I don't know what else I can do!

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leavinglasvegas
leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
in Motivation and Support
I have the worst headaches, they are constant....seriosly every single day! I wake up with it and I go to sleep with it. I was taking Motrin, but after some probing by my doctor I realized that I have been taking way too much for way too long. Ironic since I am the no meds kind of person. I eralized that I litterally roll out of bed and take a few pills without even thinking about it. I haven't taken any in 3 weeks now, but still have headaches....they are worse tylenol doesn't work, excedrine makes them worse, immatrex made me super sick, aleeve bothers my tummy.

Along with the headaches I had the worst periods in the world! Not to mention 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with PMDD I agreed to take Prozac to treat it and that is when I started to gain weight. I was also on steroids on and off for 2 years for eczema. Needless to say I gained 70+ pounds and have not been able to get it off.

I eat incredibly well for a recovering anorexic, or for a human being actually. I have been eating for almost 10 years now and even nutritionists have said that there is no need for improvement in my diet. Doctors have told me that I have better nutrition than them! I get plenty of exercize, my doctor says that I have the cholesterol of an athelte. He says my blood work is absolutely perfect and my thyroid is fine.

I don't take any meds. I haven't in about 2 years. Not even allergy or cold meds because I have found that with a proper diet I have no need for such things.

I REALLY feel like I have hormonal issues and want to see an endochrinologist, but my doctor thinks I should see a neurologist first for my headaches. I can't just up and go to any specialist or doctor because I have stupid Medicaid, so I'm pretty much at his mercy. Evey doctor I have seen since I started gaining weight has told me that the weight will come off on its own if I am consistant. I have been consistant and I only gained more. My periods are getting worse, this last one knocked me out for 3 full days and I'm still not back to normal. I feel terrible! What is my doctors solution? More friggin' prozac and lets try birth control too this time. :cry: Obviously the Prozac isn't solving anything and its actually causing more problems with all the weight gain. There has to be something causng the problem in the first place! Or am I crazy? I WILL NOT TAKE ANOTHER PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT AN ACTUAL REAL DIAGNOSIS! NO NO NO!

I have done EVERYTHING that an overweight person should do. I have done everything a person with PMDD should do. I see a therapist, I exercize, I don't do drugs(perscription:wink: ) and I eat incredibly well, with the exception of TOM, I have a day or two of out of controlness. I have had a few eating disorder issues lately, loss my appetite and missing meals, but not enough to have caused 70+ pounds of gain or to prevent me from losing anything. I turned 30 in January and I weighed 199.5 lbs. The last time I weighed my self I weighed 180 and that was about 2 weeks ago. But honestly, I feel like I have been working way to hard for such a little amount and little overall health improvement and it took years before it even happened.

The only thing I changed after my bday was that I stopped drinking milk and got super strict about organics. While every doctor I have seen has told me the weight will come off naturally or they will help me if it doesn't, they have also said that my weight is not really a problem to them since my blood is soo good. and I am in great health fo my age.:noway: No to mention when it comes time to figure out why I can't lose weight, they recind, saying it is too dangerous for a recovering anorexic to "diet". (I have a healthy lifestyle, I shouldn't need to diet, so I don't know why they even go that route with me) I am 30. I weigh 180. I am 5'4". My BMI puts me in the severely obese category. My knees and back hurt from carying the extra weight. ( I have a small frame) I have PMDD, an obvious hormone condition. I have chronic headaches. I was even diagnosed with fibrmyalgia, another reason they stuff you with prozac. (Proper nutrition, exercize and mental and spiritual practice has kept me from feeling major FM symtomms)

I DO NOT FEEL WELL AT ALL even with following a healthy lifestyle and keeping a positive attitude. I don't feel healthy and the more I ask for help the worse I feel because they make it seem like I am just fine and its all in my head. I want to just curl up and cry like a baby. I don't know what to do anymore and I don't know where to turn for help anymore. I don't feel right, I really really don't! I can't just accept that this is the way I'm supposed to be. It can't be normal to feel so bad all the time and I'm not talking about emotionally. I am not depressed. I don't feel well physically and yes that hurts me emotionally, but I am strong mentally. I am positive and happy and I love life. I don't know what else to do anymore.

