1. < Digestive Health

I feel like I'm dying

Posted by srodriguez @srodriguez, Jan 26, 2012

i am a healthy (I thought) 43 year old female. 2 weeks ago I was at work. Stood up. Got this pulled muscle sensation in my back around my bra strap area. I then proceeded to have chest pain, shortness of breath, flushed, sensation of hot liquid seeping out into my chest, dizziness, and numb and tingly all over my body. I felt like I was gonna pass out or die. I was rushed to the ER. After several tests, and an overnight stay, they discharged me the next day with Synthroid (thyroid just a tad low) and Flexeril for my back pain. I still had the shortness of breath. But they assured me my heart and lungs were fine. Did not do any x-rays or anything for my back. The next day I was pretty much laid out at home due to the flexeril. The following day, I decided to go back to work. Got up, took a shower, then I started having all the same symptoms as before. I had my son take me to the ER again. They did several tests, said my heart and lungs were fine. The doctor diagnosed me with GERD, and sent me home with Prilosec. I took Prilosec for 4 days, then my PCP had me try Protonix, which by the way, both of these gave me horrible side effects (confusion, delirium-hallucinations) and were not helping my stomach pain and nausea. So, she started me on Zantac, which worked wonders the first couple of days, but seems to have worn off now too. Also, after numerous testing, doctor said my Vitamin D was low, was 11, and should be between 30-80. So I started taking Vitamin D3--400 units. 2 weeks later, I have been to the ER three times, had an endoscopy just yesterday (doctor said everything looked fine, but sending off stomach sample for biopsy). Still taking Zantac, and Vitamin D. Trying to eat more foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium. I continue to have nausea, stomach pains, body very weak, losing weight, diarrhea, dizziness, flushed and feel like passing out. I can't sleep, and feel very dehydrated. Every morning I feel like I'm dying with these symptoms. It feels as though it hurts from deep inside my muscles or bones, even my joints in my fingers and elbows hurt. Closer to noon, I feel a little better, try to eat a little something, then it starts all over around 9 or 10 in the evening, and keeping me up all night. I WAS TOTALLY FINE UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO, THEN ALL THIS STARTED HAPPENING. CAN SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE? I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I FEEL LIKE I'M JUST GONNA SHRIVEL UP AND DIE.

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bobweller | @bobweller | Mar 27 7:51am

You need a few specialist to look at you, not ER doctors or you PCP. Have the ER doctors provided any suggestions of a specialist or specialists?

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cgper | @cgper | Mar 27 11:14am

Hi, I suffer from IBS and a sliding hiatal hernia. I’be been having these episodes of feeling of dying, gastric vertigo, rapid passing of stools, shivering, flushing, cold sweats, numbing that starts with the lips, palate, legs, feet… I also have a extreme burning pain that goes from the pit of my stomach towards my spine and ears with a cramping esophagus.

All tests and labs are always normal.

After different health providers, ER visits and hospitalizations, Bentyl, probiotics, IBgard, GasX, and a low FODMAP diet had helped me tremendously. But after being almost perfect, I had a couple of emotional incidents and I got sick again, but this time knowing what to take when had saved from going to ER.

Now my GI dr has referred me to psychotherapy.

I’ve had just one session.

I have now learnt to take the medication as I get symptomatic, I had a good cry, and I m reading “The body keeps the score.”

I honestly think the combination above is making a difference in my life.

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tdlphn | @tdlphn | Mar 29 1:00pm

I have fibromyalgia and lupus. With the vitamin d did they check you for anemia? Mine is severe. But beware if u get these 2 diagnosis everything you get they will say it's fibromyalgia or lupus,so you have to fight 4 your care!!! Did you see neurologist for tingling, do a EMG. I've worked Healthcare almost 40yrs and lived this nightmare for 25yrs. Good luck keep us posted.

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1 reply
rashida | @rashida | Mar 29 2:16pm
In reply to @tdlphn "I have fibromyalgia and lupus. With the vitamin d did they check you for anemia? Mine..." + (show)
@tdlphn

I have fibromyalgia and lupus. With the vitamin d did they check you for anemia? Mine is severe. But beware if u get these 2 diagnosis everything you get they will say it's fibromyalgia or lupus,so you have to fight 4 your care!!! Did you see neurologist for tingling, do a EMG. I've worked Healthcare almost 40yrs and lived this nightmare for 25yrs. Good luck keep us posted.

