Been feeling "off" - Not sure what to do

[ReneeA]

Neh, that's not it. I don't feel dizzy. It feels as though there is pressure behind one of my eyes and that my head is sort of tilted. When I'm laying down, it's fine. In fact, usually when I walk it's OK. Mostly noticeable when I'm sitting down at work or just standing still.

Another thing I noticed was when I look out the window of my office (I'm on the 5th floor) and look down, that's been making me feel more unbalanced, and I've never had that issue before 4 weeks ago.

That sounds like classic inner ear imbalance which can be caused by water in the ear canal. You don't have to feel dizzy - unbalanced is the perfect way to describe it.

 

[DisMN]

Are you on any meds right now, even ones you would never ever link to something like this? You describe exactly how I felt and the doctors all denied it could happen with an antibiotic I was taking. With the help of my pharmacist we figured it out and I went off that particular med and the symptoms disappeared.

Good luck to you!

 

[damone]

That sounds like classic inner ear imbalance which can be caused by water in the ear canal. You don't have to feel dizzy - unbalanced is the perfect way to describe it.

Would it last for 4 weeks though?

Will the ENT be able to get it out, if that's the case?

 

[damone]

Are you on any meds right now, even ones you would never ever link to something like this? You describe exactly how I felt and the doctors all denied it could happen with an antibiotic I was taking. With the help of my pharmacist we figured it out and I went off that particular med and the symptoms disappeared.

Good luck to you!

I started taking Ranitidine about 6 months ago. I would think I'd have noticed it before now though.

 

[JessicaR]

I started taking Ranitidine about 6 months ago. I would think I'd have noticed it before now though.

The following have been reported as events in clinical trials or in the routine management of patients treated with ZANTAC. The relationship to therapy with ZANTAC has been unclear in many cases. Headache, sometimes severe, seems to be related to administration of ZANTAC.

Central Nervous System: Rarely, malaise, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, and vertigo. Rare cases of reversible mental confusion, agitation, depression, and hallucinations have been reported, predominantly in severely ill elderly patients. Rare cases of reversible blurred vision suggestive of a change in accommodation have been reported. Rare reports of reversible involuntary motor disturbances have been received.

Sounds like its a side effect of the medication you are taking. They aren't always apparent immediately. Ask your doctor.

 

[DisMN]

I started taking Ranitidine about 6 months ago. I would think I'd have noticed it before now though.

I took mine for about two months before I started getting *woozy*. I can't tell you how much your description matched my description. I could have written yours. LOL
Note too that it took me at least a week to start to feel normal again after I went off the medicine, so if you go that route be patient.

I was really surprised my doctors didn't figure it out even when I brought it up. I had to find the info about the side effects but even then they said "but those happen so rarely, I'm sure it's not happening to you!"

Yeah, it was. LOL

It got to the point where I really wasn't comfortable driving. I was just so darn *off* feeling. Gosh it was weird.

 

[damone]

Wow - I wonder if it IS the ranitidine. It's been so helpful for my stomach.

Could it really take 6 months to start making me feel these symptoms?

 

[Oh Hia]

For about the past 4 weeks, I've had this feeling of just being "off". Not dizziness, but like my head is somewhat cloudy. I've been to my PCP, and he said it was probably stress or anxiety. Went to a neurologist, and she said I should take a sleep study (haven't done yet). Went to an allergist today, and he said I had a reaction to dust mites, have a deviated septum and have some fluid in my ear. I have an appointment with an ENT tomorrow. If they don't find anything, I'm really gonna start freaking out. I feel fine otherwise, but I just can't get this off feeling out of me.

Can anyone relate?

Did your PCP send you to the neurologist or did you take that step on your own because you didn't like the answer you got from your PCP?

Also, if the neurologist suggested a sleep study then you should have the sleep study done. You should follow through with the recommendations/treatment plan of the first specialist before running off to the next specialist.

Are you telling each doctor what recommendations were made by the previous doctor? Are you even telling them that you were seen by the other doctors?

 

[damone]

Did your PCP send you to the neurologist or did you take that step on your own because you didn't like the answer you got from your PCP?

Also, if the neurologist suggested a sleep study then you should have the sleep study done. You should follow through with the recommendations/treatment plan of the first specialist before running off to the next specialist.

Are you telling each doctor what recommendations were made by the previous doctor? Are you even telling them that you were seen by the other doctors?

PCP recommended neurologist.

I am having the sleep study done. I'm seeing someone else for that, as I didn't like the neurologist at all.

As for the 3rd, absolutely. Obviously, the neuro knew about my PCP. The allergist I sought out on my own, but told about the neuro and also told about my appointment with ENT tomorrow. In fact, allergist was faxing over my info to ENT before I left.

 

[Oh Hia]

Well that's strange then. A neurologist is usually the last stop and that may be why you didn't like him, he may have given off a why was this person sent to me vibe,does that make sense?

