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If not Anxiety/Depression, what is it? Need second opinion
This is long, I am very sorry for the length.. I'm just hopeful for a reply.
I am hoping some one knowledgeable in this area could help me. Please, oh please.. I've been to the doctor recently and have been told I'm suffering from so called 'panic attacks' - I just can't go for this. Every one is telling me I'm in denial - but please hear me out..
I was unsure where to post about this so I chose this section.
I will start with my history/who I am:
I am 29 year old female who is healthy, drinks lots of herbal teas, loves her fruits/veggies, has NO history of smoking (but has been around second hand smoke growing up), and drinks 2-3 times a week (a few beers or a few glasses of wine, but not to get wasted, not since my early 20's at least! haha)... Also to add to this - I hike/exercise. I am 5'6 and 115lbs.
Now: What I dealing with:
Care taking for an 'older' boyfriend who has stage 4 cancer. Have I dealt with heavy stress in the past? You betcha. I've watched my mom have three heart attacks right in front of me, and she currently has an unknown time left. I grew up with some emotional abuse form my father... Any way, how about I shut up and get to the problem?
What the doc told me about these two following 'episodes' ---
Like I said, I'm 29.. I have a good record of HANDLING stress, I do not suffer from severe depression, however, Bi-polar disorder appears to run in the family. My mom suffers from it, and also has intense anxiety issues. She also suffers panic attacks. I have witnessed hundreds of them - but what has happened to me doesn't make sense.. My ENTIRE Life I have never suffered panic problems or the following symptoms: I've had two in the last week for the first time (in my mind life threatening situations recently) :
Episode 1) There was a night I was happy go lucky, making dinner, and enjoying my evening. Very peaceful, very normal. Half way through making dinner I began feeling clammy. Clammy lead to having no function or motor skills, to not being able to walk, to vision loss, ringing in my ears, my hands/feet felt like constant needle pricks that wouldn't end, and I wasn't able to comprehend words as people spoke to me. My entire world slowed down in slow motion. It got so strange I was sure I was going to have a seizure (even though I have never had one before), that's how unstable my system was. I was bed ridden for 24 hours. My temperature was 96 most of this time, so I knew I wasn't suffering from the oncoming of a Flu or virus. Luckily, I stabled out from this one...
Episode 2 (weirder - five days later after episode 1 ended)
My heart decided to chip in on this one.
I was talking on the phone, laughing, cheerful, and in the middle of cooking lunch. The boyfriend was out.
I was sitting on the computer, 100% fine/content and not suffering any sort of anxiety (as I usually don't), had no concerns, was just the trooper I normally am. Right?? This time the bar was raised in severity. I speak no exaggeration when I say my heart rate went from normal to beating as fast as a butterfly's wings. I shudder to imagine how fast it started beating within 1-2 seconds time. Because of the heart beat, my body followed suit - I began breathing so fast to catch up with my heart (the heart being forcing the intense breathing), that I fell over onto my bed, and couldn't move. Within 5 minutes - I was whiting out (as in seeing white everywhere) and my vision went blurry. I was breathing so hard I was sure I was about to go unconscious any moment. As I said, I was home alone. Within 10 minutes - one eye went foggy on me, it was as if a layer of fog had been laid over it... It took TWO hours for my heart to semi-slow down. Even then, this lasted most of the night. This time I thought, I'll wake up in the morning and be fine. Didn't happen. It took over 48 hours to level out from a consistent 96.4ish temperature, and I attribute that to the fact I discovered the medical wonders of 'JUICING' cannabis. Yes, Cannabis. Apparently in its raw form, it does not get you high. I have been juicing it for the Boyfriend with cancer, and finally decided to turn the glass to myself. Within 15 minutes my body temperature returned to normal. I do not believe my 'mind' convinced me of it, or that I talked myself into just suddenly feeling better.
My question: I went to the ER on the second episode, worried I might die. For this is surely how it felt when your body refuses to regulate and allow you to even MOVE... They did an EKG (for the heart), and ran blood tests. Oh yes, my thyroid was 'normal', and all blood work normal... The lady doctor tells me to TRUST her, these are panic attacks. My question : WHAT panic attacks last 48++ hours? I am not thoroughly convinced. Had I not taken the Cannibas juice, I can promise you my body temperature would not have went back up and I'd still be suffering it now.. But, not looking for scrutiny on the decision to try the medical plant out in it's raw state (it does not get you high when juiced, I have experienced it myself now and am amazed at the rebound I made within 15-20 minutes).
I just cannot believe I was having 'panic attacks'. I have heard of WILSON'S SYNDROME.
