Feeling awful - advice please

[Maggie75]

Hi everyone,

I'm T2, diagnosed in 2020 and it's been a rollercoaster for me since then trying low carb, medications and seriously struggling with my mental health. Was doing well with low carb eating up until a few weeks ago when my depression and anxiety just took over again and it's been back to the start again. I'm currently just taking Alogliptin for this as GP took me off Metformin and Rybelsus due to side effects.

I've had serious issues with my breathing over the last 3 months or so, never been as bad as this before, got to the stage I was afraid to eat because I constantly feel as though I can't swallow the food properly and feel as though I'm choking. I've been to the GP several times with this now, told every time it's anxiety but this doesn't feel like anxiety now, it feels like something is physically wrong. I've felt a few times now as though I'm going to pass out due to being so lightheaded. I've checked my blood sugars and they've never been anywhere near hypo levels.

I had to go to A&E on Tuesday as I started having tightness in my chest and my left arm was painful and felt very weak, they did an ECG which they said looked normal but my blood pressure was 198 over 93, it's never been anywhere near that before. Again just put down to anxiety but I feel every day as though there's more to it than that, the way I'm feeling is not anxiety, I'm pretty sure of that. I'm going back to my GP again next week, can I demand they do some more tests on this, has anyone else experienced anything like this, I just feel completely fobbed off but I know my own body well enough to know something is not right. I know nobody can diagnose me here but any advice on this or similiar experiences would be so helpful. Thank you.

Maggie

 

[Lamont D]

Hi everyone,

I'm T2, diagnosed in 2020 and it's been a rollercoaster for me since then trying low carb, medications and seriously struggling with my mental health. Was doing well with low carb eating up until a few weeks ago when my depression and anxiety just took over again and it's been back to the start again. I'm currently just taking Alogliptin for this as GP took me off Metformin and Rybelsus due to side effects.

I've had serious issues with my breathing over the last 3 months or so, never been as bad as this before, got to the stage I was afraid to eat because I constantly feel as though I can't swallow the food properly and feel as though I'm choking. I've been to the GP several times with this now, told every time it's anxiety but this doesn't feel like anxiety now, it feels like something is physically wrong. I've felt a few times now as though I'm going to pass out due to being so lightheaded. I've checked my blood sugars and they've never been anywhere near hypo levels.

I had to go to A&E on Tuesday as I started having tightness in my chest and my left arm was painful and felt very weak, they did an ECG which they said looked normal but my blood pressure was 198 over 93, it's never been anywhere near that before. Again just put down to anxiety but I feel every day as though there's more to it than that, the way I'm feeling is not anxiety, I'm pretty sure of that. I'm going back to my GP again next week, can I demand they do some more tests on this, has anyone else experienced anything like this, I just feel completely fobbed off but I know my own body well enough to know something is not right. I know nobody can diagnose me here but any advice on this or similiar experiences would be so helpful. Thank you.

Maggie

Hi @Maggie75
As a lot of us have been down this route.
I certainly have, when you just know something else is going on.
So yes, ask your GP for more tests of a referral to a specialist.
But I would go with your symptoms in writing.
With your last lot of BG levels, fasting and around meals.
And even ask for counselling if your GP is convinced it is the anxiety.

If you weren't aware, there is different levels and types of anxiety. And even some anxiety that you do experience leads to more anxiety and worries. It depends on what you believe is happening, second guessing, worrying, stressing and over thinking things. And with the depression exacerbating the issues. No wonder you feel fobbed off.

Please insist on a counsellor, or find someone you can talk to, someone you can trust, will keep it to themselves, what you are going through, I know it's horrible!
But you can get help.
Even putting your feelings on here. I have done it.
Nowt like a good rant, to ease the burden.

I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and mild depression before my third set of counselling.
In five or so yesrs, my life has changed so much, and I couldn't cope with it all.
My gp, my counsellors at Mind UK. My family, my colleagues, friends and neighbours.
Were a big part of my determination to get my anxiety sorted, somewhat.
I have bad days, not so bad days, and good days when my grandkids come round.
I am a more positive person now.
Things are not great, but I am, to face it all.