Hi, I am new here and I really need someone to talk to.
I was having palpitations since last year and I went for cardiac check this year in March. Everything was fine and the stressed echo showed no blockage.
In Oct,I was travelling to work and I started having palpitations/dizziness/nausea and gastric pain. I alighted from Mrt and seeked for help. The Smrt staff activated the ambulance for me while I am having these symptoms. The smrt staff was very nice to pass me a blanket as I was feeling cold. 5mins ltr, i started feeling itchy from feet to whole body. Then i started having more gastric discomfort and vomitted. I also leaked some stool while having the palpitations,dizziness etc. I keep pinching myself to stay awake till the ambulance is here.When paramedic came, my Bp was severely low 46/29 and I thought I was going to collapse soon. I was given some oxygen and was sent to the nearest hosp and they diagnosed me with anaphylaxis as I was shaking involuntary and was very red like lobster.I am not allergic to anything and I only took glaviscon in the morning. They just discharged me after a dose of adrenaline and anti histamine. There is not proper post discharge advice except giving me a referral letter.
From Oct onwards, I have been feeling very tense very anxious and having palpitations. I seeked for a 2nd opinion to cardiac doctor and he simply said that I am having anxiety and just prescribed me with lexapro. He did not bother to do anything and just based on my March results.
I didnt want to take the medication.
I have again seeked advice with a 3rd cardiologist and he put me on stressed echo and 5 days holter monitoring. I am gg back to review the results on this Friday.
I know that I am having some anxiety issues but i cant help thinking that it is heart related. I am fearful that I will collapse suddenly and this worried me alot. With the episode of the idiopathic anaphylaxis, I have no answer as well. I was only scheduled to see an allergy doctor in April 2025. The private hosp did nothing.
I feel very lost in these 2 mths and I cant concentrate.
I have seen a private psychologist 3times and I always feel good on the day when I am gg to see her. But while on other days, the palpitations, heavy heart,dizziness, nausea,mind fog just haunt me. I have lost 8kg in these 2 mths and I get turned off when I need to eat. I feel nauseated when the food is too sweet, salty, spicy. I hate the smell of meat now as well. Any smell in the train made me nauseated.like perfume, body odour or even food smell. I have phobia of taking train as I am worried of the previous anaphylaxis episode. However, I have a colleague who happened to stay in the same area with me and I am glad that there is someone who is around me and I feel safe.
I have started mindfulness medidation and also do deep breathing exercise everyday. I have tried doing yoga. But there are days that are good and there are days that are very bad. The anxiety symptoms are there to haunt me.
Does anyone has any advice to share with me? I would appreciate it alot alot.
Thank you for coming forward and sharing what you are experiencing. Your sharing demonstrates your courage and determination to better manage the situation.
Itâs completely understandable to feel anxious and uncertain after experiencing anaphylaxis and palpitations. May I suggest the following for your consideration:
Medical Concerns
Seek a comprehensive diagnosis: Ensure your cardiologists consider all possible heart-related conditions.
Allergy specialist: Follow up with the scheduled appointment in April 2025 to explore potential allergies.
Gastrointestinal evaluation: Consider consulting a gastroenterologist to address nausea, vomiting, and food sensitivities.
Anxiety Management
Mindfulness and meditation: Continue practicing mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Explore using CBT to address anxiety, phobias, and negative thought patterns with your psychologist. Identify triggers and effects of past trauma that is showing up.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Dietary changes: Keep a food diary to track triggers and consider consulting a registered dietitian.
Exercise: Engage in gentle physical activities, like yoga or walking, to help manage anxiety.
Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Next Steps
Review your test results with the third cardiologist on Friday.
Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
Continue practicing mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Remember, youâre not alone in this journey. Seek support from loved ones and mental health professionals. Take it day by day, make gradual improvements and I believe over time the situation would improve.
Hi @CaringBee Appreciated your prompt response.
I have also seen a gastro doc and did a scope and everything was fine.
These few days were horribleâŠI keep on having the anxious feeling. I have no mood for anything and my mind is in a fog.
Iâm sorry to hear what youâve been going through. It sounds like youâve had a really difficult time with these health issues and anxiety. Itâs completely understandable that youâd be feeling lost and scared.
Here are some things that stood out to me from your message:
Youâve been proactive about your health: Youâve seen multiple doctors, a cardiologist, and a psychologist. That shows a lot of strength and determination.
Youâre trying to manage your anxiety: Youâve been doing mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and even trying yoga. Thatâs fantastic! It takes a lot of courage to try new things to feel better.
You have a support system: You mentioned a colleague who lives near you and makes you feel safe. Thatâs so important to have someone you can rely on.
Itâs also clear that youâre still struggling with these symptoms, and thatâs okay. It takes time to find what works for you, and there will be good days and bad days.
