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terrified- please give me advice

Hi,
I am a 20 year old female, 5'6 about 130 pounds. I consider myself healthy, but within the past few months some strange symptoms started popping up.
My work does not offer health insurance and I cannot afford it right now privately. I dont want to visit the doctor and rack up bills unless it is necessary. I'm beginning to think it has something to do with my thyroid....
Here are my symptoms....
*Most frightening--- I blacked out the other day- or fainted im not sure which. I was walking around the house when everything went completely black and sounds slowly crept away. I felt myself fall on the floor, then I woke up still blinded. A few minutes later I pulled myself to the bathroom and vomited.
             ***This has happend to me before- but not to that extent, i often stand up and lose my vision or get dizzy- but these episodes have always passed without incident.
*I have strange heart beats. I feel my heart race, ready to explode out of my chest, then a few moments later i can barely feel my pulse.
*I get strange pulling/gripping/throbbing sensations in my chest, sometimes shooting sharp pains, but usually a dull ache...
*My hair has been falling out and breaking off- sometimes in chunks.
*I have been utterly exhausted for months- Not just tired, this is different I cant always get through the day.... I feel totally defeated because I am too fatigued to accomplish my endlesss list of daily "to-do's" and I believe this has sent me into depression.
*I have a lot of trouble remembering things- im a waitress and I have to write down EVERTHING NOW. I cant even remember what people order to drink or what I packed in my sons lunchbox that morning.
*I've switched between diareaha and constipation for a few weeks.
*I often find myself panicked and anxious for silly reasons or none at all...
*I have gone from a "set your clock by it" menstrual cycle to missing periods, spotting and all out irregularity.
*I have lost my appetite completely, I am always so nauseated the thought of food repulses me.
*I also have dull achy pains in most of my joints--- hips knees and fingers
I feel like a total waste of life most days. I am a very independent person and I cant seem to get anything accomplished. Im terrified....

Also, there is a history of heart attack and stroke in my family. My mother has hashimotos disease and hypothyroid... She thinks I would be gaining weight if I were hypo...
Anyways- im confused and more than a little shaken up- should I visit a doctor??? If so what specialization or can I use a primary care doctor??? What tests should be ordered? I can really only afford the necessities...... I'm not looking for something to be wrong with me- i just want these symptoms to go away so I can feel back to normal.... I'm just so sad and scared and depresssed. I dont know what to do with myself.... Im usually such a bubbly happy person- and I dont like this side of my spirit.... :(

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my question any and all advice will be appreciated!!!
8 Responses
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219522 tn?1251760629
The synthetic T4 med (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Armour) replaces the hormones your thyroid isn't making. Make sure you get a brand name. Generics fluctuate and you may not even get the same generic each refill. You also have to give it some serious time to work: it's not like an antibiotic where you feel much better in 24-48 hours. Can take a couple weeks or more, and not sudden effect. You'll just realize one day that you don't feel as bad as you did.

You definitely need to be seen by a doctor. You can set up payment plan with hospital/lab with monthly payments that fit your budget. If you tell them you don't have insurance they often will give you a special discount.

I live in Massachusetts (Taxachusetts). We have a state-run medical plan (Mass Health) for those who are uninsured. Perhaps your state has something similar?

The thyroid controls virtually every metabolic process in your body, so if it isn't working properly, everything gets messed up: digestion, bowel movements, just to name a couple.

We women tend to put everyone else first, but when you think about it, not only do you need to be healthy to take care of your son, but if you have any genetic stuff going on, you need to know that to manage your son's health. Good luck and keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you all so much. :) You brightened my day, lol I feel like I never talk to adults anymore! I'm calling the office where we got his Kindergarten shots and physical on a sliding scale fee (duh I dont know why I didnt think of this....) to see if they have any assistance for adults or can refer me somewhere else...
OK, if it is indeed a thyroid condition, how does the medicine work? The thyroid produces hormones and regulates some bodily organs right? (LOL i could be completely off on this- its been 5 years since Anatomy class). Well do the medications give you synthetic hormones or does it just STIMULATE the thyroid to work correctly?
  
I hope that made sense... haha..
THANKS GUYS <3

            <3ab
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know this will sound hard but listen to the advice from folks here.

1. DON'T PANIC- RELAX:  many of us have been in your position. I know it is hard but your emotions and stress can play terrible tricks on your body.  

2.  SEE A DR!!!: I do not know what state you are in but there are many financial programs available to get assistance.

The people here on this forum really helped me - they mean well and can help shed light on some of the scary things you can run into.  I went from hypo to hyper thyroid due to my prescription being out of adjustment.  The symptoms sound allot like what you describe.

I am sure when you see the doctor they will find out exactly what is going on and will get you back on your feet.

My faith and my friends (at home and on this forum) got me through my scare.  We will all be here to help you through yours.

David
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
don't panic - maybe you're going hyperthyroid - I'm hypo but if I stay on recommended dose I get hyper and have same symptoms you're describing - are you on meds for hypothyroidism? just do everything you can to relax until you get to dr - find a good endocrinologist - if you cant afford one see if a clinic or your county health dept can help you get medical help/doctor - if your mom has thyroid problem you could too - usually if hypo gain weight - if hyper lose weight - this is can be hereditary so get it checked - good luck and don't worry - theres lots of us here w/ similar problems
Helpful - 0
168348 tn?1379357075
You MUST see a Dr. just based on the fainting alone ....................... it is imperative.

Just remember one thing ....  if you don't take care of yourself who will take care of your son?

Please let us know how it goes ......... Cheryl
Helpful - 0
209384 tn?1231168306
DLA
Have you checked in your area for any kind of financial help like Medicaid.  You need to get to a dr as soon as humanly possible.  If you have a county health dept. or something like it there try going there and see if they can do anything for you.

As Darla said, some of your symptoms are the same as thyroid, but whatever it is you need help fast.  What if something happens to you while it's just you and your little boy.  What then?  Think about it and let us know what happens.

God be with you.
Dac
Helpful - 0
237249 tn?1211290398
Wow hon, you have such a wide wide range of symptoms and yes, some do coincide with thyroid problems but really, with THOSE kinds of symptoms that you are having, you must get to a Dr to see what is going on. I understand your aprehensions bc of insurance and money but honestly, you cannot go on like this and you cannot risk your health day after day... to see that you have a son, if you don't do it for you, do it for him! Imagine if he did not have you with him......  go, go find a dr and get an appt asap please.
Blessings and please let us know how you are.
Darla
Helpful - 0
212753 tn?1275073111
yes go see a doctor you cant afford not to.
Love venora
Helpful - 0
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