I feel like I'm dying! Please tell me I'm 'normal'! Options

[sandyln1]

I have been near tears the last 6-8 weeks or so, thinking that I am dying of some horrible disease. I have been having panic-type symptoms for a year or so, I get shaky, lightheaded, nauseous, heart palps, feeling like I'm going to pass out, and just an over-all weird feeling. Once in awhile it hits me with the feeling that I'm getting the flu, but it never materializes into anything. About 3 weeks ago, I started getting this tingling feeling on the left side of my head. It's not painful or anything, just annoying. It's not continual, but comes and goes pretty often. I'm trying not to panic, but I get all sorts of thoughts that I have a brain tumor or something. Up until the tingling in the head started, I chalked all the other symptoms up to peri, but now I'm wondering about the tingling head. Has anyone else had this?

I am almost 41, in otherwise good health, and haven't ever had any other medical problems. My cycle is totally normal, every 4 weeks like clockwork. I have an appointment next week for a complete physical, just because I want to know if I'm dying or not. Sometimes I have these 'waves' come over me where I feel, I don't really know how to explain it, I feel like I'm going crazy and that I'm losing my mind. It feels like I'm sitting still and life is just passing me by and I can't jump on. It feels like the world is closing in around me and I'm about to be suffocated. Then an hour later I'll feel fine.

Out of the blue I'll get this feeling that I'm going to pass out, lightheadedness, and nausea. That may last several minutes, then I'll be fine.

My husband has been totally supporting in all of this, and he is convinced that it is all menopause-related. I just hope he's right and that I don't have something seriously wrong with me!!! Honestly, I feel that if I know it's all hormonal and menopause-related, that I can deal with it, it'll just be an annoying blip in my life. I just want to know I don't have some serious disease and that I'm not dying!

Does this all sound familiar? Is there anything to take that will relieve peri/menopause symptoms?

Thank you all! This place is great and has helped me tremendously!!!

[didgens]

I know you have described everything I and many of us here have been feeling. (although I could add about 15 more symptoms). Go to the doc,, get it all checked out .. but you sound like so many of us ,, the dizzy ,, disconnected feeling. I get the menopause flu,, horrible body aches like Im getting the flu but they last for about 12 days and then when my cycle ends they go away.. your not alone

[BellaC]

(((((((Sandyln1)))))))

Yes this sounds all too familiar. I am having health anxiety off the charts right now. Like didgens posted, many of the women here are going through the same.

It is good that you have an appointment with your doctor. Make a list of the things you would like to talk to your doctor about. Please come back and post after your appointment.

Take care and keep us posted.

Bella

[joyceveronica]

I have been near tears the last 6-8 weeks or so, thinking that I am dying of some horrible disease. I have been having panic-type symptoms for a year or so, I get shaky, lightheaded, nauseous, heart palps, feeling like I'm going to pass out, and just an over-all weird feeling. Once in awhile it hits me with the feeling that I'm getting the flu, but it never materializes into anything. About 3 weeks ago, I started getting this tingling feeling on the left side of my head. It's not painful or anything, just annoying. It's not continual, but comes and goes pretty often. I'm trying not to panic, but I get all sorts of thoughts that I have a brain tumor or something. Up until the tingling in the head started, I chalked all the other symptoms up to peri, but now I'm wondering about the tingling head. Has anyone else had this?

I am almost 41, in otherwise good health, and haven't ever had any other medical problems. My cycle is totally normal, every 4 weeks like clockwork. I have an appointment next week for a complete physical, just because I want to know if I'm dying or not. Sometimes I have these 'waves' come over me where I feel, I don't really know how to explain it, I feel like I'm going crazy and that I'm losing my mind. It feels like I'm sitting still and life is just passing me by and I can't jump on. It feels like the world is closing in around me and I'm about to be suffocated. Then an hour later I'll feel fine.

Out of the blue I'll get this feeling that I'm going to pass out, lightheadedness, and nausea. That may last several minutes, then I'll be fine.

My husband has been totally supporting in all of this, and he is convinced that it is all menopause-related. I just hope he's right and that I don't have something seriously wrong with me!!! Honestly, I feel that if I know it's all hormonal and menopause-related, that I can deal with it, it'll just be an annoying blip in my life. I just want to know I don't have some serious disease and that I'm not dying!

Does this all sound familiar? Is there anything to take that will relieve peri/menopause symptoms?

