Don't know what's going on...

[hockeyxshawn]

Back in early October I went into urgent care after experiencing constant shortness of breath and a heavy heartbeat which would escalate just by doing simple things like standing up or walking up stairs.  I was also experiencing insomnia due to adrenaline rushes I would experience while sleeping all night.  The doctor was convinced it was just my anxiety returning, and put me back on Paxil (I had taken paxil from 2006-2009 for social anxiety.)

I started experiencing more symptoms as I was going back on the medication.  Symptoms include dizziness, tons of floaters in my vision, lack of concentration, a general feeling of cloudiness in my brain, headaches, horrible restlessness.  On top of these symptoms I am still experiencing the shortness in breath, heavy heart beat, and insomnia.  I have had a physical and blood work which came back normal.

3 months later the symptoms have become manageable, but still putting a huge damper on my life.  The restlessness and insomnia has improved, but nothing else really.  The symptoms come in waves.  I will have good weeks, and bad weeks.  I can't do all the physical activities I used to enjoy (hockey, snowboarding, hiking) because I just get really dizzy and feel like crap.  The floaters are really annoying and even if i try my best to ignore them, I still see them.  I am doing TONS of things to better myself including acupuncture, meditation, supplements, walking, healthy eating, group therapy, one on one therapy, reading books, etc.  All these things are helping me stay sane, but all these symptoms don't seem to be going away.

I changed my doctor a few days ago and will be going in next week for a second opinion.  I am tapering off the paxil for the second time since it was doing more bad than good, and my psychiatrist wants to try ADD medication on me, but I am hesitant.  Hopefully I can get to the bottom of this and start living my life again.  Has anyone else experienced a group of symptoms similar to this?  Any feedback is greatly appreciated.  Thanks for listening!

-Shawn

[RubyWitch]

You're more than welcome! I'm really glad the eye doc found nothing wrong. Please let me know what your new doc has to say.
It's gonna be OK, ya know that, don't ya?
Peace
Greenlydia  

[hockeyxshawn]

Thank you so much for the feedback, Lydia!  I have already been to an opthamologist to rule out anything major going on with my eyes.  He did not find any holes or tears which is good.  I have no idea why these floaters would have come on so suddenly.  I shall see what the doc thinks on Thursday.  Thanks again!

-Shawn

[RubyWitch]

All your other symptoms aside, the shortness of breath and the "heavy" heartbeat, which increases upon even minimal exertion, should, in my humble and non-medical opinion, be evaluated by a cardiologist. Even if these symptoms are not as frequent, I think they still warrant a much deeper look. Too many doctors are quick to dx anxiety, especially if you have a history of it.
That your p-doc wants to add an ADD medication is a bit confusing since you don't appear to have any symptoms of that disorder. It's not up to me to second guess your doctors, but I'm very glad you're getting a second opinion.
You will, naturally, talk to your doctor about the floaters in your eyes. These are usually very normal and are simply dead cells floating across our field of vision before they are reobsorbed. That you're experiencing so many that don't seem to be going away may alert your new doctor to send you for an eye exam.
I wish you the best with this new doctor, but if he/she sends you out the door with a new script for antianxiety meds, it's time to get a THIRD opinion.
I have added a brief description of the symptoms of ADD. Do you see yourself fitting into that at all?
Sadly, in this new world of ours, we must all be very proactive in our own health care. Doctors are so busy trying to meet the bottom line that the term "treat 'em and street 'em" no longer applies just to ER docs.
I wish you the best and hope you'll keep us posted.
Peace
Greenlydia  






What is ADD?

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD/ADHD, is a psychological term currently applied to anyone who meets the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for impulsivity, hyperactivity and/or inattention.  The diagnostic criteria are subjective and include behavior which might be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from brain defects to allergies to giftedness.  ADD, as currently defined, is a highly subjective description, not a specific disease