WHATS WRONG WITH ME! DIZZY NECK PAIN STIFF JOINTS

[CaraDouglas]

Hi,

I am a 25 year old female and 1 week ago i woke up and walked around noticing I was dizzy and off balance. I wasn't spinning more like I was on a boat. Progressively over the week my neck got stiffer and stiffer- now I'm just in pain. When I walk i feel a major pressure at the base of my skull where the pain is and it's almost impossible to leave the house. I have facial pressure as well just under my eyes. I thought it may be a sinus problem as my left nostril is stuffed but nothing is coming out. My hands and feet feel tight. I get worse by the day and nothing helps. Sinus irrigation, ear drops, hot showers, sugar -- nothing. I cant deal anymore does anyone have a clue??????

It gets worse every day. I'm starting to lose coordination. NOTHING helps.

[Phillyrich]

I had similar symptoms. It was diagnosed as stenosis. Chiropractic helped temporarily. Trying yoga but muscles especially feet are beyond tight. Stress seems to trigger episodes. Best of luck

[LivingInHope]

Have you asked the doctor for a chest x-ray to check your lungs?  
Want to give you a "heads up"... Your profile lists you as the wrong gender for what you say you are on this thread.

[CaraDouglas]

PS now my breathing is short and I have deep coughing. I can hardly move half the time without becoming so tired i just lay there.

[CaraDouglas]

Well my neck pain eventually went away. But seriously I feel like my body is shutting down I cant get out of bed sometimes. I just want to sleep through the day so I dont have to live with this torture anymore. Im so so so tired im so dizzy im 25 years old and I just want my life back. I dont know what to do.

[LivingInHope]

My friend may have had bacterial menigitis rather than viral.  Have you gotten menigitis definitively ruled out?

[LivingInHope]

"neck got stiffer and stiffer- now I'm just in pain. When I walk i feel a major pressure at the base of my skull where the pain is"
Cara, if you still are having this problem, and you have not gotten tested for spinal meningitis, you need to get tested.  I have a friend who had viral spinal meningitis.  And someone in the "undiagosed" community turned out to have viral spinal meningitis.  Just because the person didn't have a fever, some doc ruled it out, but a neurologist was aggravated that doctor didn't go far enough, ordered a test that showed the person had it!  You don't want to mess around if that's one of your problems.  It can be life threatening.  So, please get it ruled out or find out if that's what it is if you haven't already gotten that checked out!

[CaraDouglas]

So I was trying to think about what changed in the time I felt better for about 6 months and then i realized i was taking aldactone for acne. When I looked up aldactone it said one of the side effects was HIGH blood sugar. Do you think i should try taking it again? It was prescribed by my dermatologist because I had high DHEA and acne.

I was taking it and working out/eating small meals and this wasn't my day to day at ALL.

[PrivateNShy]

Honestly I have no idea if there is a known cause to be honest.
I wasnt given any. I think its just how some folks are that way. I have had two boyfriends who were the same way as well.

Dont get me wrong, I will still get an attack mostly if I have period cramps which is so weird..that is when I am most scared.....however, I can last a lot longer than when I was a teen...but I still dont test it. my rule is have juice or fruit immediately upon eating...Like, brush teeth, bathroom, FOOD! There is none of brush teeth, bathroom, leaving the house...or doing this and that. FOOD is the most important even if you are not hungry, just Orange Juice. Im freaking out now cause I only have water and soda water in my house. So I will have to go to the store..LOL...I would kick the soda pops out and stick with Tropicana Juices...like banana strawberry, this and that. Perhaps buy some Ensure Plus too!

As long as she eats banana, sugary fruits, and normal food. A turkey sandwich is super! ITs quick and easy. I all all about quick and easy! TRUST ME..not because I cannot cook (which I cant) but because i always must have something fast and nearby...Tons of Orange Juice.. Dont worry it will get under control enough that life is enjoyable.