Thank you all! This place is great and has helped me tremendously!!!

Dear 'sandylyn1'
All sounds very normal for symptoms of Peri-Menopause.Do not worry honey you are not going to die and with the right programme of treatment you will get through it all.Which road you take will be your choice.There is BHRT and HRT plus some great Herbal and Vitamin supplements.
Am amazed how understanding and savvy your husband is.Quite unusual but a great blessing for you as he is very supportive.

Am very happy you Posted
You have come to the right place for support,compassion and fantastic information
I swear all of these ladies should be awarded Honoury Degrees in the management and support of the "Menopausal Gang"

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
Please remind them to check on your Thyroid when you have your physical

[DollieDee]

[quote name='sandyln1' date='Jun 4 2009, 10:15 AM' post='288325']
I have been near tears the last 6-8 weeks or so, thinking that I am dying of some horrible disease. I have been having panic-type symptoms for a year or so, I get shaky, lightheaded, nauseous, heart palps, feeling like I'm going to pass out, and just an over-all weird feeling. Once in awhile it hits me with the feeling that I'm getting the flu, but it never materializes into anything. About 3 weeks ago, I started getting this tingling feeling on the left side of my head. It's not painful or anything, just annoying. It's not continual, but comes and goes pretty often. I'm trying not to panic, but I get all sorts of thoughts that I have a brain tumor or something. Up until the tingling in the head started, I chalked all the other symptoms up to peri, but now I'm wondering about the tingling head. Has anyone else had this? [QUOTE]

Dear Sandy...I have EVERYTHING you are describing for the past 7 months now-minus the tingling (at least not yet)!

[QUOTE]I am almost 41, in otherwise good health, and haven't ever had any other medical problems. My cycle is totally normal, every 4 weeks like clockwork. [QUOTE]

Me too, I turn 41 next month and all of this really started just about a year ago. But got terribly worse in December. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks in April and if you read some of my posts (as many of these wonderful ladies here can attest to) I have basically been losing my mind trying to answer so many of the same questions as you are. This is so difficult, I know, but you are in a safe good place filled with loving compassionate people that can really help you and make such a difference during all of this confusion and suffering.

[QUOTE] Sometimes I have these 'waves' come over me where I feel, I don't really know how to explain it, I feel like I'm going crazy and that I'm losing my mind. It feels like I'm sitting still and life is just passing me by and I can't jump on. It feels like the world is closing in around me and I'm about to be suffocated. Then an hour later I'll feel fine. Out of the blue I'll get this feeling that I'm going to pass out, lightheadedness, and nausea. That may last several minutes, then I'll be fine. [QUOTE]

I go through this SAME cycle of (terrifying) symptoms dozens of times every day, the exact EXACT same feelings as you described! It was terrifying at first and I'm slowly learning not to panic and that this is all a part of this hormonal ride. I thought I was too young to be going through this now, but after coming here and reading so many similar stories I am learning this can happen to any woman at any time for so many different reasons.


[QUOTE]Does this all sound familiar? [QUOTE]

YES, YES, and YES...unfortunately

[QUOTE] Is there anything to take that will relieve peri/menopause symptoms?[QUOTE]

Mant many things, from BHRT/HRT to vitamins, supplements, herbs, acupuncture, you name it....I am still working on what helps and what doesnt, we are all different, so you will have to experiement with all the recommended therapies and see what works best for you. There is definitely no magic cure-all, but many supplements have helped me tremendously already and I am going to see a gyno who prescribes bhrt because I really feel that my symptoms have become debilitating and I need more than just a vitamin at this point to reestablish some internal balance. But just keep reading there are SO many resources here.

Please keep posting and sharing what you feel and how you are doing. This site has literally saved my life on so many levels when I thought there was no hope at all left for me. There is always someone here to listen and care. Good luck at the doctor...
God bless...Dee

[stitchnanny]

Hi Sandy:

Welcome to PS, It sure sounds like you are starting peri. I think it is great you are going to the doctor for a full checkup. It never hurts to be sure.

The symptoms you describe seem to be related to peri and anxiety. Anxiety is my worse symptom!

You will find lots of support here and the ladies are so smart and will help every step of the way.

Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

[sandyln1]

Thank you all!!! It is so nice to know that others understand what I'm feeling!! Sometimes I feel so alone and that I'm losing my mind!

