[giddykitty]

Just curious. I've been stressed trying to figure out my diagnosis and anxious about dieting and exercising to lose weight, and I got really sick Saturday morning and had to go to the ER.

It could have been a combo of bad food (possibly binge eating too) and too much screen time, but could I have mental distress causing me to eat poorly and stress myself, be addicted to the internet, etc?

Just wondered if anyone else has been physically sick from this disorder and/or if I can rule it out.
Thanks!

*******! Its gotta be the screen time. Feeling nauseated again. This sucks because I get so much good from talking to people online! :/

No, I've never been sick from an upswing. Never got nausea or anything.

Whatever is going on, I hope you get answers soon.

And btw, some people do get physical symptoms like headaches from depression or mania, so just because I haven't gotten sick, it doesn't mean it's not possible to get sick from a mood swing. I just haven't heard of people getting nauseous like this.

[bpcyclist]

I stop eating for days when I am a manic, but have never concomitantly gotten physically ill. I don't think, were I really manic, that I would necessarily even notice if I were sick. I'd be too busy cleaning and being Jesus.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I get sick from anxiety. My stomach gets really upset. Could you be experiencing some anxiety as well?

giddykitty, I'm also sorry to read that you were so sick as to need the ER.

I have definitely heard of people who get headaches, or even migraines, when mania is coming (or maybe comes), like bluebicycle mentioned. That has not been my usual experience, though.

I definitely see how anxiety can play a part, like HALLIBETH mentioned. Probably the only time I have felt at all ill is when anxiety has been part of past manias, which are usually cases of only mixed manic episodes. I suppose when they are the case, for me, I do notice an increase in gastrointestinal distress (heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea). I believe I recall hypomanic/manic periods when I kept Tums/Alka Seltzer on hand. It didn't really bother me THAT much, though, but I believe there was a correlation.

Actually, something I know is the case when I am manic is that I have an even higher tolerance to pain, than usual. It is not unusual for me to accidentally injure myself when manic (falls, twisting my ankle, accidental cuts, etc.) Or if mixed manic, I may get a bit violent towards myself (punching walls, slapping myself, etc.) and it can be rough. I'm a strong lady! I can even more easily tolerate illnesses, like chest colds, without as much distress. Once I was in such a manic frenzied fury that I decided to run down a very steep hill. Obviously, it was a bad idea! I fell so hard that both of my knees and lower legs swelled up, my arms were scrapped, and I had a black eye. It barely bothered me. My right knee is still not quite the same as before that.

I also agree with bluebicycle that different people with bipolar disorder experience things differently. Part of it could be the unique "flavor" of their illness (characteristics), but also the tendencies of an individual person.

[~Christina]

When my anxiety and panic is explosive bad I get very nauseous and have gotten sick more times than I could count.

Do you have an appt to see a Doctor to try and help you with symptoms while he or she considers a possible diagnosis ?!

It really is about treating symptoms.

There was someone on here years ago when I first joined she was absolutely convinced she had BP anxiety panic and a plethora of other mental illness things.. always on edge , crying and mood swings from high to low.

She finally saw a medical doctor, she had garden variety anxiety, depression, acid reflux and pre diabetic... her GYN switched her BC pill , her blood sugar would fluctuate and it effected her moods, hormone /PMS had her up and down. They treated her acid reflux and her anxiety disappeared.. she leveled out over a couple months and life was enjoyable again.

So basically what I’m saying is everyone should get a full physical with all lab work .... any physical illness needs to be ruled out before jumping to the conclusion it’s a mental illness.

Trust me you do NOT want a mental illness diagnosis following you for the rest of your life.. it can effect your ability to take certain jobs , perform some types of work, the stigma is real , although progress is being made , but the stigma is still strong

I truly hope they find a physical reason your having struggles and can treat it easily.

[*Beth*]

Not sick in the way you've described.

