In tears and think I'm going to die

[Stardustlady]

I know no one can tell me it's going to be ok but have got myself in such a state.

I am absolutely convinced I have a brain tumour and am going to see my GP next week.

In the past 6 months I've been having regular headaches and seeing floaters in my vision. My once amazing memory has suddenly disintegrated and I can't remember the names of people I worked with six months ago. When I speak the wrong words come out. Things like, it's time to go to the bank instead of its time to go to bed. Or I pronounce words wrong. All so unlike me. Finally I have weakness and tingling in my legs and arms.

It's actually worrying me so much I can't think of anything else. I just can't see any other reason why I would be having all of these symptoms. I am utterly terrified.

I am 40 for context.

Sorry just needed to write it all down.

[plimsolls]

I had a lot of your kind of symptoms (particularly the confusion and "brain fog" type ones, fatigue, numbness etc) and turned out to have very vey low B12 levels.

[e1y1]

It sounds like anxiety; I had a really bad case of PTSD/Anxiety a few years back and I too was adamant I was going to die.

After repeated hospital visits, blood tests and cat scans, they luckily could not find anything wrong.

You are right, nothing we say here is going to make it better.

However, if it will make you feel some comfort, my DM is a biologist, she has a very strong knowledge of the body and anything to do with medicine. Her saying to me was "common things are common because they happen more often" meaning a it is more likely to be a common migraine as opposed to a tumor.

[aurynne]

Stardustlady, I was you, with exactly the same symptoms, when I was 21. I was so sure I had a brain tumour that I had started making a bucket list. It ended up being migraines with aura. Now I have them very occasionally (once every 3-4 years).

From WebMD: "Auras often start within an hour or so of the headache. They aren't just distorted vision, though. They can affect any of your senses.

Blind spots (scotomas)
Vision loss in part of one or both eyes
Seeing zigzag patterns (fortification spectra)
Seeing flashing lights (scintilla)
Seeing, hearing, or smelling things that aren't really there (hallucinations)
Prickling, tingling, or numbness (paresthesia)
Weakness
Trouble finding words or speaking (aphasia)"

[HighwayDragon1]

I get these symptoms with my ms. Especially the brain fog.

[cannotlogin]

Migraine, getting older and just a lot of stuff going on?

I hope all goes well for you. Try not to worry xxx

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Basically, most if not all symptoms can point to other diagnoses, and all together, those symptoms actually sound like a general alarm call for 'something's not quite right and my body's working hard to compensate'.

I have all your symptoms and have a connective tissue disorder, too low blood pressure (that also shoots up high on occasion just to be annoying), and bad migraines. I also had hyperparathyroidism as well which really affected my whole functioning. That got solved easily (a mini capsule once a week and blood tests to monitor progress, so nothing scary, although it took a good few months to restore the hormone balance again. I noticed a significant difference after, and realised how hard it is to function when something in your body is out of kilter.

It's the brain fog that's I find difficult to deal with, but as I know what causes it I can work at avoiding the fog descending rather than trying to work through it (which is super hard and leaves you feeling utterly drained and demoralised).

Migraines are another thing that cause very scary symptoms. I thought I might have MS, or be having a stroke as I couldn't speak properly (got most of the right words
but in the wrong order no matter how hard I tried, horrible to experience), my mouth drooped down on one side, and my right side got very clumsy and droopy. I couldn't see properly, move properly, short term memory went, and that's on top of the classic migraine symptoms of head ache, vomiting, aura/ flashing lights, and light phobia. I saw a neurologist yesterday for the migraines actually, and he's got so many different medicines I could try (my GP gave me the impression that if the usual 1-2 medicines didn't work that is just have to live with it), and I'm also on the waiting list for Botox! Apparently it can be life changing for some people... If only he'd do a few more on my face

Obviously, no one can diagnose you online, but just reading through all the things it could be might be somewhat reassuring? So, not to start you off worrying that instead of one scary illness you now have ten to worry about, but thinking that it really could be anything... And most of the things being mentioned are either curable or manageable.

