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Lightheaded, brain fog...Not right
Hello everyone, 25/M
About a year ago I began experiencing some strange sensations which I sometimes have trouble finding the words to describe, but their presence is definitely there regardless. In a nutshell my symptoms seem to be fatigue, lightheadedness, "brain fog", trouble focusing, numbness and generally just feeling disconnected. I'm "not there" so to speak, both physically and mentally. I can still function in my daily life, but doing anything that requires real thought (including conversation) is very hard sometimes and it's sort of like my mind and body have been numbed and covered in novocain. I feel stoned and like things just aren't really hitting me so to speak. There are times when it's hard to even focus my eye sight on anything, as all my eyes want to do is drift off and blankly stare in to the middle distance while my head shuts. I'm like a zombie and talking to people is like struggling through improv. It doesn't feel natural and life is sort of like reading the words out of a book and understanding what they mean, but not quite having them quite connect. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy, or that I'm not even a real person...but again, it's hard to describe. I also have fatigue, which hits me very hard toward the end of the day (along with dizzy spells) and all I want to do is crash in my bed when I get home from work. I've also suddenly developed large bags/circles under my eyes over the last year, but I'm not sure how that could be related.
I've had every type of bloodwork done which all came back normal as did my EEG. This has brought me to the conclusion that it has to be something "mental" as opposed to physical, but whether that's anxiety, ADD, depression, depersonalization, post traumatic stress disorder or something else is hard to say. I tried taking Lexapro for a short while which may have helped a bit, but I stopped about a month in since it completely killed my libido and that wasn't even remotely acceptable to me.
Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? Is this all in my head or are there physical disorders that can result in these feelings? My only other lead is that I started feeling this way shortly after I moved in to my new apartment, so it's possible there's some sort of mold that's making me have problems. I also feel somewhat better when I visit my parents out of state for a week, but that could very well just be in my head or a result of lessened anxiety...Who knows. I just need help and I honestly don't know what else to ask.
About a year ago I began experiencing some strange sensations which I sometimes have trouble finding the words to describe, but their presence is definitely there regardless. In a nutshell my symptoms seem to be fatigue, lightheadedness, "brain fog", trouble focusing, numbness and generally just feeling disconnected. I'm "not there" so to speak, both physically and mentally. I can still function in my daily life, but doing anything that requires real thought (including conversation) is very hard sometimes and it's sort of like my mind and body have been numbed and covered in novocain. I feel stoned and like things just aren't really hitting me so to speak. There are times when it's hard to even focus my eye sight on anything, as all my eyes want to do is drift off and blankly stare in to the middle distance while my head shuts. I'm like a zombie and talking to people is like struggling through improv. It doesn't feel natural and life is sort of like reading the words out of a book and understanding what they mean, but not quite having them quite connect. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy, or that I'm not even a real person...but again, it's hard to describe. I also have fatigue, which hits me very hard toward the end of the day (along with dizzy spells) and all I want to do is crash in my bed when I get home from work. I've also suddenly developed large bags/circles under my eyes over the last year, but I'm not sure how that could be related.
I've had every type of bloodwork done which all came back normal as did my EEG. This has brought me to the conclusion that it has to be something "mental" as opposed to physical, but whether that's anxiety, ADD, depression, depersonalization, post traumatic stress disorder or something else is hard to say. I tried taking Lexapro for a short while which may have helped a bit, but I stopped about a month in since it completely killed my libido and that wasn't even remotely acceptable to me.
Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? Is this all in my head or are there physical disorders that can result in these feelings? My only other lead is that I started feeling this way shortly after I moved in to my new apartment, so it's possible there's some sort of mold that's making me have problems. I also feel somewhat better when I visit my parents out of state for a week, but that could very well just be in my head or a result of lessened anxiety...Who knows. I just need help and I honestly don't know what else to ask.