A major reason for my decision to accept medication treatment for BP was when being manic led me to believe I needed to cultivate certain metaphysical powers. I would do many things (certain music, chanting, reading specific works, focusing my thoughts on rigid concepts) to push myself into honing my "skills." Push and push - and then I'd crash. When I crashed I felt physically exhausted, I mean, barely able to move...body pain, bad headache/migraine. I felt seriously unwell.

By the time I hit thirty I felt too old to play that game anymore, so I've stay on my meds.

It sounds like you believe you have a mental illness, but have not yet been diagnosed? If that's the case, please have a full physical, lab work, etc. If all is well, talk with a psychiatrist. Please be smart. Don't be seduced by the "mystery" of mental illness. Ultimately, there is nothing grand about MI.

[bizi]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Not sick in the way you've described.

A major reason for my decision to accept medication treatment for BP was when being manic led me to believe I needed to cultivate certain metaphysical powers. I would do many things (certain music, chanting, reading specific works, focusing my thoughts on rigid concepts) to push myself into honing my "skills." Push and push - and then I'd crash. When I crashed I felt physically exhausted, I mean, barely able to move...body pain, bad headache/migraine. I felt seriously unwell.

By the time I hit thirty I felt too old to play that game anymore, so I've stay on my meds.

It sounds like you believe you have a mental illness, but have not yet been diagnosed? If that's the case, please have a full physical, lab work, etc. If all is well, talk with a psychiatrist. Please be smart. Don't be seduced by the "mystery" of mental illness. Ultimately, there is nothing grand about MI.

I agree with her.
bizi

[Rick7892]

Being sick and going to the ER is no fun. I hope you are doing better. Like others have said, seeing a doctor about it could be helpful to find a cause.

Like BirdDancer, when I am manic/hypomanic, I do reckless things that can cause me physical injury. Like BethRags, when I crash after being manic/hypomanic, I am exhausted to the point that I can feel depressed that can trigger my anxiety.

Like others, stress and anxiety leads to me feeling physically unwell with stomach and intestinal distress, chest pain, and dizziness.

I have had food poisoning that resulted in feeling more unwell than just throwing up and nausea.

Best wishes!

[Pookyl]

Anxiety can make me feel sick. I also get headaches when manic.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

When my anxiety and panic is explosive bad I get very nauseous and have gotten sick more times than I could count.

Do you have an appt to see a Doctor to try and help you with symptoms while he or she considers a possible diagnosis ?!

It really is about treating symptoms.

There was someone on here years ago when I first joined she was absolutely convinced she had BP anxiety panic and a plethora of other mental illness things.. always on edge , crying and mood swings from high to low.

She finally saw a medical doctor, she had garden variety anxiety, depression, acid reflux and pre diabetic... her GYN switched her BC pill , her blood sugar would fluctuate and it effected her moods, hormone /PMS had her up and down. They treated her acid reflux and her anxiety disappeared.. she leveled out over a couple months and life was enjoyable again.

So basically what I’m saying is everyone should get a full physical with all lab work .... any physical illness needs to be ruled out before jumping to the conclusion it’s a mental illness.

Trust me you do NOT want a mental illness diagnosis following you for the rest of your life.. it can effect your ability to take certain jobs , perform some types of work, the stigma is real , although progress is being made , but the stigma is still strong

I truly hope they find a physical reason your having struggles and can treat it easily.

I totally agree with Christina and BethRags.

Many years ago, in the places I was treated, extensive medical work-ups were repeatedly ordered/completed.

I am very concerned that these practices are not as common anymore.

Please do pursue a complete medical work-up before accepting/adopting a psych diagnosis.

You are certainly welcome to post here with us as you await your work-up and for as long as you wish.

I hope your primary care doc will take exceptional care in making sure your testing is thorough.

Much Love

[giddykitty]

I dunno why it won't let me quote, but to answer your questions. Well, I know this was majorly due to eating bad food (I mean, I didn't think it was bad, but impulsively kept eating it as well as eating other stuff that night not recommended by doc), and stress of staring at my tablet for hours on end for days, and also stress and ANXIETY from posting on various forums such as these as well as stuff at home.

