To think I’m dying? Any doctors around? 🙏

[Garret]

Got worse over a couple of weeks. Tiredness. Squishy tummy and no appetite. Aches and pains. Buzzing sensations all over. Back and neck pain. Joints hurting and clicking. Muscles twitching and hurting. Feeling wobbly. Now struggling to walk because of muscle burning pains. Anxiety and panic.

GP is totally unconcerned. Checked me over and said I haven’t lost muscle strength, range of movement, tone or sensation. Took some blood to test for vitamin deficiencies (I often have these but never felt like this before). Told me to address my anxiety and referred me to the psychiatric nurse.

I’m hysterical. Imagining I have some awful disease. How can the GP not be worried when I have such severe symptoms? Please help me if you can.

Yes I am taking the propranolol. It’s reduced the heart racing panic but my brain is still thinking and worrying.

They checked my calcium six weeks ago when they gave me the iron and it was normal. They’re checking it again. My Vit D was getting a bit low at that time so they gave me pills which are calcium + Vit D. So now wondering if they’ve overdosed me on calcium?

Haven’t tested magnesium I don’t think.

How old are you? And lots of the symptoms you list in your opening post are peri related. I am definitely peri and have regular periods and no hot flushes. But I tick a hell of a lot of boxes and am nearly 50. I read both Davina's and Louise Newsam's books and fall into peri category.

42. But they said not peri because I’m regular and none of the major peri symptoms.

This.
you can suffer symptoms even in the lower end of normal range.

These are all peri symptoms. I got HRT on the basis of these, and I still have regular periods.

Low ferritin can make you feel awful. Do you take your iron tablets with vitamin C/orange juice? That can really help with absorption. But I would definitely go back to your GP

Being regular does not mean you are not in peri, and some of the symptoms you have described are peri symptoms.

If you have previously suffered from vitamin deficiencies, yes - absolutely ask your GP if he has checked your B12 levels. I have B12 injections every 7 weeks as my body doesn't like sustaining a normal level on its own. When I'm due a shot, I do get some symptoms but nothing as severe as those you are describing. BUT, if you are prone to other vitamin deficiencies, this would make sense, especially with low Ferritin.

Also, have you had your thyroid function checked?

Unpleasant as it sounds the GP is probably right here. I mean it takes a lot to kill a human and nothing in your symptoms yell death.

I watched dh die of cancer last year and dying is something you cant mistake if you've seen it before, and the GP has seen it before.

If you think you have a joint pathology you can always see consultants privately for about £300.

have you had vitamin b12 checked? I am deficient and felt like absolute shit

You could do with staying off health related sites as well, a prescription calcium supplement isn't going to overdose you.

Introspection is not doing you any good.

I know I’m being a bit hysterical. I’ve watched two loved ones die suddenly in the past year because doctors failed to correctly diagnose them in time, one of them had sepsis and went very quickly after being unwell for only three days. And a third loved one almost died a while before that because a doctor misdiagnosed what turned out to be a serious issue. So I’m freaking out over my symptoms, I don’t believe the doctor who’s saying I’m not ill because I feel bloody terrible.

On the other hand I am 50 so definitely peri, had these symptoms and assumed peri, but was vitamin b12 and folate deficiency

They checked my B12 six weeks ago (when they gave me the iron etc) and it was fine. Unless it’s dropped like a stone somehow since then. TSH was fine at that time too, so no thyroid issues.

I was adamant that I thought it could be peri but middle aged female GP said no. I thought she would know, she’s the most senior doctor too.

There are autoimmune conditions that do not show up on blood tests. Do not label as anxiety just yet, this is often the go-to for doctors when they cannot explain something. I know, it happened to me. I wish doctors would just listen and admit that whilst they do not know exactly what it is, each individual can be looked at and meds prescribed, eg. for pain.