30 year old female with the same issues for over 2 months now, started at the beginning of December. I also have no appetite and have lost 10 pounds in 2 months. My eyes won't really stay focused either. Everything started with an upper respiratory infection that would not get better. I went to the doctor after 3 weeks and she prescribed me Amoxicillin. The infection symptoms did eventually go away but debilitating brain fog set in. I've been to my primary doctor, an endocrinologist, a neurologist, even my gynecologist and no one can figure out what's wrong. I'm seeing a naturopathic doctor soon and hoping he can help. No one has tested me for mineral deficiencies or hormone levels other than thyroid. I've been taking high does B12 injections, B complex vitamins, homeopathic remedies, and probiotics with no change. Acupuncture seems like it's worth a try at this point. If I have any updates I'll be sure to post.
Ohhh, forgot to add and probably the weirdest symptom which no one else has mentioned..
Does anyone else, with this, have issue with TEMPERATURE????
this is probably the most insane thing. I noticed that my body temperature is very consistently LOW. LIke a good degree or two lower than what I normally am. I now run in the mid 96 range.. sometimes upper 95 (which makes me feel AWFUL btw).
It never goes up particularly.. it's just always in the 96.5, 96.7 range.
I am almost always cold.. I already had Raynaud's but it is much worse than it was. I also find some days that the upper part of my left arm gets cold. Today is a good day so far.. but the last two it's been ridiculous. No, I don't think it's a heart attack, stroke or anything like that. It is weird, and it is very uncomfortable.
I do not get hot flashes per se.. I tend to get more chills.. but I have had flashes and then I'm freezing after forever...
Does anyone else, with this, have issue with TEMPERATURE????
this is probably the most insane thing. I noticed that my body temperature is very consistently LOW. LIke a good degree or two lower than what I normally am. I now run in the mid 96 range.. sometimes upper 95 (which makes me feel AWFUL btw).
It never goes up particularly.. it's just always in the 96.5, 96.7 range.
I am almost always cold.. I already had Raynaud's but it is much worse than it was. I also find some days that the upper part of my left arm gets cold. Today is a good day so far.. but the last two it's been ridiculous. No, I don't think it's a heart attack, stroke or anything like that. It is weird, and it is very uncomfortable.
I do not get hot flashes per se.. I tend to get more chills.. but I have had flashes and then I'm freezing after forever...
1 Comments
I have many of the same symptoms many of you are all describing. Inability to concentrate, daydream state... when I read, sometimes i just daze off the word and just see a jumble of words. It's ADHD times ten. I had (still have?) lyme disease so was taking all kinds of herbal stuff to fight that, but was just beginning to feel much better, went out and had a drink, and the next day I started noticing this. It started gradually. I noticed it was hard reading on a computer screen and just thought i was straining my eyes. It has very slowly progressed, and as I write this, I feel like I'm going out of my mind. It's been over four months now. Here's the kicker, I am otherwise in perfect physical health. I'm 43 and never been in such good shape. My diet is immaculate. I eat tons of organic vegetables and meats, I run, work, out, rock climb, you name it. All my bloodwork is perfect too. There is NOTHING to indicate why I have this problem!!!! I wish you all luck in finding an answer to this mystery.
46 year old female here. Same/similar symptoms.
I had a bout of kidney stones earlier this year which seems to have started it? THAT said, I have also led an incredibly stressful life in particular for the last four years.. but you could easily say 10.
Started with the premature birth of my daughter back in 06 which was preceeded by my own 6 week hospital stay for placenta previa. 3 blood transfusions, everything known to man to stop contractions (including 19 days on magnesium drip, to the point where I was at toxic levels and there's some medical student who did a paper on my tolerance levels).
Divorced a year later (preemies and prior marriages create major stress, just saying)... Not too stressful after that but one moving court case, and financial stuff has always been over my head (short sold a house, lost $175K... $20K IRS bill).
Last four years? Just a nightmare. Toxic relationship, major financial stresses.