I still suggest seeing another doctor..and I think she may need a home glucose monitor test. Just to be on the safe side.

Her best meal is:" I spaced it out through out the day but I did coffee with sugar, large plate of fruit, foot long sanwhich, sugar cookie, 10 glucose tabs (all day) a red bull and a soda..."

But that is NOT NOT NOT enough food for a person with low blood sugar. Especially that low! That is suppose to be just ONE SETTING...all she ate all day of real food was a footlong. Even if she had two other main things in there...its not enough to keep her going...

I do NOT recommed Red Bull...I dont know why. I just dont like it...its nasty! HAHAHA
BUT I am also so afraid of those energy drinks...maybe cause of my sugar issues. I am not sure if its the caffenine that freaks me out..or that my sugar rushes up so fast. I havent figured em out. But I did one in school and find myself in the hospital..so I tend to avoid those....and if i see someone drinking one..:I gag! Weird. I know.

I remember the hospital giving me this test that will make her ate all orange flavored drinks for the rest of her life. LOL.. Its a test in which they give you something that tastes exactly like Sunkist Orange soda that is FLAT...with about 3 cups of sugar in those tiny styrophone cups..:LOL...They will test her blood sugar every hour I believe.

I recommend her eating that large meal (minus redbull) about twice a day....I doubt she will gain weigh. I eat like that about 2-3 times a day and Im still just 115 lbs...

I dont eat much JUNK FOOD..I tend to eat FULL meals....but I do believe those cookies and rasions are super for her and I feel its important for her to keep it in her diet.

Your always hungry is a good sign....cause when my sugar drops so low..I cannot even eat which countereffects is dangerous. I often puke up....let me tell you the panic attack is your body way of warning you...so dont ignore that..cause when you do...is when u will most likely faint if you dont eat something.

All my friends and family know this....so make sure u tell folks too. My best friend saved my life when I was 15...I feel over and she remembered and rushed and got me some juice then went and got a sandwich and stuff.

I know that haze your talking about....kinda made me giggle... Youll find humor after you are able to balance everything.

The most important thing is to eat...I would recommended eating something every 2 hours...even if its just a half a carrott...or half of this and that. At least 4 main meals. Plus the fruits are your major breakfast kick. If she eats that in the morning asap..It will help boost her day mentally and sugar wise =)

Sorry I am blabbering..I am actually excited cause I got my BFP TODAY!!!!

[PrivateNShy]

YES I am A HyPOglycemic OMG!! That is one correction I am always sure to make clear...HOW could I spell that wrong?!!! I freak my own self out while making sure the hospital or docs get it right.

Maybe the Moderator can edit that. Its so important!

[CaraDouglas]

Wow, thank you so so so much for your help. I mean, do you think I should go to a different clinic? How do I go about handling this and is there a cause for it....5 months ago I was doing great and running 5 miles a day. What causes a sudden drop and can I ever get it up consistanly.

I am actually always hungry and eat quite a bit. Typically turkey sanwhiches and when I feel crashes I actually crave sugar so oatmeal raisin cookies etc. I'm really scared about this. I could hardly walk for 9 days couldnt even do a straight line. What causes a normal person to drop to faint levels? ?? My doc totally brushed the whole thing off!! She was like eat fruit and follow up 3 days before I leave town for 2 months on a business trip. She didn't seem to care. Should I try to go and check it out somewhere else.

Yesterday I went on a sugar spree- I spaced it out through out the day but I did coffee with sugar, large plate of fruit, foot long sanwhich, sugar cookie, 10 glucose tabs (all day) a red bull and a soda....It was like waking up from a coma, i felt like the haze had been lifted for the first time ever. At first like you said I almost had a panic attack but then thorugh the day I came alive with brief bouts of haze and fog.....I cant keep this up though I will gain 100 pounds this way.

