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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell the GP I think I'm really not well and ask for more help?

76 replies

Eviolle · 21/05/2024 20:52

I can't tell if I'm BU anymore or not as I'm very tired (4mo and an almost 3yo) and in pain.

I've had a feeling of dizziness for quite a few weeks, but it felt very strange, almost like I wasn't quite 'with it' rather than feeling dizzy? Is that what brain fog is?

The symptoms have just gotten worse and worse, I now have:

  • dizziness
  • headache which is much worse when I sit up
  • feeling of pressure in my head
  • eye pain
  • ear pain
  • this funny brain fog
  • neck pain
  • nasty taste in my mouth
  • balance problems (related to the dizziness?)

I don't think it's connected but I do also have a really nasty cough which I've had for weeks.

I've seen two GPs, one said he could see fluid in my ear and it was 'Glue Ear' and gave me antibiotics. I went back a second time and saw a different GP who told me she couldn't see any fluid but I had "dull eardrums", said it was sinusitis and gave me different antibiotics. I finished that set today. She was a lovely GP and basically said I was knackered, and breastfeeding was draining all my nutrients so I was bound to feel rough.

My symptoms just seem to be getting worse though, and I feel worried about trying to look after two littles on my own. However, I don't know if I'm just panicking or if there genuinely could be something else going on?

Anyone had similar? Aibu or just neurotic.

OP posts:
Solocup · 21/05/2024 20:55

Pay for a private gp consult. It’s about £150 and you get a full hour. They refer their findings back to your gp. Well worth the money. The doctors just don’t take women seriously.
make sure you’re doing what you need to re the basics too - sleep, water, nutrition.
At the very least you should have had a blood test. Request one.

Ithinktomyselfwhatawonderfulworld · 21/05/2024 20:57

I suffered similar symptoms post covid - only picked up it was related as I had tachycardia

Ithinktomyselfwhatawonderfulworld · 21/05/2024 20:58

I should add they did clear but took 12 weeks or so to fully go, improved within a month.

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 20:58

Solocup · 21/05/2024 20:55

Pay for a private gp consult. It’s about £150 and you get a full hour. They refer their findings back to your gp. Well worth the money. The doctors just don’t take women seriously.
make sure you’re doing what you need to re the basics too - sleep, water, nutrition.
At the very least you should have had a blood test. Request one.

I hadn't thought of private, I'll have a look. Thank you.

OP posts:
Roundroundthegarden · 21/05/2024 20:59

Definitely go private if you can. You will get some headway, at least some blood tests done and be listened to properly. I don't even bother with my gp anymore. They just waste my time and send me on a chase to nothing.

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:00

Ithinktomyselfwhatawonderfulworld · 21/05/2024 20:57

I suffered similar symptoms post covid - only picked up it was related as I had tachycardia

I've never had Covid (unless that's what this cough is!) but I do have tachycardia too, heart rate was 109 at the GPs when she saw me. I'll have to do a test maybe? Dunno if it would still be positive though now.

OP posts:
LooneyLiberalSpaceWaster · 21/05/2024 21:15

Yes. I have allergies to every common airborn allergens. I have ongoing sinus issues which clear with antibiotics, but return within a few weeks.

Your symptoms match mine. Sinusitis seems likely from what you've described. It can effect your ears and therefore your balance.

Hay-fever apparently is much worse this year, do you suffer with hay fever?

Maybe the antibiotics haven't completely worked, second course maybe?

Riversideandrelax · 21/05/2024 21:20

What is your cough like? Could it be whooping cough?

Your symptoms are similar to mine and I've been tachycardic with it too.

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:24

LooneyLiberalSpaceWaster · 21/05/2024 21:15

Yes. I have allergies to every common airborn allergens. I have ongoing sinus issues which clear with antibiotics, but return within a few weeks.

Your symptoms match mine. Sinusitis seems likely from what you've described. It can effect your ears and therefore your balance.

Hay-fever apparently is much worse this year, do you suffer with hay fever?

Maybe the antibiotics haven't completely worked, second course maybe?

