Help

[confusednm]

I am 29 and about 20lbs overweight. I live a very active lifestyle with a job working for my family, three boys, and a husband who is a law enforcement officer. About five years ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and after I had my last child I was diagnosed with mytral valve prolapse. About six months ago, I began feeling very dizzy, hopeless, crying uncontrollably and almost passing out. I saw my doctor who took blood tests and said everything was fine, but I needed to being taking Paxil. After about three months he added Effexor to the regimen and I have been taking both ever since. Just recently I began having tingling in my left fingertips, periods of shortness of breathe, lightheadedness and a feeling of almost hyperventilating or where I want to crush my teeth together. I feel terrible at times and just want to cry because I don't know whats wrong with me. The last time I went to the doctor and told him what was going on he told me that I needed to start seeing a psychiatrist because the medication alone was not helping enough to get rid of the anxiety. All I want is to be normal again. Don't get me wrong.... there are days when I feel ok, but at times I just want to cry.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty in finding a psychiatrist to prescribe you the specific medications.Well, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or electroshock, is a psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in anesthetized patients. Today, ECT is most often used as a treatment for severe major depression which has not responded to other treatment along with other psychiatyric disorder.You can say it is the last mode of treatment of depression.

But in your case,antidepressants and psychotherapy will surely help.I know it is tough but if possible pls consult a psychiatrist in the nearby area and get yourself evaluated.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[confusednm]

Thank you so much for responding to my question. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Well..My doctor did blood tests and my thyroid medication was at the correct level. He has put me on several different medications for depression and finally Effexor seems to be helping some, but would depression be causing my physical ailments? Can y you please tell me what electroconvulsive therapy is? I am open to any alternative methods of treatment.

My doctor also suggested that I speak with a psychiatrist. It is very difficult to find one in the area I live in because no one is accepting new patients.

I am desperate. All I want is to physically feel better, but I don't know what to do.

Again, I can not tell you how much I appreciate your response. Thanks again.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough,but it looks like depression to me. Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure.

The three most commonly indicated treatments for depression are psychotherapy, medication (antidepressants), and electroconvulsive therapy.

Also since you are having hypothyroidism,it also leads to depression.Are you getting the thyroid medications for your hypothyroidism?

I sincerely advise you to consult a psychiatrist/endocrinologist and get yourself evaluated.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[KatEyes]

Do you have periodic blood tests to confirm that your medication for hypothyroidism is at a therapeutic level, and were those included when your doctor first saw you for this? That would be my first check when having a particularly bad spell.

Do any of your meds list your symptoms as side effects?

Have you asked your cardiologist to explain to you exactly how how mitral valve prolapse may or may not affect you?

Hope you find some answers soon.