, i will then have the resolve to plough on with longer term meds; not that I like it or want to, but I will now do anything to beat this thing and I can't lose anything trying.
I really hope things improve for you and happy to discuss my experience if you want to PM.
All the best
Ant
jarmummy123
24-02-12, 20:07
To be honest I have felt worse since cutting the caffiene out as I drunk alot of it! Its 4 days in so hoping it might help!
Hi, i have found going to the gym has helped at first i had to drag my self there but it is getting easier,and i have lost 2,5 stone,not saying im cured but gives me something to focus on,like you didnt get anywhere at the docs they just gave me tablets to keep me quite i felt ,havnt taken any for 9 month which has been hard at times but i feel in control.,got to be positive how ever long it takes all the best Phil.
Hi Alex - dizziness is not always related to anxiety - although it doesn't help. Maybe you could ask for an ENT referral - from the symptoms you describe - room spinning - drunk feeling (my mum has those) and has been diagnosed with vestibular neuritis? The doctor should know that - also you thyroid condition isn't helping because they can ages to get back to normal. Probably this is not much help to you but just a thought - inner ear problems are damned awful - very debilitating. Good Luck Laura
ps if you just google vestibular - loads of stuff will crop up - worth a try
---------- Post added at 07:51 ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 ----------
Just an afterthought could you see different GP in the practice - they don't mind - as 40mg Prozac is quite stimulating - I should know as I am on 20mg (week 3) at the moment - and was put on 40mg before xmas - not good - don't want to worry you - but don't want you to feel any worse than you are now - anxiety is horrid.
macc noodle
25-02-12, 09:08
Something clearly needs to be done here to help you and I do not think that any of us on here are medically able to question the advice that your GP has given you based on the medical evidence that they have in front of them.
However, I too have suffered from feeling so utterly pants that I cannot accept what I am being told by the GP and therefore I continued to make myself feel worse.
If I were you, I would see if you have any doctors at the practice who are experienced in mental health issues and go and see them. Make a list of your questions related to your thyroid, your physical symptoms and the meds they are prescribing - I am sure that you can do this because your post was very clear and eloquent. Make sure they go through every aspect and that you understand what they are saying and why they are treating you with the meds they are prescribing.
Were you treated only by your GP for the thyroid problem or were you referred to a consultant?
Your post does seem to read like someone who is actually suffering a nasty episode of depression but then there are physical reasons why you can be presenting in this way.
Many years ago I had a complete breakdown due to depression and at that time I was unable to walk without holding the walls I was so dizzy and I felt like crawling around - it was unbearable. Thankfully my GP was brilliant and after 6 months on quite a high dose of Seroxat, I was so much better that the dose was reduced and stopped within 12 months and all the physical symptoms had gone.
I wish you luck in getting this sorted.
xx
Agree with Laura, the spinning, heavy legs, ect sounds like an inner ear thing, it causes vertigo and can make you feel very drained. Look up Labyrnthitis as well, i know how it feels as i have this also, anxiety makes it worse. Hope you feel better soon Alex
Hi Alex,
Your story reminds me of myself quite a few years ago. I just felt terrible for so long and had every test under the sun, all of which came back negative. I just couldn't understand how I could feel so ill. The GPs said it was anxiety but I found that absolutely impossible to believe.
It's taken me years (I'm 41 now) to understand that there isn't something seriously wrong with me physically. I've been diagnosed with GAD and, for the most part, have managed without meds. This last year has been pretty poor and I'm now back on venlafaxine, which is really helping me to get things into perspective again.
I know it's virtually impossible to believe as there's always the niggling doubt that doctors can be wrong, but chances are your symptoms are caused by anxiety and/or depression. However, only you can come to this conclusion as no-one else telling you will help, I know.
Take care and let us know how you're doing.
Pip x
AngelHeart
26-02-12, 01:30
Hiya , you sound very much like me and I've been diagnosed with labyrinthitis . Its an inner ear infection which causes dizzyness and all the other symptoms you describe and unfortunatly can leave you feeling like this for weeks even months ( I'm at 20 weeks with mine :( ) although it does get better , I've only recently been able to a referal to ENT which is next month, I had to see 3 Drs to get this as they really don't undertsand this condition at all. Look at this website www.labyrinthitis.org (http://www.labyrinthitis.org) its absolutly fantastic and will explain your symptoms. If you go on the guest page they're so many supportive people who are more than willing to help you, hope you get sorted soon, just want you to know your not alone xxx
First just want to say thank you to everybody who has taken the time to reply here. In a roundabout way it is good to know that I am not alone with how I feel, but at the same time, it's not good that any of us are feeling this way. I am struggling majorly with the dizziness now and it is getting me very concerned and upset.