Anyway, took a job in march which stressed me tremendously. MAJORLY toxic boss. Was at work one day, standing talking to someone.. seemed okay.. Got lunch.. sat down and started to eat, got through two bites and all of a sudden just felt OFF.. not vertigo.. no spinning, just off balance, lightheaded, faint. Tried to walk and had what they call "marshmellow feet". SUPER tired.. Tried to walk it off. Went outside.. Not much better. After 30 minutes or so I left. Had to stop 5 minutes down the road.. get out of the car.. walk around.. got back in. Drove 3/4 of the way home before I felt like I was in my body. Smoked a cigarette or two (which I think helped).
For the next 3 months? This was nearly a constant feeling. I stayed in bed for the most part for at least a few weeks on and off. Somewhere in here I was having pee problems which turned out to be stones. Was supposed to have ESWL but the main stone had moved to be blocked by a vertebra so on the procedure table they call it off. I ended up passing the 3 stones on my own, over the course of the next 3 months or so (just passed the last one I think 2 weeks ago).
The lightheadedness and whatnot has improved but it's still there. Seems cycle related for me? I suspect I am perimenopausal although hormone testing shows I'm not even close. But definitely VERY symptomatic.
I have had thyroid testing, magnesium, vitamin D (was severely deficient at 16.6 but am now at 28.8). AM cortisol testing (first thing in morning, 10.8). Doctors say everything is normal. Have had several CT scans of the abdomen bc of the stones... normal except for a small cyst on the kidney with the stones and a small 1cm liver lesion (very common, watch and see if it changes).
All other bloodwork totally normal. Had a head CT last year after I passed out (October 12th, 2014). Smacked my head REALLLYYYY hard (dropped straight back smashing my head on a solid concrete floor.. person I was with said I looked like I had a small seizure right after I hit, probably from the impact). Head CT clear at that time.
My symptoms are like everyone elses:
Brain fog
Lightheadedness
Extreme fatigue
Nausea at times
I also get palpitations now and again
I had ear fullness and tinnitus a tiny bit but I saw the doctor and was told I had fluid. The fluid doesn't seem to be impacting the lightheadedness etc.
I do notice the lightheadedness is worse/more prominent at mid-cycle to when I get my period. Funny thing now? I feel GREAT when I get my period. Actually the best I feel all month. The day or two before? I can barely function. Like I now KNOW for certain when it's coming within 2 days because I'm just like dead. Off balance is off the charts.. fatigue is ridiculous.
sooo, mine may be hormonal despite the tests? I also feel stress plays a pretty huge factor for me. Specifically I think I have extreme neck tightness. Like it's difficult to move it sometimes.. Particularly to the left.
HOpe this helps anyone and if anyone has input or insight/updates, please share!!
I had a bout of kidney stones earlier this year which seems to have started it? THAT said, I have also led an incredibly stressful life in particular for the last four years.. but you could easily say 10.
Started with the premature birth of my daughter back in 06 which was preceeded by my own 6 week hospital stay for placenta previa. 3 blood transfusions, everything known to man to stop contractions (including 19 days on magnesium drip, to the point where I was at toxic levels and there's some medical student who did a paper on my tolerance levels).
Divorced a year later (preemies and prior marriages create major stress, just saying)... Not too stressful after that but one moving court case, and financial stuff has always been over my head (short sold a house, lost $175K... $20K IRS bill).
Last four years? Just a nightmare. Toxic relationship, major financial stresses.
Anyway, took a job in march which stressed me tremendously. MAJORLY toxic boss. Was at work one day, standing talking to someone.. seemed okay.. Got lunch.. sat down and started to eat, got through two bites and all of a sudden just felt OFF.. not vertigo.. no spinning, just off balance, lightheaded, faint. Tried to walk and had what they call "marshmellow feet". SUPER tired.. Tried to walk it off. Went outside.. Not much better. After 30 minutes or so I left. Had to stop 5 minutes down the road.. get out of the car.. walk around.. got back in. Drove 3/4 of the way home before I felt like I was in my body. Smoked a cigarette or two (which I think helped).
