AutoImmune and Neurological

[Mrsjecca]

I've never written in a forum like this, so I'm posting in AutoImmune and Neurological because I'm not sure what's going on.  I know that this forum is mostly patients, but I'm hoping someone with a medical degree can give me their two cents.

Last Thursday I nearly passed out in a store.  I had my pulseox thing with me and checked my heart rate - it jumped to 174.  I was able to sit myself down, gather myself, and get to my doctor (in the same business center as the store).  That day they did blood and urine tests.  Four days later I went back to the doctor for my results and to advise them of continuing and ongoing symptoms.  My symptoms are/were: I (to this day) remain dizzy at almost every moment.  The dizziness increases when I move around (shower, do laundry, leave the house, and even when I watch t.v.)  I also feel like my scalp is burnt when it isn't (hurts to brush my hair), I feel shaky and cold most of the day, My vision is blurry periodically throughout the day, and it often seems like things are farther away than they are.  My blood tests showed "high" for my red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet counts; however, the sizes of them are too small.  I have had periodic pains in my side/back.  At first the Dr. mentioned autoimmune (possibly anemia or another disease), and he did a head CT to check for a tumor in my brain or fluid on my brain.  The CT came back OK, and they did a second blood test (the results of which I'll get tomorrow).

From the sound of my Dr's office on my phone - they're pretty much going to let it go and chalk it up to...well, I don't know.  But, all they're saying is rest, don't drive, and don't work.  No plans for determining what's going on, and no resolution.  However, I'm not ready for them to "give up".  I'm still dizzy almost constantly, I feel sick to my stomach nearly 90% of the time, and I can't even leave my house because every time I start being active I feel like I'm going to pass out.  If I have to, I suppose I'll take my symptoms to another doctor and see what they have to say.

A little background: there are many autoimmune disorders present in my family (lupus=aunt, anemia=grandmother, Sjogrens and spondylitis=mother).  I am 27 year old female, obese (5'1 and 248lbs).  No matter what I've done over the years as far as diet/exercise I can never seem to lose weight - but I've lost about 20lbs in the last 2 months.  I don't know if this is a symptom or not...but it seems strange to me.

Has anyone had these things happen to you?  Do any doctors have any thoughts/input on what could be happening?  I'm quite frightened. My husband says, "don't worry, everything is fine and it's nothing serious."  I HOPE he's right, but being the person who can't walk around without wanting to fall over - I don't know what to do.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Freethinker]

Sounds like Lyme to me. I had all those symptoms, and more.

[lazydog]

May I add, if your doctor has already tested for thyroid, it highly likely that only TSH test undertaken and more often than not the lab range is out of date and you would need to be very very unwell before thyroid disease was diagnosed.  
This is why it imperative to get thyroid antibodies as well as tsh test.
Ask your doctor for copies of previous tests and check out.  Many thyroid patients are told thyroid test "normal" when in fact it not.  
...Julia

[lazydog]

You sound like you may have Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Autoimmune thyroid disease.  You sound like you probably also have adrenal fatigue - caused by undiagnosed Hashimoto's...where your adrenals are taking over from flagging thryoid function.
Get tested for thyroid antibodies.  Get copy of results for yourself and check out on internet.  
...Julia

[Fluffysmom]

With all that dizziness, you might consider seeing an Oto-neurologist; a neurologist who specializes in vestibular issues.

You might try vestibular physical therapy, too.  I just started vestibular PT this past monday, and the therapist was awesome; did tests and was able to note things that my past three neurologists have totally missed.

I'll be seeing an oto-neurologist next month, and hope he can help figure out what's up with the dizziness/loss of balance, etc.

I agree with Lorie707's advice, just adding another option.

I hope you've found some answers and help with your symptoms, or will find them soon.

[Lori707]

I would recommend the following even if there were no relatives with autoimmune issues. First, I would go to another internist/family doctor. Second, go to a rheumatologist. They run tests that an ordinaray doctor doesn't. The results of these tests can explain a lot of what's happening. Third, go see a neurologist. Be assertive and ask your family doctor to be in contact with your other doctors.