I do have IBS, but I also must have a lack of impulse ccontrol or the mindset to k ow when I'm truly hungry vs nauseated or just cravi g something...or higher appetite due to antidepressants. It's not fair! I'm fighting this illness of weight gain and stress of the people who love me wanting me to lose weight for my own benefit. It's stressful when I can't please them! And I feel I have to go overboard or my furious emotions fuel me into poor dieting and exercise and too much or too little sleep/activity. Im definitely moody and was leveling out until anxiety AFTER i got sick and was being blamed for doing this to myself for my own lack of control. (Which makes me wonder if ive a binge eating disorder on top of it all or if its just others' perspective). And then the depression hit when i made others upset that i wasnt listening to them but they werent listening to me! Hearing maybe, but not listening. God i feel so alone!

I have contacted my doctor about some of these issues but haven't heard back yet. More anxiety. I'm pretty sure he's done a full workup on me, I mean I know I have an auto immune disorder, ibs, and hypothyroidism. Of course on paper, all my levels look fine. Even had hormones checked. All fine. Still, I suffer from moods and obviously my life is very stressful to me...at the same time, I'm as spoiled as a young child...but believe me, I'm reminded of that too so it's not like I'm taking advantage of it (not in my mind anyway). Sigh!

I feel like crying, but I barely had any tears, probably because I'm just so weak and getting a little hopeless/being down.

[~Christina]

I’m sorry your struggling so much

If you have hypothyroidism that can be a huge factor in moods and difficulty losing weight... that’s just medical fact.

Do you have a eating disorder? Yes no maybe so. Your thyroid Med could easily need an adjustment, some people need tweaks monthly. It’s not uncommon for people across the bored to just keep eating, my husband is a stress eater.

I doubt that you will find anyone that hasn’t dealt with feeling depressed ( truly a diagnosed illness) or just feeling depressed due to situational things and it not be a chemical imbalance

You didn’t say with auto immune disease and that fine you don’t have too, I have Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis which are autoimmune also and they can cause more troubles with finding stability mood wise.

If you have had a full physical work up and you are being actively treated and blood work confirms it then you need to have a full psych exam and start sorting out your symptoms. There is a Med now for “binge eating” but most Doctors feel CBT therapy as first line treatment , after all you have to find out “ what “ is driving it.

What was your Vitamin D level, that certain can cause depression.

But yes .. you owe it to yourself to get in with a Pdoc and start treating the symptoms. Some people get a BP diagnosis in a few weeks some in months and I’ve known some its taken a year , Many Pdocs like to observe over time. It won’t effect treatment , you will get tossed onto the Med Merry Go Round so be prepaired

You will also need a Therapist. CBT really can help you sort of feelings, and learn coping skills which everyone needs.

I’m glad your here posting about how your feeling and struggles you face.

Keep posting

[Rick7892]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

... If you have hypothyroidism that can be a huge factor in moods and difficulty losing weight... that’s just medical fact. .... Your thyroid Med could easily need an adjustment, some people need tweaks monthly.[rest clipped]

Just commenting on hypothyroidism (which I have had for many years).

Generic levothyroxine is pushed for treating hypothyroidism because it is cheaper. But I choose a brand name even though it is more expensive and doctors and insurance push back. I have tried generic levothryoxine and I did poorly on it.

Levothyroxine (and lithium) is a Narrow Therapeutic Index (NTI) drug that is "defined as those drugs where small differences in dose or blood concentration may lead to dose and blood concentration dependent, serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions" (Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs - DrugBank).

The problem with generic levothyroxine is that the manufacturer can change with each refill, so that the dose is not consistent (Should You Take Generic Levothyroxine?). An excerpt: "A key concern about generic levothyroxine, and a valid complaint by doctors, is that every time you get a refill, you can potentially get levothyroxine made by a different generic manufacturer. Here's why this can be a problem.

"Levothyroxine is required by law to fall within 5% of its stated potency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that this potency falls within 95% to 105%. Each company's formula for a particular dosage of levothyroxine tends to be consistent, so if drugmaker A's product is usually 96%, it will typically consistently run at about 96% potency. Similarly, if drugmaker B's levothyroxine at a particular dosage typically runs at 105% of potency, that will usually be consistent.

"So, using the example of a 100 mcg levothyroxine tablet, drugmaker A's 100 mcg tablet delivers 96 mcg of active levothyroxine. Drugmaker B's delivers 105 mcg of active levothyroxine. Going from drugmaker A to B's product would be a difference of around 65 mcg per week, which is almost like taking an extra pill each week. Conversely, if you go from B to A, it's like eliminating more than half a pill each week.

"Because pharmacies are free to fill generic prescriptions with products from any manufacturer, unlike prescriptions that specify a particular brand name, with every refill of generic levothyroxine, you run the risk of getting a product from a different drug maker that uses a different potency. This could affect your thyroid replacement stability, your hypothyroid symptoms, and your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels."

The importance of sticking with one levothryoxine brand for treating hypothyroidism is also pointed out in a Harvard Health Publishing article (The lowdown on thyroid slowdown - Harvard Health ). "Although all brands contain the same synthetic T4, their inactive ingredients can vary, possibly affecting absorption, so it's best to stick with one brand. Also, if you're prescribed a particular brand and the pharmacy switches to a generic version, let your physician know."

The problem is that your physician may not know about levothyroxine differences among generic manufacturers that can change with each refill and not test your TSH levels with changes in manufacturers. I have had several that didn't know until I told them. Even after I told them and gave them material, they didn't seem to believe it. The push for generics is very strong and especially with Narrow Therapeutic Index drugs this can especially be a problem. The result can be that your hypothyroidism is not treated adequately, and your TSH levels bounce around.

The Harvard Health article gives info about hypothyroid symptoms, including "Mental effects. Hypothyroidism and depression share many of the same symptoms, including difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, and loss of interest in things that are normally important to you. They call for different treatments, so proper diagnosis is important."

Like others have responded to this thread, getting a good medical workup helps. It also helps to be an informed patient.

Sorry if this was too long...

Best wishes!

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Rick7892

Just commenting on hypothyroidism (which I have had for many years).


Generic levothyroxine is pushed for treating hypothyroidism because it is cheaper. But I choose a brand name even though it is more expensive and doctors and insurance push back. I have tried generic levothryoxine and I did poorly on it.


Levothyroxine (and lithium) is a Narrow Therapeutic Index (NTI) drug that is "defined as those drugs where small differences in dose or blood concentration may lead to dose and blood concentration dependent, serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions" (Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs - DrugBank).


The problem with generic levothyroxine is that the manufacturer can change with each refill, so that the dose is not consistent (Should You Take Generic Levothyroxine?). An excerpt: "A key concern about generic levothyroxine, and a valid complaint by doctors, is that every time you get a refill, you can potentially get levothyroxine made by a different generic manufacturer. Here's why this can be a problem.


"Levothyroxine is required by law to fall within 5% of its stated potency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that this potency falls within 95% to 105%. Each company's formula for a particular dosage of levothyroxine tends to be consistent, so if drugmaker A's product is usually 96%, it will typically consistently run at about 96% potency. Similarly, if drugmaker B's levothyroxine at a particular dosage typically runs at 105% of potency, that will usually be consistent.


"So, using the example of a 100 mcg levothyroxine tablet, drugmaker A's 100 mcg tablet delivers 96 mcg of active levothyroxine. Drugmaker B's delivers 105 mcg of active levothyroxine. Going from drugmaker A to B's product would be a difference of around 65 mcg per week, which is almost like taking an extra pill each week. Conversely, if you go from B to A, it's like eliminating more than half a pill each week.


"Because pharmacies are free to fill generic prescriptions with products from any manufacturer, unlike prescriptions that specify a particular brand name, with every refill of generic levothyroxine, you run the risk of getting a product from a different drug maker that uses a different potency. This could affect your thyroid replacement stability, your hypothyroid symptoms, and your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels."


The importance of sticking with one levothryoxine brand for treating hypothyroidism is also pointed out in a Harvard Health Publishing article (The lowdown on thyroid slowdown - Harvard Health ). "Although all brands contain the same synthetic T4, their inactive ingredients can vary, possibly affecting absorption, so it's best to stick with one brand. Also, if you're prescribed a particular brand and the pharmacy switches to a generic version, let your physician know."


The problem is that your physician may not know about levothyroxine differences among generic manufacturers that can change with each refill and not test your TSH levels with changes in manufacturers. I have had several that didn't know until I told them. Even after I told them and gave them material, they didn't seem to believe it. The push for generics is very strong and especially with Narrow Therapeutic Index drugs this can especially be a problem. The result can be that your hypothyroidism is not treated adequately, and your TSH levels bounce around.


The Harvard Health article gives info about hypothyroid symptoms, including "Mental effects. Hypothyroidism and depression share many of the same symptoms, including difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, and loss of interest in things that are normally important to you. They call for different treatments, so proper diagnosis is important."


Like others have responded to this thread, getting a good medical workup helps. It also helps to be an informed patient.


Sorry if this was too long...


Best wishes!

This ^^^ very important info to know.

Insurance companies always do the push to generics.. we all need to be proactive across the board with testing and treatments.

Thank you Rick for posting much needed information

[giddykitty]

I thought Levothyroxine WAS the generic for Synthroid!?

Anyway, I mean my levels have always been good. I've also been prescribed Liothyronine to supplement the Levothyroxine, as well as a bcomplex supplement.

My vitamin D levels have been regularly checked too. I'm on a supplement for that as well as zinc and iron supplements for I forget.

I dunno. I'm probably due for a check again soon, but all of these things have been monitored.

I forget what else I wanted to say. ...oh! I did hear back from my doctor about some stuff and he seems to be very genuinely invested and insisted I contact him or go to the ER if my depression every gets to a dangerous point. Luckily I'm not there and have never actually attempted anything...except well, some experimenting in college (sorry, I still don't know how to do the trigger post, but I was never very reckless or got addicted to that behavior).

At this point, I think I just need support and to document my mood cycles...my higher moods have never been unreasonably troublesome, in my opinion anyway...although irritability and boredom get me into a little trouble sometimes according to hubby and family.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Rick7892

Just commenting on hypothyroidism (which I have had for many years).

Generic levothyroxine is pushed for treating hypothyroidism because it is cheaper. But I choose a brand name even though it is more expensive and doctors and insurance push back. I have tried generic levothryoxine and I did poorly on it.

Levothyroxine (and lithium) is a Narrow Therapeutic Index (NTI) drug that is "defined as those drugs where small differences in dose or blood concentration may lead to dose and blood concentration dependent, serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions" (Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs - DrugBank).

The problem with generic levothyroxine is that the manufacturer can change with each refill, so that the dose is not consistent (Should You Take Generic Levothyroxine?). An excerpt: "A key concern about generic levothyroxine, and a valid complaint by doctors, is that every time you get a refill, you can potentially get levothyroxine made by a different generic manufacturer. Here's why this can be a problem.

"Levothyroxine is required by law to fall within 5% of its stated potency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that this potency falls within 95% to 105%. Each company's formula for a particular dosage of levothyroxine tends to be consistent, so if drugmaker A's product is usually 96%, it will typically consistently run at about 96% potency. Similarly, if drugmaker B's levothyroxine at a particular dosage typically runs at 105% of potency, that will usually be consistent.