I'm really freaked out...could this be a symptom of something really bad or just an isolated issue? I was fine for about 6 months but before that I was "SICK" with a mystery illness for about a year. I was dizzy and nauseas all the time. Everyone told me it was anxiety. I went to an MD, a dermo, A gyno, a neurologist EVERYTHING fine. Then i went to an Endo crying my eyes out saying please please help I cant go on like this and he told me to see a shrink. I asked him to check my blood sugar and he refused - told me to walk into a lab if I felt dizzy and check it myself.

This has been a long road but I'm wondering what did I do differently that made me better for 6 months then crash....?

[GailFiddler]

I was concerned about CaraDouglas, too, but I can see that you have incredible experience with low blood sugar while I have none.  It was kind of you to provide all the hints and tips.  I agree she should be seen by a medical professional right away!  

I was confused when mentioned you were a hypERglycemia-atic   Did you mean hypOglycemia which is low blood sugar?  Or do you cycle between high and low blood sugar?    

I admire you for figuring out how to cope with your body's requirements.  Is there a known cause for this condition you have?  Any treatments aside from diet?
Gail    

[PrivateNShy]

its NOT diabetes as Diabetics have HIGH overly HIGH blood sugar levels

Those insulin shots they take make their blood sugar levels DROP

So make sure you DONT take any insulin trying to self help yourself or any diabetic pills...and if you have a diabetic around you....I would be cautious with my food and drink intake around them.

Cause its unusual how low your blood sugar levels are.....and im very concerned even though I dont know you. Guess its the fear I had in my life that makes me most compassionate towards this.

[PrivateNShy]

If you feel like you are going to pass out--its because you WILL and you ARE!
Not to scare you lady....but fear is what will keep you alive and get that adrenaline pumping as strength.

I am a professional hyperglycemia -atic...LOL...not proud.  i have come a long way and survived which I AM proud!  Around 30 now, and had my first fainting spell by passing out at 7. Woke up to find myself on the sidewalk with ambulance and neighbors surrounding me. It took them until i was 13 to figure out why i would have "seizures". Call someone if you feel this way. My plan is I call neighbor or barge into their home first when I feel it...and then 911 (I know backwards) but if I faint at least someone is there to help direct and revive me. If you are alone and this happens....and no one finds you? ............your in bad shape lady as you may not wake.

I replied to your other post here about 15 minutes ago:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Womens-Health/MY-BLOOD-SUGAR-IS-35-AND-IM-DIZZY-ALL-DAY/show/1017002

Guess Ill post it to make sure you read this:

I cannot believe your doctor let you go home!
I have low blood sugar that tends to ride 50-72
Those glucose tablets can bit a bit scary but I love
the ones at Rite Aid...although if ur sugar is that low
you must NOT  chew it fast...cause of COURSE it will shoot up
too fast and make you dizzy or faint..and panic cause of fear.

You must eat breakfast! EVERY MORNING!
A banana, smoothie, bagel with jelly...no skipping any meals at all!
Eat within 10 minutes of waking up. Eat between 4-6 times a day.
FULL meals or fruit.

Are you even eating? I cannot believe your cautious with a blood sugar level of 35.

I have been know to pass out or wake in the hospital at like 50.

This is VERY serious my dear because you could go into a sugar coma which is just as dangerous as a diabetic one.

So yes, if you feel that lightheadness or when you see things start to turn "orange color" call for help ASAP.

I used to faint all the time as a teen until they finally figured it out....by 21 I was mature enough to eat properlly and I rarely get the sugar attacks now. I think I am riding 70 as well with my blood sugar level which I think has been ok for me =)

A long time running but I have mastered it =)

PS I dont believe you are eating...so please tell me a typical 2 days worth of meals for you.

