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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Not sure what's going on, dizzy and weak
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

Not sure what's going on, dizzy and weak

by abbr, Sep 26, 2006 12:00AM
I have gone to my primary doctor several times but he's still not sure what is exactly going on.

I'm a male 34 years old, I have a history of mild heart burn and acid reflux due to stress.

About 3 weeks ago, I did a stupid mistake which created extreme anxiety.  I had protected sex with a call girl, that included hand to genital foreplay.

Regretting my action, this has caused me a lot fear and anxiety (due to believing in experiencing HIV symptoms).  About a week ago after this event I started to have a lot gas and to what it seems to me heartburn.  

Every time I would eat, within 5 minutes I would have bowel movement.  It was not diarrhea but loose stool. I started taking Aciphex and it actually helped.

At the same time I started to get slight dizziness.  Within two weeks my symptoms have come to this.

Constant dizziness (strong especially when I'm hungry),weak feeling.
Wake up feeling tired and hungry each morning.
Feeling of heavy limbs.
Slight to numbing headaches on occasions.
Slight short memory loss especially when I get dizzy.
For 1 day my stool was extremely dark (no blood found by doctr).
Constant thirsty for water
Extreme anxiety due fear of having caught an STD or having a serious illness
Have trouble eating, hungry but appetite is rather selective depending on food.
Feeling of discomfort after bowel movement.
Some discomfort around gall bladder area
No fever
No pinching pain in digestive area

My primary doctor after running some blood work did not found anything.
Enzyme in liver good
Blood count good
Calcium a bit high
Glucose at 101
Tested negative for all STD except HIV which will come within the next days

He strongly believe that I have high anxiety including vertigo.

At this point I'm worried about my health and I'm not sure if I should get a second opinion.

Tapas

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
A reasonable initial set of blood tests have been done.  Anxiety can certainly lead to many of the symptoms.  

The gallbladder can be evaluated with an ultrasound, and the colon issues can be looked at with a lower endoscopy (either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy).  

If the headaches and other neurological symptoms continue, you can consider a referral to a neurologist as well as brain imaging.

If the tests continue to return negative, anxiety may be the cause.

You can consider another opinion if the diagnostic approach continues to be unclear.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (4)

by abbr, Sep 26, 2006 12:00AM
I wanted to add that this may seem like I'm being too paranoid but the symptoms are real and I do feel the dizziness and digestive discomfort.  Thank you for you input doctor.

Tapas

by abbr, Sep 28, 2006 12:00AM
Dr. There is something definitely wrong.  The symptoms are getting worse.

Each time that I get hungry, it start to loose my sense of balance,
my hands feels like a tingling burning sensation.  My vision is somewhat blurry and I get this pressure on my forehead and lack of concentration.

This morning something very scary happened, I woke up and again being hungry my vision was acting weird.  It was like watching a slow movie.  As soon as I ate, it got a little bit better.

I'm going back to my doctor today but I'm worry that there is something very wrong with me.

by Jlynn2006, Oct 14, 2006 12:00AM
So, what did the Dr. find out or suggest?  (Im not sure why you felt the need to elaborate on your cause for anxiety - gross) however, anxiety can cause those symptoms, and when your anxious you tend to not take care of yourself!  Getting proper rest, excercise (instead of sitting around stewing) and eating protiens and veggies, rather than straches and sugars may help you out quite a bit.  I get shakey and weird myself when I consume too much sugars.  Hope ur better now.

by artisyn, Nov 01, 2006 12:00AM
It's probably the Aciphex. I had exactly the same symptoms you are describing. Many drugs-and this is one of them-can affect the neurological balance function/s of the inner ear. Stop taking the Aciphex and you may feel instant relief!
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