I do have hay-fever, and I haven't been taking anything for it because I'm breastfeeding so I've been reluctant to take anything at all. It's not normally particularly bad though, it's normally gone after a couple of weeks of just itchy eyes and some sneezes.

I've had two courses of antibiotics, I completed the first set before going back and being given a second set, so I've had Amoxocillin and then Penicillin V.

OP posts:
Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:25

Riversideandrelax · 21/05/2024 21:20

What is your cough like? Could it be whooping cough?

Your symptoms are similar to mine and I've been tachycardic with it too.

I did wonder about whooping cough but I don't whoop?

I'm absolutely fine, and then have these huge coughing fits where I cough and cough for minutes/an hour, keep coughing up really thick, stringy mucus and then it stops again. It's a really harsh cough, can't feel it in my chest, it seems to be in my throat if that makes sense?

OP posts:
LiterallyOnFire · 21/05/2024 21:28

I had multiple deficiencies (most worryingly B12) due to unsuspected malabsorption issues, and that is exactly how it first presented. (The head pressure thing was awful.) But lots of things apparently do present the same way. Those are very non-specific symptoms apparently. So make sure you start with a full set of bloods and work through things systematically with your GP. Also be aware that lots of women with non-specific symptoms are labelled "anxious" whether they are or not. So be business like and if you have a good GP, stick with them.

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:36

LiterallyOnFire · 21/05/2024 21:28

I had multiple deficiencies (most worryingly B12) due to unsuspected malabsorption issues, and that is exactly how it first presented. (The head pressure thing was awful.) But lots of things apparently do present the same way. Those are very non-specific symptoms apparently. So make sure you start with a full set of bloods and work through things systematically with your GP. Also be aware that lots of women with non-specific symptoms are labelled "anxious" whether they are or not. So be business like and if you have a good GP, stick with them.

I did wonder about B12 deficiency (I have googled these symptoms so many times in the past couple of weeks), as I did have tingly lips and my mouth felt like it was burning at one point, but that seems to have stopped in the past week - I have also been taking a multivitamin the past week so maybe coincidence?

The second GP seemed really lovely, albeit maybe a little dismissive because of the breastfeeding comment? But I might try to get an appointment with her again tomorrow and see how we go. Then try private if no joy.

OP posts:
browrobin · 21/05/2024 21:39

Are you under any stress OP? I've had all sorts of symptoms including the ones you list when under a lot of stress! Worth considering.

Spaghettihoops1 · 21/05/2024 21:43

I could have written your post minus the breastfeeding! I've had similar symptoms except the cough for 4 weeks now. I had tonsillitis a few days into feeling really run down and now that's gone but I'm still dizzy/ funny eyes, so incredibly tired, shakey arms, generally feeling rubbish. I've not gone back to the docs yet but I'm having an eye test tomorrow to rule that out. The head pressure was awful, felt like I was going to get a nose bleed!

Kitkat1523 · 21/05/2024 21:45

Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:25

I did wonder about whooping cough but I don't whoop?

I'm absolutely fine, and then have these huge coughing fits where I cough and cough for minutes/an hour, keep coughing up really thick, stringy mucus and then it stops again. It's a really harsh cough, can't feel it in my chest, it seems to be in my throat if that makes sense?

Show quote history

Nhs cancer targets mean you should be referred for at least a chest X-ray after a 3 week cough…have you asked for this?
I currently have whooping cough…been coughing 2.5 weeks….. and have been given today by gp a form to get a drop I. X-ray if I’m coughing next week….although I’ve finished my antibiotics, gp took a sputum sample today ( I also have stringy mucus) to check for bacteria…..he also prescribed nasal steroid spray and codeine , both to suppress the cough so I can get some rest…..your gp sounds a bit crap

olympicsrock · 21/05/2024 21:46

You have an ear infection and sinusitis. They can take a while to settle down.

Mairzydotes · 21/05/2024 21:51

Are you sure all the symptoms are connected? I always get a horrible taste with hay-fever.

Since your breastfeeding, I'd suggest dehydration may be the cause of your dizziness/ ear / head symptoms. Especially as the weather has got warmer recently. It's certainly something to eliminate, and drinking more tends to be beneficial. I don't mean to sound patronising, but I felt very unwell when breastfeeding due to being slightly dehydrated.

