![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PuraVida on August 25, 2001, at 22:19:43
Has anyone had this? I've been having these consistent headaches for about two weeks, and just yesterday, bad vertigo which hasn't gone away yet. I'm sure its not med related - and the doc seems to think its just one of those things. The question is, even though I've been feeling great emotionally - do you think thses syptoms could be anxiety related? I once was diagnosed with CFS because they couldn't tell me what else it was - they suggested depression, but I thought they were crazy, as I felt then as good about myself and life as I do now.
I just wonder, though, if my body is trying to say something - and if it is, what do I do when I can't figure out what it is saying?
Posted by Rach on August 25, 2001, at 23:31:14
In reply to Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by PuraVida on August 25, 2001, at 22:19:43
One of the major symptoms of my depression was insomnia. The weirdest thing for me was that I never hated myself. I never thought that my life wasn't worth living. I always valued myself as a person and never had any of the negative-type thoughts that happen with depression (although since recoginising my depression these thoughts have surfaced to a small extent).
But I had insomnia. I never slept. I was lethargic. I could never 'be bothered'. I was withdrawing from friendships. I would forget about my responsibilities, like going to work and to university. I withdrew from all the things I loved to do.
It took a year for me to accept that I had depression, and that it had been a part of my life for at least 4 years. It took only 6 months for differences to occur in my life for the better.
I don't know what your body is saying. Perhaps you just need a break from everything in your life. Only you can decide what your body needs. I'm sorry I cannot be more helpful.
Rachael
> Has anyone had this? I've been having these consistent headaches for about two weeks, and just yesterday, bad vertigo which hasn't gone away yet. I'm sure its not med related - and the doc seems to think its just one of those things. The question is, even though I've been feeling great emotionally - do you think thses syptoms could be anxiety related? I once was diagnosed with CFS because they couldn't tell me what else it was - they suggested depression, but I thought they were crazy, as I felt then as good about myself and life as I do now.
>
> I just wonder, though, if my body is trying to say something - and if it is, what do I do when I can't figure out what it is saying?
Posted by sar on August 26, 2001, at 4:15:49
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by Rach on August 25, 2001, at 23:31:14
i've seen some books on metaphysics that suggest bodily problems are a signal of somewthing gone awry spiritually. i don't know if i necessarily believe this (i get a headache when the mold is too high, or a gag-reflex in a public restroom) but i did notice that in my most depressed state, nearly a year ago, my limbs were terribly stiff. they lumbered and clunked. i moved slowly. my body hurt and felt old, tho i am relatively young. anxiety can make me tremble; depression slows my speech.
insomnia seems to be a common one. i drink myself to sleep to make sure i won't suffer from insomnia--i am not suggesting this!--i just know i'd be an insomniac if not drunk.
knots in my back mean i am worried. whirly eyes mean i am tired. stiffness means i am exceptionally on edge. i've got a couple of friends who have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) which is supposed to be symbolic of anger--anger is held in the stomach.
i think i get tired easily because i think too much.
hope you feel better,
sar
Posted by Willow on August 26, 2001, at 8:03:35
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by sar on August 26, 2001, at 4:15:49
Pura Vida
Do a search on "somatisation" "somitization" and "generalized anxiety disorder." I would have denied that I had any anxiety, until I took effexor. About four months after being on it I noticed such a difference, something was different. Not until then was I able to recognize in hindsight that I had suffered from GAD. The effexor got rid of this. (Beware though when reading about somatisation that doctors haven't understood the mind/body relation. Most of the searches will come up with information written about this by doctors, and because of their ignorance they have projected their inadequacy at the patient. Don't take this personally.) In my opinion CFS is better treated by a psychologist not a medical doctor. A general practioner can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms, but they don't have a cure. Also if your gp is at all condescending look for a younger understanding doctor.
Best Wishes, from a fellow fatiguer.Sar
Alcohol is the worse thing for insomnia. When did the insomnia start? Before or after you started drinking?
I rx "a summer at the time out farm" to help this condition. Side effects - sunburn, bug bites, raspberry pits between teeth, ...
Envious of your youth, but no desire to go back there!
Whistling Willow
Posted by KB on August 26, 2001, at 9:31:33
In reply to Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by PuraVida on August 25, 2001, at 22:19:43
Are you confident in your doctor? Because some doctors, especially when they know you have a psych history, dismiss symptoms too easily, and miss actual, physical causes. you might want to get a second opinionn if this continues.
