Hi everyone. Have had computer problems so haven’t been able to check in lately. Really missed everyone and the feeling of companionship and comfort here.

I’m having yet another health panic (why do I seem to barely get over one and then another starts?). I went off Flonase (for allergies) after many years a week ago Sat (just wanted to get off medication). Last Wed, while driving, I had a dizzy spell (not spinning feeling, just dizziness and sense of unreality). Then headache started between right eye and top of head on right side. Sun glaring between clouds really intensified the unwell feeling. I was also slightly nauseous. When I got home, I felt totally exhausted – went to bed and slept 12 hours. Felt tired for a couple of days.

2 days later, I started what I assume is a very light period. I’ve had no period since Apr, just the slightest of spotting (not even enough to show on a pad, just on toilet paper). May and Jun were horrendous hot flashes. Now just the very light flow since Fri.

I am still having pain off and on but it’s not severe. I feel stuffy in the head and in the ears (when I eat, I hear myself chewing more than usual if you know what I mean). I have been having a grinding noise in my spine at the base of my skull when I turn my head and some pain/stiffness radiating into shoulders. I’ve also had an off and on “crawly” feeling on the scalp just above where the pain is.

Saw PCP the day after the episode. He did neurological reaction tests which were normal. He said it sounded like a migraine but is sending me for an MRI to set my mind at rest. (He knows I think the worst whenever I have symptoms….or is he actually concerned about something and doesn’t want to tell me? ).

Could this be a migraine set off by fluctuating hormones? Could going off the Flonase cause any of these symptoms? The MRI is Wed, but I’m really getting panicked, as usual, that I have something serious. I’m so tired of feeling panicked this way every time I have a new symptom – I just want to crawl into a cave and cry, which I’m doing as I type this – the crying part, not the cave part - none readily available.

Any advice (or reassuring words) would be greatly appreciated!

Hugs all around - Pam

I think the flonase is involved here.....I used the stuff on and off for years...and it turns out it was making me anxious! It IS a steriod no matter how weak and can mess with your system especially if you are hormonally sensitive! You are probably experiencing rebound (intensified) allergy symptoms beacuse of of going off! Increased congestion and pressure in you head is causing the dizzies, vision problems and weird head stuff.....and it is allergy season! Maybe you could try an OTC allergy med to help?


Try not to worry!!!

My mother had the same problem with Flonase. I believe she switched to Afrin (sp?).

She was feeling jumpy, heart racing, etc. When she finally got off, she had some headaches and stuffiness and what not. Since she switched, she has had no problems. Ask your doctor!!!!

Hope that you are feeling better.