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Fatigue, Palps, Avoidance, Shortness of Breath and Major Stressors

Hello,

For the past 3 weeks or so I have been feeling generally very tired but out of the blue I will get this muscle fatigue, as if I just carried some packages and put them down. That went away for the past week while I concentrated on heart palps and slight pressure feeling in my stomach whenever I exerted myself even only a little bit. I have been avoiding being with people, I lay in bed a lot. I have a little wheeze at times.

I went to the ER 5 days ago after having an ekg from my primary. She did the EKG in the morning and that evening i had another one, cardiac enzyme, chest x ray, bloodwork for other stuff and all were normal. I went to see a cardiologist who did a shortness of breath panel and checking my lipids (I have high cholesterol) and an echocardiogram.

So far everything is normal. He wants a ct angio but i can't afford it (no health insurance and these other bills are up to 3500 bucks already!)

Here's where it gets sticky: I have had conversion disorder for many years and GAD, (as well as acid reflux and IBS). My sister had a baby 10 months ago and another one last month. She nearly died from toxemia and had an emergency c section. Now she and her 4 kids are living with me and my mom because CPS wants to make sure she has people to help her (mom and me being the primary caregivers). Also found out my oldest niece (17) is pregnant. I hide in my room all day as I can't deal with all this stuff. Also in the midst of breakup with fiance, lots of fighting there.

Is all this physical stuff just conversion again? I don't have much energy to do anything and I'm afraid of overexerting myself.
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Avatar universal
I'm thinking of you. I really appreciated your comments on my question, and I hope you find some peace of mind very soon. I admitted myself into the ER just a few weeks ago (hence the bloodwork and cranial CT Scan), but I can't keep doing that every time things get scary. I'm sure you can relate. It's so hard, isn't it? I was so accomplished when I was younger - a beauty pageant winner, a model, a college honors grad in French and English. Now I feel that I am a shell of my former self. Thanks to you and the doctor, I'm off to get myself sorted out. I just wanted to add my support to your situation. I wish you so much luck with this. Love, gemini1975
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Avatar universal
Please believe me when I say I know how stressful livivng with your family can be.My daughter,soninlaw,3 boys and 1 one the way have been living with me for a year now.
Stress will cause many of the symptoms you are describing.
You will have to be firm with your family about what you expect from them to relieve the stress you are under.Do not accept thier behavior in your home.I had to do this with my daughter and son inlaw as they were taking advantage of me and my husband.Things are better now since I put my foot down and my son inlaw is going to counseling for his anger issues.He tends to blame everything on others for his misfortunes.
So you hang tough sweetie and be good to yourself by reducing the stress your family causes yu and you will start to feel better.
Let me know How it goesand if you want someone to talk to just post and I will listen.
Love Venora
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242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Certainly the stressors you describe could accentuate your sensitivity to anxiety and worry, and the pessimism that is part of a depression.  Depression and anxiety could certainly explain your extreme fatigue, and wanting to hide in bed strengthens that probablility. If you and your doctor are convinced it is not cardiac, then talk to her re medications.
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Avatar universal
I just wanted to add that my mom and sister don't get along and I had to call the cops on them the other day for screaming and throwing things. The family is volatile and dysfunctional. I own most of the stuff in the apartment and I pay the electric, cable, etc. and half rent, but everyone's here using all my stuff and I just hide in my room feeling achy and incapable of doing anything. My job also cut my hours in half about a month ago, so I am now going into savings to try and make the bills, plus I am constantly looking for work --- which I can't do right now because of the palps, fatigue, tiredness, wheezing, and feeling like I just walked up the stairs when I do simple things (like brushing my teeth).

One doc said that I need to get away from my family, that I am converting the stress into physical symptoms. I've done this many times before, I have a long histry of it but still every time I wonder if it's really physical this time. It's hard not to think that when I feel so debilitated physically.

I have a lot of anger and resentment toward my family. On top of everything my sister has not donated a dime to me or my mom for household expenses or childcare.  We even watched the ten yr old and ten month old while she was in critical condition in the hospital and it was extremely taxing.

I feel unappreciated and invisible.
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