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Reactive Hypoglycemia & Chronic Sinusitis
Can anyone offer any advice or information?
Everyday is constant struggle, After I eat any food with the slightest bit of sugar i gain all of the below symptoms;
-Lightheadness (almost like a dream state)
-Sinus Pressure
-Lethergy
-Heart palpitations
-Increased Phlegm (Post nasal drip)
-Gritty/itchy eyes
-Blurred Vision
If I keep consuming sugar I will get a sinus infection ive had 3 in the space of 5 months in which ive had antibotics and steroid drops to treat each time but the only difference is it turns my green phlegm back to thick white. I still get the puffy checks, sinus pressure, fatigue and so on.
I began the Keto diet to try and cut out sugar but then i get symptoms of hypoglycemia from lack of sugar.
It might be worth mentioning that i also keep getting thrush and have had antheltes foot in the 5 months this has been happening. Ive also had a few instances of random shooting pains down my legs and in my knees and 2 or 3 times an intense stabbing pain under my left rib which lasted a few minutes. (Im not sure if any of that is related)
Im desperate its effecting every aspect of my life relationships, work performance/Attendence and motivation.
Male, 23 years old. No instances of any other illness before September 2017
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Hi!
Thank you for your response! I just wanted to follow up in case anyone else stumbles upon these threads like I did. I have not been to specialists as my doctor wouldn’t refer me and I had a horrific time in her office. I had never been to the doctor alone at the time, and was visibly nervous because of this. She told me that since I was nervous, I clearly need Xanex. I refused and she crossed her arms and said “wow, so why did you come today? What do you even expect out of this appointment then?” These statements ring through my head and I have not been back. I’m truly only anxious because I felt so sick and my life is being affected at such a young age. I recently learned of a condition called “POTS.” I resonate with every single symptom, and I think this may be the silver lining of me finding out what’s truly wrong with me. When I feel very sick, I almost always say, “if I could just lie down I’d be ok!” So while this may not be the answer for me, I do believe I’m closer than ever to learning how to manage my symptoms more effectively! I’ve even gained weight back the past few weeks. ☺️
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2 ReactionsHi Samantha,
I’m sorry that you had such an unpleasant appointment with your doctor. You’re going through a lot right now and it is probably hard to distinguish between physical issues, stress and all the anxiety you must feel about the burdens you are carrying. I’m wondering if you and I and other members could brainstorm some ideas to get you the help you need.
The first step would be, in my mind, to find someone who will listen and work with you. This could be many different people. For example:
- a social worker. A social worker can help advocate for you to get the care you need for your health and assistance with caregiving if you need it.
- a friend or relative. Do you have someone you trust who could go with you to your doctor’s appointments? It can sometimes help to have another set of ears with you.
- a new doctor. Can you find a new primary care doctor?
Might any of these work for you?
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2 ReactionsI was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a couple of years ago, not a surprise in my family and lots of us have lots of autoimmune diseases. With diet changes and Januvia things improved a lot then I went off of Januvia and since then my RBS and A1C are higher than ever. I do not feel well with more fatigue, nausea, etc. and now am diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. Any input would be great. I have an endocrinologist and dietician, am back on Januvia and am working on a reactive hypoglycemic diet; one challenge is that I have lots of foods which I cannot eat due to other conditions/intolerances.
Hi @mmnp and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I moved your post to a post with lots of members talking about reactive hyperglycemia. I did this so you could connect with members who feel the struggle with you. I am glad they have you back on your Januvia. Does it seem to be helping again?
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1 ReactionHi All,
Just thought i’d leave a comment for anyone that comes across this thread.
It’s been 5 years and still without a diagnoses. The Sinus Symptoms have calmed down, but I have a host of other symptoms including widespread muscle twitching/fasciculations, shooting nerve pains, joint pains, strange bowl habits and my stool has a chemical smell too it.
Symptoms are reduced by eating little and often and avoiding foods/drinks that would cause a glucose spike.
I have low B12 despite eating a diet rich in B12 and have the Intrinsic Factor Enzyme. No doubt an absorption issue going on. I’m also waiting on the results of a thoracic spine / upper abdomen MRI as I have pains in my back made worse when breathing in.
I had all the same symptoms back in 1990. I cut sugar out of my diet and my symptoms were greatly reduced. You do not need sugar. Any carbohydrates you consume will be converted into the sugar-like substances your body needs.
Could be POTS