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[West2East]

I don't know if this is where I should be posting. Nevertheless, I’m in serious need of support and advice. I’m 40 years-old and think that I may be in perimenopuse, although I can’t find anyone on the internet whose symptoms are/were like mine, which has made me feel even more alone. Toward the end of July of this year, I started experiencing an increase in panic attacks. These weren’t like the panic attacks I was used to, they were much more intense, and lasted much longer and came more frequently. So I decided to take a leave from work to get myself together. Since then I have been deteriorating severely both mentally and physically. I’m absolutely terrified, I’ve hardly eaten anything over the past almost 3 months, which has resulted in a 31 lb weight loss, my sleep is horrible, I can hardly get out of bed, when I stand up my body is extremely heavy and my heart rate increases to 180bpm and sometimes higher, I keep having intense anxiety like feelings in the more, I feel like I’m losing touch with reality and that I will never be the same again. It’s just me and my 18 year-old daughter, I been to the ER (A&E) about 90 times since July and I keep being told that there’s nothing wrong with me. If that’s the case, why do I feel so horrible and like I’m dying and losing touch with reality. I have horrible stomach issues, no bowel movements (more then likely do to not eating, over the past almost 3 months I’ve consumed maybe 1200 calories, I have zero appetite and no doctor see this as a problem). My skin gets really itchy, I have numbness and tingling all over my body, I also have a warm sensation in the back of my left thigh at times, my breast sometimes hurt, as stated before my sleep is horrible, extremely fragmented, intense vivid dreams, unrefreshing, and I sometimes feel horrible sensations throughout my body which wakes me up, and sever apathy and anxiety upon waking up that stays with me all day. Please, is there anyone who can relate? My most troubling symptoms are the terrifying psychological symptoms that make me feel like I’m losing touch with reality and going to go crazy, it’s a constant nonstop doom feeling..Any advice would be appreciated, I’ve had numerous tests done, I’m not on any meds of any kind. I’m so scared and the medical establishment has not helped me, could this be perimenopause?

-Colibri

[bombsh3ll]

I am so sorry you are suffering like this.

It is possible that your symptoms are related to changing hormones however the orthostatic and GI symptoms are suggestive of dysautonomia, a very challenging condition that I live with myself.

I don't know what kind of healthcare you have access to but the first thing I would address is the inability to eat.

Two medications that I found really helpful for appetite are metoclopramide and mirtazapine. The latter also helps with sleep.

I would also try to see a menopause specialist who will be able to optimise your hormones (don't forget about testosterone - this can be game changing for the type of symptoms you have however you may need to say it is for libido, and I know how ridiculous and insulting that is given what you are going through that your priority would be sleeping with men, but that's it's only official indication).

I would also ask for an autonomic workup including a tilt table test.

[CLKD]

WHOOOA. - it's awful, that early morning wakening in terror.  4 me it was the hormone cortisol, I would wake suddenly, have to get out of bed, dress and go downstairs.  Anytime from 3.30 a.m. 

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress, it reminds us that we do have 'better' days though mayB few and far!

What have your periods been doing?  Mine waxed and waned for several years B4 disappearing in 2002.  I would go for months without then up one would pop  .

R U able to tell us which 'tests have been done' and have U discussed anxiety medication with a GP or Nurse Practitioner.  There are many ways of helping anxiety surges to allow the sufferer to become more balanced.