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should i go see a doctor?

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Posted 3/19/2014 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
So recently I've just been feeling like out of the blue the ground will just start to move under my feet and I'll lose my balance temporarily. Its quick but it scares me and today all of a sudden my mouth went dry anniversary felt like i was going to faint. I eat healthy, drink lots of water, regular expertise but sometimes it feels like my own personal earthquake and it's making me really nervous. Should I go get an MRI or something? Does anyone else experience this?
Posted 3/19/2014 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
See a doc? Probably, yes. But I would hazard a guess and say it would be for your peace of mind and necessarily because something may be wrong.

We're not doctors, and diagnostics like MRI's,--to the best of my knowledge,--cannot simply be done: "Because."

You could have wax buildup in your ear which will throw you off balance. You could have an inner ear inflammation. Even something dental going on. When was the last time your eyes were checked?

When was your last yearly physical?

The best, and only, way to know your health status is to have an exam with your doctor. It will also provide you with reassurance.

Anxiety can strike at any time and catch us off guard. I'm a gym rat and I still get them....sometimes, that's part of our life, and the best thing we can do for ourselves is learn coping and self-help strategies for when this happens so it doesn't rock us to the core.

Have you looked at our Resources (first post on the front page)? Lots of ideas there for ways you can help yourself too.





M.
Posted 3/19/2014 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
hi kaykim - i definitely get this, sorry you are feeling this way too. its scarey.

feeling dizzy, or suddenly feeling unsteady and like i will fall or pass out is the main thing that happens to me.

i think you should always get checked by the doctor just to be sure and for peace of mind, but for me this turned out to be panic attacks. i've had a brain mri, inner ear/vestibular testing, heart checked out, seizure testing, everything and all came back normal except for a tilt table test (they just told me to eat more salt and stay hydrated, as you are doing). i also started eating more and more frequently, but i think for the most part it is anxiety.

sometimes i feel fine and sometimes it strikes out of nowhere and i literally have to hold on to something for dear life. i couldnt believe for a long time that this could be anxiety, because it really feels like you will fall or pass out - but i think it is. it can happen anywhere but seems worst in places like the mall, grocery store, standing in lines, etc. it happens at home too, or while going for a walk.

i haven't found a way to fix it yet, but if i do I will let you know.
Posted 3/19/2014 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
KK.,

I will give a third vote for seeing your doctor...not because I think there is anything to worry about...

...but rather because it is the first step to take in starting a discussion about how to better treat your anxiety.

If you can, make an appointment soon, and when you go in, discuss all of your concerns, so you and your doctor can make a plan on how to best treat the issue and symptoms.:)

Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

S.C.
Posted 3/19/2014 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Kay, I just wanted to chime in that this happens to me from time to time as well, and it's pretty scary when it happens. Doctor checkups can certainly bring peace of mind.
Posted 3/21/2014 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
The problem tho is that my doctor doesn't even let me get tested for things anymore because he just says Oh it's the anxiety just stop worrying about it and relax it's nothing to worry about. And that just keeps it on my mind so I don't know what to do.
Posted 3/21/2014 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
KK.,

Have you not been offered any treatment options? Therapy, medication?

This should have been discussed with you!

It is negligent for a doctor to simply tell you 'not to worry.' We would if we could right?

We sometimes need tools to help us!

Have you tried some of the self-help ideas in our Resources? If not start them today (I can give you specific places to start if you need help...let me know)



If after trying some of the suggested exercises and reading up on how to do the self-help coping skills...you still need help...

...then go back to your doctor and tell him you are there to discuss treatment options. Do not leave until you have plan in place with his help! :)

S.C.

Posted 3/21/2014 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
I think that's a very good idea that S.C. wrote about making certain that at your appointment, you ask specifically for help, advocate for yourself, state you want assistance to get answers and get through this, (regardless of what "this" may be).

By not doing any diagnostic testing or even supporting you by referral for therapy, sounds negligent to me. That's not patient care. They're hired by you to help you, not shuffle you out the door.

Sometimes we can feel intimidated because, heck, they're the doctor, and we're just the patient, right? But we also have to work within the reality that this is business as usual for them. It's up to us to be persistent in asking for help and working with resources.

I think they count on some of us giving up and giving in out of sheer frustration. Ask specific questions, (not ones that can be answered with "yes" or "no" -- requiring the doctor to elaborate). Ask for what you want and what you need.

I've always felt one of the most condescending things a person, (and especially a medical professional) can say to a person suffering from anxiety is to "just calm down," as if we're doing this on purpose and enjoy feeling this way,....or we have some sort of valve to turn these feelings on and off. It's rude to make such a presumptuous comment.

Breathing and relaxation techniques combined with getting daily exercise,....being persistent, being present, and not giving up,...do what you can and make your appointments fruitful when you go!






M.
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