I speak both from a standpoint
of person with some psychological
training and from personal experiences with
some around me.
1. My initial thought is Temporal lobe
Epilepsy. Epilepsy runs in
my family, and I live with an epileptic who
previously also had
Grand Mals. Very little is known by doctors about
tit, as only 1%
of pop. seems to have obvious symptoms.
However, the
so-called Panic Attacks that the media describes,
have been discovered about
10 years ago, upon evaluation with
NEW EEG equipment, to be spells of the
AURAS and sometimes the ACTUAL
PETIT MAL types of attacks.
When my sig
another has been LOW on his Depakote anti-convulsant
OR has been taking TOO
MANY BENZODIAZEPINES to try to
foolishly wean off from Depakote, he gets
these incredible
feelings of UNREALITY, of feeling he isn't sure who he is,
of
feeling SCARED, of sometimes his heart going into A-fib, etc.
I try
to explain to him, but he's 79, and cannot remember what I say
very long,
especially as he has other people telling him to get off
his meds so he can
FEEL BETTER.
Well, unfortunately, if it is something like a genetically
HYPER BRAIN
pattern of electricity, it seems a certain amount of FULL
SPECTRUM
anti-convulsant is NECESSARY.
Klonopin covers ONLY HALF of
the GABA receptors that control
over-excitiation. Depakote covers the
WHOLE SPECTRUM of
the brain's GABA receptors.
RECEPTORS CHANGE with
different meds, so they ADAPT often,
and become agitated when the med is
dropped, or may need more later.
I was on Klonopin for about a year,
before I realized I was starting to
have BREAKTHROUGH MYOCLONIC C JERKS in my
sleep, where my leg would swing out
with a SLAM! After 2 times hitting
my printer next to my bed, and finally breaking it, I QUIT KLONOPIN.
It
took quite a few edgy weeks or months, to get my self back to a
PRE-KLONOPIN
state of brain response. I understand Dr. Cheney
used to
prescribe it, but no longer. Also the SSRI's are VERY bad
for the brain,
according to Cheney, as it FRIES the neurons over time.
I was also on
them for over several years, before realizing they were
making me VERY
depressed. I thought it was my life's circumstances
causing the depression,
as how can an anti-depressant do THAT?!
Well, I am against some od the
NEW -FANGLED meds for the mind.
2. I once felt really dreamy
and disconnected as I had had a second
baby, undergone severe trauma at his
birth, and got an IUD with NO
anti-biotic. Between being SO TIRED as a
new mother, and probably
infected with new IUD bacteria, I was sitting
outside with my children
and felt like I just wanted to lie down and
REST. I just couldn't move.
3. Maybe some bad food got into
someone's system and has caused
a WEIRD reaction, as these FOREIGN imported
goods are just
exposed to UNKNOWNS. Could ba a pesticide or an odd
germ?
Mainly, I think it could be TLE -- temporal lobe
epilepsy.... One way
to help that, naturally, I read, is
MAGNESIUM, B6 and B12-folic acid.
Please write more about what your input
from readers is, as this
seems a fairly common but unspoken occurrence,
especially
with CFS or MS and other brain ailments.
I had severe anxiety/panic attacks about 8
years ago, they were so bad i could not get off the couch. Deadly dizziness,
diahrea, shaking all over, felt like someone standing on my chest, could not
breathe, rubber legs, felt like i had no control over anything. Whem my attack
was over i could not get out of bed for a day i was so weak from the spell. this
went on over two years alot in the night. I tried all kinds of anxiety meds but
that made it worse, so i started taking xanax and it helped the attacks get over
sooner. i am not a med taker if possible so i only took what i needed. i think
this was the start of fibro, that developed later. i got a hystrerectomy 4 years
ago and the BAD attacks went away but every once in a while i get the squeezing
around my throat and take a xanax and it helps. It sounds like panic attacks to
me. there are different degrees of attacks and mine were so horrible i thought i
was litterally going to die when i had them, it scared my husband to death and
at the time i had two kids to care for. i never sat down to rest until then, i
always pushed myself 24/7. i was a perfectionist and now i just do what i can. i
have osteoperosis in my hands and back and fibro all over. The way I get through
this is Jesus Christ, that is the only way.I got prayed for the other night and
he told me I had my physical and spiritual joy robbed from me for too long, he
prayed for joy for me and I have never been so joyful. I might have pain but I
have to be joyful or the enemy will rob me again and I am not going there
anymore. Stay strong and keep the faith. We have horrific pain but I will
still never come close to what Jesus did for us all. I keep telling myself
that.
