Be assured that I'm seeking medical advice/treatment for my recent symptoms. I've seen my MD, and an ENT doc already. I've had blood draws for thyroid, electrolytes, CBC, sugar, and iron. I have appointments with mental health (through my OBs office), an allergist and a naturopath coming up. I'm coming here to see if anyone can shed some light on what is going on with my body, maybe from having been there.
About me: 35 y/o, mother of an 8 month old breastfed baby, current dietary restrictions (seafood, but no red meat or chicken. No dairy) Type-A personality with moderate anxiety. No known food allergies.
Symptoms: Last Sunday, while sitting talking with a friend I found myself struggling to catch my breath, and then felt a tightening in my chest/throat. This was followed by a flushing feeling that started at my chest and went up through my face/head. The whole process lasted approximately 30 sec-1 minute. Not knowing what was going on, we called 911. By the time the ambulance arrived, 5-8 minutes later, I had had one more similar episode, but was otherwise feeling okay. My vital signs were all normal. Since Sunday I have had about 5-10 "episodes" with varying degrees of severity. There isn't anything consistent about when the episodes strike, other than I did have a few episodes that hit while nursing my daughter. The only other symptom of note, that I've had on and off for a week now is a feeling of numbness/congestion/lightheadedness in the back of my head. I've also had ear congestion for a couple of months now, though I had my ears checked out last month, and they were fine. The ear congestion seems to come and go, as if I was constantly driving over hills.
My question: What the heck is going on? My blood work showed that my thyroid is on the higher end of normal, but still within the normal range. I haven't had my hormones checked yet, but I'm doing that Monday. Is this what hot flashes feel like? Could I be having hot flashes due to nursing? I nursed my other child also and didn't have any problems. This baby however is allergic to milk protein, so I've had to cut out all dairy, which I have always eaten in the past.
I welcome any thoughts/insight. Thanks.
Thank you. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better. I haven't had any more episodes, and I've actually been feeling back to normal. I had my hormones tested on Monday and apparently everything is normal. They also checked my thyroid again, and it's down a bit from last week. I am inclined to think that my thyroid has been out of whack since having my daughter, and my natural tendency toward anxiety was pushed to it's limit due to the high thyroid levels. Unfortunately, it seems that I can't get my current doc to consider anything regarding my thyroid because "it's within the normal range." So frustrating. I am going to see a naturopath to see if I can get a better idea of what's going on, and what I can do if the symptoms do return.
Thank you again for the input. I had know idea that postpartum thyroiditis existed!
Possible panic attacks?? It is good to rule out any other possible physical causes as well. Good luck!
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The usual thyroid test they run isn't going to tell you much when it comes to thyroid. I have had issues with my thyroid that had symptoms similar to what you're explaining. An endocrinologist would be able to check all thyroid hormones. I didn't have enough T3 for the amount of T4 in my body. One thing you can do on your own to see if your thyroid is functioning properly is to take your temps. If your temperature is running lower than normal that would tell you that there may be an issue. Mine would get as low as 96.8.
If they rule out every possible medical thing and then give you the diagnosis of panic/anxiety attacks. Get a copy of Hope and Help For Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes.
I wish I had read the book years earlier...it explains what causes your attacks...what is happening when you have one...and how to keep from having more.
My anxiety attacks felt like I was going to faint, but never did...other people can't catch their breath or have chest pains.
Sending you a hug, it is scary not knowing what is going on with your body...and all the hormones after pregnancy can really play tricks with you.
sounds like thyroid to me. i know you said your levels are in the normal range but the range is an average, and goes too high too. i would see a naturopath, who will go by your symptoms and listen to how you are feeling, not just go by your #'s on a lab. i was told that all my #'s were perfect but i was clearly suffering. it wasn't until i went to a naturopath that i got any help. MD's just wanted to push pharmaceuticals on me, rather than get to the root of the problem.
Hi K., it'll be interesting to see what the hormone tests shows. The symptoms you describe I feel almost everyday, and I'm in the throws of perimenopause. It's common for there to be hormonal shifts (however temporary) after having a baby.
Good luck! Keep us posted.
:)
I had postpartum thyroiditis (sp?) after having my baby girl. My thyroid levels were high (but also within "normal" range), followed by a period of crashing levels. The symptoms started when she was about 6 mos old. I would have periods where I would become very flushed and feel very lightheaded. I had terrible nasal congestion and had a lot of trouble sleeping (which I never have). The most alarming symptom was the heart palpitations- this is what would cause the lightheadedness and the flushing. By this time I had resumed my period, and then it completely stopped- for 4 mos. Eventually, my thyroid got back to normal without meds, but I had to take a prescription to get my period started back. :(
My advice is to make sure they continue to monitor your thyroid levels. If you do have a thyroid issue, it could be fluctuating when they actually test (which is what happened to me). If it is a thyroid issue, then it usually resolves itself within a year after giving birth.
You are living in Oregon. The first thing you look for is asthma or bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is endemic in Oregon. FIND A REALLY GOOD LONG EXPERIENCE HOMEOPATH. I had asthma for 29 years and finally six years ago I found the most brilliant homeopath. He won't see people who don't live or work in Europe. My luck I work there and see him twice a year.
Your luck I have throughly research and document asthma, allergies and other disorders of the lungs. I got asthma it before we had good medicines to end attacks and prevent them.
This site is just one of many I found on the net. You can start here.
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yoga-and-health/yoga-for-asthm...
The onset of midlife asthma occurs at exactly the age you are at now. I used YOGA for keep me going and believe me 30 years into the project I am an exceptionally healthy woman. Even serious osteo arthristis does not stop me from yoga breaths and asanas.
Unless you are in a full blown attack a doctor cannot tell you have asthma.
One really important rule if it is chronic bronchitis...no cats can live in the house. Outdoor cats are the rule.
Write me privately if you want.
