What could be wrong with me?

[mylittlepony1988]

I'm really panicking. I've had low level headache since Saturday.
It's got worse today, I feel dizzy, the left side of my body feels weird and my hands and face are tingly. I don't have diarrhoea but keep needing to poo. I feel sick.
What could be wrong with me?
I'm so stressed at the moment, I'm in a job that is affecting my mental health, my mum has a drink problem, I've got 2 young kids, my uncle is dying from cancer... AIBU to go to A&E? Or should I just ride it out and call in sick tomorrow?

I've started taking iron and high strength vitamin D but surely it's not that? I'm so worried.

Have you called the nhs number? They will tell you whether your symptoms need checking out... hope you're ok

Honestly, without sounding like I'm being patronising because I really am not and I know how scary this can feel. This sounds like anxiety to me. It can really cause havoc with your body, I speak from experience.

I’d phone 111.

@TheLadyIsAVamp do you think so? Even the dizziness/numbness and headache? I have work tomorrow which always makes me feel very anxious and I've been so stressed out with the things I listed. I've not really been sleeping properly or taking care of myself. Do you think I should ride it out and see how I feel tomorrow?

Yes, phone 111. No point worrying all by yourself.

Yes I suppose 111 can judge what would be best for me to do rather than just take myself to a&e x

Anxiety or panic attacks which can be really severe. Phone the NHS number and ask for advice. Can you breathe OK? Do you feel seriously dizzy as if you are going to faint? All that could be a panic attack along with chest pains and nausea. Please do phone NHS and put your mind at rest.

@Bryonny84 yes very very dizzy 😞 I had the stupid idea to have a bath and it's made it so much worse too. It feels like the left side of my body isn't working fully.. it's so scary

You’re describing symptoms that sound very much like anxiety. I would suggest getting an urgent appointment with your GP. Look up NHS advice on recognising and managing anxiety / hyperventilation in the mean time. Hope you get some help and feel better soon.

Needing to poo and nausea can be side effects of iron tablets

I think you should call 111 just to put your mind at ease.

But I agree with the PP, it sounds like perhaps you have a really bad head and the rest stems from anxiety. The more you panic (and the more you use Dr Google!) about what could be wrong, your body will go into a sense of anxiety - hence the poops.

Here I am advising you on anxiety when I guarantee I'll go through the exact same thing at least once this week and forget my own advice!

I hope you're okay. Xx

@Pushmepullyou I wonder if that's unconnected to the other symptoms if you know what I mean and that part is just caused by the iron x

This sounds a lot like a migraine to me. Migraines can have some weird symptoms and can be brought on by stress. I suffer from them and they've caused all the symptoms you describe.

@Peachesandfizz I have been managing on little sleep thanks to stress and my 2 year old not sleeping and having coffee and cola as my main source of hydration so I'm really hoping it's just from that. The thought of work tomorrow is making me feel so much worse too. I need to leave.. my stress levels have been terrible since I started and financially I don't even need it xx

@Beansy8 really? I always imagine migraines to be severe pain that come and go within in a few hours, are yours more like how mine sounds? x

@mylittlepony1988 yes I have had all those symptoms in an anxiety attack. It is certainly worth getting checked over though to be safe but I just wanted to reassure you a little as I was terrified when experiencing it.

@Peachesandfizz Google is terrible!! My uncle is currently in a hospice for a brain tumour which I think is on my mind a lot too x

Are you drinking too much, remember it's not just water that counts. One of the signs of drinking too much (not booze ) is a low level headache. I started getting that plus other signs so today I've taken steps to reduce my liquid intake

Hi OP. I agree with @TheLadyIsAVamp, this could well be anxiety- I have had the same symptoms myself.

That being said, I'm of the firm belief that firstly, any physical symptoms need checking out; and secondly, even if it is anxiety-driven, it is still a real problem and just as worthy of a doctors time as a broken leg.

I'd probably try (not sure how likely it will be these days) to see a doctor tomorrow. Try calming techniques tonight but also ring 111 to be on the safe side/give you peace of mind. If they suggest you go in tonight, then you won't be questioning your decision.

@TheLadyIsAVamp thank you so much. I've been so scared something serious is wrong with me because as a rule I never suffer with headaches, certainly not lasting days x

I once had a banging headache for 4 weeks OP. ironically I was a HCP at the time, I didn't see a doctor but my colleagues knew, they weren't interested 🙄. I suspect I was overtired, dehydrated and under too much stress

@Sweetpotatofalafels my surgery is amazing, I've just been online and there is 3 GP appointments available for me to book on the app for tomorrow. I think I'm going to call in sick and go and speak to them. I've had some weird things going on.. hair loss, constant colds.. just not felt right for a while

It sounds like too much caffeine and maybe a headache/migraine and some anxiety. Cut the caffeine right down, drink plenty of water and maybe some rehydration salts to help. I hope you get some more sleep soon.

@Sweetpotatofalafels that makes my mind feel much more at rest that you've had headache for a long time before and you were a HCP so you'll have some knowledge!
I've never had more than a headache that's lasted an evening never mind this weird numbness and tingling. Some days I only have 1 drink that isn't tea or coffee and I'm always tired and stressed so maybe it's brought this on x