Hi darling. I saw an article the other day saying that ChatGPT had helped a boy diagnose his disease despite seeing an abundance of doctors who were unable to accurately diagnose it... so here we go, worth a shot:"I'm not a medical professional, but I can offer some general insights into potential health issues that might be associated with the symptoms described. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Some possibilities based on the symptoms include:

1. Anxiety and Stress: The symptoms of tiredness, squishy tummy, muscle twitching, and anxiety may be related to stress or anxiety. Propranolol is often prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as low iron or vitamin D, can lead to fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness. Your doctor is already addressing these possibilities.
3. Neurological Conditions: Symptoms like buzzing sensations, muscle twitching, and difficulty walking could be associated with neurological issues. Conditions like multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy might present with similar symptoms.
4. Musculoskeletal Problems: Joint pain, back and neck pain, and muscle aches could be related to musculoskeletal issues, such as fibromyalgia or other inflammatory conditions.
5. Gastrointestinal Problems: Squishy tummy and loss of appetite may indicate gastrointestinal issues or digestive disorders.
6. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, including those related to the thyroid or menopause (despite regular periods), can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue and muscle issues.
7. Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including propranolol, can have side effects that might contribute to symptoms.
8. Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders can cause widespread symptoms, including joint pain and muscle problems.

It's essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to explore these possibilities further, undergo appropriate tests and evaluations, and rule out potential underlying conditions. Seeking a second opinion if you are concerned about your current diagnosis or treatment plan may also be beneficial."

I think you know you aren't dying, otherwise you'd be sitting in A&E waiting to be seen now, not posting for a doctor on here.

Problem is, you are now stuck in a vicious circle of feeling unwell....worrying about feeling unwell...feeling even sicker as a result of the worry.... etc.

You've had some good suggestions on here for things your GP may or may not have already tested, although with the symptoms you've presented and having low ferritin, I'm guessing they would have tested your thyroid, B12 and minerals (magnesium, calcium etc) as part of a FBC. But a quick call to your surgery will soon tell you.

Otherwise, if you do think there's an underlying physical cause for not feeling well, then ask to see another GP in the practice for a second opinion. Be receptive to their suggestions that this might be anxiety-related and use that opportunity to ask what direction they can point you in to help with that.

Hope you feel better soon and get to the bottom of things.

Hey, I have had v similar to what you are describing for months now, without answers. Had blood tests also, which came back fine. Some days I am in so much pain and have such strange buzzing/pins and needles all over I can't work.
I am assuming it's long covid but I also researched every natural supplement I have been taking, and apparently an overdose of collagen can build up and cause similar symptoms (something to do with calcium deposits as a side effect), so I have cut out my collagen recently (marine collagen), as well as maca, and horny goat weed. I had an 'episode' recently but nothing like as bad as before.

If you are taking any supplements I would advise stopping for a month to see if these are causing any side effects; you might be especially sensitive to ingredients and reacting?

Most of all please don't panic; if your vitals are good, and your blood tests ok then you are most likely fine. This is what I always tell myself when I have these episodes.
All the best x

Get a second opinion and write down all your symptoms in a journal.

Are you taking iron with vitamin c on an empty stomach? You may need an infusion if you're not absorbing it well.

Don't underestimate the impact of stress or anxiety, especially with the losses you've had - it's toxic and it genuinely affects your physical health, it's not all in your head at all.

While waiting for more medical advice, you can look at trying to calm your brain and body a little (things like mindfulness, yoga, cutting out sugars and processed foods have helped me).

Honestly I didn’t think anxiety could cause such bad symptoms. I’m aching and buzzing all over, and such bad pain in my legs I can barely walk. It seems really serious just to be caused by feeling upset.

I am trying not to panic. Keep thinking the worst. Doctor Google frightens the life out of you if you look up your symptoms.

Thank you to everyone who has advised what it might be x

I often get muscle pains and weird sensation in my arms etc when my anxiety is bad. Once I was diagnosed with shingles and it turned out to be anxiety. It’s shit but we move

@Garret I am so sorry you are feeling like this. I'm not medically trained, but I don't think you are dying.

I think it is mainly your anxiety, which can do really awful things.

Maybe wait for the bloods and see what that brings. Could it be a virus even? Try to stay calm, easier said than done. I feel for you - sending hugs.

@Garret did the gp check your blood pressure?
Propanalol can lower blood pressure so something to be aware of. My df’s bp dropped to 80/40.

What were your folic acid (folate) and B12 numbers .. actual raw data.

If either of those are low you can get the buzzing you describe.

There is even something called functional deficiency - which means your numbers are find but you are not..

Anxiety caused me chronic dizziness, nausea, felt like my body parts weren’t my own, fatigue, and many more symptoms when it was at its worst. It’s entirely possible your physical symptoms are related to your anxiety and stress levels x