Posted by mair on August 26, 2001, at 10:44:47
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by KB on August 26, 2001, at 9:31:33
> I'd echo what KB said. About a year ago I had a neurologist prescribe an AD to treat acute facial pain. He gave up trying to find a source, and decided he'd just treat the pain. About a month after that I found out I had a seriously infected tooth. A root canal proved to be the true cure.
On the other hand, sometimes it takes the physical symptoms to help you recognize the depression. Perhaps because I take Klonopin at night to help me sleep, a sleepless night or 2 is usually a sure sign that I've become more depressed. I seem to be slow to recognize the other signs sometimes.
Mair
Posted by may_b on August 26, 2001, at 10:49:12
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by KB on August 26, 2001, at 9:31:33
Hi all
This is a fascinating thread...Several times depression has recurred with no particular mood change. It's the poor memory and concentration problems that get my attention and when I lose the ability to taste, I know it's time to take action again.
Would really like to know if others experience loss of taste or taste distortions (metallic, paper-y off flavours, or inability to taste anything except spicey food i.e., chilli peppers, extremely salty food and sometimes coffee).
may_b
Posted by susan C on August 26, 2001, at 13:18:47
In reply to Re: Loss of taste?, posted by may_b on August 26, 2001, at 10:49:12
speed up
Hi, we sure are a bunch of weirdos...eh? As I read these symptoms, I think over all I have come across and I see why my pdoc/neurologist keeps coming back to 'seizure related' your brain do strange things. just a zap and there can be a flash of light...a change of mood...an intense odor, taste, sound....an illness of the brain we have...yes, it is. We can feel fine, but walk strange, and when we go to pdoc cause we depressed (don't ever do it when manic, feel too good!) that is all they see....doctors don't live inside YOUR brain.
a mouse on the tread wheel
> Hi all
> This is a fascinating thread...
>
> Several times depression has recurred with no particular mood change. It's the poor memory and concentration problems that get my attention and when I lose the ability to taste, I know it's time to take action again.
>
> Would really like to know if others experience loss of taste or taste distortions (metallic, paper-y off flavours, or inability to taste anything except spicey food i.e., chilli peppers, extremely salty food and sometimes coffee).
>
> may_b
Posted by PuraVida on August 26, 2001, at 14:46:18
In reply to change of gait, taste, disorientation, slow down,, posted by susan C on August 26, 2001, at 13:18:47
Thanks all of you! I do know, for sure, that depression and anxiety can manifest in me phyisically - I've been dealing with it and on meds for over 5 years. ITs just usually the cognitive stuff accompanies the pyhsical stuff.
Just recently I've realized that I have also a lot of anxiety, which may actualy be the catalyst of my depression, and have started taking Neurontin for mood stabilization and GAD. It has helped a lot, but then the headaches came. I stopped it a few weeks ago, and the headaches got worse, and now the dizziness. I'm not going to take the Neurontin again for awhile (even though we (me & docs) all agree that its not the cause) because I don't want to mask any symptoms - if it is indeed something more serious.
KB - thanks for your post, especially. Though I do think that it may be psychosomatic - I do worry that its too easy for primary care docs to say - oh - its just from their psych issues. I'm going to wait a few more days and see if I get more improvement...
What happened with the CFS episode - I threw up my hands and decided that I was then only one that could help me. My symptoms were extreme fatigue, a heaviness in my arms near the elbow, lots of stomach stuff - diarreah, etc. I did loose a taste for alcohol. I was given time off work, and I basically slept as much as I wanted, increased my protien level (ate loads of trail mix stuff) took long, slow walks on the beach. I basically created a kind of quiet, nurturing cocoon as much as I could - agreed with myself to not try to do anything except get better - no worries about career, getting exercise, watching my weight - nothing. I also took acidophilis and tried different supplements. I did get better - had to constantly remind myself going back to work to take things SLOW - like listening to the smooth jazz station instead of rock. It was four more years before the depression kicked in - this time mentally only - no physical syptoms at all.
Now this - life has been great, and for once in a long time I feel I'm on top of my game - without worrying that I'll slip up somehow or sink back into depression. Maybe the headache/dizziness is the subconcious part of me that I can't hear, still feeling like maybe I can't maintain it. I've also had some insomnia, cuz I keep thinking of all these wonderful ideas, but that has gone away as the headache got worse last week.