Could some one please help me out on what I might be going through??
I apologize for the length of this letter, but I figure I better lay out all information on the table for
some one to work with..
Thank you for reading..
Angela
I am hoping some one knowledgeable in this area could help me. Please, oh please.. I've been to the doctor recently and have been told I'm suffering from so called 'panic attacks' - I just can't go for this. Every one is telling me I'm in denial - but please hear me out..
I was unsure where to post about this so I chose this section.
I will start with my history/who I am:
I am 29 year old female who is healthy, drinks lots of herbal teas, loves her fruits/veggies, has NO history of smoking (but has been around second hand smoke growing up), and drinks 2-3 times a week (a few beers or a few glasses of wine, but not to get wasted, not since my early 20's at least! haha)... Also to add to this - I hike/exercise. I am 5'6 and 115lbs.
Now: What I dealing with:
Care taking for an 'older' boyfriend who has stage 4 cancer. Have I dealt with heavy stress in the past? You betcha. I've watched my mom have three heart attacks right in front of me, and she currently has an unknown time left. I grew up with some emotional abuse form my father... Any way, how about I shut up and get to the problem?
What the doc told me about these two following 'episodes' ---
Like I said, I'm 29.. I have a good record of HANDLING stress, I do not suffer from severe depression, however, Bi-polar disorder appears to run in the family. My mom suffers from it, and also has intense anxiety issues. She also suffers panic attacks. I have witnessed hundreds of them - but what has happened to me doesn't make sense.. My ENTIRE Life I have never suffered panic problems or the following symptoms: I've had two in the last week for the first time (in my mind life threatening situations recently) :
Episode 1) There was a night I was happy go lucky, making dinner, and enjoying my evening. Very peaceful, very normal. Half way through making dinner I began feeling clammy. Clammy lead to having no function or motor skills, to not being able to walk, to vision loss, ringing in my ears, my hands/feet felt like constant needle pricks that wouldn't end, and I wasn't able to comprehend words as people spoke to me. My entire world slowed down in slow motion. It got so strange I was sure I was going to have a seizure (even though I have never had one before), that's how unstable my system was. I was bed ridden for 24 hours. My temperature was 96 most of this time, so I knew I wasn't suffering from the oncoming of a Flu or virus. Luckily, I stabled out from this one...
Episode 2 (weirder - five days later after episode 1 ended)
My heart decided to chip in on this one.
I was talking on the phone, laughing, cheerful, and in the middle of cooking lunch. The boyfriend was out.
I was sitting on the computer, 100% fine/content and not suffering any sort of anxiety (as I usually don't), had no concerns, was just the trooper I normally am. Right?? This time the bar was raised in severity. I speak no exaggeration when I say my heart rate went from normal to beating as fast as a butterfly's wings. I shudder to imagine how fast it started beating within 1-2 seconds time. Because of the heart beat, my body followed suit - I began breathing so fast to catch up with my heart (the heart being forcing the intense breathing), that I fell over onto my bed, and couldn't move. Within 5 minutes - I was whiting out (as in seeing white everywhere) and my vision went blurry. I was breathing so hard I was sure I was about to go unconscious any moment. As I said, I was home alone. Within 10 minutes - one eye went foggy on me, it was as if a layer of fog had been laid over it... It took TWO hours for my heart to semi-slow down. Even then, this lasted most of the night. This time I thought, I'll wake up in the morning and be fine. Didn't happen. It took over 48 hours to level out from a consistent 96.4ish temperature, and I attribute that to the fact I discovered the medical wonders of 'JUICING' cannabis. Yes, Cannabis. Apparently in its raw form, it does not get you high. I have been juicing it for the Boyfriend with cancer, and finally decided to turn the glass to myself. Within 15 minutes my body temperature returned to normal. I do not believe my 'mind' convinced me of it, or that I talked myself into just suddenly feeling better.
My question: I went to the ER on the second episode, worried I might die. For this is surely how it felt when your body refuses to regulate and allow you to even MOVE... They did an EKG (for the heart), and ran blood tests. Oh yes, my thyroid was 'normal', and all blood work normal... The lady doctor tells me to TRUST her, these are panic attacks. My question : WHAT panic attacks last 48++ hours? I am not thoroughly convinced. Had I not taken the Cannibas juice, I can promise you my body temperature would not have went back up and I'd still be suffering it now.. But, not looking for scrutiny on the decision to try the medical plant out in it's raw state (it does not get you high when juiced, I have experienced it myself now and am amazed at the rebound I made within 15-20 minutes).
I just cannot believe I was having 'panic attacks'. I have heard of WILSON'S SYNDROME.