I will get around to responding to people's individual posts shortly.
---------- Post added at 19:33 ---------- Previous post was at 19:27 ----------
Hi Alex - dizziness is not always related to anxiety - although it doesn't help. Maybe you could ask for an ENT referral - from the symptoms you describe - room spinning - drunk feeling (my mum has those) and has been diagnosed with vestibular neuritis? The doctor should know that - also you thyroid condition isn't helping because they can ages to get back to normal. Probably this is not much help to you but just a thought - inner ear problems are damned awful - very debilitating. Good Luck Laura
ps if you just google vestibular - loads of stuff will crop up - worth a try
---------- Post added at 07:51 ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 ----------
Just an afterthought could you see different GP in the practice - they don't mind - as 40mg Prozac is quite stimulating - I should know as I am on 20mg (week 3) at the moment - and was put on 40mg before xmas - not good - don't want to worry you - but don't want you to feel any worse than you are now - anxiety is horrid.
Hi Laura48, thank you for your message. When you say that 40mg Prozac is quite stimulating, do you mean it is bad for anxiety? As I spoke to somebody the other day who works in the mental health profession who said that Fluoxetine can actually increase anxiety. What sort of feelings did 40mg give you? I have to admit the dizziness is much worse since I started taking 40 per day as of last week.
I will definitely have to try and put my foot down and ask for a referral, because this is horrible. I can't go on like this and don't know whether I am coming or going :(
---------- Post added at 19:37 ---------- Previous post was at 19:33 ----------
Agree with Laura, the spinning, heavy legs, ect sounds like an inner ear thing, it causes vertigo and can make you feel very drained. Look up Labyrnthitis as well, i know how it feels as i have this also, anxiety makes it worse. Hope you feel better soon Alex
Hi Blingkasa,
Thanks for your response. I can't put into words how heavy my legs feel at times, especially when I am out walking. My head also feels heavy too. What are your symptoms?
---------- Post added at 19:42 ---------- Previous post was at 19:37 ----------
Something clearly needs to be done here to help you and I do not think that any of us on here are medically able to question the advice that your GP has given you based on the medical evidence that they have in front of them.
However, I too have suffered from feeling so utterly pants that I cannot accept what I am being told by the GP and therefore I continued to make myself feel worse.
If I were you, I would see if you have any doctors at the practice who are experienced in mental health issues and go and see them. Make a list of your questions related to your thyroid, your physical symptoms and the meds they are prescribing - I am sure that you can do this because your post was very clear and eloquent. Make sure they go through every aspect and that you understand what they are saying and why they are treating you with the meds they are prescribing.
Were you treated only by your GP for the thyroid problem or were you referred to a consultant?
Your post does seem to read like someone who is actually suffering a nasty episode of depression but then there are physical reasons why you can be presenting in this way.
Many years ago I had a complete breakdown due to depression and at that time I was unable to walk without holding the walls I was so dizzy and I felt like crawling around - it was unbearable. Thankfully my GP was brilliant and after 6 months on quite a high dose of Seroxat, I was so much better that the dose was reduced and stopped within 12 months and all the physical symptoms had gone.
I wish you luck in getting this sorted.
xx
Macc Noodle - many thanks for your detailed reply.
I will definitely need to attempt to make a list of things I want to talk about next time I go to the doctors. I did this once before, however, and the doctor seemed quite annoyed by my long long list of symptoms.
When I was diagnosed with the thyroid problem, I was only treated by my GP and never had any referral sadly. However, I wish I had, as I have been speaking to a girl with an underactive thyroid who I know (had no idea she had this condition) and she explained to me that she feels totally drained, knackered, no energy, spaced out, etc every single day - she has been struggling on with this for years but somehow she manages to get by. She did point out that the Levothyroxine meds that the doctors give to treat an underactive thyroid are apparently rubbish and cheap, and there is an alternative treatment, but they will not prescribe it, so I need to find out if that is true.
I am now starting to feel very depressed with my life, as you have pointed out. I do feel close to some kind of break down, as I can't go on like this. What is Seroxat? Is it another type of anti-depressant?
Alex
miss sparkle
26-02-12, 20:27
Hi again Alex. Just wondered how you felt today? I am exactly the same and wondering if i should go doctors AGAIN tomorrow or not!
