Whats going on?

[Mirry]

I'm a 25 year old female, and the past few years my health has really been going downhill.
last summer I was told I was suffering from anxiety attacks. I have always been a happy, easy going person so I never thought this was possible. I would be perfectly fine one second, and the next I would be dizzy, nauseated, getting hot flashes, blurred vision, numbing on the right side of my face and down to my arm. this happened on and off for about 3 months. They put me on antidepressants, but I only took them for 2 weeks before I decided to stop.

I have always suffered from neck and back pain since I was a teenager. I played soccer for 15 years so I always thought it was because of that. Last winter I decided to start seeing a chiropractor. He told me my neck had an opposite curve and that he could fix it, along with my anxiety, everyday headaches and frequent urination.
I saw him for several months, and he was surprised that nothing was really helping me the way it should be. maybe for a month or so I would be feeling slightly better, but then I would be right back to square one.

Well last month I started going a lot more frequently because I was suffering from severe back and neck pain, and my body was so weak and sore. Also I was having sharp stabbing, lighting like pains on the right side of my head.

That night I was to the emergency room, because the pain was getting worse and it was happening every 5 seconds.
The doctor told me it was Trigeminal neuralgia.
So I was put on medication and pain medication for a month.
Now my family doctor has sent me to a    neurologist.
I went to see the neurologist yesterday and he told me that he has never seen anyone my age that had trigeminal neuralgia. Also that the pain I am describing is slightly different... mine is a lightning bolt that comes every 5 seconds. unlike trigeminal which is a sharp pain that lasts a few minutes and then a slight numbing pain that last an hour or so till the next pain.

I'm getting an MRI on my brain December 12th. I would just like to be prepared, and I wouldn't mind some more idea in what could be happening to me.

Lately I've been having problems sleeping, constantly weak, my wrists and body hurts, my neck and shoulders are so stiff and achy, I have heart palpitations, and the back of my head aches along with the right side of my head just by touching it.

I should mention I work in a tanning salon, I have been there for 4 years now, also that when I drink I normally have a glass or two and I am either instantly drunk, and or nauseated, with a hangover that night.

Also I have mood swings to the point where I thought I might be bi polar. It doesn't make sense  since this is all new  to me.

As you can see there has been a lot going on lately, and I have been stuck with wondering what is going on?

If you can give me any answers it would help me out a lot, so I can do more research and figure out what is my next step.

Thank you very much for your time.

[Mirry]

the main thing that Iv been worried about is the weakness and the sharp pains in my head. Its exhausting.
My neck and back are in constant pain and its very hard to sleep at night.
I'm looking up everything you have suggested.

Thank you both for replying to my message.
Its been very helpful.

:)

[rumpled]

The frequent urination - do you drink a lot as well - like do you drink pee drink pee? There is a disorder called diabetes insipidis that can be caused by a pituitary tumor. It can mess too with the electolytes hence why any alcohol would mess you up bad as dehydration is killer - literally.

I agree with TBH - you need with and without contrast. I hope it is a 3T but that is probably a wish in vain... if you ask ahead of time, sometimes you can get a copy of the CD when you leave! Or call 24 hours after and get a copy of the report and the CD mailed to you.

Let us know how it goes!

[tiredbuthappy]

Honestly, I hesitate to even speculate for 2 reasons-
1) there are hundreds of possible causes for your symptoms
2) researching now will drive you insane, especially given the hundreds of possible causes that range from completely benign like anxiety to worst case scenarios. Why put yourself through that if it is very possibly something benign?

I will tell you this. Your fearful reaction and anxiety before scan and while waiting for a diagnosis is normal. Our brains naturally start to think about worst case scenarios, but for most people that is not the case. Of course if you come to a brain tumor forum, for many of us, one of the worst case scenarios did come true... but odds are in your favor :)

But even if, God forbid, it is something like a tumor, you have to look at the fact that so many of us are on here living with tumors. Medicine and technology has come very far. Not an easy journey, but not a death sentence.

So I would honestly advise you to stop searching and just wait for the scan and results. To make the time pass, focus on something fun. I have learned that I need to reward myself after every scan and appointment. Also, for your scan, ask if the facility can play music for you. Mine lets you bring a CD or iPod and I have a special play list to help calm me. Be well hydrated before, and be sure to drink tons of water after to flush the contrast out of your system. Make sure they are giving you an MRI with and without contrast.

Best of luck, and be sure to let us know how it goes.