Could some one please help me out on what I might be going through??
I apologize for the length of this letter, but I figure I better lay out all information on the table for
some one to work with..
Thank you for reading..
Angela
Best Answer
I'm glad you're going to continue pursuing the medical angle of this, just to rule out a physiological cause. I agree that many of your symptoms COULD be neurological in nature. As far as to happen a guess at a possible neurological CAUSE, that would be nearly impossible, without the benefit of a past medical history, a physical exam and a neuro exam, complete with the appropriate diagnostic studies.
Let us know what you find out!
Let us know what you find out!
Second opinion sounds like a good idea, if those professional replies are indeed reputable sources. I had brachial plexitis 8 years ago which destroyed the nerves in right shoulder and arm. The muscles atrophied from lack of electricity, so after the nerves grew back naturally at the rate of 1 mm per day I had to life weights starting off with tiny ones for a few years to build the muscles back. My gp was unable to diagnose the issue after a few visits, so had to send me to a neuro person who figured the bp diagnosis, fwiw.
Thank you all so much for your replies,
I happen to live in a town where the hospital is notoriously bad at diagnosing people correctly. It's a small town. After getting some professional replies from other medical websites, many agree I may have had a mini-stroke. The first episode included shooting pains in my left side (feet/hands), losing vision in one eye, the other eye was blurry... etc. Even at my age, it's possible. I am going to a better hospital in the next few days (currently snowed in an unable to leave my house, I live in the mountains so this has become very complicated), and I will get a second opinion.. I will come back to let you guys know the results..
Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging comments...
Angela
I happen to live in a town where the hospital is notoriously bad at diagnosing people correctly. It's a small town. After getting some professional replies from other medical websites, many agree I may have had a mini-stroke. The first episode included shooting pains in my left side (feet/hands), losing vision in one eye, the other eye was blurry... etc. Even at my age, it's possible. I am going to a better hospital in the next few days (currently snowed in an unable to leave my house, I live in the mountains so this has become very complicated), and I will get a second opinion.. I will come back to let you guys know the results..
Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging comments...
Angela
You are quite wrong my friend.
I've NEVER used marijuana products in my life.
And you are wrong about it getting you high in a raw state, this is medically backed up by universities and research specialists now. The cat came out of the bag on that one in recent years.
I repeat, I only starting juicing it fresh AFTER the two episodes...
Sorry, Not trying to sound mean or angry.. but please remember..
after, and it was only because I took the juice that my temperature
raised and I was able to normalize out.. That means, my disorientation
disappeared, my vision came BACK, and my sanity came back. There is something in raw cannibas called CBD's. Please research CBD's. CBD's are medically proven to fight mental/neurological disabilities, and even cure. I would never recommend marijuana in any other form. You mentioned brownies, butter, and the like. Those things are made with dried leaves, when the plant is dried - it is psycho active. It is not psycho active in its raw state - this is now medical fact.
I've NEVER used marijuana products in my life.
And you are wrong about it getting you high in a raw state, this is medically backed up by universities and research specialists now. The cat came out of the bag on that one in recent years.
I repeat, I only starting juicing it fresh AFTER the two episodes...
Sorry, Not trying to sound mean or angry.. but please remember..
after, and it was only because I took the juice that my temperature
raised and I was able to normalize out.. That means, my disorientation
disappeared, my vision came BACK, and my sanity came back. There is something in raw cannibas called CBD's. Please research CBD's. CBD's are medically proven to fight mental/neurological disabilities, and even cure. I would never recommend marijuana in any other form. You mentioned brownies, butter, and the like. Those things are made with dried leaves, when the plant is dried - it is psycho active. It is not psycho active in its raw state - this is now medical fact.
What does a high fiber diet have to do with anxiety?
Seems you have so many difficult and tough situations in your life thus depression and anxiety are bombarding you. Of course the panic attack is present in these situations. Maybe you're burn out and it is tired thus you need some break. You need to engage in daily exercise for detoxification, eat high fiber diet and drink lots of water. Meditation is also needed.
I'm not going to say I'm an expert on this, but my understanding of marijuana is that it has to be cooked to have much effect -- that's why it's either smoked or baked into products when used medicinally and why you don't get high if you use it raw -- you get high precisely because the active ingredients that make it helpful are activated. If I'm right about this you may very well have talked yourself into relaxing. And your notion that the flu requires a fever is not true at all -- most times people have viruses without a fever. I don't know what's going on with you, but will say, watch out for the person recommending Paxil -- stay away from this drug unless it's the very last thing to try. I agree with the post that says two bouts aren't medication time. Good luck.