Replies

  • chellebelle315
    chellebelle315 Posts: 298
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    I am not a doctor, but have you considered a gluten allergy? I have a friend who dealt with many of the same symptoms you're talking about by cutting gluten out of their diet...

    might be something to talk to your doctor about....just a suggestion, please don't take it as a diagnosis.
  • nolachick
    nolachick Posts: 3,278 Member
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    I'm really sorry you are going thru all of that.
  • JJs25th
    JJs25th Posts: 204 Member
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    Couple things to look at:
    1) Imetrx: maybe the dosage was wrong for you, my son takes 100 mg, my mother takes 25. Big range there. There are other migrain meds available as well. But you need to be sure you actually have migrains. That could be why he is suggesting the neurologist.
    2) Gluten allergy (or Celiac's Disease) may be an issue -- it almost killed a firend of mine beforeshe was properly diagnised.
    3) Why the Prozac for your periods -- that's a female hormone problem. And if they suggest birthcontrol pills remember that they write books that list the various brands. So keep trying, there should be one out there for you. (I always have wondered why doctors will prescribe a pill for depression that makes a woman gain weight. :grumble: )
    4) how old is your mattress -- and/or pillow? :ohwell: Maybe your bed is too soft or too hard -- just wrong for you. Have you tried adjusting how you sleep at night? Is sleep apnea a possibility? If you are not sleeping well it will contribute to many of your symptoms. :yawn:

    Keep plugging away..there is an answer for you out there. :flowerforyou:
  • JJs25th
    JJs25th Posts: 204 Member
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    Sorry double post..:flowerforyou:
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
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    I am not a doctor, but have you considered a gluten allergy? I have a friend who dealt with many of the same symptoms you're talking about by cutting gluten out of their diet...

    might be something to talk to your doctor about....just a suggestion, please don't take it as a diagnosis.

    Yup. I have considered that. I have had allergy testing and there is no gluten allergy. But I do not eat many processed foods anyway. I do look for gluten-free if I need to anyways, but its not really a big deal since I mostly eat low-fat or whole fat organic dairy, lean organic meats, and organic fruits and veggies.
  • MollySue30
    MollySue30 Posts: 288 Member
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    I am not a doctor at all but it kinda sounds like you might mirgraines??? My sister, my boss, and my friend suffer from them and they can be really bad. I have what they call ocular mirgraines. I don't have the pain but they are very annoying. You might want to think about seeing if the doctor can write you a stronger pain killer that can help with the pain. Topamax???

    Good Luck!!!!
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
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    Couple things to look at:
    Imetrx: maybe the dosage was wrong for you, my son takes 100 mg, my mother takes 25. Big range there.

    It was a lower dosage, can't remember how much, but I only took it once and I got so sick that I will NEVER take it again. My doc had me take it once to see if it made my headach better, since it didn't there is no point in taking it again.
  • jlefton1212
    jlefton1212 Posts: 171 Member
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    Is there a way you can see another doctor, or get a second opinion?

    In my opinion, because you have so many chronic symptoms, more tests are probably needed to figure out the big picture. I think that the chronic headaches sound like they are the most problematic of your symptoms, and they are the thing I would be most worried about as well as it could indicate something serious.

    If it were me, I would put my entire history on paper. Almost like a timeline of symptoms, prescriptions, side effects, etc. This way if you do see new doctors or specialists, they might be able to see patterns or correlations between what you are going through. As an example, weight gain might have been attributed to a new prescription but maybe it is actually a symptom of whatever is causing your headaches. And in any case, it might be therapeutic to write it all down, get it all out, and see it in writing. Like a journal, but for your health!

    I wish you the best of luck and I TRULY hope that are able to find the cause(s) for what ails you. At least you can take comfort in the fact that you are doing the best you can to take great care of your health. You've come a long way in that regard, and I am sure you feel very proud!
  • Arienna
    Arienna Posts: 913
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    Are you stressing out about anything? When I was working at my last job I would get headaches literally everyday, they would be HORRIBLE. After I quit my job, the headaches vanished. They were definitely stress induced, my new boss was a nightmare to work for. Also, have you changed anything in your diet in regards to caffeine? Lack of or too much can give you headaches as well. Oh and don't forget to get LOTS of water, lack of hydration is also a known cause.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Options
    Is there a way you can see another doctor, or get a second opinion?

    In my opinion, because you have so many chronic symptoms, more tests are probably needed to figure out the big picture. I think that the chronic headaches sound like they are the most problematic of your symptoms, and they are the thing I would be most worried about as well as it could indicate something serious.