For the symptoms you're describing normal steps, especially now during allergy season, would be PCP, allergist and then if warranted an ENT. The ENT findings would determine the next step and specialist.

Of course that's just how it works where I'm at and have been at for the last 20 years.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Your symptoms are very close to my sisters. She suffers from inner ear tinnitus, she takes a water pill each day to keep it at bay. And yes, it would be just a minor amount of fluid to set her off.. The major clue was the looking out a window.

 

[damone]

I definitely have tinnitus (well, at least I'm pretty certain I do). I've had ringing in my ears for years, but figured it was due to attending hundreds of concerts.

I used to have ear infections when I was a kid. In fact, I had tubes put in my ears twice.

 

[iheartnmr's]

Well that's strange then. A neurologist is usually the last stop and that may be why you didn't like him, he may have given off a why was this person sent to me vibe,does that make sense?

For the symptoms you're describing normal steps, especially now during allergy season, would be PCP, allergist and then if warranted an ENT. The ENT findings would determine the next step and specialist.

Of course that's just how it works where I'm at and have been at for the last 20 years.

.

 

[damone]

Yeah. It does seem strange that you PCP would recommend a neurologist right off the bat unless her thought you had a brain tumor or something.

Gee, that makes me feel a lot better.

 

[damone]

Here's how it went:

I went to my PCP for regular checkup about 2 months ago. I mentioned to him that I would get afternoon headaches at work. This was no big deal, as they weren't severe and I'd gotten them ever since starting a sit down job in front of a computer (12 years ago). He advised me to try a few new things (get more exercise, drink more water, get a monitor filter). I tried those out and headaches started to cease. OK, cool. Then one day I just started feeling "off". I've been seeing PCP for over 10 years, so he knows I'm a bit neurotic. I called him and told him how I was feeling and asked if he thought I should see a neurologist. I'm guessing maybe he said yes because he knows what a basket case I am. Does that make more sense? So, he gave me the number for one, and I went to see her. She had me do some reflex and balance tests, all which were fine. She then recommended the sleep study. I just didn't like her. So, I decided to see someone else about the sleep study but put it on the back burner until I got this resolved. In speaking to people with similar symptoms, they mentioned allergies, so that's what led me to allergist. The ENT I thought was just a common choice. I've been keeping each doctor informed of the other.

 

[damone]

Update:

Not a pleasant evening. After reading a coupl things on here, I started having a massive anxiety attack. Startget getting nauseaus, tried to make myself throw up to feel better, had to go to the bathroom, ended up getting the chills and my hands and legs went numb. My wife took me to the ER. I was a shaking, trembling mess. We were there until late last evening. I eventually calmed down. They ran some blood work, and my thyroid levels are fine as well as ruling out anemia. Now, I'm scared about what the blood results didn't find and what could have caused this latest episode.

Not in a good way today.

 

[Christine]

Update:

Not a pleasant evening. After reading a coupl things on here, I started having a massive anxiety attack. Startget getting nauseaus, tried to make myself throw up to feel better, had to go to the bathroom, ended up getting the chills and my hands and legs went numb. My wife took me to the ER. I was a shaking, trembling mess. We were there until late last evening. I eventually calmed down. They ran some blood work, and my thyroid levels are fine as well as ruling out anemia. Now, I'm scared about what the blood results didn't find and what could have caused this latest episode.
Not in a good way today.

The "latest episode" is a clear case of panic attack. No disease caused it. You got yourself spun up and worked yourself into panic. It's really hard to deal with and to accept that it is your mind doing this to you. Sure, you've probably got some sinus/inner ear issues but it seems as if you are catastrophizing it and making yourself worse.

 

[iheartnmr's]

I think Christine has nailed it. It's totally anxiety and since you said your wife, I will assume you are a guy. It's hard for guys to admit they have anxiety or need some help getting things under control. I don't think there is anything wrong with you other than what has already been discovered, some inner ear fluid (which can cause the dizziness) and some allergies which can cause the lightheadedness and woozy feeling. But working yourself up to having to go to the ER worrying about what might happen needs some intervention. Are you on any anti-anxiety drugs? If so, for how long? It can take a few weeks to see the effects and the first one you try may not be the right one for you. Lack of sleep can also cause anxiety and stress so i'd get that sleep study done asap.

Getting the help you need doesn't make you weak. In fact it's a show of strength imo. Don't look for another physical medical problem where there really isn't one.

Good luck.

PS: I also hear Hot yoga is a really awesome stress reliever and lots of guys do it. Look into it!

 

[damone]

Home from ENT. They saw nothing wrong with my ears. Now I'm completely panicked. Seeing PCP tomorrow and am expecting some pretty awful news.

 

[*DisDude]

http://www.webmd.com/