Were you 96 when you went to ER? What did they say about your temp? Perhaps you coincidentally contracted a virus that laid you up for a day or so - that happens to lots of people who miss the dual issue and then make the wrong self diagnosis of what caused their pain.
Most of it does sound like panic attack. Although your happy go lucky you are dealing with stressful things. Often times our body masks our stress and buries it then it rears it's ugly head. In the form of a panic attack in some people. I too was just sitting watching tv and my panic attack hit. Sounds like your first episode. Although I will tell you I get low blood sugar some time. Thinking that's why you felt better after drinking juice. Just something to keep in mind.
And like I said, for three days not only the consistent 96 temperature, which is dangerously low - but everything in slow motion. The tingling was so intense in my hands/foot - intense pain would shoot down on both limbs, I couldn't walk this entire time. I'm only today being able to 'walk' at all without feeling like I'm going to fall over and faint...
Thank you all for your replies.
My question to all of you, because I'm not totally convinced
these are panic attacks YET - but I am OPEN to the idea of it:
Did any of you experience panic attacks that last over 48 hours,
AND, did any of you have a consistent low temperature of 96 going
alongside that? For three days I have struggled with keeping my body
temperature up past 96.4, it hangs between 96 and 97 if I get lucky.
I have read that a low body temperature can be very dangerous, and
will cause all sorts of problems not even related to panic disorders..
Ideas?
My question to all of you, because I'm not totally convinced
these are panic attacks YET - but I am OPEN to the idea of it:
Did any of you experience panic attacks that last over 48 hours,
AND, did any of you have a consistent low temperature of 96 going
alongside that? For three days I have struggled with keeping my body
temperature up past 96.4, it hangs between 96 and 97 if I get lucky.
I have read that a low body temperature can be very dangerous, and
will cause all sorts of problems not even related to panic disorders..
Ideas?
I would try to avoid meds at this point. 2 attacks is not a track record, so I would hope and strive for the best and try to work it out without meds, which should be the last resort - I had very good luck with meds, fwiw. You can always ask doc for an opinion though if you are unable to deal with the anxiety.
You are bound to have some tense moments when caring for a stage 4 person, so perhaps the attacks were just a release (maybe even delayed) that won't be repeated. I would read up on the subject of panic attacks then go for therapy. The more you know about a subject the better off you are when discussing it with a professional, imo.
You are bound to have some tense moments when caring for a stage 4 person, so perhaps the attacks were just a release (maybe even delayed) that won't be repeated. I would read up on the subject of panic attacks then go for therapy. The more you know about a subject the better off you are when discussing it with a professional, imo.
I'm not sure this will help any but I went through something very similar. It started when I was 23 and taking care of my grandmother who had lung cancer. I never had any issues with anxiety either but one day I was in line at the grocery store and suddenly my heart started racing I became light headed and so shaky I thought I was going to pass out, even my face went numb. After this incident I was so exhausted . A few weeks later I did the same thing while driving needless to say I started becoming afraid to go anywhere..Panic attacks make you feel like you're dying and nobody understands it unless they have suffered through them as well..You may be a strong person but if you're dealing with an illness of a family member you sometimes don't realize how much stress you are really under.
I finally started taking Paxil which over time stopped my panic attacks. I still have anxiety but at least now I can go places..Paxil may not be right for you but your doctor should be able to prescribe something to help you out.
I finally started taking Paxil which over time stopped my panic attacks. I still have anxiety but at least now I can go places..Paxil may not be right for you but your doctor should be able to prescribe something to help you out.
Anyone can get a panic attack. Perhaps the last one will be your last, so try to relax and see if it helps. Read this cnn article about how one person experienced them with no past history. http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/857117/CNN-article-about-anxiety-sufferer
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I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time! I wanted to add my support and a few tidbits of info.
For starters, a temperature of 96 isn't "dangerously low" by any stretch of the imagination. Body temperature can and does fluctuate quite a bit, and that would be considered within normal limits.
Secondly, while you may feel you handle stressful situations well, sometimes, life just becomes too much and all of those life stressors present itself as anxiety or panic. I agree that a lot of what you describe sounds like panic attacks, however, some of it does sound like something worth exploring more in depth with a specialist. Have you been referred to a neurologist? I would recommend that being your next step. The first episode you had raises more eyebrows in my opinion regarding a physiological cause versus a psychological one. The second episode sounds more like a panic attack than the first.
I would definitely continue following up with your doctor, and like I said, ask about a neurology consult. After you've explored all of those possibilities, you may have to consider that this is indeed anxiety.
Hang in there and keep us posted!