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possible symptoms of malnutrition, need confirmation
Last Thursday, I went to the emergency room with blue fingernails and lips, shortness of breath, shaking, and dizzyness. This hit me suddenly during a quiet reading session alone in my room, and it scared me quite thoroughly. Moreover, when I arrived at the hospital and saw the doctor, he told me that my health was fine. Since then, I have had numerous "attacks" with varying degrees of these same symptoms. I have an appointment on Monday, if nothing happens between now and then.
I've already developed several hypotheses on my condition. Among them are iron overdose, viral infection, vitamin deficiency, and hypoglycemia. However, I have since disproven all of these. That leaves my final suspect, malnutrition, to examine.
I have lost substantial pounds in the last year. My weight went from 140 at age fifteen to 110 at age 18. When I dropped junk food, I also dropped thirty pounds. I thought, because of this drastic weight change, my condition could indicate malnutrition.
Before I go diagnosing myself though, I would like an opinion. Any ideas?
I've already developed several hypotheses on my condition. Among them are iron overdose, viral infection, vitamin deficiency, and hypoglycemia. However, I have since disproven all of these. That leaves my final suspect, malnutrition, to examine.
I have lost substantial pounds in the last year. My weight went from 140 at age fifteen to 110 at age 18. When I dropped junk food, I also dropped thirty pounds. I thought, because of this drastic weight change, my condition could indicate malnutrition.
Before I go diagnosing myself though, I would like an opinion. Any ideas?
I just happened to stumble on this site. I completely agree. I believe you are suffering from anxiety/ panic disorder. The rapid weight loss can change your brain chemistry causing all sorts of unpleasant things. When you cut out sugar- Which is the biggest poison in the world...You can see at http://www.mercola.com or cigarettes it alters your brain chemistry causing withdrawls. You can experience depression, anxiety, rage and a whole other bunch of things.
Also what you stated about losing touch with reality. This is called mind body disassociation. I used to have very severe panic attacks as a teenager often times landing me in the emergency room. Make sure you are getting enough of the RIGHT kind of fats. Fat does not make you fat so don't worry. Eat Carlsens cod liver oil, unrefined coconut oil, olive oil- not cooked and nuts/ seeds. People who experience panic disorder must be particularly careful of foods. Caffeine is a big no no as is refined sugar and carbohydrates.
If I were you I would visit a nutritionist and a psychiatrist who specializes in panic disorders. You'll be fine. Remember that most people who suffer from Anxiety Disorders are also usually major hypochondriacs as well. I know I was.
Take Care and be well!
Also what you stated about losing touch with reality. This is called mind body disassociation. I used to have very severe panic attacks as a teenager often times landing me in the emergency room. Make sure you are getting enough of the RIGHT kind of fats. Fat does not make you fat so don't worry. Eat Carlsens cod liver oil, unrefined coconut oil, olive oil- not cooked and nuts/ seeds. People who experience panic disorder must be particularly careful of foods. Caffeine is a big no no as is refined sugar and carbohydrates.
If I were you I would visit a nutritionist and a psychiatrist who specializes in panic disorders. You'll be fine. Remember that most people who suffer from Anxiety Disorders are also usually major hypochondriacs as well. I know I was.
Take Care and be well!
the same thing happens to me too... mine got so bad that i stopped having my period and everything... and everytime i went to the doctor they would say that i was fine (except they told me my blood pressure is low, which i think is genetic). they told me to exercise more and eat more, but even though i did those, i still get light headed and very nauseous feeling. it started out that it went away after i ate, but now i have it almost constantly, and don't know why. i suspect it is an iron deficiency, not an iron overdose. or an electrolyte imbalance. do you drink a lot of fluids during the day? because i used to (around 10-15 glasses of water a day, and 5 glasses of green tea), but now i am cutting back, and i don't get as light headed and my abdomen feels better as well. my doctor told me drinkign too many fluids can cause this imbalance. well hope this helps!
