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Original poster

Diagnose me!

33 replies

doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:17

I'm a long term sufferer of anxiety, particularly health anxiety. Have upped my meds recently to see if that helps, but only a few days in and no real change.
I've put on 5 stone in 2 years due to anxiety meds, just under the threshold for diabetes (tested last in August with full blood panel all fine)
I've had a bad time at home and work over the past couple of months. Issues at work causing me anxiety and 2 poorly family members.
For 6 weeks now I've felt lightheaded and had a fuzzy head. I'm also tired, but not exhausted. Generally sleeping 8pm-6am but can get through the day ok with no general fatigue.
I feel like I can't concentrate or think properly and keep making silly mistakes, getting the odd word mixed up. Not lost any weight etc and no other symptoms.
Is this anxiety causing it all? If not vertigo maybe? I've tried antihistamines but they made no difference. Menopause maybe? I've just turned 40? Just pure exhaustion from working full time and ferrying my kids to 12 activities between them? Stress?
Either way it's driving me mad.

OP posts:
Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:19

I don't feel dizzy, just fuzzy. Almost like I've had a bit to drink. A bit like I'm not in my own body or I'm dreaming.
And my eye sight seems a tiny bit out of focus sometimes.

OP posts:
AQuantityOfNaughtyCats · 20/12/2023 15:19

Low iron and/or ferritin? Low B12? Low vit D? Dodgy thyroid? Perimenopause?

EndOfMyTether11 · 20/12/2023 15:20

They're all symptoms of anxiety.

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:20

I've been taking vitamin d for months now so don't think it's that. Got some b12 but only took it for 2 days as it gave me horrendous diarrhoea.

OP posts:
Stresa22 · 20/12/2023 15:21

Mineral deficiency? Carrying too much weight. Stress.

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:21

I am wondering if it's pure anxiety. Never had these symptoms previously though. I feel like I'm wading through jelly. Everything is so difficult and I've got no energy or motivation.

OP posts:
Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:23

Had a full check up 6 weeks ago. BP fine, pulse rate fine. I went because of the dizziness and because I could feel my heart pounding. Even had a quick ecg in the surgery and everything seemed fine.

OP posts:
TitusMoan · 20/12/2023 15:23

What medication is it?

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:23

Sertraline. Been on it for 2 years though and never had side effects.

OP posts:
Stresa22 · 20/12/2023 15:23

Are you able to sign off for a couple of weeks and get some rest and then see how you feel?

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:24

I've got a week off over Christmas so hoping that will help things.

OP posts:
User1343 · 20/12/2023 15:26

I recommend The Body Keeps the Score (Bessel Van Der Kolk) and When the Body Says No (Gabor Maté).

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:27

Thank you. I'll get on Amazon.

OP posts:
User1343 · 20/12/2023 15:31

doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:27

Thank you. I'll get on Amazon.

You’re welcome.

Also recommend looking up Pure O OCD (the Mind website has some good info) as that rings a bell for me with what you say too.

Hope you feel better soon. Xx

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:34

Oh yes forgot to mention the horrendous OCD. Although sertraline seems to have helped a fair bit with that.
It's just hard as I struggle to know whether I'm actually poorly or just anxious.

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 20/12/2023 15:41

If you have a gas supply to your house have you got a CO monitor and is it working? Are you taking a decent amount of vitamin D? Around 5000 IU per day from October to March?
Have you travelled anywhere tropical in the last year?

endofthelinefinally · 20/12/2023 15:43

Has your prescription medication come from a different manufacturer?

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:44

No medication the same supplier. Not travelled anywhere. Boiler just been serviced, CO alarm working fine and no-one else in the house with symptoms.

OP posts:
Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:45

Vitamin D is 4000 out

OP posts:
Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:45

Iu not out

OP posts:
Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 15:47

I also have a finger thing that does your pulse and O2. Pulse is always around the 100 mark but apparently that's normal for someone overweight and o2 level 97 or 98%

OP posts:
MummySS22 · 20/12/2023 18:31

I have super bad anxiety mainly health anxiety too. I get all these symptoms and have been doing for the last year. I've had all sorts of tests and nothing has come up that's a major concern. I've been worrying my little head off and it just seems to be more relentless. I've had to accept that it is my anxiety.

Original poster
doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 18:42

Thanks @MummySS22
Nice to know I'm not alone. It's a cycle isn't it, and the worrying about it seems to make it worse.

OP posts:
Theoldcuriosityshop · 20/12/2023 19:24

Have you heard of derealisation/depersonalisation. Where you feel as though you're living in a bubble looking out on the world.

MummySS22 · 20/12/2023 19:31

doingmaheadin · 20/12/2023 18:42

Thanks @MummySS22
Nice to know I'm not alone. It's a cycle isn't it, and the worrying about it seems to make it worse.

Also as @Theoldcuriosityshop says it does so sound like derealization. I get it ALOT especially if I'm on one of my anxious tangents... Its a horrid feeling, I've been to a and e and GP many a times with symptoms like yours convinced I was dying and they've found NOTHING. Doesn't stop us worrying though. X

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