Neck pain due to the posture of holding a new baby.

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:53

browrobin · 21/05/2024 21:39

Are you under any stress OP? I've had all sorts of symptoms including the ones you list when under a lot of stress! Worth considering.

No more stress than you'd normally expect with two small children I think? Nothing untoward anyway but you're right, it is something to think about.

OP posts:
Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:59

Kitkat1523 · 21/05/2024 21:45

Nhs cancer targets mean you should be referred for at least a chest X-ray after a 3 week cough…have you asked for this?
I currently have whooping cough…been coughing 2.5 weeks….. and have been given today by gp a form to get a drop I. X-ray if I’m coughing next week….although I’ve finished my antibiotics, gp took a sputum sample today ( I also have stringy mucus) to check for bacteria…..he also prescribed nasal steroid spray and codeine , both to suppress the cough so I can get some rest…..your gp sounds a bit crap

Show quote history

No I haven't, I'll mention it if I get to see someone tomorrow. I was treated for Pneumonia end of 2022 so I did have a chest x-ray then, I seem to struggle to shift coughs since then.

OP posts:
Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 22:01

Mairzydotes · 21/05/2024 21:51

Are you sure all the symptoms are connected? I always get a horrible taste with hay-fever.

Since your breastfeeding, I'd suggest dehydration may be the cause of your dizziness/ ear / head symptoms. Especially as the weather has got warmer recently. It's certainly something to eliminate, and drinking more tends to be beneficial. I don't mean to sound patronising, but I felt very unwell when breastfeeding due to being slightly dehydrated.

Neck pain due to the posture of holding a new baby.

I've no idea if they're connected, I've only assumed so because it's all 'in my head'!

I have been mindful of trying to drink more as I'm terrible for not drinking much but I'll definitely try and increase my fluid intake, and you may well be right about the posture thing. Thank you.

OP posts:
Riversideandrelax · 21/05/2024 22:02

Eviolle · 21/05/2024 21:25

I did wonder about whooping cough but I don't whoop?

I'm absolutely fine, and then have these huge coughing fits where I cough and cough for minutes/an hour, keep coughing up really thick, stringy mucus and then it stops again. It's a really harsh cough, can't feel it in my chest, it seems to be in my throat if that makes sense?

Show quote history

Not everyone has the 'whoop'.

That sounds like whooping cough. How long have you had it?

ThankYouAgainAgain · 21/05/2024 22:04

I find these amazing for stopping hayfever in its tracks.

https://tinyurl.com/4ybe94k8

I used to get vertigo with hayfever when my son was tiny. I have no idea why.

I also struggle with drinking enough water which can really mess me up.

That's quite a cough you have there though and I would be wondering a bit about that.

I wonder if you maybe have recurrent bronchitis?

Also having tiny children and breastfeeding is incredibly demanding. When I was breastfeeding the hormones made me feel like superwoman and I wasn't aware of how hard I was driving my body. It might be that you're really driving yourself hard and barely aware of it.

Take care there and good luck. Flowers

Sunnysummer24 · 21/05/2024 22:04

I would go back to the GP and ask to take bloods especially for iron and vitamin B12.

Also make an opticians appointment.

TangerinePlate · 21/05/2024 22:05

Yes. Sinusitis, cough, blocked ear, dull eardrums and tinnitus sometimes.Kidneys are still being investigated.

I have been under hell of a lot of stress (recovering now) and ran ragged.

Steroid spray has opened up the sinuses and got rid of the gunk. Ear still not 100%

Original poster
Eviolle · 21/05/2024 22:06

Riversideandrelax · 21/05/2024 22:02

Not everyone has the 'whoop'.

That sounds like whooping cough. How long have you had it?

Show quote history

It feels like forever, at least three weeks I think. It's making me miserable because I thought my pelvic floor was recovering well(ish) from childbirth but I keep peeing whenever I cough!

That and it keeping me awake when I suddenly start coughing for an hour and I'm exhausted and just want to sleep.

OP posts: