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What Causes Dizziness, Confusion, Lack Of Concentration And Fainting?
Question: My primary source of medical care is the VA. As I have a multiple set of orthopedic problems, and stopped taking all pain medication and muscle relaxants 7 months ago it appears a diagnosis has been complicated. Essentially, for over a year, and in particular the last seven month, I have suffered from most all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, low testosterone, and depression. I have been treated for depression for many years and I am not depressed. My blood tests put me on the low normal range for
testosterone and the high end normal range for TSH (over 6 months 3.53-4.2) and the low end normal range for FR T-4 (0.81). I have been essentially housebound for four months. I am exhausted, have dizzy spells, confused at times , can't concentrate, occasionally feel faint, wake up tired, have gained 40 lbs.,
have no focus, no energy, dry skin, muscle cramps and spasms, muscle atrophy, joint pain, etc. The
endocrinologist told me I did not have hypothyroidism or low T as I was in the 'normal range.' After 6 months of monitoring my blood tests, they want to continue monitoring me for four more months and have scheduled a sleep apnea test. Meanwhile, I will spend another day indoors and probably fall asleep at about 2 pm, wake up at 7pm, eat, and go back to sleep till 5 or 6 am tomorrow. Please guide me in the right direction. The VA has taken good care of me for a long time , but this past year has been very frustrating. In summation: "Besides that Mrs. XXXXXXX how did you enjoy the play?" Thanks for your help.
hronologist said it's not hypothyroidism or low testosterone
testosterone and the high end normal range for TSH (over 6 months 3.53-4.2) and the low end normal range for FR T-4 (0.81). I have been essentially housebound for four months. I am exhausted, have dizzy spells, confused at times , can't concentrate, occasionally feel faint, wake up tired, have gained 40 lbs.,
have no focus, no energy, dry skin, muscle cramps and spasms, muscle atrophy, joint pain, etc. The
endocrinologist told me I did not have hypothyroidism or low T as I was in the 'normal range.' After 6 months of monitoring my blood tests, they want to continue monitoring me for four more months and have scheduled a sleep apnea test. Meanwhile, I will spend another day indoors and probably fall asleep at about 2 pm, wake up at 7pm, eat, and go back to sleep till 5 or 6 am tomorrow. Please guide me in the right direction. The VA has taken good care of me for a long time , but this past year has been very frustrating. In summation: "Besides that Mrs. XXXXXXX how did you enjoy the play?" Thanks for your help.
hronologist said it's not hypothyroidism or low testosterone
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. At least you haven't lost your sense of humor! Let me give you my thoughts.
I think there are a couple possibilities here that have already been considered, and a couple more that haven't. First, this does sound like it could be depression. It may be a different kind that you are used to in the past, but I would consider this very carefully. In any event, an antidepressant would likely help with the symptoms you describe EVEN IF it isn't classic depression -- concentration, energy, weight, and sleep problems can all be addressed with an antidepressant, and in the case of an SNRI like venlafaxine, it could also treat pain. This could also be subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical low testosterone, and treatment with a low dose of thyroid or testosterone hormone may be of benefit even though the numbers are technically within normal range.
I would consider getting a Vitamin D level and also a head scan (CT or MRI). These two avenues of investigation may help clarify what might be going on medically.
I hope this was helpful. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. At least you haven't lost your sense of humor! Let me give you my thoughts.
I think there are a couple possibilities here that have already been considered, and a couple more that haven't. First, this does sound like it could be depression. It may be a different kind that you are used to in the past, but I would consider this very carefully. In any event, an antidepressant would likely help with the symptoms you describe EVEN IF it isn't classic depression -- concentration, energy, weight, and sleep problems can all be addressed with an antidepressant, and in the case of an SNRI like venlafaxine, it could also treat pain. This could also be subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical low testosterone, and treatment with a low dose of thyroid or testosterone hormone may be of benefit even though the numbers are technically within normal range.
I would consider getting a Vitamin D level and also a head scan (CT or MRI). These two avenues of investigation may help clarify what might be going on medically.
I hope this was helpful. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
I have been on an antidepressant that has worked well in the past and continues to work well. How do I convince the endocrinologist to treat me with a low dose?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You should definitely be taking that antidepressant! Tell the endocrinologist exactly what you told me -- you are suffering from some symptoms of depression, that this antidepressant has worked very well for you before, and that you would like to give it a try again. Any good doctor should respect that.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You should definitely be taking that antidepressant! Tell the endocrinologist exactly what you told me -- you are suffering from some symptoms of depression, that this antidepressant has worked very well for you before, and that you would like to give it a try again. Any good doctor should respect that.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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