Hi All,
I could really use some help.
I am 34. I have had strange symptoms, that started I guess almost about a year ago.
It started, I guess with brain fog really. I started feeling really spacey, almost like I wasn't there, a lot of cognitive issues. When it would hit, it would almost feel like my ears would clog, like pressure in my head. It was very strange. I had no idea what it was. I suffer from migraines, so always assumed it was a side effect. It has gotten progressively worse. It would hit in the afternoon. Sometimes it would be worse than others. Honestly, it has shut down my zest for life.
Over last summer, I started to suffer from strange joint pain- in my hands and fingers. It spread to my knees and ankles at times.
Last spring, I had my metabolism checked and the doctor noted my metabolism was extremely fast, but she stated my thyroid was normal. She questioned if I was on appetite suppressant, but no I am not. I have lost about 20 pounds and am unable to put on weight no matter how much I eat. I am always hungry.
In January, I began suffering from panic attacks. This happened out of the blue. Sure, life has its stresses but no more than before. I have had upset stomach followed by constipation, nausea. Here are my most recent symptoms:
-extreme anxiety
-constant hunger
-insomnia
-I haven't had a period in a year (since before the panic)
-shaking (worse in mornings, I think)
-stomach upset
-worsening brain fog (you only understand the fog if you have lived it. my doctors look at me like an alien and tell me i'm depressed)
-weight loss/inability to gain
-extreme fatigue
-cognitive issues
-night sweats (have to change my shirt)
My TSH went from 1.4 in October to .6 in February. NO other blood work has been done on my thyroid.
My doctors are insisting this is anxiety, but I firmly feel like something is wrong physically, as it started so long ago. I have been on Lexapro now since February 7, and can't tell you I am improving like I thought I would.
I also take a low dose (50 mg) Topamax for migraines- they blame the weight loss on the Topamax.
I also have a lump-it feels like it is to the right of my adam's apple, above my thyroid. It has been there for years; I really never thought anything about it. It swells up occasionally, like when I am sick. When I put my neck back, you can certainly see it.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Any advice, experiences, or even words of encouragement would be great. I have found this to be extremely frustrating- I feel as though I know something is wrong, yet my PC doc keeps telling me it is all anxiety. I feel like I know the difference between anxiety and being physically unwell.
PS- I know this also sounds strange, but I got a bit sick in January, and ate nothing but cereal and soy milk for a week. I generally never drink soy milk- but I did just recently read that soy can aggravate the thyroid. Strange? After this, the panic attacks started.
Any thoughts?
