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Original poster

Huge panic attack over double vision/ brain tumour please can somebody talk to me

45 replies

fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 15:37

My mum died last week after an awful time with cancer. I'm not ok. I

Today I got up and my vision suddenly went blurred for a few seconds and wouldn't clear. I took my glasses off and it was ok but now I'm absolutely destroyed with panic that it's a brain tumour or aneurysm or I had a stroke?

I amshaking and can't physically warm up, my body has turned to ice.

I can't deal with any more medical stuff right now I need it to stop, the panic and the dread that something else awful is going to happen and I cannot do surgery or more cancer and I just want to go to dignitas if that's what happening now,.

Sounds ridiculous but my mind is racing and I cannot make it stop. Please help me make it stop, I have taken a beta blocker.

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 09/02/2023 15:41

I'm not ok oh poor you - I'm sorry about your mum

You are not okay - you are grieving and dealing with a lot of emotional stress. Probably exhausted - my guess is this is causing the feelings of exhaustion and blurry eyes.

By all means talk to your GP - but also be kind to yourself - grief is not just emotional shock - it's physical as well - rest, eat well, cry and give yourself time x

Fruitini1987 · 09/02/2023 15:42

You poor thing I didn’t want to read and run! I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mum 🌷

The fact that it resolved quickly is very reassuring! It might have been low blood pressure after getting up.

It sounds like you’ve been through an absolutely terrible time so your reaction is completely understandable.

If it happens again make a GP appointment to put your mind at rest. So sorry again for your loss

tinselvestsparklepants · 09/02/2023 15:45

I've heard lots of stories of grief manifesting itself physically. If you're worried then a call to 111 might be a good idea but understanding that you and your emotions are a part of your body, and that 'you not bring ok' is likely to have a physical impact, is important. You must be absolutely exhausted. Sending you lots of love.

Fullrecoveryispossible · 09/02/2023 15:47

Did this happen when you stood up? Since I was a child when I stand up too quickly my vision goes for a few seconds and I can feel pounding in my head. Doc said it’s just due to low blood pressure

Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 15:48

I am absolutely exhausted but sleeping loads. I slept ten hours last night. But hadn't drunk enough water though.

The panic is awful, the feeling of just not being able to cope with another huge thing being wrong and needing attention. I just can't do it.

OP posts:
Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 15:51

No, it wasn't just after standing.

I was sitting at the dining table with a coffee and nodding my head at what someone was saying in conversation and it was suddenly like my two eyes just were seeing separate pictures.

It was awful, really scary because I blinked expecting them to be normal again and I just got almost dizzy almost like the room spinning.

Then i took off my glasses and it went away, have no idea what the fuck happened. I'm shaking now at the idea of it happening again. I'm away from home and there is no close eye hospital where I am or anything.

OP posts:
FirstnameSuesecondnamePerb · 09/02/2023 15:54

Have you checked your blood pressure? Sounds more likely. Mine went through the roofing the weeks following my brothers death last year.

Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 15:56

Maybe I should go to a pharmacy where I can check blood pressure at a machine?

OP posts:
Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 15:56

Could a strong coffee make blood pressure go up?

OP posts:
Bin85 · 09/02/2023 15:58

No harm in seeing an optician for reassurance.

AlwaysAuntie · 09/02/2023 15:58

I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Am not a medical professional, but to me it sounds like the symptoms are probably through stress. However I would call 111 to speak with someone who can signpost you to someone who can help.

Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 16:00

I'd noticed over the last few days I get shaky and feel my heart beating faster if I try to rush around. Just doing 'normal' stressy life things that would not normally produce any anxiety, like trying to shop and cook in a short time to get ready for a particular time.

Just nonsense like that. Any kind of time pressure. But I wasn't under any kind of pressure this morning.

OP posts:
Dijoduo · 09/02/2023 16:00

Bless you OP. This could be so many completely fine things - stress, tiredness, a temporary change in blood pressure, a dip in blood sugar, a headache, dehydration… You’re almost certainly fine, aside from the fact you’re going through a really tough time. Be kind to yourself. You’re ok.