As an aside, there is a type of migraine which can happen without the headache, so often people don't know that they have migraines... Remove the main symptom and suddenly, migraines become very scary indeed, as the symptoms are so wide, neurological in type and well, just bloody scary if you don't know what's going on.

Just food for thought

[Olives106]

Yes, I had the silent migraines for many years, possibly as far back as my teens, before they were diagnosed. I used to just think I was nuts - everyday life would suddenly seem impossible and it was as if the world was upside down. Later I developed the headaches, but even now they aren't the worst symptom (nausea, dizziness and general confusion are) and pass very quickly.

[gamerchick]

From what you've said I wouldn't have immediately thought brain tumours and I agree really the opticians would be my first port of call before the GP can you make an appointment for that checkup?

Then I'd be looking at my diet and making sure I'm getting everything I need.

Then look a ways of relieving stress, stress and anxiety always affects me physically more than mentally. I also get dodgy migraines that are never the same type each time but disable me for a bit.

[Butteredparsn1ps]

I am sorry you sound very worried.

Your symptoms could be a number of things and so the first thing is to be thoroughly assessed. Dr Google is not your friend when you are anxious.

Your GP will listen to you and start a process to investigate and treat your symptoms. He/She will refer you for investigations and a specialist opinion if that is indicated.

Please try not to listen to people trying to diagnose you whether online or in real life.

Good Luck.

[Lillagroda]

As a few have said, and only because it might help to hear it from as many people as possible, all these symptoms come with migraines. I suffer from migraines with aura, rarely get the crippling headache, but I do get all the neurological symptoms you have listed. The tingling drives me bonkers, it works its way from the tip of my little fingers all the way to my face, the inside of my mouth eventually goes numb, it's bizarre!
And the speech issues are a source of entertainment for my colleagues as I end up sounding drunk, basically.

Stress and anxiety makes it worse. The best remedy for me once I had the diagnosis was to learn to control my stress levels and my long-standing anxiety issues, more than the actual migraine meds.

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Yes exactly Olives! And poor you, I get really bad migraines* that can last for days, but the headache is why I always knew I had migraines, rather than some utterly terrifying and probably fatal brain and body break down, which is what a silent migraine must be like to experience.

I just had a quick search for silent migraines / acephalgic migraines, and here's a link which might be useful for OP?

Again, not diagnosing, but maybe helpful to read as it's a good example of how terrifying symptoms can be caused by some very unterrifying causes...

www.m.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/what-are-silent-migraines

*well, obviously everyone gets bad migraines, no one gets a great migraine!

[CauliflowerBalti]

I am not a doctor and I am glad you are seeing yours.

But I do know three people that have had brain tumours.

One had no symptoms at all other than feeling a bit rundown. Then he collapsed and started fitting. His tumour was non-cancerous and has been removed.

The second was exactly the same - a girl though. She didn't even feel rundown. She just collapsed at work. Her tumour was non-cancerous and has been removed.

The third got herself checked out because of unexplained weight gain, hair loss and changes to her menstrual cycle. She wasn't even thinking brain tumour - she has one. Benign, can't be removed because of its location, is shrinking nicely though with treatment.

I hope this reassures you a little. I hope it goes well at the GP's - I'm glad your husband is going with you for moral support.

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Oh yes, forgot those weirdy tingles. They creep up my arms and neck and play a weird tune on my face! Particularly settling on a patch that goes numb under my mouth on the left hand side. And my tongue gets shorting tingles and goes numb, and I slur my words.

It's like being blind drunk except you have had absolutely no fun getting to that point!

I remember getting a cab home from work as a migraine was descending. But we got caught in traffic so the migraine went bat shit crazy whilst I was in the taxi. I had to open the door and throw up into the gutter, all tangled in the seat belt and with one hand over my eyes to block out the light.

The cab driver thought I was drunk , and he didn't speak good English so didn't know the word migraine when I was trying to explain. It must have stuck in his head though, as about a year later he happened to be my cab driver again and he was very kind and his English was more fluent so he explained he'd gone back to base and complained about this terrible drunk girl, and the controllers mum had migraines so he recognised the situation. The cab driver was so lovely saying he learnt a new word that day :)

Migraines. Feel like crap. Look like a drunk. It's all part of the service!