"Last Thursday, I went to the emergency room with blue fingernails and lips, shortness of breath, shaking, and dizzyness. This hit me suddenly during a quiet reading session alone in my room, and it scared me quite thoroughly. "
--This seems like a panic/anxiety problem. The symptoms you described are hallmark indicators of these disorders. It can be a one-time thing or they can repeat and fuel themselves.
Having a panic attack does not mean you have a mental illness. These atacks can accompany many things ranging from stress to physical illnesses.
The fact that you have lost substantial weight in the last few years could possibly be related to depression or possibly a thyroid condition.
Thyroid conditions can also precede the onset of panic disorders. You should be thoroughly evaluated by a physician, and you should have blood tests conducted. Recommended tests: CBC, Thyroid Function, Blood Sugar
If these come back normal, your doctor concludes that you are in good health, and the problems remain, you should consult a psychologist/psychiatrist.
Things you can and should do anyways: Eat a balanced diet (see the food pyramid), exercise at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes, get some sunlight, and get plenty of sleep.
Hope things get better!
--This seems like a panic/anxiety problem. The symptoms you described are hallmark indicators of these disorders. It can be a one-time thing or they can repeat and fuel themselves.
Having a panic attack does not mean you have a mental illness. These atacks can accompany many things ranging from stress to physical illnesses.
The fact that you have lost substantial weight in the last few years could possibly be related to depression or possibly a thyroid condition.
Thyroid conditions can also precede the onset of panic disorders. You should be thoroughly evaluated by a physician, and you should have blood tests conducted. Recommended tests: CBC, Thyroid Function, Blood Sugar
If these come back normal, your doctor concludes that you are in good health, and the problems remain, you should consult a psychologist/psychiatrist.
Things you can and should do anyways: Eat a balanced diet (see the food pyramid), exercise at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes, get some sunlight, and get plenty of sleep.
Hope things get better!
The doctors reassured me that nothing is wrong. But I think something is wrong. I'm beginning to "lose touch with reality" and feel very dreamy and unreal. Maybe this is my brain being deprived of oxygen.
They told me to eat more. I ate more. Nothing has changed. I will go back to my doctor in two weeks, if nothing happens between now and then.
They told me to eat more. I ate more. Nothing has changed. I will go back to my doctor in two weeks, if nothing happens between now and then.
Hi JOhn
I assume the Doc's tested your bloods and ran tests whilst you were in the emergency room? and I assume they all came back clear - if you are still feeling unwell pop along to your GP and explain your symptoms again. The dizzy spell could have thrown you into a panic ( This has happened to me also!) If I were you I would go back to your GP and tell him you had a few episodes and that you are worried - anything that has you this distressed should be investigated further - for your own peace of mind -
All the best
Jane
I assume the Doc's tested your bloods and ran tests whilst you were in the emergency room? and I assume they all came back clear - if you are still feeling unwell pop along to your GP and explain your symptoms again. The dizzy spell could have thrown you into a panic ( This has happened to me also!) If I were you I would go back to your GP and tell him you had a few episodes and that you are worried - anything that has you this distressed should be investigated further - for your own peace of mind -
All the best
Jane
Hi John,
Did you go to the doc yesterday? If you don't mind, can you tell us what he or she said? Is he going to run any tests? Symptoms like those can be scary that's for sure! Like Luke said, there are a lot of conditions that could cause them. Let us know if you're okay, okay?!
Kelly
Did you go to the doc yesterday? If you don't mind, can you tell us what he or she said? Is he going to run any tests? Symptoms like those can be scary that's for sure! Like Luke said, there are a lot of conditions that could cause them. Let us know if you're okay, okay?!
Kelly
what you are describing is called cyanosis or your skin turning blue due to lack of oxygen. There are dozens of conditions that can cause cyanosis ranging from the benign to very serious. I assume at the ER they ran blood tests, EKG, Chest X-Ray, pulse ox and every other test possible and couldn't find a reason.
Because of this it is nearly impossible to know what is causing your condtion.
Because of this it is nearly impossible to know what is causing your condtion.
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