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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

@noh8pink

I don’t know how much longer I can take this. My doctors note excusing me from his practice No one will listen to me. I need help and no one’s going to help me. I really think I’m gonna take my own life. I really can’t take this any longer.

Jump to this post

Hi dear,
I’m so sorry for your suffering. What you explain is exactly what I been having for two years. I tried to manage it the first year, but the second year it was unbearable. I was hospitalized 4 times but not for this problem but because my heart rate was very low.
After trying everything, my gastroenterologist told me that there is only so much medicine can do for me. He referred me to a psychiatrist. When I’m in crisis not even an anxiolytic helps.
In April 2023, the doctor who discharged me from the hospital suggested to see an acupuncturist. I did. In a month I was feeling better, I continued seeing her until probably November 2023. The in December I had another crisis. I was hospitalized for 4 days. I apparently had a virus. So far for me, each time I’d heard “is a virus” meant the doctors don’t know what they’re talking about. Anyway, after my release from the hospital I went to the acupuncturist. She has helped me a lot. Then I had a personal problem and bang! all over again. My sister who is a nurse told me repeatedly that it was the anxiety because of my symptoms. I didn’t pay attention to her thinking she was minimizing my symptoms.
Anyway, to make the story short, I’m receiving psychological therapy. It’s helping. But what helped me more was to reconnect with my son after 17 years. I feel as a veil has been lifted from my head.
Now talking during my psychotherapy, I realize that I was sumerges in a severe depression, and I finally snapped.
I know my situation may not be applicable to you, but I realize now that my sister, my husband and the doctors have been trying to help me but I didn’t listen.
First of all, I’ve learned that when I feel I’m dying I am not going to die. Exercises given to me by the psychologist are helping me. When I’m in the bathroom feeling I’m going to die, I practice the exercises and these distract my attention, and after I feel better, I realize I didn’t die and the pain is gone.
Please ask me questions, one at a time may be better so we focus on just one issue.
Meanwhile, please allow me to send you a very close hug. Everything is going to be okay. I promise.

REPLY
@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.

Jump to this post

What do you mean that your neck feels like its going to explode? My neck for the last year or more hurts everywhere. muscles hurt, feels like glands are sore but not swollen, sharp pains, muscle spasms, twitches... Its driving me crazy. As this person also said I feel like I am dying and or losing my mind. I suffer from anxiety, and although not diagnosed with GERD because my doctors are morons, I am sure I have it. I suffer from pain literally everywhere in my body and feel sick and weak every day, but I have not gone to the doctor because every time I do, nothing comes from it because they either say they find nothing wrong or they are incompetent.

REPLY

Did the dr tell you to take 400iu of vit D? Your lab result is very very low. Even 30, which you say is in the normal range is very low. When my vit D went low like that, I was put on prescription Vitamin D. 400 is a very very old amount that is rarely taken as a stand alone.

Not at all giving medical advice, but I take 10,000 (as opposed to 400?) daily to stay in range. Range is up to 100 now and at 10,000 I'm never toxic. If you are depressed, one of the reasons can very well be your extremely low Vit D. If you dr told you to basically take a multivitamin for a D level of 11, you might want to do some research, question your dr or find someone new. A D level of 11 is a severe vitamin deficiency and can cause lots if issues. Please don't take this lightly. Also increase you time with sun on your face, eyes closed and no spray to block the sun.

REPLY

Have you been tested for H pylori. Google it

REPLY
@steven1987

What do you mean that your neck feels like its going to explode? My neck for the last year or more hurts everywhere. muscles hurt, feels like glands are sore but not swollen, sharp pains, muscle spasms, twitches... Its driving me crazy. As this person also said I feel like I am dying and or losing my mind. I suffer from anxiety, and although not diagnosed with GERD because my doctors are morons, I am sure I have it. I suffer from pain literally everywhere in my body and feel sick and weak every day, but I have not gone to the doctor because every time I do, nothing comes from it because they either say they find nothing wrong or they are incompetent.

Jump to this post

Get tested for H pylori

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.