I don't know what's going on

By LJohnson66 October 28, 2011 - 11:12pm

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10 years ago, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle overseas in Japan. The entire left of my body bore the brunt of the accident. While I was treated as best as possible, I had to travel >2 hours for hospital and chiropractic appts. I feel I never really healed from the trauma, as I have pain on most days; headaches occur at least 3x/week, and migraines at least 1x/month. My left side of my face continues to have more pressure than my right side.

I was born with petit mal epilepsy, so I've lived with medical issues all of my life. But the last 3 years have been the most difficult for me. 3 years ago, I had hand surgery for carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and arthritis on my left hand; 2 years ago, I had knee surgery for tendinitis and arthritis on my left knee; I also gained >50 lbs beyond the 25 pds I needed to lose, and still haven't lost the weight. Last year, I developed a facial virus on my entire right side of my face and within my mouth. Think cankersores times 10, and my face looked like a puffer fish. In addition, I was diagnosed with syncope, a fainting-type of condition that makes me light-headed. I have low BP (around 105/70). (130/80 on a high day). When syncope occurs, my B/P has dropped as low as 85/60.

I've become more forgetful, angry and have difficulty concentrating and sleeping. What frustrates me more is I'm working on my EdD, but find all of my medical circumstances have gotten in the way of my ability to work with others online (I study online).

I'm trying to lose weight thru a group setting environment, but constantly struggle. I work out minimumly as too much motion makes me dizzy and sometimes sick. A GYNO said I may be experiencing peri-menopause, but not only do I have my periods regularly, they're more painful and heavier. While I'm due for another GYNO visit, I've visited an endocrynologist and pretty much everything came back "normal" and/or "negative". My EEGs come back "normal"/"negative". I have a "normal"/"negative" thyroid, and my hormones levels test "normal"/"negative". While my mother died from breast cancer at 48 years of age (I'm 45), I did take the breast cancer gene test and it came back negative. I've had mammograms since I was 30 years old, and other than a benign cyst getting asperated, those tests have come back negative.

I'm running out of options as to what may be causing all of these issues, especially over the last 3 years. I can't but help think my bike accident could have "hibernated" any future issues. I used to inline skate up to 20 miles, run up to 8 miles, and could do aerobics for 2+ hours. Now just walking for a long period of time hurts and I get dizzy/winded. One of my PCPs at my family medical center it has to do with depression. However, I feel like I've become depressed because I cannot figure out what's going on and why all of these issues have colided in such a short period of time. I take so many medications, I feel like a walking pharmacy.

If anyone can offer me suggestions as to where else I can go for information, assistance, and advice, I will greatly appreciate your insight. I want to be well again. Please - if I didn't want a better life for myself, I wouldn't be seeking advice. I feel like I'm a hyperchondriate.

Thank you.

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LJohnson66

I have a typed-out list of all my Rx's. I updated any time I have a new Rx, but I always bring my latest list of Rx's. Every medical provider always knows about my medical conditions and Rx's; it's whether or not they do anything with that information.

I'm running out of options who to see, what to ask, etc. Any time I take a test, I make sure all of my doctors get copies of the results. This is what I'm trying to figure out. No matter what I take, there's always going to be side effects. I'd prefer never to have to take anything ever again. But I know that with my epilepsy and syncope, this cannot happen. I don't know a life without Rx's.

Thank you for your advice and support.

October 29, 2011 - 2:20pm

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Rosa Cabrera RN

Hi LJohnson66,

I'm so sorry to hear about your conditions.
Two things that I would do are get your copies of your lab results (remember that even when some results are normal, they may be in the high end of normal or the low end), look up ALL of your medications on Drugs.com and take note of side effects and even possible drug interactions-- I have a feeling part of the reason why you feel so bad is because of all of your medications. Unfortunately sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. Once you have found all side effects and possible drug interactions, make note and speak to your doctor regarding possible changes in your medications.

Wishing you the best!
Rosa

October 29, 2011 - 11:30am