Something is wrong but I can't figure out what it could be!

[Mandi0101]

The back story is during my third pregnancy, I completely freaked out. My anxiety went through the roof to the point that I didn't leave the house until I had my daughter. I talked to my doctors and they said it was probably elevated hormones and the fact that I was prone to anxiety attacks in the first place. Since having her three years ago, I go to the doctors with my symptoms which I will list in a second and they all do a pregnancy test and shrug their shoulders. Many of them say that I may have polycystic something or other because it burns when I urinate but this only happens before and during my period, and they always just give me a pamphlet on how diet can help. I just went to the doctor after finding a lump in my breast and she says I have fibrocystic breast disease which just happened because I have been giving myself breast examinations for years (my mother had breast cancer so I am very careful), I can feel what she is referring to and it's never been there before.  I know something isn't right but I am not sure what it could be. My symptoms include:

-Heightened anxiety
-skin problems (which I never had even as a teenager)
-irregular periods
-not losing weight (I am almost the same weight as I was when I gave birth but eat only healthy foods and exercise at least an hour a day)
-cysts in my breasts
-cramping
-nausea
-upset stomach
-strange "pregnancy" dreams (the kind that seem so real and are so strange you only have them when you are pregnant)
-burning during urination around and during my period
-headaches
-horrible heartburn and acid reflux
-and sometimes what almost feels like braxton hicks contractions

All or mostly symptoms of pregnancy but I am absolutely sure I have never been pregnant during the last three years. What could be wrong with me? I'm tired of doctors not listening or caring and I'm worried that something could be really wrong because everything is starting to get worse and it's affecting my life.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I think that you may be addressing your problems in the wrong order.  If you were my patient, I would refer you FIRST to an excellent therapist who could address and treat your anxiety disorder.  Anxiety disorder is a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. When your neurotransmitters are out of balance at the top, it cascades down hill and everything else gets out of whack too!
Once your anxiety disorder was well controlled, I would address the other symptoms.  I don't think you will be able to get a handle on your physical problems without first getting your neurotransmitters back into some sort of shape!
Good luck!
I hope this helps!
Dr B

[Mandi0101]

I also forgot to mention that even my attitude has changed, I get angry and sad a lot easier.