Unsolved Mystery

[vnillabean]

A few years ago I was diagnosed with mononucleosis.  I have not felt the same since.  Around the time of my diagnosis, I was experiencing panic attacks.  They were so bad I had to withdraw from college.  I had the worst anxiety, to the point of vomitting.  My weight dropped about 10 pounds in two months.  I developed a sensitivity to light and my vision changed from a -3.50 contact lense to a -4.25 in just four months.  Since my doctor could not find anything physically wrong, other than low blood pressure, a fast pulse rate and weight loss, I was diagnosed with anxiety.  I tried about eighteen different antidepressants over the course of the three years.  Three years later, I feel worse.

I have been told I have a blood abnormality.  My Iron levels are low and despite taking a supplement for six months, they dropped down to 10 at my last visit.  My pulse rate was 140 and my blood pressure was 90/60.  The endocrinologist is not finding anything in my blood.  He thought I might have a tick borne disease (i.e. lyme) but everything is negative,

My newest symptoms are - weight gain - about 15 pounds since January of 2010.  Migraines.  Severe fatigue.  Abdominal bloating. Food cravings.  Insomnia,  Mood Swings. Neck pain. Severe brain fog.

Cortisol was tested and everything seems normal. Not diabetic.  I even saw two psychiatrists because I was convinced I was going crazy.  I was told my problem is more likely physiological in nature.  Even the doctor I saw in Boston said it's a physical problem, but he isn't sure what it is.

I am a college student with a 3.8 GPA enrolled in the Honors Program.  I have had to adjust my academic schedule according to how I am feeling.  I am happy and well-adjusted.  The only thing holding me back is my health.  I seriously feel like I have aged 20 years.

I used to enjoy running, dancing, swimming, and keeping active.  Now, any amount of physical activity drains me.  I do not have chronic fatigue or fibro as I do not meet the criteria for either.  I do not have any joint pain except in my neck.

My mom is convinced this is Lyme or something with my thyroid.  All I know is that I have a "blood abnormality," but nobody knows why.  Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Nilla    

[stella5349]

You're immune system is shot down and in order to really build you back up you must educate yourself on how to get this repaired as quick as possible.

my opinion leans to more adrenal fatigue than thyroid. Both endo glands are connected to work together but your adrenals are tearing your immune system apart and need to be addressed.

[mtgardner]

First of all sorry you are going through this and especially during your college years.
It sounds like you may have several things going on in addition to whatever is causing the low iron levels.  With the low BP and fast pulse rate I am wondering if they did a tilt table test  to rule out a disorder of the autonomic nervous system.  Low BP alone can drain you of energy.  If it turns out you have some disorder like POTS there is a forum here with others going through it called the dysautonomia forum.  You might want to stop by and take a look.

Many of your symptoms also sound like low thyroid.  I am wondering if your thyroid has been recently tested, including free T3, Free T4, TSH and antibodies.  IF so can you put the values here with the lab normal range for others to view?

Congratulations on keeping up your grades when in school despite what you are dealing with.  It can't be easy and I hope you soon have answers that will help you address what is causing all the symptoms.  Marie