    If it were me, I would put my entire history on paper. Almost like a timeline of symptoms, prescriptions, side effects, etc. This way if you do see new doctors or specialists, they might be able to see patterns or correlations between what you are going through. As an example, weight gain might have been attributed to a new prescription but maybe it is actually a symptom of whatever is causing your headaches. And in any case, it might be therapeutic to write it all down, get it all out, and see it in writing. Like a journal, but for your health!

    I wish you the best of luck and I TRULY hope that are able to find the cause(s) for what ails you. At least you can take comfort in the fact that you are doing the best you can to take great care of your health. You've come a long way in that regard, and I am sure you feel very proud!

    I am keeping a journal before I go to the Neurologist. I'm hoping that he/she will agree that it is hormonal and will tell my doc. After I follow up with my family doc I will consider a second opinion if he goes down the road other doctors have gone. This is actually the fifth doctor in the past 6 years. They all seem to end up saying.....you blod work is fine, we don't need towaste money on specialists you can manage this on your own. I bought it at first, but now its too long.
  • mamacindy81
    mamacindy81 Posts: 649 Member
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    Another thing you might want to consider is going to a Chiropractor. If you are out of alignment that can also be a source of constant headache pain.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
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    Are you stressing out about anything? When I was working at my last job I would get headaches literally everyday, they would be HORRIBLE. After I quit my job, the headaches vanished. They were definitely stress induced, my new boss was a nightmare to work for. Also, have you changed anything in your diet in regards to caffeine? Lack of or too much can give you headaches as well. Oh and don't forget to get LOTS of water, lack of hydration is also a known cause.

    I do have alot of stress. I'm a single mom, poor, no family support. I did also just go through a long drawn out battle with my previous employer for unemployment, but I won and that is over. I se a therapist and have strong spiritual support and some really supportive and close friends. I manage it well considering my circumstances.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
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    Another thing you might want to consider is going to a Chiropractor. If you are out of alignment that can also be a source of constant headache pain.

    I honestly can't afford it. I tried, but its just not doable on my income and medicaid won't cover it even if it is medically necessary. I'm trying to find a job in a wellness center with a chiropractor for that reason, but its not so easy in Michigan right now. Finding a job or a decent holistic practitioner.
  • mitchet
    mitchet Posts: 23 Member
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    have you been tested for thyroid function or PCOS? reading your post about not losing weight makes me think of those two things right away.

    also, for your headaches... have you had your vision checked lately? when i got new contacts this year, my headaches suddenly vanished.

    good luck!
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
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    I have the worst headaches, they are constant....seriosly every single day! I wake up with it and I go to sleep with it. I was taking Motrin, but after some probing by my doctor I realized that I have been taking way too much for way too long. Ironic since I am the no meds kind of person. I eralized that I litterally roll out of bed and take a few pills without even thinking about it. I haven't taken any in 3 weeks now, but still have headaches....they are worse tylenol doesn't work, excedrine makes them worse, immatrex made me super sick, aleeve bothers my tummy.
    ...

    I DO NOT FEEL WELL AT ALL even with following a healthy lifestyle and keeping a positive attitude. I don't feel healthy and the more I ask for help the worse I feel because they make it seem like I am just fine and its all in my head. I want to just curl up and cry like a baby. I don't know what to do anymore and I don't know where to turn for help anymore. I don't feel right, I really really don't! I can't just accept that this is the way I'm supposed to be. It can't be normal to feel so bad all the time and I'm not talking about emotionally. I am not depressed. I don't feel well physically and yes that hurts me emotionally, but I am strong mentally. I am positive and happy and I love life. I don't know what else to do anymore.

    I too suffer from daily, chronic headaches, and am not finding any relief. I have fibromyalgia, and generally feel...well pretty crappy on a daily basis. My doctor doesn't believe in pain medications for chronic pain, and we have been trying different preventatives for the headaches, but nothing seems to work very well or for very long. It's certainly a difficult thing to live with, and it's kind of been sucking the life out of me.

    I know all about pretending to be fine...even with my doctor, I go in with a smile on my face when that's the last thing I feel like doing. I broke down with her once recently, and got little response from her, so I figure there's not much point in anything other than smiling.

    You should see the neurologist, as they specialize in headaches, and will probably be able to help you better than your doctor. I would suggest you try a low dose of Elavil. It's an antidepressant that is used at very low doses to treat chronic headaches. I know taking medication sucks when you're trying to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it's just necessary, and there's nothing we can do. It's better to take a little pill every night and be free from pain so you can live your life well.

