Anxiety/depression or more?

[JennNYC]

I originally had this under "tell us your medical story" but I thought this was a better place to put it...

About a year and a half ago, I started having stomach problems (no appetite, nausea, some vomiting, heartburn, lightheadedness, etc) so I went to my dr and was put on nexium for GERD. After it didn't help, I was given an endoscopy that found nothing wrong. I lost 25 pounds in the course of about 4 months.

When I went back to my dr for the 3rd time in 2 months, he suggested that my problem may not be stomach-related, it was anxiety related and suggested I see a psychiatrist. I was going through some family stuff at the time and instead saw a psychologist (not ready to admit I needed meds). Working with her for 6 months, we "unpacked a lot of baggage" and since I still had some physical symptoms (the lightheadedness, periods of no appetite, general moodiness and some pain issues), I decided to see the psychiatrist to see if meds would help.

The psych gave me Lexapro, which I took 5 mg for a week then 10mg. Well, I never felt worse! I got headaches, felt disconnected from everyone and everything around me, had strange jaw clenching and parathesia at all times (hands and mouth), had positively murderous thoughts when I was woken up by BF's snoring, and I barely slept. I decided after a month to stop, and informed the psych I was going to wean myself off. She instead told me to switch to Zoloft, so I did and experienced many of the same issues. I stopped for good about 3 weeks ago.

My overall issue is that the lightheadedness/dizziness hasn't gone away, as most of the physical symptoms I started out with. And to boot, the lexapro withdrawal is giving me hot flashes! I'm 36, I shouldn't have hot flashes yet. Anyway, I'm starting to wonder if the lightheadedness is all in my head (ha ha) or if there are some real medical issues behind it. I saw a neurologist for the headaches but she said my xrays were normal.

I'm unsure if I should start over with a new doctor? However, I feel my dr did a great job of listening to my complaints and doing tests and probably has accurately diagnosed my condition. But...the lightheadedness/dizziness is driving me nuts. Help/suggestions?

[johnwayne]

Ask your psych about Bipolar II.

[JennNYC]

Thanks, I don't think it's either of those. I had lyme tests and other immune tests earlier this year and they were normal. I've lived in NYC for a few years so I don't think they just got around to putting up a tower. But thanks for your input.

[Nutritionist7]

Your symptoms are the same of many people I have talked to. Your problem consists of several stresses to your body. Among them is stress to the digestive system and improper absorbtion of nutrients. These can be helped. Could I ask what state you live in?

[JennNYC]

Your symptoms are the same of many people I have talked to. Your problem consists of several stresses to your body. Among them is stress to the digestive system and improper absorbtion of nutrients. These can be helped. Could I ask what state you live in?

I live in NY.

[syl83]

there are some healthy living habits that can help a person get through difficult situations in life.
1. learning to relax
deep breathing exercise and meditation can help remove tension

2. making a problem list
a big problem may seem less difficult to handle when broken up into
smaller, achievable tasks. Set short-term goals that can be reached

3. Exercise
physical activities help us to relax. You will feel more positive if you more fit

4. taking a break
this help to get you out of a rut and you will return feeling more refreshed.

[Nutritionist7]

Am I correct in assuming that you still have all of the symptoms? Are there any other symptoms?

[JennNYC]

Am I correct in assuming that you still have all of the symptoms? Are there any other symptoms?

Still experiencing many of the symptoms on a daily basis.

[Nutritionist7]

What medications and supplements are you currently taking?

[JennNYC]

What medications and supplements are you currently taking?

I no longer take the nexium but I do take prevacid on an as-needed basis (maybe 1-2x week). I also take a daily Centrum multivitamin. Otherwise, I take claritin now and again for environmental allergies (dust, tree pollen, grasses). I also use nuvaring monthly. Since this all started happening, my diet has changed so that I'm eating less meat and less fat and more carbs and veggies. I'm still hoping to lose more weight (I'm a sz 16) sensibly.