Hi, my name is pleasehelp101 and I really need help.

pleasehelp101

Hi everyone,

I don't know if this is allowed here or I'm posting this in the correct place, so please bear with me if I'm not. I'm 24 years old and going through a really difficult time with an "invisible" illness that I thought was a mental health issue but now I'm not sure, and my "support system" has turned it's back on me completely so I don't have anyone. I'm sick every day, have been to doctors after doctor and no one can fix me. 

It started with severe anxiety that set off acid reflux, and then settled into constant, chronic, unbearable nausea. I've had a little nausea for years that's triggered by anxiety, and I'm also severely emetophobic so that's an issue for me but it wasn't unbearable and crippling like this is. I haven't actually thrown up but feel very close constantly, and am having trouble coping. I get this wave of internal dizziness in my head and stomach (feels like motion sickness) that comes with it, constant 'butterflies' I guess in my stomach, waves of feeling like its about to happen, pains through it and my entire body. And on top of it, constant shakes and whenever I think/look at something/hear a noise, etc my stomach literally feels like it does a flip and like I'm going to be sick. I don't know how to cope with this anymore and believe me I've tried everything. I've been looked at (everything short of an MRI ) and they tell me there's no physical cause. The only thing's they've found are mild anemia and vit D deficiencies. I even went to an eye doctor. 

I am at the end of my rope here, and (not to trigger anyone, so I hope this won't do that!) literally have been considering just ending this (and I just want to clarify - I'm not in any immediate danger; I'm not actually 'suicidal'. I just don't know where to go from here because I can't take the way I feel and nobody seems to care or have an answer. I tell my support system and they tell me that there's nothing they can do and they want no part in that, so it's on me if that's the way I want to go. It's not, but what do you do when you can't cope anymore? The only thing keeping me here is that I have a beloved (BELOVED) dog who is young and I am inseparable from and I am honestly afraid she would die of a broken heart if I leave her. What do I do? 

Thank you all for reading, and I'm sorry this is long. 

chiarieds

Hi @pleasehelp101 - welcome to the community, & it's absolutely fine that you have posted here; there's no wrong place anyway.

I'm really sorry to read about your illness, which must be most distressing. It seems like you've likely tried different GPs in your practice, if not, that would be one idea. Everyone has the right to be listened too, & their problems evaluated.

I appreciate that it's unhelpful that your support system say there's nothing they can do, so it's up to you, but perhaps be open to that option. You can actually refer yourself to access some possible help. Please see: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/

What sort of dog do you have? I get to borrow/dog sit one, as my son has a lovely Bedlington terrier. The only problem is, being a terrier, he likes to chase my cat!

Alex_Alumni

Hi @pleasehelp101 I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through, it sounds incredibly distressing! Well done for reaching out, it's so difficult when you feel like you're already not getting the support you need.

I'm not surprised you're feeling so anxious when there's still uncertainty around the cause of your nausea. Can I ask if you are getting treatment for the mild anemia and vitamin D deficiencies? And do you currently receive any support for your mental health? 

I can see our members have already shared some excellent advice, there are some great organisations you can go to for support, especially for someone to just listen. As mentioned, you can call Samaritans (116 123). I know you mention you're not suicidal, but it might be worth looking at some resources around what that can feel like, and how to get help at Mind.

Equally, if you want someone to talk to confidentially you can text 'Shout' to 85258. Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Your dog sounds lovely, what breed is she, and how long have you had her? I'm sure she's an important part of your life, I'm so glad you've shared that with us. 

If you feel like you could benefit from any additional support then please just say, and we'll do what we can to help. Make sure to take time for yourself, and spend time with your dog

Alex

steve39

pleasehelp101 said:

Hi everyone,

I don't know if this is allowed here or I'm posting this in the correct place, so please bear with me if I'm not. I'm 24 years old and going through a really difficult time with an "invisible" illness that I thought was a mental health issue but now I'm not sure, and my "support system" has turned it's back on me completely so I don't have anyone. I'm sick every day, have been to doctors after doctor and no one can fix me. 