    Either way, I hope you find some relief. :flowerforyou:

    __

    About the Prozac, have you stopped taking that? My headaches became as severe and constant as they are now after stopping Celexa, a similar anti-depressant. Usually the headaches from anti-depressant withdrawal go away, but for some of us lucky people, they persist.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Options
    Couple things to look at:
    1) Imetrx: maybe the dosage was wrong for you, my son takes 100 mg, my mother takes 25. Big range there. There are other migrain meds available as well. But you need to be sure you actually have migrains. That could be why he is suggesting the neurologist.
    2) Gluten allergy (or Celiac's Disease) may be an issue -- it almost killed a firend of mine beforeshe was properly diagnised.
    3) Why the Prozac for your periods -- that's a female hormone problem. And if they suggest birthcontrol pills remember that they write books that list the various brands. So keep trying, there should be one out there for you. (I always have wondered why doctors will prescribe a pill for depression that makes a woman gain weight. :grumble: )
    4) how old is your mattress -- and/or pillow? :ohwell: Maybe your bed is too soft or too hard -- just wrong for you. Have you tried adjusting how you sleep at night? Is sleep apnea a possibility? If you are not sleeping well it will contribute to many of your symptoms. :yawn:

    Keep plugging away..there is an answer for you out there. :flowerforyou:

    Prozac is what they use to treat PMDD. It is only taken for two weeks per month. I have tried so many different birth control pills. I don't see a point in trying any more unless there is some type of scientifc proof that I actually have a need for medication. I'm not trying not to get pregnant ether as a matter of fact, I was on birth control when I got pregnant with my daughter, so I figured there was no need since it didn't work in the first place. My mattress is old and sagging in the center, but replacing it is not and option unless I win the lottery. I considered sleep apnea too, but all these doctors dont seem to like to hear my opinions.

    Thanks, I will keep trying to find an answer. The support on MFP is so great. I am so greatful for this site.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Options
    have you been tested for thyroid function or PCOS? reading your post about not losing weight makes me think of those two things right away.

    also, for your headaches... have you had your vision checked lately? when i got new contacts this year, my headaches suddenly vanished.

    good luck!

    I have had my thyroid tested, they say there is nothing to worry about there. PCOS? No, I've asked, but they have said they don't think its possible.

    I have had my eyes checked, but right now I have no vision coverage or money. In the past though, my eyes have been fine and have been ruled out as a source for my headaches.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Options


    I too suffer from daily, chronic headaches, and am not finding any relief. I have fibromyalgia, and generally feel...well pretty crappy on a daily basis. My doctor doesn't believe in pain medications for chronic pain, and we have been trying different preventatives for the headaches, but nothing seems to work very well or for very long. It's certainly a difficult thing to live with, and it's kind of been sucking the life out of me.

    I know all about pretending to be fine...even with my doctor, I go in with a smile on my face when that's the last thing I feel like doing. I broke down with her once recently, and got little response from her, so I figure there's not much point in anything other than smiling.

    You should see the neurologist, as they specialize in headaches, and will probably be able to help you better than your doctor. I would suggest you try a low dose of Elavil. It's an antidepressant that is used at very low doses to treat chronic headaches. I know taking medication sucks when you're trying to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it's just necessary, and there's nothing we can do. It's better to take a little pill every night and be free from pain so you can live your life well.

    Either way, I hope you find some relief. :flowerforyou:

    __

    About the Prozac, have you stopped taking that? My headaches became as severe and constant as they are now after stopping Celexa, a similar anti-depressant. Usually the headaches from anti-depressant withdrawal go away, but for some of us lucky people, they persist.



    I haven't taken any meds in 2 years and to be honest, I feel no different that when I was taking them. I am reluctant to take anything new. The treatment for my eating disorders involved so many meds that it took 2 sheets of paper to list them. I was so drugged up for so many years of my life that I'm lucky I'm not some kind of addict. I think it is possible that my current situation could be a longterm side-effect of all those drugs. That is why I feel like I should have my hormones checked by a specialist. What if I was dependent? What if certain things stopped producing naturally of there is some damage? All those drugs induce chemical reactions in the neuro and endocrin systems, and I'm not exagerating when I say I took ALOT! They even had me on anti-psychotics to help with distorted body image! Looking back, it was excessive, at the time, I was just happy to have medical care.

    Thank you. I hope you can find relief as well!
  • Arienna
    Arienna Posts: 913
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    I too am from MIchigan and I know how rough things are :( I have been trying to find a job for months on end, and soo many people are applying everywhere now that it's ridiculous.

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