In answer to your question, my daughter who suffered with
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for some 15 years but has overcome it in the sence that
she does have her energy but suffers chemical sensitivity ans is on a strict
diet because she has bowel problems, she managed to get back to work 2 years ago
and just one month ago the shampoo she had been using from the body shop
was no longer available so they recommended another one and on washing her hair
she had a massive reaction, she was rushed to hospital and then had a reaction
to the medication as well which was similar to the one mentioned in article 17
which she had been taking a small amount of each evening for years and she has
been having massive panic attacks and also saying she felt she was out of her
body or like she was watching a movie, I had her stay with me and made her cut
the medication back to what she had been taking before and she showed a
massive improvement from that side of it although still suffering itching and
burning on the body but she is getting better each day, we are hoping she can
get back to work as she had all her sick leave and now her annual holidays, in
the earlier years of her sickness she also suffered panic attacks and said she
felt as though she was out of her body but was on medication which I cannot
remember which one but probably similar.
The other thing I would like to mention was my
mother had a nervous breakdown or that is what they called it back in those days
it was around 1947 and she was medicated and she also was telling me she used to
feel as though everything was a picture, my father's mother took her up to her
place and threw out all the medication and she got better, she was a wise
lady for her time. I suffer Fibromyalgia but
have found out I have Chiari Malformation and my sister is also suffering with
it, she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation but had the same symptons as me
and on getting an MRI I had it too, she has never been diagnosed with
Fibromyaligia so there is some connection there too, but the operation does not
seem to fix all symptons from my research so far so not taking any chances with
that lot, neither is my sister, so we solider on with the symptons.
It would be good if someone could work out what the hell
is going on with all of us sufferers. Hope this
helps a little.
There is a difference in the two. Premarin is a naturally
occuring hormone made from horse
urine, whereas estrace is a synthetic
hormone that is created in the
lab. Estrace is supposed to mimic your
body's natural estrogen more
than premarin and be safer to use because
of this. But everyone is
different and hormones control every part of
your body as you know,
including mood,depression,etc. Switching the
hormone can cause your
body to have changes in lots of different
things, just as changing
hormone levels in a pregnant woman can cause
her to act crazy! I
can't take high doses of effexor or birth control
of any kind for
this reason, b/c i have adhd and now he says mild
bipolar, that
little bit pushes me over the edge into a full blown
episode. Your
hormone could be doing the same to you. Fibros have
supersensitivie
autonomic nervous systems, so minute changes that
wouldn't affect a
normal person can cause an enormous change in them
or vice versa,
remember that. A simple thing like switching an
estrogen hormone when
your body produces no estrogen of its own
totally changes the
chemical composition of the hormone it is used to
and how it reacts
to it. Estrogen controls alot of different functions
from bone
production, to vessel flexibility, to being a precursor for
hormones
such as seratonin and ne and dopamine all of which can make
you
either feel really good, or really bad as we know.
I have not personally had depersonalization, but my sister
and her husband have both struggled with it over many years. Unbeknownst to them when they
married, both were sexually abused as children. Memories resurfaced in middle age that helped explain these
symptoms of trauma. My brother
had one of the most severe cases
on record, in which the
depersonalization lasted over a year, requiring
hospitalization. An expert at
Duke University finally found the right medication to bring him out of
it, and he must stay on it for life. Both of their psychiatrists and counselors have told them that depersonalization is a coping mechanism for severe emotional/mental trauma that can sometimes get out of control. If it becomes a real problem, you may want
to find a psychiatrist and counselor with
significant experience in treating people with depersonalization to help you
examine the cause
and treat it medically and
emotionally.
Have you checked your blood pressure when these things
happen? I know
you have had blood pressure problems. When I have LOW blood
pressure I get that
disassociated feeling, and I have that kind of "aura"
before I faint, before the
buzzing, dizziness pre-faint. (I think all my
fainting spells as a kid and
beyond have been blood sugar problems). Also, my
father had several episodes as
you describe and we finally traced it to
reactions to exposure to MOLD! In his
apartment complex, there were areas of
ceiing tiles that were wet and moldy
from roof leaks and when he would pass
through one of those areas, he would
feel that way when he got back to his
apartment. Also, it may be a TIA
experience. I believe it is due to a
chemical reaction in the body, whether a
hormone or response to an allergen
or blood sugar problem or the result of the
small stroke (TIA). I know you
don't want to spend money at a doctor's office
and still not get an answer,
so think about blood pressure and blood sugar
first because you can work at
control of those pretty easily. Let us know how
you're doing!