Its horrible not knowing if the way you feel is getting you down and anxious or if your anxiety is making you feel bad. . . . Who knows eh! I bloody have no idea anymore!ok
youve just described the crux of my situation anyway! to be told you physically fine by ur doctors but ur not well so to say! at all! i suggest u hunt out a good psychiatrist and bargain with them to give u a 12 cbt lesson package or whatever! few 100 hundred or sterling im sure but it will be worth it. however if u have real determination and can take a step back from ur situation and rationalize to some degree... try some self help books.. like dr claire weekes there loads
Hi Alex,
Your story reminds me of myself quite a few years ago. I just felt terrible for so long and had every test under the sun, all of which came back negative. I just couldn't understand how I could feel so ill. The GPs said it was anxiety but I found that absolutely impossible to believe.
It's taken me years (I'm 41 now) to understand that there isn't something seriously wrong with me physically. I've been diagnosed with GAD and, for the most part, have managed without meds. This last year has been pretty poor and I'm now back on venlafaxine, which is really helping me to get things into perspective again.
I know it's virtually impossible to believe as there's always the niggling doubt that doctors can be wrong, but chances are your symptoms are caused by anxiety and/or depression. However, only you can come to this conclusion as no-one else telling you will help, I know.
Take care and let us know how you're doing.
Pip x
Hi Pipkin, thanks for writing back.
You say you felt similar a few years back, do you recall when the symptoms started - was it just a complete onslaught of symptoms or did it feel like it was developing over time? With mine I first started to feel tired when walking home from work late 2010. I also remember toward the end of 2010 laying on my bed and lifting my head and the room spinning, this was like no feeling I had ever had - it was not like your standard dizziness. Then it stopped for a few months but then was occasionally happening again. Then around May 2011 I had the first real bad spell at work where my head was spinning, I felt sick, my legs felt empty/dead and I literally could not stand without feeling faint and I started to develop constant headaches from this moment onwards. This was the point that doctors told me about my underactive thyroid condition.
It was toward the end of 2011 that doctors first started mentioning anxiety, but like you I find it impossible to accept that this is the case, I have a horrible constant headache, occasionally feel hot, sweaty and always drained of energy. It is bringing me down more than I can put into any words.
I'm so glad and happy for you that you have been able to accept the anxiety diagnosis for yourself and that you are starting to feel better. You are so right that only I can come to this conclusion, but right now that feels a long way off when I am so, so scared that something more serious is causing me to feel this way.
---------- Post added at 20:58 ---------- Previous post was at 20:53 ----------
Hi again Alex. Just wondered how you felt today? I am exactly the same and wondering if i should go doctors AGAIN tomorrow or not!
Its horrible not knowing if the way you feel is getting you down and anxious or if your anxiety is making you feel bad. . . . Who knows eh! I bloody have no idea anymore!ok
Hi Miss Sparkle,
How are you feeling today? Myself, I am feeling pretty run down and rubbish as always. The main problem today has been tiredness and the headache which has just droned on all day long and is still there. It's not a painful one right now, but my head feels stuffy and like it could explode.
I am now worried to go back to the doctors so soon because the last time I went, when she told me to double my Fluoxetine dosage to 40mg, she said come back in 6 weeks. I always feel like I am being a pain in the ar*e to them by going back, but surely they must understand that the fact I keep going back means I am not messing them around??
Anyway I am rubbish at not taking my own advice - when did you last go to the doctors? You should go back if you feel that's what you need to do, and also, like I need/want to do, put your foot down and just say enough is enough, you're not feeling any better and you don't know where to go from here. For sure this is what I want to be able to work towards saying.
I know it sounds stupid, but if it can be *proven* that it is anxiety making me feel like this, I'd be delighted, because then I know I can stop worrying about other bad things.
Hi Alex, i really feel for you. To save going over my story, you can check my post 'anyone else', but I have similar feelings as yourself ( as do many others here). My GP puts it all down to anxiety and the tension that this causes in the back, neck and scalp. She said that the combination of this could easily explain my symptoms. To reinforce the point she prescribed me something exclusively to relieve the tension to see if the physical symptoms dropped off. Of course, I initially just stared at the box for a week in fear of side effects! However, after a shocker of a week, i had another chat with the GP last night and i took the plunge. I truly couldnt say what or why, but within 30 mins I felt somewhat different/ more at ease. I awoke today refreshed (tension impacts negatively on rem sleep apparently) and have only in the last 30 mins felt symptoms coming back, as the medication has worn off and tension has returned I guess.
