Seeking Answers for Ongoing Health Struggles
I’m reaching out in desperation for guidance regarding my health problems. For over two months, I've been grappling with troubling symptoms, and I would be grateful if someone could take the time to read my account. I’m a 19-year-old female, generally maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, engaging in regular cardio, and adhering to a balanced diet. However, I do have a habit of vaping. Approximately two months ago, I began a course of Wellbutrin and Trazodone. Just two weeks into the treatment, I started experiencing severe chest pressure upon waking. Shortly thereafter, while driving home, I encountered what I can only describe as an "episode." My parents suspect it was a negative reaction to the Wellbutrin. At that moment, my body felt completely numb, reminiscent of being excessively high, with my mind clouded and unable to process thoughts. I lost all sensation in my chest, and frankly, I couldn't feel my body at all. My mother rushed me to the emergency room, and I panicked to the point of fearing I might lose control of my bladder due to the numbness. The medical staff assessed me, attributed my symptoms to hyperventilation, and discharged me after performing a normal EKG and chest X-ray. Fortunately, I started feeling better by the next day around noon. However, just four days later, the numbing sensation returned abruptly while I was driving. I attempted deep breathing and to distract myself. The following day, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety, attributing my symptoms to a negative response to Wellbutrin. After discontinuing the medication, my conditions worsened significantly. Weeks went by, and I distinctly experienced a true panic attack characterized by chest numbness. Staying with my parents seemed to provide some relief into the next day, but the following weeks have been overwhelmingly distressing. I continue to endure intense discomfort in my chest, along with sharp pains radiating through my chest, arms, and hands, in addition to severe headaches and numbness in my extremities. In one particularly unsettling episode, I went to the ER again when my vision became blurry, prompting a brain MRI, which thankfully returned normal, as did my blood work. I was prescribed Buspar, which has significantly alleviated the panic attacks, yet my other symptoms persist. My vision remains blurry, chest distress continues, and I experience persistent pain in my arms and hands, often described as sharp, zapping sensations. It has been two months since my very first ER visit, and nothing seems to be providing relief. While my anxiety has seen some improvement, I'm yearning for clarity and a resolution to my health issues. The thought of a heart attack looms over me every night as I struggle to sleep, and it feels as though my concerns are not being taken seriously. I know this isn't strictly anxiety anymore; it's far more complex than that, and I can't continue like this.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 12:51:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a very challenging situation with concerning symptoms that are affecting your daily life and mental well-being. Your symptoms, including chest pressure, numbness, and visual changes, can be distressing, especially when anxiety is also a component. Let’s break this down and focus on what might help you moving forward.
Key Points:
- Symptoms Overlap with Anxiety: Your symptoms, while serious, can often stem from anxiety, especially after the experience you had with Wellbutrin and the panic attacks.
- Persistent Symptoms: The ongoing physical symptoms like chest pain, numbness, and blurry vision are indeed concerning and warrant further assessment.
- Health and Lifestyle: You maintain a generally healthy lifestyle and it's great to see that you're aware of factors like vaping that might affect your health.
Explanation:
Your experiences of chest pressure and numbness combined with anxiety could indicate a complex interaction of physical and psychological factors. It's important to recognize how anxiety can amplify physical sensations, which might explain the symptoms you're experiencing even after the immediate panic attack has passed. Discontinuing Wellbutrin may have also contributed to a rebound in anxiety or withdrawal symptoms, which could further complicate your situation.
Next Steps (Prioritized):
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms. Note when they occur, their intensity, associated activities, and how long they last. This can help identify patterns or triggers which might aid you in discussions with health professionals.
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Communicate Openly with Your Doctor: Discuss your ongoing symptoms in detail with your healthcare provider. Mention your concerns about how anxiety is being treated and express the need for a comprehensive review of all symptoms. Inquire specifically about the possibility of a referral to a specialist such as a neurologist or cardiologist if your doctor deems it necessary.
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Explore Psychological Support: Since you mentioned Buspar has helped with panic attacks, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapeutic options that might address anxiety more effectively.
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Consider Lifestyle Adjustments for Anxiety:
- Reduce or Stop Vaping: As vaping can contribute to anxiety symptoms, consider limiting or eliminating this habit, particularly as you evaluate your health.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in calming activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises that could reduce both anxiety and physical tension.
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Aim for consistent sleep patterns, minimize screen time, and create a calming bedtime routine to help with your sleep struggles.
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Follow-Up Assessments: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team can help monitor progress and adapt treatment strategies as needed. Check in about whether any additional tests or evaluations might provide more insight into your symptoms.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing persistent health issues, especially those accompanied by anxiety. Your symptoms are valid, and seeking clarity and support is the right approach. Engaging in detailed discussions with your healthcare team can help pave the way toward relief and a clearer understanding of your condition.
You are not alone in this, and there are avenues to explore that can lead to better management of your symptoms. Take care and let me know if there’s anything specific you would like to discuss further.
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