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Dizziness Giddiness Lightheaded-ness? and numb patches

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Posted 1/31/2012 9:50 PM (GMT 0)

I'm having a terrible struggle with dizziness....giddiness...lightheadedness (whatever it is) and tingling/numbness patches on my left forearm, left shin and around my mouth - sometimes on the left side of my scalp. I've been trying to recover from severe anxiety - panic attacks and depression......know all about correct breathing etc - but I just can't shake the fear that I'm a) going to black out and die or b) that I have some as yet undaignosed neurological disorder (that will ultimately kill me).

I've become severely agoraphobic - leaving the chair by my laptop to go to the toilet is terrifying cry   I haven't been able to stay at home alone (had to have a psych nurse round one day and went to respite care last week and that was freaken scary) through fear something is going to happen and our 5yr old son will be left to grow up without his Mum.

Trying to stop the thoughts, challenge them etc - its all too hard......constantly giddy and terrified that 'this time' is it and I'm on my way out sad

Posted 1/31/2012 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SonniSonn and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so unwell at the moment. Assuming that you have consulted with your doctor, what does he/she say? Have you been checked out recently and confirmed the anxiety/panic? If so and there are no underlying medical issues, then you can really start to focus on treating the anxiety.

What have you done as far as treatment? You did not mention medications or therapy, so I am wondering if you have tried either? Keep up with the breathing/relaxation exercises in spite of the fact that they seem to not be helping...it takes time and practice. We also have some links for instuctional videos for these in our Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) maybe a new one would be helpful. Check out the links there. We also have other things like on-line therapy and CBT worksheet downloads.

Post back and give us a little more information on your recovery efforts so that we can better advise you.:)

Talking here may help you feel connected to others who understand what you are going through. We are here to support, so please keep posting!

Take care and talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/31/2012 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to HW. I am sorry you are having such a rough time. Perhaps you could explain what you mean by "giddy" so I understand how your feeling. Your symptoms do sound like they are related to anxiety and if you have health anxiety that would explain your fear of having a dreaded medical problem.

Are you in therapy of any kind as well as are you on medications ?
Which I had more to offer but I can tell you that many of the members here suffer from what you are going through so please know you are not alone.

My best advise - don't let this anxiety disorder beat you as you have a 5 year old son that needs you so fight your way to where you can control your anxiety and set a goal to beat this dang disorder. It won't be easy but you can do it.

Kindly,
Kitt
Posted 1/31/2012 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your welcomes!

I haven't really been checked out recently. Just changed GPs because I have had depression and panic in the past and I thought it was creeping up again....GP made inappropriate stupid jokes. Anyway - I sought out a new GP who has experience in seeking help for those with anxiety and depression. This numbness started last week but the giddiness has been there all along. By giddy I guess I mean lightheaded - like I might pass out (but never have)....floor feels llike its moving snesation, unsteady - as if on a boat - its so hard to describe.

I did have a laparoscopy back in September so I guess physically I am ok because my chest was deemed fine for anaesthsia and I presume they had an ECG running during the surgery cos they put sticky pads on my chest (and I know they ran an EEG to determine depth of anaesthesia - surgeon told me). MRIs and things don't get done here routinely (NZ). Had numerous blood tests done - all well within normal range. Blood pressure usually 116/70 up to 120/80 - text book really. I think my doctor believes its A/P because of all the hysterical crying, insomnia etc....but I haven't been back to the GP since November......have been seeing a psychiatrist and crisis clinic instead. I probably should to get checked but too scared to drive there and panic if I'm kept waiting in the waiting room. I'm not sure what help going will do cos I probably won't believe her - go to the after hours and not believe them either and on and on it will go. And given my history - doctors never seem to consider anything but A/P and depression.


I'm on 40mg fluoxetine daily and have 0.5mg clonazepam on hand......but the clonazepam knocks me out for a couple of hours (even half of one) so not very useful during daytime. I've started CBT and counselling with a psychiarist and was sent to a respite centre in the daytime but that created more panic and wasn't the best environment given the distressing disorders (schizophrenia etc) of some of the live in people. It was supposed to be a place where I could go and practice CBT stuff until confident enough to go back to work but it was too exhausting with everyone else around.

I listen to a relaxation- progressive muscle relaxation and breathing CD each night. I've been given tonnes of tools and have plenty of support offered but its soooo darn hard and I know that ultimately its up to me :(

Having my wonderful son makes it all the harder because I've found it so difficult to engage with him and I don't like him seeing me like this - he shouldn't have to :( I love him so much....I'm so scared i'm dying and am going to leave him :(

Is it possible the numbness is from prolonged muscle tension or irritated nerve?
Posted 2/1/2012 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
For some people, Prozac is a bit activating. You may try a change to celexa/lexapro as they may be better at helping anxiety. I take 5mg of lexapro and it greatly helps my panic/health anxiety.
Posted 2/1/2012 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hmmmm....I was wondering if Prozac making things worse....even though I have been on and off it since 1993!! Been increased to 40mg prior to Xmas. I see my psychiatrist for a follow up next week and we were looking at trying a different SSRI if things hadn't improved. Thanks for your suggestion Deer Slayer  :-)
Posted 2/1/2012 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
SS,

It sounds as if you are on the right track. Keep up with the CBT is possible. We even have some good downloads in our Resource Guide which could enhance your treatment. If your only option though is the place that made your anxiety worse, then either try out on-line therapy (moodgym in the Resourse Guide) or ask for a referral from your doctor for a private CBT provider.

Keep doing the at home relaxation exercises too. They do make a difference and reduce your overall stress levels over time.

If you feel like your current medication isn't helping you, do make an appointment to consult about a change...sometimes it takes several attempts until you find a med that works for you.

I hope that you can try some of the options here and start to make some progress to feeling better! Keep posting with us and let us know how you are doing and how we can be of support!

S.C.
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