Worried about my illness whatever it is

[mandylynn0621]

Most of my symptoms are physical and i have been to the doctor many times. They never have an explanation. I have digestive issues, dizziness, head pressure, racing heart, constant worry, off balance while standing, circulatory problems, hard time breathing, and a numbness/tingling feeling in my upper back feels like its pressing on my lungs(this i am mot concerned with) tingling and muscle spasms. Arm weakness leg weakness etc. I have been going thru this for past 2 yrs. I think about it morning till i go to bed. I have lost friends, I hate going anywhere. I have gained 200 pounds. I was thin and took good care of myself and then one day i get a virus and never feel phsyically or mentally the same. I dont know if physical is causing this or the other way around. I just want my healthy back and I want to give up. Please someone help.

[bumface1973]

Hi Mandylynn. I responded to another of your posts r.e fears of a chest rash being something serious. I am currently taking meds that are used to control OCD/ANXIETY and DEPRESSION. I'm taking a small dose of Prozac which seems to have helped with my every day moods. I am also hoping to hear soon regarding counciling. I also know that I really need to make changes in the way I live and be more healthy in diet exercise and reducing recreactional/social drinking to feel more physically and mentally healthy. I also need to keep more mentally and physically active. I know these things will help but changing habbits of an adult lifetime can be the hardest thing. Try to get help by being honest with yourself and those you are seeing for help, as embarrassing as it might be. Anxiety/depression will often lead to over eating and perhaps drinking etc. These habits can lead to physical illness but are just as likely to lead to chemical imbalances in your body that will make anxiety and depression much worse. Good luck with seeking help, be honest and open with Medical help & try to make the changes you can, that are within your power. Take Care.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

many of your symptoms sound like anxiety.  Anxiety is known to mimic all other physical diseases..  The very best thing for you to do at this point is to work with a mental health professional to try to sort out the anxiety from the physical.

[Jaquta]

Being receptive to all possibilities is a good approach.  

I can empathize with how frustrating it must be to have no clear, definitive diagnosis and no clear treatment plan.

This may be irrelevant but have you had your iron levels tested?  Iron deficiency can cause shortness of breath (as can anxiety/ panic, weight gain and reflux, etc).

Last year I had secondary asthma and bronchitis following the flu.  It left me feeling quite vulnerable and several stressors then left me feeling quite depressed.

Maybe another medical consult wouldn't hurt just to clarify where you're at.
If that came back clean I would opt to see a psychiatrist.

In the interim I would be trying some stress reduction or relaxation exercises.

Dr Gould has some websites (myvirtualshrink.com and shrinkyourself.com) if you're interested.

[mandylynn0621]

Thank you so much for your comment. I am exploring all avenues.

[Jaquta]

Those symptoms would be extremely frightening to experience.

My thought is that if you have been to the doctor and they seem unconcerned that anything significant is going on that you should follow up by seeing a psychiatrist.

A lot of the symptoms you mention could be anxiety related.

If you have had physical tests and they have come back normal I would see a psychiatrist and follow that up with psychotherapy.