I know Elizabeth mentioned that I should have my thyroid checked. Are there any other specific things I should have them do or test, or specifically ask? I'm going to a new doctor and I'm hoping that she's caring and compassionate about menopause sufferings!

Thanks again! This place is awesome!

[nc53215]

if you are up to taking meds xaanax is good for anxiety, which i think is causing your symtoms- just ask doc if he could give you some thing for anxiety- its called alprazolam- ( xaxnax )

[janet c]

quote

" I started getting this tingling feeling on the left side of my head. It's not painful or anything, just annoying. It's not continual, but comes and goes pretty often. I'm trying not to panic, but I get all sorts of thoughts that I have a brain tumor or something. Up until the tingling in the head started, I chalked all the other symptoms up to peri, but now I'm wondering about the tingling head. Has anyone else had this?"

Yes I have had it for a very long time. In my case it is due to muscle spasms in my back and neck. I notice it worst when I am in bed at night. Do you have a bad back or stiff neck? It sounds like tension to me.Don't worry
janet c

[Shebee]

I wish that I had went to the doctor and starting on bio identical hormones 3-4 years back. I had a terrible time, too! I am in peri, and I really had no idea that my symptoms were menopausal because I was having regular periods. I wasted a lot of time. I suffered....my family suffered...and yes, with all of the weird symtoms.

I now feel very good. Every day now is a Good day.

Run....don't walk to a doc. Call a compounding pharmacy and ask them what docs work with bioidentical hormones. You will be so glad that you did.
Shebee

[crazymom18]

You are not crazy--and certainly not alone! I could add 20 things to your list. I cried when i found this site and realized that i wasnt alone and i wasnt dying! I take herbs and have recently relented and started Ad's and on the really horrible days---i turn to Capt. and Coke! I know---caffeine and alcohol arent the best thing to do----but there are days when that is the only thing that shuts my brain off and lets me relax!
Good luck--hang in there

[sandyln1]

I had another thought enter my brain and has me going 'crazy'! When I go to the doctor and describe all these problems I'm having, is she going to put me through every test in the book...MRI, CT Scan, EKG, on and on and on? Not to mention the cost factor of all that has me going crazy, but waiting for the test results will have me in panic mode!!!

Can they tell what the cause is by looking at my blood work? Hormones out of whack and everything else? I really don't want to have to schedule a million different tests, not to mention the logistics of finding someone to watch my kids while I schlep off to all those appointments!!

Am I getting the cart way before the horse??

Thanks!

[Michah Hadley]

Hi sweet cheeks,

I have peri symptoms since I was 32. I am 35 now and was dx about a month ago. I have been on a disability pension for over a year. I am housebound and cannot work.......my mood swings were so severe, I was misdx Bipolar II in 2007 and put on medication for it. My therapists have since retracted it as it is all related to hormones.......I have now started HRT. I feel that I have had so much taken from me due to this dastardly thing, and till this day I get the gnawing questions, Why is it so bad for me? This is a natural phase in life, why do I feel like I have an illness? Why is it easier on some and not on others? What makes me so flawed? I don't know the answers, all I know is that the longer this goes on the more set in my ways I get. I am worried that even as I get better, I may not recognise it. Thank God for my psychologist!

Yes, I want my life back......I want to go back and finish my science degree and I want to walk through a shopping centre without having a panic attack and a whole bunch of other things.......but i am trying to use my "sabbatical" to write a book, spend some long deserved time with myself and go through the painful but rewarding process of finding myself. It is very, very hard.

I am always comforted by the fact that many women on here find their way out of the wilderness......sometimes it is the only thing that keeps me going....

It WILL get easier........

[Michah Hadley]

I had another thought enter my brain and has me going 'crazy'! When I go to the doctor and describe all these problems I'm having, is she going to put me through every test in the book...MRI, CT Scan, EKG, on and on and on? Not to mention the cost factor of all that has me going crazy, but waiting for the test results will have me in panic mode!!!

Can they tell what the cause is by looking at my blood work? Hormones out of whack and everything else? I really don't want to have to schedule a million different tests, not to mention the logistics of finding someone to watch my kids while I schlep off to all those appointments!!

Am I getting the cart way before the horse??

Thanks!