"So, using the example of a 100 mcg levothyroxine tablet, drugmaker A's 100 mcg tablet delivers 96 mcg of active levothyroxine. Drugmaker B's delivers 105 mcg of active levothyroxine. Going from drugmaker A to B's product would be a difference of around 65 mcg per week, which is almost like taking an extra pill each week. Conversely, if you go from B to A, it's like eliminating more than half a pill each week.

"Because pharmacies are free to fill generic prescriptions with products from any manufacturer, unlike prescriptions that specify a particular brand name, with every refill of generic levothyroxine, you run the risk of getting a product from a different drug maker that uses a different potency. This could affect your thyroid replacement stability, your hypothyroid symptoms, and your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels."

The importance of sticking with one levothryoxine brand for treating hypothyroidism is also pointed out in a Harvard Health Publishing article (The lowdown on thyroid slowdown - Harvard Health ). "Although all brands contain the same synthetic T4, their inactive ingredients can vary, possibly affecting absorption, so it's best to stick with one brand. Also, if you're prescribed a particular brand and the pharmacy switches to a generic version, let your physician know."

The problem is that your physician may not know about levothyroxine differences among generic manufacturers that can change with each refill and not test your TSH levels with changes in manufacturers. I have had several that didn't know until I told them. Even after I told them and gave them material, they didn't seem to believe it. The push for generics is very strong and especially with Narrow Therapeutic Index drugs this can especially be a problem. The result can be that your hypothyroidism is not treated adequately, and your TSH levels bounce around.

The Harvard Health article gives info about hypothyroid symptoms, including "Mental effects. Hypothyroidism and depression share many of the same symptoms, including difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, and loss of interest in things that are normally important to you. They call for different treatments, so proper diagnosis is important."

Like others have responded to this thread, getting a good medical workup helps. It also helps to be an informed patient.

Sorry if this was too long...

Best wishes!

Good info is never too long!
Thanks so much for putting in your time and effort in order to share such important info with all of us!

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by giddykitty

I thought Levothyroxine WAS the generic for Synthroid!?

Anyway, I mean my levels have always been good. I've also been prescribed Liothyronine to supplement the Levothyroxine, as well as a bcomplex supplement.

My vitamin D levels have been regularly checked too. I'm on a supplement for that as well as zinc and iron supplements for I forget.

I dunno. I'm probably due for a check again soon, but all of these things have been monitored.

I forget what else I wanted to say. ...oh! I did hear back from my doctor about some stuff and he seems to be very genuinely invested and insisted I contact him or go to the ER if my depression every gets to a dangerous point. Luckily I'm not there and have never actually attempted anything...except well, some experimenting in college (sorry, I still don't know how to do the trigger post, but I was never very reckless or got addicted to that behavior).

At this point, I think I just need support and to document my mood cycles...my higher moods have never been unreasonably troublesome, in my opinion anyway...although irritability and boredom get me into a little trouble sometimes according to hubby and family.

Please forgive me if you have already considered this. Do you track your moods on a mood chart? It can seem quite "elementary," but I often find charting various symptoms quite helpful in coming to a better understanding of what is and is not going on for me. Just a thought.

I hope you feel better soon!

[giddykitty]

I was tracking when I was initially seeing a pdoc/therapist, but then I leveled out to a baseline of slightly depressed. But at the start of the new year and with the fast, my mood went up again. Seemed to have worn off though after my period and then getting sick and more drama at home. But I mean this isn't necessarily new drama. I was high through it. But if it was from the fasting, I've become immune to that mood enhancer. I'm kinda leveling out again now, but have some moods depending on situational things.
Long story short, I was tracking, then stopped when mood wasn't changing, now back to tracking...which reminds me, I need to look up my posts here to find those exact high days and stick em in my journal for the doc.

[giddykitty]

Ohh! I found it posted here awhile back when i did my psych testing. It says i have

(I've also been diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder

So, there you have it! But meds don't seem to be necessary at this point.