I guess the trick is to pay attention without being obsessed - learn all you can yourself, try what you can -
Thanks for listening and all your ideas - I really appreciate it -
Posted by KB on August 26, 2001, at 15:12:30
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms when you don't feel depressed, posted by KB on August 26, 2001, at 9:31:33
What happened to me was a combination of non-stop crying and EXTREME fatigue. Because of the crying, depression was diagnosed and everyone assumed that the fatigue was part of it. Then, when I started Celexa and the crying stopped, I felt better but was still tired constantly, which they blamed on the Celexa!! It wasn't until I got vasculitis (a rash) that they finally realized I had Lupus!!! Since then, I keep reminding everyone that not EVERYTHING is in your head or is a psych-med side effect!
Good luck.
Posted by Willow on August 26, 2001, at 18:43:18
In reply to Physical symptoms, con't - long!, posted by PuraVida on August 26, 2001, at 14:46:18
"It has helped a lot, but then the headaches came. I stopped it a few weeks ago, and the headaches got worse, and now the dizziness. I'm not going to take the Neurontin again for awhile (even though we (me & docs) all agree that its not the cause) because I don't want to mask any symptoms - if it is indeed something more serious."
Just another one of my many opinions:The neurotin sedated you enough that it gave a sense of well-being, yet it did not go to the source of the anxiety. Long standing anxiety will cause stress on your body, stress = headache. Psychotherapy may help with the anxiety and cognitive therapy rarely does harm.
You don't want to mask the symptoms in case it is something worse? Have you discussed this concern with your doctor? What could be worse? A fatal disorder? Do you not trust your doctor's judgement? If not a strongly suggest finding a doctor you can have faith in and doing some soul searching as to why you don't trust your doctor.
Whispering Willow
Posted by Willow on August 26, 2001, at 19:12:52
In reply to Re: Loss of taste?, posted by may_b on August 26, 2001, at 10:49:12
> Several times depression has recurred with no particular mood change. It's the poor memory and concentration problems that get my attention and when I lose the ability to taste, I know it's time to take action again.
I have wondered if this is a question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? For myself it is the sense of smell that I notice a loss of and with this comes a loss of taste. For myself I think this loss causes less stimulus which inadvertantly brings on less pleasure, hence depressed mood.
I smoke so perhaps this causes the fluctuating sense. I also have sinus problems, could this be a cause even though the loss of smell gives me my sinuses relief?
There have been studies done concerning smell and brain disorders such as parkinsons and schizophrenia. I would be interested in knowing if any have been done concerning mood disorders.
What I have found to help me is sniffing a Vick's Vapour jar. Once the sense of smell comes back I am able to smell it. I don't know if it makes it come back quicker, but it stops me from throwing good food out knowing that the sense is dulled or absent.
You are not alone.
Whispering Willow
Posted by paxvox on August 27, 2001, at 12:21:43
In reply to change of gait, taste, disorientation, slow down,, posted by susan C on August 26, 2001, at 13:18:47
What does "normal" feel like anymore? Eh....a separate reality? How do you know you feel good if you never felt bad? Relativism? Objective characterizations? So my hands tremor, my legs get weak, my ears ring, my pulse races, I can't sleep more than 3 hours, I have to get up to urinate every few hours at night, my thoughts wander from panic to pleasure and back. What's normal anymore?
Posted by susan C on August 27, 2001, at 15:58:26
In reply to Re: change of gait, taste, disorientation, slow down, » susan C, posted by paxvox on August 27, 2001, at 12:21:43
Sarcasum, is that ok here? I think what happends to me, I struggle to get a perspective, know what to expect (all the bad stuff) then, it changes, and it takes a while, then I say, 'oh, I feel better' then I say 'oh, oh, when is going to change again...?'
Mouse on a rollercoaster.
Word for today: hick: a country dweller, especially one easily taken advantage of ."Baileyville (Maine) "'people,' one woman said, 'were being 'made to look like hicks'" (New Yorker 1/6/84) A hick town is one where there is no place to go where you shouldn't be"
> What does "normal" feel like anymore? Eh....a separate reality? How do you know you feel good if you never felt bad? Relativism? Objective characterizations? So my hands tremor, my legs get weak, my ears ring, my pulse races, I can't sleep more than 3 hours, I have to get up to urinate every few hours at night, my thoughts wander from panic to pleasure and back. What's normal anymore?
Posted by paxvox on August 27, 2001, at 20:17:24
In reply to Paxvox, at least you know what to expect, posted by susan C on August 27, 2001, at 15:58:26
Here she comes to save the day!
OK, Susan......a bit mousey today missy? Hey, just a bit of bile or an "undigested bit of potato" (thanks Dickens). Humbug I say! Humbug!
MMmummbbleeee......
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.