Sweetie, in peri, your hormones will fluctuate in preparation for menopause. Blood work for peri is NOT definitive. You would have to take your blood everyday for a month to see marked differences. 2 years ago I was at 1350 for eostrogen, then it went down to 500 recently.......menopause according to our testing here is <100. So you could say that I am "400 away from menopause" but I am still getting my period even if it is irregular and revolting. It will go up and down. I was dx based on symptoms, age and family history by my new and improved dr who was prepared to look past the fact that I am only 35.

An EKG is a great idea.......it will help with some of the fear nasties.......with all the crap I have had done over the last 2 years(CT scans, thyroid biopsies for cysts and nodules with goiter, ultrasounds, internal examinations and God knows) I KNOW that I never want someone to touch me again and also that I am not dying. It is good to know. At least then you have something to argue with yourself!!

Get done what you can to appease yourself, get a dx so you know how to be treated and then put it to bed.........it will get easier, babe

[sandyln1]

I had my physical today and I'm none too happy with my doctor's responses!! She is not quite 40, so she probably has no clue as to what I was talking about, nor has she probably researched peri/menopause symptoms. I have looked at the 34 symptoms of menopause and I have about half of them. I told her that, but when I told her my symptoms, she made a funny face and said, "Hmmm....those don't sound like classic symptoms of menopause." She seems to think that since my cycle is completely normal and regular, that it can't be peri symptoms. Ugh!!! Helloooooo...not everyone has the same exact symptoms at the same exact time!!

I did convince her to do blood work and check my thyroid and hormones, but she didn't think it was necessary. I should get those results tomorrow or Thursday. In the meantime, I guess I'm not dying of some dreadful disease, so I'll just go along like I was before. At least I am a little more convinced that it is all peri!

[Sukie]

I had my physical today and I'm none too happy with my doctor's responses!! She is not quite 40, so she probably has no clue as to what I was talking about, nor has she probably researched peri/menopause symptoms. I have looked at the 34 symptoms of menopause and I have about half of them. I told her that, but when I told her my symptoms, she made a funny face and said, "Hmmm....those don't sound like classic symptoms of menopause." She seems to think that since my cycle is completely normal and regular, that it can't be peri symptoms. Ugh!!! Helloooooo...not everyone has the same exact symptoms at the same exact time!!

I did convince her to do blood work and check my thyroid and hormones, but she didn't think it was necessary. I should get those results tomorrow or Thursday. In the meantime, I guess I'm not dying of some dreadful disease, so I'll just go along like I was before. At least I am a little more convinced that it is all peri!

Oh, shoot, sandyln1,

I was hoping to catch you before you had your doctor's appointment to warn you that they weren't going to take your perimenopause theory seriously. And not to get down about that.

But you beat me to it!

Your doctor's response was to be expected. (Grrrrr. It's one of the things that has really irritated me about this whole ride.) I've had many doctors tell me I'm not perimenopausal. And no one will even test my blood for hormones because my cycles are normal, too. Never mind the fact that I barely have cramps anymore (and they used to be absolutely debilitating) and my periods come 4 days early now (used to be 29 days apart like clockwork). Annnnnd never mind the fact that I suffered from EXTREME hypochondriasis, anxiety and depression.

Listen to the ladies on this board. It's very, very, very weird to believe that all of this could be hormones but it very well may be for you. They're powerful little buggers and when they're dropping and surging and rollercoastering all over the place, it makes you feel super weird. And why wouldn't you think you were sick if you're not used to feeling super weird?

Here's my little bit of good news:

I was a severe case: I actually admitted myself to the hospital, I was so freaked out. But here we are 7 months later and I'm starting to develop the coping skills it might take to get through this.

I'm starting to learn how to recognize what's going on with me. Dr. Claire Weekes' book helped me a lot. (Hope and help for your nerves). In the past, my anxiety would actually make me anxious. It was a cycle. I'd get anxious and then get anxious about being anxious. Or sad and then anxious about being sad. And it would just circle around on itself until it was unmanageable. But now I'm learning to try to accept the crazy feelings and sort of ride through them. Instead of trying to pretend they're not there or getting all worked up about them.

It's taken me a good long while to get to this point and I still have my ups and downs. But I think there's something to be said for getting used to the weirdness of this time. Once it's a little more familiar and the 400 doctors you've seen tell you you're physically normal, you can start to relax into a new emotional baseline.

Anyway, congratulations on your physical report card. And come out here when you want to get some empathy 'cause the medical field is out to lunch on this one.

xo

Sukie

[sandyln1]

Thanks, Sukie!