[furryminkymoo]

I know that your Doctors appointment isn't until next week but how about getting an Opticians appointment? for about £10 a full sight test and Eye exam might help to put your mind at ease? Also your GP will likely suggest one so you have ticked it off the list before your appointment?

I get floaters, increased lately, I am 40, my optician said that it could be an age thing.

[Goingtobeawesome]

I have pretty much your symptoms too. Never considered brain tumour.

Floaters - I've had my eyes tested. Have worn glasses for years so normal for me. The floaters are non sinister and are pretty common. Nothing to worry about.

I'm forever getting words wrong, always tired, have headaches etc.

I'm 44. I think going through peri-menopausal symptoms as well as a really stressful time. I suspect that's the reasons for all of the above.

I really hope you are okay but try not to panic before you need too.

[Notagainmun]

My Dad has these symptoms and has been found to have very low potassium and needed a change in medication.

[jennielou75]

Look up hemiplegic migraine. I had my first in Tescos and was rushed to a and e because they thought I was having a stroke. One lumbar pucture and meeting with neurologist later and diagnosis of the above. Scared me silly at first especially when I had them in a cycle for a week but now I know what is happening and they will end. I know get them when very tired or stressed and I use them as a sign I need to relax and get some sleep.

[monkeywithacowface]

I had although symptoms when I had PND. My anxiety was very high and the more I stressed about the symptoms the worse they got. Problem is you tend to over focus on every physical sensation once you have convinced your self something is very wrong.

That's not to dismiss your worries and you a right to go to the doctor. I was told headaches are actually not a common symptom of brain tumour especially if they're been going on a while (more an end stage symptom).

[Keptmanskeeper]

Isn't it nice that all these people are happy to log into MN to reassure a complete stranger in distress? Feel the love, OP, get as much rest as you can and let us know how you get on with the GP.

[furryminkymoo]

Forgot to mention that my SIL has a benign brain tumour, her only symptoms were hot flushes. She has medication but is fine.

[CwtchyQ]

I just wanted to come on and say that while you're at the doctors next week, it might be a good idea to talk about how this has made you feel as well. You might benefit from a little help with regards to anxiety. I'm sure all is well and I find with my own health worries, the more I think about it and worry then the worse my symptoms get.

I really hope this doesn't sound patronising - I suffer with awful anxiety and instead of considering all the less-serious outcomes, I tend to go to Defcon 1. Hope you feel better soon.

[NotYoda]

Have you been to the GP about any of these symptoms in the last 6 months, OP?

[Flowerfae]

Hi, good luck at the doctors... try not to worry .. I have the same symptoms with weakness in arms and legs, and also constant pressure at the left side of my head and loss of feeling down left side of face .. also a feeling of cold water running down left side of face and I get words muddled up and my memory is utter crap (I have to write everything down now) I was sent for a MRI and it was clear..I was diagnosed with chronic migraine and I also have complex partial seizures as it has triggered off epilepsy I had as a child.

I take propranolol now alongside epilepsy medication ,it hasn't got rid of the migraines entirely but it has reduced them I still have the pressure and loss of feeling in left side of face but its on and off now instead of all the time.... memory is still crap though :)

[Frankiebop]

I have had severe anxiety around cancer for years and I have thought that I had cancer in every part of my body over the last 15 years. One of these concerns was a brain tumour, when I spoke to my doctor he advised me that brain tumours are extremely rare, and usually occur as a secondary cancer, (don't worry you have it somewhere else as it would be fairly later on from an original cancer). Also he said that they are very rare in young people.
I can sympathise totally as I have been absolutely convinced of the worst in the past,
I think with all you have going on that memory problems and headaches are normal, and I've got loads of floaters.
I think it would be good if you could try and get an urgent appointment with your doctor to reassure you as you are going to have a horrible time if you wait until next week to go to the doctors for reassurance.
Try rescue remedy and mindfulness (you tube), I thought they were both a load of crap but really helped me.

[Jacobbay]

OP, I'm another poster saying try to get to an optician as soon as possible. My DD is an optician and refers people urgently to hospital if she sees anything concerning at the back of the eye.