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.

[Stardustlady]

You are all lovely and I cannot tell you how much calmer and better I feel. I love MN!! I had never thought of vitamin deficiency but my diet has been awful recently so that's very likely. I've also made an appointment with the optician. I can't believe how nice and reassuring you've all been, so glad I posted xx

[MrsMozart]

Don't fret lass. There are many causes.

I'm undergoing investigation for hyperparathyroidism, which has a number of the same symptoms.

Have a hug hunny. I know how scary it is.

[toadgirl]

Aw, Stardustlady

So glad you are feeling better

It's only natural for your mind to go into overdrive at a time like this. Who hasn't experienced that? I'm also sure, though, that you'll be reporting back here about your B12 deficiency or something like it .

[PikachuSayBoo]

If your diet has been shit recently then get a multi vitamin with iron. Also get a seperate Vit d to take alongside as you need higher levels than in a multi vitamin. Everyone North of Birmingham apparantly has Vit d deficiency and even mNy people below Birmingham. You can get everything over the counter while waiting to see the GP.

[Drivemecrazy1974]

My mum has been going through something similar recently. Months and months of excruciating headaches and not getting much help from her GP. She had a brain scan and it turns out she has calcium deposits (!). Try not to worry (easier said than done).
I think she has to go back to the hospital to see what treatment is on offer.

[acdcfan]

I had this once, I thought it was a brain tumour, my doctor tested for MS, it turned out to be stress....

[Chwaraeteg]

This could be loads of things! Diabetes, stress, migraine, probably a million other things. Don't panic.

[Kohi36]

It could be your thyroid. I had similar symptoms and it turns out I am hypothyroid. I also have the autoimmune disease hashimotos. Going gluten free cleared up the headaches and brain fog as unbeknowsnt to me the hash is made me gluten intolerant. Other things that helped was taking a Vit D3 supplement and a good multivitamin. Hope u feel better soon.

[DragonMamma]

I had very similar symptoms and it turned out to be vitamin b12 deficiency, not helped by medication I take for reflux.

[justilou]

So many things can cause these symptoms - including and not limited to stress, hormone imbalance, perimenopause, eye disorders, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies etc....
You are totally putting the cart before the horse. Go to GP, get bloods checked and start from there.
Good luck!!!

[PalcumTowder]

This is sounds so similar to what I was experiencing recently. I also was convinced it was a brain tumour. Turned out to be migraines plus hypothyroidism. I'm now on amytriptalyne for the migraines (messes with my speech, exactly as you describe) and levothyroxine for the other symptoms.

I'm sure there's a far simpler and less scary explanation, good luck at the doctors.

[PutOnAHappyFace]

Another vote for b12 deficiency. I went to the doctors with these symptoms and was sent to see a neuro doctor and CT scan and then a blood test (which they couldn't apologise enough for since it should of been done first) after all that stress and turned out to be my b12. Easily sorted with a regular injection.

Hope you get sorted soon.

[weeblueberry]

I'm so glad you're feeling better. I was just coming on to echo everyone else who have experienced similar symptoms and it's been down to stress and anxiety. I had virtually all of the things you've described after having both my children and, on days where I've had little sleep or am at a very high stress levels, I still get them.

The forgetting words/using the wrong word seriously freaked me out especially. It happened to often that I got really spooked too. Especially when family members and friends giggled about it not realising how much it worried me. There are still times I'm stressed and use the wrong word in front of my toddler who gives me the face. Especially when I say something like 'no we can't go to the living room, now lets go to the park and colour in' etc.

It's rotten and isn't easy. I'm glad you're speaking to the doctor and if it's nothing serious (which I would definitely strongly lean towards) they should be helping with the anxiety and stress aspect that IS causing it.

[RockinHippy]

Stay calm, I'm sure you will be fine. Two friends have had brain tumours & the symptoms were very different to this.


Those symptoms, including the anxiety, could also be Pernicious Anaemia/Vit B12 deficiency & correct treatment can turn it around. Speaking from experience though, don't let your doctor fob you off with Fibromyalgia or M.E. until they have completely ruled out functional B12d with a Therapeutic Trial of B12 injections

[airforsharon]

I'm currently being treated for B12 deficiency, my levels are very low and I had many of the symptoms you describe.

BY the time you get to the point of pins and needles etc taking a B12 tablet won't help, you'll need a much bigger 'hit' and the best way to get that is via injection.

Obviously there are many other causes of your symptoms, but do ask you GP to order a B12 level test - it's not always done (mine has never been checked before despite having autoimmune disease and a buggered thyroid) so a low level can easily be missed.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

Whilst we don't know what is wrong with the OP it is interesting how many people have had vitamin deficiency problems.

I didn't realise how significant the symptoms of vitamin deficiency can be until it happened to me. I went to the GP with very painful joints which had a lot of the characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It turned out to be symptomatic Vit D deficiency. A high dose course cured my symptoms and I take extra Vit D now on top of a multivitamin.

[monkeywithacowface]

Agree Chaz I hadn't realised the impact vitamin deficiency could have on physical symptoms. I was suffering from the most intense, prickly, painful nerve pain for months that turned out be an iron deficiency. I was in a right state imagining it was something far worse. Took months to remedy it though

[worriedmum46]

I was diagnosed with a brain tumour 2.5 years ago. It's my third bout of Cancer. All I will say is listen to your doctors. Hopefully you will find its nothing sinister at all. It's best to get things checked out though. Take all the treatments you are offered and take good care of yourself - sleeping enough- eating right etc. I'm doing ok. Have regular check ups and things are moving slowly! Long May that continue.

[SuperHeroesForKids]

Best wishes worriedmum

[Birdsgottafly]

OP, I've had similar, but worse symptoms, I've thought all sorts.

I've been put on 50mg of Vit B, a day, with a review next week.

I had vascular tests done, but have decided to try the Vit B, before scans etc.

[gonetoseeamanaboutadog]

I have been through this. The worry is awful . Quite honestly, if you are that stressed (and I say that as someone who has been there), other symptoms cropping up (like tingling and word confusion) are par for the course. In the end, there was nothing wrong with me and it is highly, highly likely there's nothing wrong with you either.x

[goose1964]

Could be the menopause, gives me baby brain

[SuperHeroesForKids]

How are you getting on op?

[Stardustlady]

Thanks everyone. Going to see the GP this morning but feeling much calmer even though still getting headaches. My eye test was find and he could see nothing abnormal.

[onmybroomstick]

Hope you get some answers and leave feeling much better