It started with severe anxiety that set off acid reflux, and then settled into constant, chronic, unbearable nausea. I've had a little nausea for years that's triggered by anxiety, and I'm also severely emetophobic so that's an issue for me but it wasn't unbearable and crippling like this is. I haven't actually thrown up but feel very close constantly, and am having trouble coping. I get this wave of internal dizziness in my head and stomach (feels like motion sickness) that comes with it, constant 'butterflies' I guess in my stomach, waves of feeling like its about to happen, pains through it and my entire body. And on top of it, constant shakes and whenever I think/look at something/hear a noise, etc my stomach literally feels like it does a flip and like I'm going to be sick. I don't know how to cope with this anymore and believe me I've tried everything. I've been looked at (everything short of an MRI ) and they tell me there's no physical cause. The only thing's they've found are mild anemia and vit D deficiencies. I even went to an eye doctor. 

I am at the end of my rope here, and (not to trigger anyone, so I hope this won't do that!) literally have been considering just ending this (and I just want to clarify - I'm not in any immediate danger; I'm not actually 'suicidal'. I just don't know where to go from here because I can't take the way I feel and nobody seems to care or have an answer. I tell my support system and they tell me that there's nothing they can do and they want no part in that, so it's on me if that's the way I want to go. It's not, but what do you do when you can't cope anymore? The only thing keeping me here is that I have a beloved (BELOVED) dog who is young and I am inseparable from and I am honestly afraid she would die of a broken heart if I leave her. What do I do? 

Thank you all for reading, and I'm sorry this is long. 

hi from what you are saying i think that you are doing the right things and just have to stick it until something changes , as for your invisible illnesses, i;ve had then all of my life especially the acid reflux and hope you get on better than i  have with the system, if you want a chat on this let me know , steve

pleasehelp101

Hi again everyone,

Thank you all for your advice and help. I very much appreciated it - this is a kind community on here. For everyone who asked how I'm doing now, unfortunately not much better. I've been now to an internist, gastrologist, and an ultrasound. Nothing comes up, and they all send me home. I'm more nauseous than ever, living on dramamine when needed and can barely leave my house due to the anxiety from being so nauseous. I get this weird, sort of phantom pain in my stomach that feels like throwing up is imminent, and constant nervous/itchy feeling when I try to relax or anything.

And for everyone who asked about my beloved dog, she is a French Bulldog and she is 3. She is the only thing that keeps me going and I just adore her! 

steve39

pleasehelp101 said:

Hi again everyone,

Thank you all for your advice and help. I very much appreciated it - this is a kind community on here. For everyone who asked how I'm doing now, unfortunately not much better. I've been now to an internist, gastrologist, and an ultrasound. Nothing comes up, and they all send me home. I'm more nauseous than ever, living on dramamine when needed and can barely leave my house due to the anxiety from being so nauseous. I get this weird, sort of phantom pain in my stomach that feels like throwing up is imminent, and constant nervous/itchy feeling when I try to relax or anything.

And for everyone who asked about my beloved dog, she is a French Bulldog and she is 3. She is the only thing that keeps me going and I just adore her! 

Hi  At times do you feel that your gagging at the back of your throat, have you had a bowl x-ray to see if you are producing too much stole, is it worse after you have eaten certain food's,  do you get chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of foods/ liquids ,lump in your throat, chronic cough, laryngitis , asthma , disrupted sleep ?? ask your Gastroenterology Consultant  , if you can be tested for Gastroesophageal reflux disease, no-one on here can tell you what is medically wrong with you unless you are tested properly by a hospital you might even find that your dramamine is aggravating some of your problems,
good luck though

chiarieds

Hi @pleasehelp101 - it's good to hear from you again, & thank you for saying about your beloved dog; our pets really do help so much.

I'm sorry you're not feeling any better & your specialists haven't as yet found the cause of your problems......hopefully soon they do. As we're not medically qualified, none of us can speculate what might be the cause of your problems, but do hope your specialists may find out soon.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @pleasehelp101 I echo our members, I hope with further discussion your consultants will be able to support you more fully. As we've mentioned, none of us are medical professionals, but we are here to listen and support you when you need it.

You mention having some trouble leaving the house, is that something you're getting support for at the moment? Perhaps that could be something to raise with your GP if you feel you need to, or perhaps with a trusted friend or loved one, just to make sure you're getting everything you might need?

undiagnosed101

Hi, 

I was reading about abdominal epilepsy the other day ( in my search for answers!) and your symptoms sound quite similar. Is this something you have heard of? Might be worth raising it with your Dr. I hope you get the answers you so desperately need. Don't give up