For the next 3 months? This was nearly a constant feeling. I stayed in bed for the most part for at least a few weeks on and off. Somewhere in here I was having pee problems which turned out to be stones. Was supposed to have ESWL but the main stone had moved to be blocked by a vertebra so on the procedure table they call it off. I ended up passing the 3 stones on my own, over the course of the next 3 months or so (just passed the last one I think 2 weeks ago).
The lightheadedness and whatnot has improved but it's still there. Seems cycle related for me? I suspect I am perimenopausal although hormone testing shows I'm not even close. But definitely VERY symptomatic.
I have had thyroid testing, magnesium, vitamin D (was severely deficient at 16.6 but am now at 28.8). AM cortisol testing (first thing in morning, 10.8). Doctors say everything is normal. Have had several CT scans of the abdomen bc of the stones... normal except for a small cyst on the kidney with the stones and a small 1cm liver lesion (very common, watch and see if it changes).
All other bloodwork totally normal. Had a head CT last year after I passed out (October 12th, 2014). Smacked my head REALLLYYYY hard (dropped straight back smashing my head on a solid concrete floor.. person I was with said I looked like I had a small seizure right after I hit, probably from the impact). Head CT clear at that time.
My symptoms are like everyone elses:
Brain fog
Lightheadedness
Extreme fatigue
Nausea at times
I also get palpitations now and again
I had ear fullness and tinnitus a tiny bit but I saw the doctor and was told I had fluid. The fluid doesn't seem to be impacting the lightheadedness etc.
I do notice the lightheadedness is worse/more prominent at mid-cycle to when I get my period. Funny thing now? I feel GREAT when I get my period. Actually the best I feel all month. The day or two before? I can barely function. Like I now KNOW for certain when it's coming within 2 days because I'm just like dead. Off balance is off the charts.. fatigue is ridiculous.
sooo, mine may be hormonal despite the tests? I also feel stress plays a pretty huge factor for me. Specifically I think I have extreme neck tightness. Like it's difficult to move it sometimes.. Particularly to the left.
HOpe this helps anyone and if anyone has input or insight/updates, please share!!
Wow, I am about to turn 40 and I have all the same symptoms. I haven't been to a doctor yet, but I plan on going soon. Hope you are feeling better!
im 52 years old male about 50 lbs over weight. ( i noticed no one wants to mention their weight)i read most of these and i have had same symptoms for 6 years. i didn't notice, (maybe i didn't read thoroughly enough) but no one has mentioned how it started. im curious if anyone has started like mine. i was driving down the street on m way to work when the brain fog hit me like a bolt of lightning. i had to pull over for a few minutes because i couldn't concentrate enough to drive. when i was able to finally drive i went straight to hospital were they of course found nothing wrong. and i have been in and out of every hospital and doctor imaginable. including faith healers to witch doctors.i am not going for laughs here i assure you whatever i tell you, you can take quite literally.. my symptoms have never went away and fluctuate from a level 4 to 8 (on a 1 to 10 scale)i have tried everything from legal to illegal drugs and everything from changing chewing habits to which finger i pick my nose with. no hope yet. starting to lose concentration and enthusiasm will add more later
I think I might have figured it out. I hope. I have been feeling fine the last few days. My last episode was about 3 weeks ago with all of the symptoms. Went to the doc, blood work everything all came back normal. Today it's back in full force. The only thing that I did different was eat out yesterday I had a burger and fries. I believe that it's an reaction to msg. It's the only thing that I changed.
I took an Emergency C and that seems to help with the spinning head and foggy feeling. Still very tingling in face and joints . I hope that this might be an answer
I took an Emergency C and that seems to help with the spinning head and foggy feeling. Still very tingling in face and joints . I hope that this might be an answer
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