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Avatar universal

In desperate need of help

Hello, my name is rose, im 19.
Just over a month ago I had what seemed like a very severe infection, I was on and off antibiotics for ages, and had a very high fever.

Since then I've been feeling ill. Ive been having almost constant headaches, which are not too severe but extremely persistent, and a feeling of heaviness in my head. I am very weak and tired all of the time, sometimes almost faint, I often have no appetite and sometimes feel sick. The most worrying symptom is the constant visual disturbance I have been experiencing for about three weeks now, which manifests itself in the form of little brightly colored lights, and sensitivity to light, ie; if i look at something bright, it will be in my vision long after i have looked away. This seems to be aggravated by moving around or exercise.
I am very depressed, and suffer from anxiety. I cry terribly several times a day. I am lethargic and tend to sleep on and off during the day because i cannot sleep at night. I cannot concentrate, and i feel distant.

I have now been to three doctors about this, all of whom have given neurological exams, which all seemed to be fine. I have had blood and urine tests both of which have come back normal.

I have become convinced that I am dying of a brain tumor. I feel so awful and am very scared.

This is a plea for any kind of advice or reassurance, I have felt so depressed and ill that I have at times felt suicidal.

I am very scared.

Please help.

love rose.
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Avatar universal
Thankyou so much for your replies. I have actually been on and off antidepressants since i was 15. The doctor gave me stronger ones a couple of weeks ago but i just didnt get on with them. Ive not been on any medication since.

I havent had an MRI

x
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Avatar universal
I agree with Lauri, that you need to try and relax....you have seen three doctors and I don't know if you've had an MRI of your head or not, but it may be worthwhile, if it will put your uneasiness to rest.  Before going that route, I would suggest that you visit a good opthamologist....you said that you're seeing bright, shiny things and by getting a fresh bill of health from a qualified eye doctor, that at least eliminates one possibiity.

You are only 19 and the chances are very, very remote that something major is going on....if the depression continues after doing the above things, or you continue to stress over a potential illness, you may need a little counseling to get you back on track.  Take care, honey.....try to focus on positive things - life really is grand and you need to enjoy it!  Mary Jo
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Avatar universal
Dear Rose -
Honey, first off, you need to relax...breathe.....If you hadnt been seen by docs and were having serious symptoms, then you might worry.  But, you have had a lot of tests, so chances are very, very slim that you have a braim tumor.
What can happen, however, is after having suffered an infection, it could still be lingering in your system, and you could be suffering from a post-viral syndrome - which can cause all the symptoms you describe.  Unfortuanately, there isnt much you can do for this but treat the symptoms.
I suggest you go back to your GP, and ask him for something for the depression to begin with.  Being depressed can not only hinder your body from healing, but it can also cause even more physical symptoms.  Also, look into ways to keep yourself calm.  Deep breathing and meditation are very good ways of doing this, and this can also help you get to sleep at night.  Chances are, your anxiety is what is keeping you awake.
Take ibuprofen or Tylenol for your headaches, but these could also be caused from lack of sleep and stress.  Your vision problem is also very likely caused by a post-viral condition.
I would also suggest going to the store and getting whats called probiotics.  These are the opposite of antibiotics.  When we take antibiotics, it kills the bacteria that is making us sick.  However, it also kills the GOOD bacteria in our body, which can get our stomachs sick.  Probiotics will replace the good bacteria that was killed off by the antibiotics.
Basically, honey, you seem to be suffering from a post viral syndrome, which needs time to work out of your system.  Getting the proper rest, remaining positive and avoiding stress are better than ANY medicine you can take.
Please, please do not worry about being sick this young.  You have the world at your feet!!  Believe me, there are so many people that would do anything to be healthy and be able to enjoy life. (me included!).  So, if after you start taking care of yourself you still feel depressed, please go talk to someone, and maybe get on some medication.  Until then, take care of yourself and try to enjoy life, OK?
Love Lauri
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