I was driving to class one day, I was in art school at the time, feeling great jamming out to music like any other day, when I got to the light about to turn into my school, my life changed within seconds. I was sitting there about to turn and my hands started to get sweaty, I was like okay this is weird but didn't think much about it but then I started to go tunnel vision and everything started to go dark. I called my sister right away and I told her something is very wrong, it sounded like I was talking in a tunnel. I somehow drove myself to the ER. The ER doc came in right after me, which if you have been to the ED you know it takes a minute to see a doctor. They ran a lot of tests and I got a head CT done. Everything came back normal. for about four months straight I was having near syncopal episodes every day, I was bedridden, having hold and cold flashes, extreme chest pain and pain all over, feeling buzzy and foggy, extreme lightheadedness, the feeling like I was dying. I truly believed I was dying and no doctor could figure out why. I can't drive, I had to quit school, and I can't even work a job. Now two and a half years later and so many tests and scans and many specialists later and no doctor can figure out why I am so sick and in so much pain and discomfort. I have extreme sensitivity to medications, vitamins, herbs, supplements, food, caffeine, drinks. I can not over-exert myself in any way, from crying to talking to much to exercise to even playing with my son, it will make me extremely sick and I will be bedridden for a few days. I don't drink alcohol or use any recreational drugs and I don't smoke cigarettes. There is so much more to the details but this is the gist of it. I am now doing a cry for help. I can not live like this forever.
Loading...
I'm truly sorry to hear about the struggles you've been facing. It must be incredibly challenging to go through such a debilitating experience and not have clear answers. Here are a few general suggestions about your symptoms:
-
Second Opinion or Tertiary Care Center: If you haven't already, consider seeking a second, third, or even fourth opinion. Sometimes, tertiary care centers or university hospitals have specialists that deal with rare or undiagnosed conditions.
-
Functional Medicine: Functional medicine practitioners often look at the body holistically and might consider factors and tests not typically examined in conventional medicine.
-
Neurologist & Cardiologist Consult: Given that you experienced tunnel vision and near syncopal episodes, consulting a neurologist and a cardiologist could be beneficial if you haven't already.
-
Psychiatrist/Psychologist Consultation: Physical symptoms can sometimes have psychological causes or be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or other mental health factors. It might be helpful to speak to a mental health professional who can provide support and additional insights.
-
Autoimmune Disorders: Some autoimmune disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and sensitivity to various substances. Consultation with a rheumatologist or immunologist might be worth considering.
-
Environmental Factors: Consider if there could be environmental factors at play - like mold in your home or other environmental toxins.
-
Diet & Nutrition: A registered dietitian might be able to help if you're sensitive to various foods and drinks. They can help identify any potential intolerances or allergies and help create a meal plan tailored to your needs.
-
Alternative Therapies: While always taken with a grain of caution, some people find relief or get insights from alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or holistic medicine. Always ensure that any practitioner is licensed and credible.
There might be a solution or at least a management strategy out there that can provide relief. Whatever path you take, ensure you're supported, whether by healthcare professionals, friends, family, or support groups.
Good luck.
Loading...