Constant Dizziness (New)

Hello Everyone!

Im a new member here and want to see if anyone else seems to be struggling with any similar symptoms. I am 22 and have been dealign with this for about 6 years now.

The main problem I have is dizziness. Most of the time its just an off balance feeling, but sometimes I do get room spinning. Even if I am not 'dizzy' at that particular moment, I just feel off. Like something in my head does not feel right. I just feel like im going to pass out all the time I know that's strange but thats the best way to describe it. Then I started getting other symptoms such as shakiness, constant fatigue, I started having visual effects such as shaky vision, and seeing stars. I get sweaty a lot. I also can sit still, Im constantly rocking back and forth.

I have been to numerous doctors and had so many tests done and everything comes back normal. I went to the ER a few weeks ago because i have having a bad episode. While I was there, my heart rate was out of control, and that induced more tests on my heart and nothing to be found. They gave me Ativan to try and calm my heart rate and it seemed to work. I felt a lot calmer and more stable on the ground although it basically knocked me out. That had me thinking it could be anxiety because it does get worse when im stresses/nervous. I went to a few doctors and they agrees that it's anxiety. I have been seeing 2 therapists for 2 weeks, but no results yet. Im afraid to start medication, and I frankly dont want too but I feel like i have to. I cant live a normal life anymore. I dont want to go to school, work or even out to eat anymore. Anyone else feel this way?

Dancer,

Welcome to the forum! I am glad that you found us, but I am sorry that it had to be under these circumstances. I can imagine the symptoms you're describing causing great distress, as anything involving balance, vision, and dizziness can be quite disruptive.

Please bear with us as we try to get to know you better, and to understand your circumstances more thoroughly. I may not be following your story completely, so I was curious if you could clarify a few things?

You said that you've been to a number of doctors....How many? What kind of doctors? Over what period of time? What tests were run, specifically? What were they trying to rule out, specifically?

Many of your symptoms sound like they may possibly be neurological in nature, so I was wondering if you've been to see a neuro to get thoroughly evaluated, and if so, did you get an MRI, CT Scan, vision tests, neurological evaluation?

Have you been to an ENT, had your ears checked? Have you had a hearing test?

How is your blood pressure, generally speaking on a regular basis?

What medications are you on, and for how long? What medication was prescribed for you, and why do you think it is that you don't want to take the medicine?

Finally, (and pardon me for all the questions,....I would just like to get a clear understanding of what you're going through)....you said you've seen two therapists? For two weeks? Out of curiosity, why two different therapists? One very, very important thing to realize about therapy is that it is not a "cure-all" that just "fixes you" in a few visits. It is a process that you must be invested in, participate in, and commit to.

Just like doctors vary, therapists are very different too, and getting the right match is important. But even then, when you do find the right therapist for you, it's a time to exercise your patience and permit both you, and your therapist, time to let events unfold. Therapy, (and medication for that matter), cannot be forced to produce instantaneous results.

But for most people, the combination of medication and therapy work wonders.

Before proceeding, however, I would make absolutely certain that you've had a very full, complete, and thorough neurological workup and diagnostics.

Please be wary of taking any OTC supplements without first consulting with your physician. Just because they can be purchased OTC does not mean they're safe for everyone, or even right for you.

Please continue to post and let us know how you're progressing. You're not alone in the symptoms you've described.... As you continue to post and read, you'll see many of us in similar boats!

Welcome aboard!



M.

Dancer,

Thank you for your detailed replies. It gives us a much better picture of you and what you're going through!

So it sounds like you've been quite thorough with regards to medical care. I know that having a slew of tests and having the results return negative can, on one hand, feel frustrating, because we want and need answers as to why we're experiencing what we are.

But one thing we all need to remember (and I mean myself, too, because I can easily get wrapped up in a cycle),....for every test we have that comes back negative, it's part of the process of ruling things out. And in doing that, it helps us get closer to finding out just what may be the problem.

So you are doing extremely well, you're on a good path, and it's a positive sign that you're staying on top of everything as you are, instead of doing nothing at all and just worrying. Please appreciate what big steps those are!

I'm glad that you're following up with another neurologist. (Your first neurologist ordered CT and MRI -- what were they trying to rule out? What were their findings/conclusions?)

Okay, I get the picture now about 2 therapists. Again, I commend you for being so thorough. These are very pro-active steps that many of us find challenging. Once again, you're doing great things.

Please keep in mind that as far as therapy goes, as I mentioned, it's not a quick process, a quick fix, an instant cure. Do you like your therapists and do you have good rapport with each of them? Do they work with each other and consult each other with regards to your progress?

Therapy works well, but it does test our patience because we must invest the time and desire. It doesn't mean you'll be in therapy forever, or necessarily even for years,....but to be fair, 2 weeks is not enough time for your therapists to get a bead on your situation. Give them several weeks to see if you notice some help and progress.

As for medication, a lesson we've all learned along the way, is also what we dislike hearing: "Everyone is different!"

I currently take an antidepressant, but before I found the right one,--the right one for me,-- I was prescribed various medications that, sure, I did not like the side-effects of. I had some nasty experiences on a few. But my desire to get a handle on learning to cope with my anxiety outweighed the fear and anger I felt at living with all-consuming anxiety, and together with my doctor, I persevered.

Eventually, I found the right med for me, and what a difference it makes.

Please don't be scared by reading about horrible side effects. The powers that be must list every possible scenario, however remote. That doesn't mean you'll experience them. If you're unhappy enough to give medication a try, go into it understanding that like most things, it's trial and error, until you find one that works.

When they work, the meds do not "cure" you, they do not "fix" the problems, and they absolutely do not "make you happy". Only you can do that for yourself. But the proper med can help stabilize the chemical imbalances in our brains that are contributing to our emotions running amok. From there, it's up to us what we do with it.

Example: With the proper med, you may find yourself less distracted, few anxiety symptoms, and thus more receptive to therapy and able to be more productive.

Being on medication and being in therapy,....it does not mean you have to do this for life. Many people take meds for a period of time, and then with their doctor's help, titrate off of them. Learning self-help techniques in the time being will give you strength and self-control and understanding.

My previous therapist even told me straight out of the gate, this isn't a life-long deal,...she has many patients who see her for a few months, and then go out on their own, and just come back for a "tune up" or when new situations pop up they need help working through.

Before you start planning the rest of your life,...start with planning for now, your immediate future, and getting your mind and body sorted. Tomorrow is another day.




M.

Most depression and anxiety meds aren't meant to be long term. Generally 2-4 months is what most meds say they should be taken for, but there are many that because of life's cards just have to keep on the meds and being able to cope with life due to such traumatic experiences. The main thing is getting you and your anxiety manageable then getting off the meds. So I agree with let's make sure the neurological part is a clean bill of health then you can move forward with getting ahold of the anxiety. These folks are great and there are so many different experiences here that you'll always find helpful advice. Always remember though as already been stated just because a side effect is listed doesn't mean you will get that side effect or just because x med was bad for them doesn't mean x med won't work for you. Trial and error is huge in dealing with anxiety. We've all been there and most are still dealing and coping with it.