I'm not suggesting this works for anyone else, or if it will continue for me. What I do know is that there can be respite, albeit moderately, and I am clinging onto it. I also believe that tension can cause symptoms, a milestone for me! Your situation is different due to your underlying condition, so you are right to be/think cautiously. Perhaps test your GP out on an alternative approach. I too am wary of anti-deps/ssris, but i am hoping that if I can get some relief from my symptoms, i will then have the resolve to plough on with longer term meds; not that I like it or want to, but I will now do anything to beat this thing and I can't lose anything trying.
I really hope things improve for you and happy to discuss my experience if you want to PM.
All the best
Ant
Hi Ant,
Thanks for your message, it's good to know that you have been able to feel better and get by these feelings. I will send you a PM to discuss further.
I just wish that I could feel good and 'with it' again instead of this and all of your messages on here give me hope. I wish I had someone I could speak to face to face about it all, as this is awful.
Alex
miss sparkle
28-02-12, 21:15
Hi again Alex. Hope your feeling better. How bizarre that yesterday i had a doctors appointment, and felt fine all day, until my appointment, and then i have had a day today of feeling terrible. Just been out for a drink with my friend and could barely sit still with being dizzy.
Either my brain tumor just likes to spoil my fun, or it is my anxiety! Lol
x
Hi again Alex. Hope your feeling better. How bizarre that yesterday i had a doctors appointment, and felt fine all day, until my appointment, and then i have had a day today of feeling terrible. Just been out for a drink with my friend and could barely sit still with being dizzy.
Either my brain tumor just likes to spoil my fun, or it is my anxiety! Lol
x
Hi Miss Sparkle,
How are you feeling today?
To be honest I still feel as terrible as always, except even worse today - my head is absolutely pounding and is agony and my eyes just feel so heavy and tired. I tried having an afternoon sleep (well more like couldn't stay awake any longer as I felt that tired) and when I woke up about 30 mins later I felt even worse and my head is just hurting so much :( What did your doctors say to you? I still get the dizziness too :(
Just thought I would get people's opinions on a few more things if that is OK.
I may have already mentioned that the doctors have referred me to a stress control group, that I must attend once a week - they say that I have to do this before I can access any further help. Well I attended my first session on Tuesday, and whilst it was OK, it was basically just a Powerpoint slideshow on a projector and this is what I gather the format will be for the remaining 5 sessions. The people running the presentation also pointed out that they are not there to help with specific and personal problems, rather just general stress and how to combat it. It was interesting to see what physical symptoms stress can bring on, which was briefly ran over before going into more detail in one of the other sessions, but I still can't get my head around it. I absolutely hate feeling this way and it feels like there is only one way out, and I don't even want to think about that. I am so scared and it feels like the doctors just want to fob me off. I was wondering if anybody on here had been to one of these stress control courses and how they felt it helped them?
Also, has anybody tried acupuncture to see if that helps relieve any HA symptoms?
Would be great to hear back from you all.
Thanks,
Alex
Hello Alex. I have done the acupunture thing as well, and I confess that it didn't work for me. Also, and not wishing to put you off, I found it particularly uncomfortable/painful. That said, I know that some people swear by it, so it might be worth a go. P.M me if you want any more details, I can explain the routine.
Good luck.
Antony
Staying at home all day doing nothing is the worst thing you can do! Walking a lot will make you feel better, I promise. It will calm you down. Activate yourself if you can! I've had dizziness on/off for 12 years, and I'm not dead yet!
Hello Alex. I have done the acupunture thing as well, and I confess that it didn't work for me. Also, and not wishing to put you off, I found it particularly uncomfortable/painful. That said, I know that some people swear by it, so it might be worth a go. P.M me if you want any more details, I can explain the routine.
Good luck.
Antony
Thanks Abarth, I was interested to know people's opinions on it because somebody said the other day "Why don't you try it?" but I am still a bit unsure. I still don't think it would get rid of the feeling that I think something is seriously wrong. I will get around to relpying to your PM, by the way!
---------- Post added at 11:09 ---------- Previous post was at 11:07 ----------
Staying at home all day doing nothing is the worst thing you can do! Walking a lot will make you feel better, I promise. It will calm you down. Activate yourself if you can! I've had dizziness on/off for 12 years, and I'm not dead yet!
Hi Katie,
I totally agree, staying in is the worst thing - looking for things to do, cleaning the kitchen etc and realising you have absolutely nothing to keep you busy, but whilst I like to walk places (I don't drive so I don't really have any choice) I can't just 'go for a walk' on my own without a destination that I need to get to. I know that might sound silly. Maybe if I went for a walk with someone, it'd be different as I could have a conversation at the same time. I do need to get around feeling like this though and get out of the house more, especially as it's getting warmer.
How severe is your dizziness, hope you don't mind me asking?
Thanks
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