PS You must definitely find a solution BEFORE your next period. Especially if you get cramps. Trust me. The Pain...low blood sugar = dangerous. I had to stay in the hospital almost every month as a teen because of it...NOT fun..very scary!
Also if they try to inject you with that sugar water solution at the hospital or even doc office. You make SURE you complain with all your might that they are going to fast..and must go slow. Even if THEY think they are going slow injecting you. Let me tell you´--its never slow enough.

I can tell you so many stories during my childhood and teen years.. OMG!
I blame my mother though for never having proper food in the home or much for me
to snack on. As soon as I was an adult and out of the house and figured out a method that works (as i describe to you above)...My sugar level have gotten better and better.

Peanut Butter and Orange Juice on Bread is the best quick snack to help bring it up and feel better. NEVER EVER EVER leave home without eating, nor without a juice pack & crackers...till this day I carry em in my car or purse....and I have indeed needed to use it. If I am in a rush and leave the house within 20 minutes of waking and not eating...Im bound to get an attack...although I have noticed that I can go at least an hour now....but i carry my juice and crackers and eat as soon as Im in the car or at my destination.

[CaraDouglas]

I tried fruit, food, soda, glucose tablets, red bull, pure sugar, honey- NOTHING works. I still feel like im going to pass out literally every second from the moment I wake up. 3 more weeks of this and I just might. I dont know what to do ):

[GailFiddler]

I have never researched hypoglycemia but that's what you should search on to get information.  Diabetes causes high blood sugar due to lack of insulin.  If a diabetic is being treated with insulin and gets too much, they can suffer a hypoglycemic episode but this is not your case.  I'm surprised they're not more concerned.  It certainly is severely affecting your quality of life.  Keep pushing to get the attention you need.  Be a squeaky wheel!  
Gail    

[CaraDouglas]

Well I have a follow up physical but they dont seem ultra concerned. Why does blood sugar get so low? Any idea? I have always had a gut feeling my problems had to do with sugar because I would always eat to try and feel better and sometimes it would work.

Diabetes?

[GailFiddler]

Wow, that is low.  I think normal level is 70 or so.  I hope they are ordering further tests to find out WHY it is so low.  Assuming you aren't taking insulin, they need to look for another reason.  
Gail  

[CaraDouglas]

Just got a call that my blood sugar is 35 and to follow up in 3 weeks. In the meantime eat fruit. I have eaten fruit and i still feel this way. I guess I'm going to go pick up glucose tablets. That's all i can think of when I google this bloodsugar it says it's at coma levels. ): the doc said just eat sugar.

[GailFiddler]

Hmmm.  I hope they are willing to keep looking until they find the problem.
I wish you all the best as you wind your way through the diagnosis.
Gail  

[CaraDouglas]

Nothing...no blood sugar abnormality no ear infection no heart problem....checked thyroid back tomorrow. They say labrythitus. Meanwhile my head feels like a snow globe.  ):

[GailFiddler]

Cara,  How did it go at the clinic today?   I hope you got some answers to your questions.  
Gail  

[GailFiddler]

Cara,  So sorry to hear you are not insured.  Well, I guess all you can do is be as assertive as possible in getting some attention tomorrow.  Make a list of all your symptoms before you go and note when they appeared and whether they are getting more or less severe.  Make the point that you need to be diagnosed right away to rule out the more serious possibilities.  Let them know how debilitated you are becoming.    

Maybe someday, this country will have affordable health insurance for everyone....

Gail  

[CaraDouglas]

Hey Gail- No insurance I have a clinic appointment tomorrow but i have a feeling they will give me appts etc weeks from now for all the proper blood work and scans. I've been tested for lyme and nothing yet. No fever either. Just DIZZY reaalllly dizzy and stiff.

[GailFiddler]

Cara,  I am no medical professional, but it sounds as if you need immediate medical attention to get diagnosed.  A stiff neck should not be ignored as it could be (rarely) meningitis.  Do you have a fever?  Any reason you cannot get to a doctor?  If you live in the Northeast or the upper Midwest, have them check for Lymes disease as well.  
Gail