Has anybody checked blood sugar
when this happens? Before I got my blood sugar under control I would black
out-pass out even almost go blind. It's a really weird feeling one time
when I took my sugar level it was 35. I could hardly walk.
Doctor said any lower I could have when in a coma. I was really out of it for a
few days.
I've experienced this. All you say rings true. Plus I have a schizophrenic
nephew and his mum was often out of it as I was growing up. Very scary. As you
say, the gene pool affects things. I had episodes years ago - not in the last 6
or so years. But it's vivid in my mind.
Also I don't take any hrt at all.
My sis ended up in hospital with a mini-stroke - lost all language and movement
- and the doc said it was her hrt and she was to go off it. Of course she's ok
now and back on it after putting up with terrible hot flushes etc. She'll be on
it for life she says - she's 65 - and has already been on it for 20 years. What
a risk though. That's why I won't touch the stuff because I don't want to be
looking down the pipeline to the end of my life with episodes like that. But
it's not the same for everyone else. That's just my opinion. But I'm not blaming
your attacks on hrt. Just mentioning it because you brought it up in your
newsletter. But my first attacks of DD were when I was 35 so obviously not
hormonal, but then maybe it was?
When I first got sick in '85 I got
terrible DD episodes. I'd be sitting at the kitchen table and everything and
everyone would just fade away. Awful. I also had a few episodes in the '90s when
we moved house to the other side of the country. I think it could very well be
related to Hypoglycaemia at times - that weakness and just "losing it". But so
much goes on in our bodies that anything's possible and I guess DD is just one
of the names for it..
I have too experienced the same symptoms you have
described here ....I always thought they were panic/anxiety attacks . I was
diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Athritis, Degenerative Tissue Disease(these 6 yrs
ago ) , and Hypothyrodism( 1 yr ago ) . I began to really wonder "what" these
episodes were when I got off my Thyroid meds for financial reasons ( and was
told I shouldnt be on them by another DR. --worst mistake ever made---serious
downward sprial ever since !) I went into a deeper depression , more anxiety ,
Thyroid sypmtoms ( if you arent familiar with Thyroid it controls SOO many areas
in a womans body!) Anyway , these crazy experiences / episodes have been
happenning to me DAILY !!
It's hard to explain but I will do my best.....I get hot/cold sweats,
I feel as if I cannot control anything going on with my thoughts , body etc
(almost frozen like) my heart races (like a panic attack) , ANY noise or ANYONE
trying to help at that moment only irritates me & makes it worst , I
cant relate to my husband or kids what I need , I cry , feel embarressed, then
exhauseted afterwards. I dont FEEl myself and I always say I feel very hormonal
!! I am not sure what the cause .....I am kinda wondering if it is related to
horomones or possibly anti-depressents. These daily episodes didnt start
happenning until I stated taking Wellbutrin in replace of my anxiety meds and
stopped taking my Thyroid med??
We can always speculate .....I dont know ...I am finally seeing a great
endogrinologist here in Orlando who is starting me on Synthroid again so I am
praying I will start feeling better soon . I hope by my sharing , It may have
given you some insight . I do also get somewhat anxious when I have to be in
group situations where I am not really close to the people there. Even before I
leave the house , I notice my nerves getting wound up & my heart beating
faster. I just always assumed that was just me ?!
I’m a faithful reader of you for
years. I get disassociative. For me, it’s good thing. I don’t
get scared. It happens about once every five years and I kind of enjoy
it. It separates my thoughts from what is going on and I kind of see
clearer. I just wait for it to pass. I think of it in terms of God
directing me. I also separate myself from what is going on. I can
see what’s going on and see myself at the same time. I think it’s kind of
neat.
my fibro started with disconnects all the time
I blacked out driving
.
I'd go to the doc and say I couldnt get through the veil between myself
and reality. And of course they said nothing was wrong.
I was
under terrible stress ... in my 35.
I think my firbro is an
anxiety disorder ..... post traumatic stress
anxiety disorders are
connected with other mental instabilities in
families.. likely to see
bi polar , schizophrenia and of course OCD
Everyone I know who has OCD has
someone in the family with something
else.
I dont know what to
say for you.
