Strange symptoms going on too long help!!!!

[cadeneal]

I am a 41 year old female.  I've had heart palpitations now and then since I was 19.  In the last 5 years I've had more serious palpitations and have gone to the ER a couple times.  I've had EKG and Echocardiograms done and they look fine.  My BP is usually fine.  One time 6 years ago when my mother was dying it was high.  I took meds for a couple months until it was obvious I didn't need them.  Anyway... here's what's been going on.
3 months ago I got a very jittery feeling through my body; like my adrenal gland was constantly pumping.  This went on for 2 weeks straight!  I was shaky, had trouble concentrating, exhaustion from lack of sleep, HAIR LOSS, and super-sensitive to sound.  With each passing day I became more afraid I was going insane and would not be able to take care of myself or my child.  I went to my family doctor.  Tests showed no abnormalities.  He put me on an anti-depressant.  It didn't seem to change anything EXCEPT I started having more heart palpitations.  I took the drug for 2 months and then stopped it.  The heart palpitations are much less frequent but they do seem to happen every time I exert myself.  It's very very very frustrating not to feel well and not know what to do about it.  I take a women's multi-vitamin and occasionally an extra calcium/magnesium/zinc, extra folic acid a couple times a week, and a fish oil supplement with flax and borage.  I feel that  nutritionally I'm doing well.  Any ideas what this could be???  It's seriously affecting my quality of life and happiness.  Thanks soooo much for reading this.

[cadeneal]

Thanks for the posts thus far.  I've had my thyroid checked twice, B12 checked, blood gasses.  Diabetes runs in my family so I check my blood sugar and it's always fine.  It did drop low one day last week ( 60 ) and I felt physically shaky but it rebounded when I ate and is fine.  I will wear an event monitor starting Tuesday ( we're having a hurricane down here this weekend.  didn't want to be bothered with it ).  I've talked to counselors about the possibility of anxiety disorder.  They say I don't seem to fit the profile of GAD.  Personally I think it's hormonal and my gynecologist appt. is late this month so I'll have her check further.  It's just no fun to feel sick with no apparent cause.  Today I feel sweaty and weak with occasional bursts of adrenaline, fluttery heart, and very mild nausea.  Grrrr!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

These are all symptoms of panic attack. Panic attacks are sudden, discrete periods of intense anxiety, mounting physiological arousal, fear, stomach problems and discomfort that are associated with a variety of somatic and cognitive symptoms.

Causes may be stress,anxiety,hyperthyroidism,hypoglycemia, Wilson's disease, mitral valve prolapse, pheochromocytoma and inner ear disturbances (labyrinthitis). Vitamin B deficiency  can also cause panic attack. Sometimes panic attacks may be a side effect of medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate).

During a panic attack, Breathe slowly through the nose using the diaphragm and abdomen. Do not breathe through the mouth. Talk with a supportive person if you are feeling stressed or anxious.Do not worry about the future and talk to your family if feeling anxious.Pls get yourself evaluated for diabetes ,thyroid disorders and heart valve disorders.Also take vit B supplements for some days.It might help.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a physician.You may need anti anxiety medicines.Severe cases may require Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_attack

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted on how you are doing.

[April2]

I'm not sure where the jittery feeling is coming from, although I've felt that when I've been anxious. But I also get the heart palpitations. They're called PVC's or Preventricle Contractions, which is a skipped beat or an extra beat. They're fairly common and lot's of people get them and can live with them just fine. You do want to watch how many you're getting a day. Have you done a stress test on the treadmill or a nuclear stress test? This would show if you're having PVC's. Ask if you an wear the holter (heart moniter) for 24 hours. This would measure how many PVC's you're having a day. You can just put it on and go about your business. Then the doctor can tell if you are getting too many or not. Another thing they look for is if you have two skipped beats or more at a time. That's when it gets more concerning.

I'm not sure about the other symptoms. You're too young for menopause, I would think. Have you had your thyroid tested? That would be my next step if I were you.
I wish you well. I hope you find out soon what's going on so you can feel better. Take care.
April