I hate to try to diagnose myself and could be totally off. But my doctor doesn't know what to do with me and I'm increasingly miserable and outright dysfunctional now.

For the past six weeks or so (following a bad bacterial infection, which may or may not be related to any of this), I've had a host of strange symptoms that my doctor says are just streess. Well, it's a heck of a lot more than normal stress, and I never had anything like this before in my life.

They include: increasingly frequent PANIC attacks that go on forever, a strong, pounding hearbeat, fluctuating blood pressure, buzzing in my ears, muscle aches, shaking/muscle twitches -- and maybe worst -- horrible sleepless, anxious nights. I'm also cold always and have abdominal discomfort.

The trigger here seems to be the panic attacks. I feel like I'm drowning in stress hormone! Although I have stress in my life, I'm not normally panicky, and these episodes happen out of the blue, usually NOT in any stressful situation. Also, the worst symptoms are late in the day/evening/nights.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. And sorry if I'm on the wrong board, but some web links have led to believe this could be a cause.

Dear Meagan,

Chris has probably given a lot more valuable suggestions than mine will be. But I feel I just have to put my two cents in this time. I've encounterd quite a few people this year who have had strange effects from infection or viral problems. On two occasions, a hard to tackle infection went from sinuses or teeth to the brain. One boy we heard about got an infection in his teeth, which then went on to attack a portion of his brain. Another child went to the Mayo Clinic with a diagnosis of MS which his parents didn't swallow, only to be diagnosed there with a viral infection that had spread to his brain. Nothing much could be done for him but to wait, but he is fine now. MY son started out with a virus he got a month after this little boy got his. My son's symptoms sound a bit like Addisons, CFS, Lyme or MS, too. He seems to be getting a bit better, but is still highly fatigued. Had a few mild problems with what seemed to be "panic attack symptoms" as well. He also had postural hypotension (heartbeat would go from 80 to 135 upon standing, and blood pressure would go down) and rapid, pounding heart beats he was extra aware of. Had some diarhea for a short time, Staph Aureus sores from time to time. Main symptoms for him has been exhaustion, fatigue or muscle weakness. He is yet undiagnosed. :confused: But just wanted to pass on some other mysterious things that have happened this season. Along with the antibiotic resistant staph infections (haven't had any sores, have you?) and the flu deaths of otherwise healthy children this past Winter (in CO), seems probable that some particularly strong virus is touching people and making them appear to have many other conditions. Just thought I'd run this by you. Doesn't sound as if you have a doctor who wants to try to get to the bottom of things for you. What a shame, and a dead-end. I KNOW how THIS feels, with my son. He's been ill since November. It sounds as if you need some more tests, as Chris has mentioned. And perhaps some kind of a scan to check for infection spread to your brain???? Just wanted to mention it. Not a pleasant thought, but you would no doubt need some strong antibiotics to take care of this, if it were effecting you. Hoping you will soon feel better! ~ Tracy

Chris and Keraly,

Thanks both for your responses and concern. And I'll check into the sources you mentioned, Chris. For now, I finally saw my doctor this morning, and sure enough, after describing the symptoms and the severity of it, he said I should have my cortisol checked. I pointed out the thyroid numbers and while he's doubtful, he ordered the other tests to check for hypothyroidism. So within a few days I should have more information. I'm not sure what to wish for, but fortunately the blood tests don't care about that part.

If I get a diagnosis of some kind, I may be back to ask for treatment suggestions or other questions. Meanwhile I'm trying to get through all this one day at a time.

BTW, Chris, although I don't check my temperature early in the morning, I do check it at times and it's definitely low. Thanks again and best of luck to both of you, too.

M.