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@tdlphn SO true! Once they know you have a history of fibromyalgia, everything is brushed of as “just fibromyalgia”! Same with Anxiety and Panic Disorder - “it’s your anxiety disorder … try this prescription to ease it!” 🙄

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ariannaserrano | @ariannaserrano | Apr 16 1:09am
In reply to @jessimcb "I am a 31 year old with very similar symptoms. I feel like the front of..." + (show)
@jessimcb

I am a 31 year old with very similar symptoms. I feel like the front of my neck is going to explode at times. I DO have an autoimmune disorder, lupus. Mayo confirmed my blood work to be clear of lupus at the time being (this past week actually). Autoimmune disorders behave this way, as well as premenopausal and menopausal symptoms. If your doctors aren't satisfying you, and just pushing pulls at you left and right that you aren't tolerating, FIND NEW DOCTORS. medications are not always the answer. Remember this as you seek treatment, my local doctors have almost killed me 3 times now treating me like a lab rat. PRAY. and be patient. Definitely have your blood tested for autoimmune disorders, as well as hormone levels. Have them check your pituitary gland as well (MRI). Some times little annoying growths (NOT CANCER) will cause these annoying problems. If all else fails, Mayo in Rochester, MN is awesome. They can help. Try and control your fear and anxiety when these episodes occur, as it only makes things way worse... STAY CALM. If all else fails, go on Mayo's website and request an appointment. Best wishes for you. You will be in my prayers.

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hello did you ever find any answers? i have these same symptoms!!! im 25 🙁 no answers…

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 16 8:43am
In reply to @ariannaserrano "hello did you ever find any answers? i have these same symptoms!!! im 25 :( no..." + (show)
@ariannaserrano

hello did you ever find any answers? i have these same symptoms!!! im 25 🙁 no answers…

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Hello @ariannaserrano, Welcome to Connect. I'm not sure @jessimcb is still following Connect since the member was last active on Connect in 2019. But the post you responded by @jessimcb does sound like she may have found some answers at her appointment with Mayo Rochester.

Hoping others will be able to share some suggestions for you from their similar symptoms or experiences. Can you share a little more about your journey trying to get answers? Have you thought about seeking help at a local teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?

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noh8pink | @noh8pink | May 3 1:26am
In reply to @srodriguez "This happened to me back in 2012. I'm pretty much back to normal now. At the..." + (show)
@srodriguez

This happened to me back in 2012. I'm pretty much back to normal now. At the time, I did feel like I was dying. There were so many tests done on me which all came back fine. They never really figured out what was wrong with me. There were speculations of Fibromyalgia, Auto Immune disease, and Low Thyroid. I did have low Vitamin D, and started taking a Vitamin D supplement for that. Even though I didn't have much energy, I started doing Zumba. That was a Godsend. I was already eating pretty healthy, but I cut out all gluten, and that seemed to help as well. Slowly but surely I became myself again. I am much older than you, about to be 50 in September. I don't know if my case had anything to do with Pre-Menopause. Nevertheless, try eliminating gluten, sodas, don't eat too many sweets, drink plenty of water, and exercise every day. That's what worked for me. Good luck!!

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Can you please tell me if you ever figured out what is wrong with you? The exact same thing is happening to me. I feel like I’m dying and no one will listen to me and I was fine a couple weeks ago. I’m weak having cramps sciatica and now they tell me that my colon is swollen. They can’t figure out what it is, in the meantime, I really feel like I’m dying and I’m so depressed because no one will help me or can figure out what’s going on. Any suggestions?

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1 reply
rozy288 | @rozy288 | May 3 7:26am
In reply to @noh8pink "Can you please tell me if you ever figured out what is wrong with you? The..." + (show)
@noh8pink

Can you please tell me if you ever figured out what is wrong with you? The exact same thing is happening to me. I feel like I’m dying and no one will listen to me and I was fine a couple weeks ago. I’m weak having cramps sciatica and now they tell me that my colon is swollen. They can’t figure out what it is, in the meantime, I really feel like I’m dying and I’m so depressed because no one will help me or can figure out what’s going on. Any suggestions?

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I’m the same way . I have 10 long years of horrendous 7 diagnoses of Digestive Disorders. Over 20 tests and biopsies, 6 th Gastro in 2 states ( even had tests at Mayo Jacksonville in 2021).
I deep wet sewer tasting belches over 1000 x a day , non stop churning gut , IBS , Gastritis, GERD , small hiatal hernia, diverticulosis. I eat small and he’s but now I have nausea all the time recently. Tried everything you can think of . Nothing gives me relief. I’m living in hell in this body . Can’t enjoy life anymore for so long now . I do my best but my disorders just shoot me down daily .
I don’t really know what to do next ?
I’m 62 ( but people think I’m in early 50’s ).
I feel 100 .
So sorry you are going through this too .

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2 replies
katey122 | @katey122 | May 3 9:04am

@rozy288 Just curious to know had you recently had a Covid Shot before all these symptoms started. Anywhere from 8 weeks or less?

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1 reply
noh8pink | @noh8pink | May 3 9:22am
In reply to @katey122 "@rozy288 Just curious to know had you recently had a Covid Shot before all these symptoms..." + (show)
@katey122

@rozy288 Just curious to know had you recently had a Covid Shot before all these symptoms started. Anywhere from 8 weeks or less?

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Yes! As a matter of fact the only one o have had was just wells prior

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