Allblackeverythingalways · 09/02/2023 16:02

You're not sleeping, you're stressed.
It could be an ocular migraine.
Only time I get them is when I'm exhausted. They are scary, they are weird, they are rarely sinister.
Definitely talk to you gp. Just in case, but in all liklihood it's to do with your current situation x

Praying4Memory · 09/02/2023 16:05

Stress causes physical symptoms like this all the time. I really wouldn't worry for now. Take your time and work through your grief, and try to not put too much pressure on yourself.

This will most likely go away, but if you are still having issues in a couple of weeks maybe see a doctor then.

Original poster
fuckthisfuckingshit · 09/02/2023 16:07

Is it probably ok to wait until I am home next week to get an optician appointment?

The idea of trying to find a doctor or optician here where I don't really know anywhere to go is stressing me so much. It seems a mammoth task.

OP posts:
Mariposista · 09/02/2023 16:08

Given the huge stress you are under, and your emotional state, it is not surprising this is happening OP. Stress induced migraines, High BP, emotional turmoil, all these are much more likely than a brain tumour/stroke. What mental health help are you getting? If none, please get some, and fast. You are suffering immensely, and it must be so debilitating for you.

KateStev · 09/02/2023 16:09

I’m so sorry about your Mum 💐

After my Dad died I used to get such awful heart palpitations that I genuinely thought I was dying. I went to the GP and they said it was a normal stress reaction.

I would go to the GP for your peace of mind but most likely it is stress related, I should think.

violetcuriosity · 09/02/2023 16:12

I've had this happen when I've been under severe stress (after a traumatic medical episode with my ex partner) when I look back I know it was stress/anxiety but at the time it was really scary. Make a deal with your mind, if it happens again you will go
To the GP and until then it is stress.

nonetcurtains · 09/02/2023 16:12

You mentioned going to a pharmacy to check your blood pressure - I think that's a good place to start, can you get to one easily today? It will put your mind at ease. Is there someone who will go with you?

You must give yourself time to grieve your darling mum, stop trying to do everything and let someone else take over. You have had a huge shock even if it was expected.

Leirvassbu · 09/02/2023 16:35

Sorry about your Mum.
After my Dad died suddenly I had constant panic attacks and in addition to that I had chest pain, faintness, all kinds of random symptoms.
There wasn't actually anything wrong - it was all a stress reaction to the immense shock which I'd had. It took about a year to settle down.
I suspect this is similar.
I think you should just wait until you get home next week to go to your usual optician for a check up.

vivainsomnia · 09/02/2023 16:39

My eye sight is ery much affected when I suffer from severe anxiety. In my case, uts usually one eye but it can last hours. My eyesight is perfectly fine. I ended up asking for a head MRI because I too was convinced it was a brain tumour but of course it was perfectly clear.

Anxiety affects us all very differently.

TheGoogleMum · 09/02/2023 16:39

I know someone who has double vision, it's not caused by anything scary in her case. See optician ASAP and they'll probably refer you to eye hospital

LosingMyPancakes · 09/02/2023 16:39

Leirvassbu · 09/02/2023 16:35

Sorry about your Mum.
After my Dad died suddenly I had constant panic attacks and in addition to that I had chest pain, faintness, all kinds of random symptoms.
There wasn't actually anything wrong - it was all a stress reaction to the immense shock which I'd had. It took about a year to settle down.
I suspect this is similar.
I think you should just wait until you get home next week to go to your usual optician for a check up.

Very similar to me - lots of physical symptoms including dizziness and blurred vision as a result of stress and anxiety. I remember getting annoyed with the GP, thinking they are trying to fob me off but as I continued with the lifestyle changes they suggested, I've managed to get it under control.

elfin79 · 09/02/2023 16:40

Not remotely related to your symptoms but when my dad died, I didn't have a period for 3 months. Stress and grief can manifest in physical symptoms and losing a parent is huge