This is my first posting. I found this forum while trying to self-diagnose. No luck with doctors yet. All of them just tell me my symptoms are stress related but I don't believe it. Symptoms: headaches, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in ears, twitches in R eye, L hand and L foot, nausea, dizziness, speech difficulties (i.e. forgetting words, mumbling, stuttering), fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking too early. I also have joint pain, cramps in abdomin, back, feet and hands, and my newest symption - bowel incontinence. Has anyone had similar symptoms? Any idea what direction I should look for a diagnosis?

Hi Rossy and welcome to NeuroTalk! I'd be afraid to speculate as to what you're dealing with because those symptoms fit so many different conditions. There are several that come to mind.

My suggestion would be to see a Neurologist. If you've already seen one and aren't satisfied with their treatment then go to another one. You'll probably have to have some blood work and various testing done to rule out certain conditions before they can diagnose you by a process of elimination.

Take a look around at the different forums and read some of the posts. I hope you can find a doctor who'll work with you until you get to the bottom of what's causing your symptoms.

do you know what forums I may look in for assistance?

welcome rossy

you could try a post on our general health forum and see if anyone has some pointers for you http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum2.html

are you on any medications at present?

I know that there are a number of conditions that can lead to multiple symptoms like you are having, and can only imagine how frustrating it must be to be told you are stressed

hope you find the answers to help you on a path to healing

Hi Rossy:

Welcome to Neurotalks.

I have a question. What have your various doctors and exams, well what were you told. Did they ALL say it's all in your head.

You have SO MANY symptoms that it's impossible for all doctors not to take you seriously.

What tests did you have done, (aside from bloodwork).

Did your blood tests reveal ANYTHING?

Have you had a spinal tap?

Thanks (and again, welcome to our little corner of the world),

Melody

I started last year with the PCP. Was told I had fybromialga brought on by stress. Sent to ENT for the dizziness. he told me I was depressed. Ears are fine. Went to eye dr - all OK except for a mole behind my R eye. Went to Cardiologist due to chest pain. I have MVP and have had it since childhood. Did a stress test - abnormal. Had angioplasty - normal except for MVP. Have been seeing a psyc since my daughter died 5 years ago. He doesn't think is psyco-symatic. He told me to see a neurologist. Saw neuro this past Tuesday. He told me it could be MS or some type of seizures, but his gut was telling him it was stress. He set up test in 2 weeks - telling me he's not too concerned. I'm frustrated and I know it's not psycho-symatic.

Hello Rossy and WELCOME to Neurotalk!

How frustrated you must feel...

While stress can cause all kinds of problems with our minds and bodies I would definitely want to rule out EVERYTHING else if I were in your shoes.

Have the doctors who have been telling you that what your are going through is stress related given you anything, any ideas to ease your stress? Talk therapy? Medicines? Recommended exercise?

I found some information about the effects of stress on the human body at WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/e...s-on-your-body

I sincerely wish you the best and hope you find the answers you are looking for...

Abbie

Welcome to NT

I see you have already been given some good pointers.

I just want to share a new twist on my journey to better health. (MVA in Oct 2000 - been fighting back up the recovery ladder since then)

A couple months ago I found a nautropathic healer. She's wonderful, but she's leaving KY and going to FL in a couple of weeks.

She has her own way of testing and retesting. Well, she seems to think I may have adrenal insufficiency. Here is something I Googled and found. I'm amazed that she may have zeroed in on so many complaints the docs ignored, you know, the little things that I know is just not right. Here's the link.

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/adrenal_insufficiency.html

I'm ordering some supplements per her direction. It will be hard for me to give up sugar, but I can have salt. I'd personally rather have it the other way but I'll try it.

I encourage you to research as much as you can. Knowledge is empowering.

Hello rossy, and welcome to NeuroTalk!

It's so difficult when you're trying to find answers and the docs keep bringing up the stress word.

My advice to you is to keep a journal. I have kept one for years, and it has helped me as well as my doctors. I have a page for each doctor's visit. I write down the things I need to go over at that visit. I write down instructions and answers my doctor gives me. I also keep notes on any lab work or scans that were done. Medications with dosages. Things like that.

A journal will help you go in better prepared for each visit.

I wish you all the best in your search for a diagnosis.