I survived... but I was terrified and horrified.
but I cant
say what will help you.
|
I have had something similar, as what you describe, but not to the
point that I had to go to ER. I have the spells, as I suddenly become lost
in familiar surroundings. Can be driving to a familiar place,
following same path as always and become lost as to where I am.
I have had panic attacks with bitter taste in the mouth, nausea
almost to vomiting, dizzy almost passing out, echoing throughout my ears,
blurred vision, racing heart. Last one was at work in 2006 and had
to immediately go into someone's office and put my head between my legs
and sit hunched over. I related it to a mixture of the meds and
hormones coupled with possibly a stressful event prior to that day.
Afterwards, I was just fine but very exhausted. I believe that meds
that work on the nervous system just go crazy sometimes. God didn't
make our bodies for meds.
I read your blurb about "weird stuff" and was wondering if that's
what I've experienced. Sometimes I, out of the blue, have a hard time
connecting with people...or even with myself. It's hard to explain, It's
like I'm conscious but can't think..then I start worrying about why I
can't think. It starts to make me feel very anxious...like "am I going
crazy"? Why is this happening to me?, I think. I know I'm getting older,
51, and I've been through a lot. Then I just think it away, so to speak,
and just chalk it up to brain fog...which I hate! Gee..isn't fun
getting older, especially with fibro and other stuff? I also have
narcolepsy/cataplexy. So I already have neurological "brain stuff" goin'
on. I'm wondering if it's all connected somehow. Although, I've read where
fibro can stem from neck and spinal injuries..hello, got that! I have a
herniated disk in my neck that's pressing up against my spinal cord. Can't
be good.
I read your weird stuff on the page. I too withdraw from life and had
total panic attacks to the point I did not leave my house with out my dad.
I was 33 years old and afraid of the out side. I too suffered from
agoraphobia till recently. I credit my doctors and my family in helping
me. I still struggle at times, but I have gotten my drivers license back
and even have some interest in a love life. I still have lorazepam
incase an attack comes on. My panic attacks have sent me to the Emergency
room a few times. It's nothing for anyone out there to be afraid of, shoot
I tell everyone I see a Shrink and Therapist. Its better to be up front
then try to hide things. Least I found it so.
I'm wondering whether this phenomenom could be spiritually/demonic
related??? Has there been any occult or séance-type activity in the
past? It could be a generational curse that needs to be
broken. Do you have much understanding of spiritual warfare? I
am finally in a church that does. . . but I'm just learning. There
are things to consider, like how we open doors to such things, our
repenting of things we may have done to open the doors--even
just participating by agreeing with the fear. Strongholds develop in
our lives. I believe prolonged stress and bitterness poured toxins
into my body, causing the fibromyalgia. My focus is on eliminating
as much toxins as possible, including meds.
|
I am sure it's what you have suspected, that is some kind of anxiety
disorder. The more you think about what's happening to you, the more
anxious you get and the ball starts rolling. I still think you need to
discuss this with your doctor, but in the meantime try to go lay down when you
start feeling funny, take some slow deep breaths and try to relax.
Biofeedback or meditation exercises really do work once you get the hang of
it.
I've never had what you are experiencing, but I did have a mental break
down at 39 (I am 42) and it was at that time that the Chronic Fatigue and sleep
disorder began and has continued. I do know that my adrenal glands are still
shot, that my hormones play a lot into how well I feel or don't feel. My
gene pool is nothing but sewage (mother and two biological brothers have
schizophrenia/bipolar, etc.) I have had trouble with fungus and I'm
fatigued but wired, not sleepy and never am sleepy. I read a book
about metabolic typing for diet and found out that I need to eat lots of healthy
fats and red meats and that helps a lot also concerning my energy. Like
you I've tried many things. Maybe this is hormonal or stress related. If
hormones or anything is off in the body it is a stressor. Thank you for all you
do. I know this must be scary. The mental breakdown was the scariest thing I've
ever encountered and yet I am holding up.
COMMENT FROM
DOMINIE: Thanks so much to all who
wrote. Seems these dissociative feelings could be related to any number of
things, as mentioned above by my kind readers. I do wonder about the spiritual
aspect, because I had some friends pray for me after choir practice
Wednesday night, and I have felt completely normal since then! Also, 20 years ago,
I was delivered from 20 years of agoraphobia by telling the devil NO to any more
fear! So, there is something going on besides just the
physical/biochemical aspects. We are such complex
creatures!