Here are a few suggestions that might be helpful:
Keep a journal: Track your symptoms, your mood, and anything else that might be affecting you. This can help you identify patterns and triggers, and it can also be helpful to show your doctors.
Talk to your therapist: It sounds like you feel good after seeing your psychologist. Donât be afraid to be open and honest with them about your concerns.
Consider relaxation techniques: There are many different relaxation techniques out there, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. Maybe you could find one that works well for you alongside meditation and deep breathing.
Explore support groups: There are online and in-person support groups for people with anxiety and other health conditions. Talking to others who understand what youâre going through can be very helpful.
Remember, youâre not alone in this.
Heyy after reading your post, I really feel like you have been doing all that you can in many ways to make the best of your situation, and I hope you know how admirable that alr is!!!
I dont think I have much advice to offer but mmm i am wondering if youâve given a thought on listing down all the good things you enjoy doing in your life? listing them down helps you gain some clarity on what are the things you can focus on when days are hard and it can also help you feel better just being more aware?
hope you have moments of peace and joy this period
what i did was i write down what im feeling on those bad days so that i can go thru them w the therapist on the day, then write down what the therapist advice on those points iâve noted down
Hi @HanSolo2000 Yes. I have been very proactive about my health condition partly because I am a healthcare worker. I also think I have alot of strength and determination, but recently I am starting to judge myself. I feel very weak now ( I always think I am very strong, handling work n 4 kids myself without any helper) I have started to lose interest in doing thing, I will just laze all day scrolling on hp now. I used to be workaholic, replying emails etcâŠ
Do you have any suggestion for preventing mind fog? Recently, I keep having mind fog and is not able to concentrate. I have managed to figure out about deep breathing wheneven i feel anxious/gastric pain or any discomfort that I experienced. But the new thing now is the mind fog. Sometimes I feel I am doing something but I am not doing like that. I dont know what is this call.
I dont know how to describe. I just feel dizzy/restless/headache the whole of yesterday. I dont know what is the trigger( likely the visit to temple with my kids and then the supermarket trip with my kids. After that, I just started to feel unwell,dizzy and started having headache the whole day. Mind was in a fog, my relatives came over to play mahjong but I was not able to concentrate and play
Thanks for the praise! But⊠I feel I am no longer strong as how I used to be. I just feel very down and demoralised and just dont feel like doing anything
Thank you for updating on the gastro exam result and I am glad that there was no issue there.
I found this resource and sharing with you. I hope the info here could help facilitate your discussion with the cardiologist tomorrow.
I also read that managing idiopathic anaphylaxis requires a comprehensive approach, as the triggers are unknown. Hereâs a step-by-step guide that may be useful for you to consider:
Medical Management
Emergency medication: Discuss with your doctor on possible epinephrine injectors and antihistamines or steroids.
Consult an allergist earlier: speak to the doctor and request for the appointment with the allergist to be brought forward.
Lifestyle Modifications
Food diary: Keep a detailed food diary to track potential triggers.
Avoid common triggers: Temporarily avoid common anaphylaxis triggers like nuts, shellfish, or dairy.
Wear a medical alert: Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet to inform others of your condition.
Carry a food allergy card: once you see the allergist consult him/ her on doing up a card you can take with you everywhere explaining your condition and emergency procedures should you need it.
Emergency Preparedness
Create an emergency plan: Develop a plan with your doctor, including emergency contact numbers and procedures.
Inform others: Educate family, friends, and coworkers about your condition and emergency procedures.
Be prepared for unexpected reactions: Always carry emergency medication and know how to administer it.
Ongoing Care
Regular follow-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your allergist to monitor your condition.
Adjust treatment plans: Work with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines on idiopathic anaphylaxis.
Mental Health Support
Anxiety management: Continue therapy to manage anxiety related to your condition.
Join a support group: I found this group Asthma and Allergy Association of Singapore which you may want to explore: http://www.aaa.org.sg/.
By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage idiopathic anaphylaxis and reduce the risk of severe reactions. Please keep your chin upâ„ïž I firmly believe things will look up soonâ„ïž.
Hello @JPLT! Thank you for sharing your story with us ! It seems overwhelming, terrifying, and draining. Your experience is so much to bear, and it is very normal to feel bewildered and nervous after such a catastrophic medical event. Even if it seems like the symptoms continue, you have been very resilient in seeking treatment from many experts and in trying several coping mechanisms.
Given what transpired, your anxiety and doubt make great sense. Having something like anaphylaxis is terrible, particularly in cases where the reason is unknown and you feel as if your health has not clear-cut solutions. Itâs about the emotional toll of feeling threatened in your own body, not just about the physical symptoms. That is plenty to contend with.
Itâs also very admirable that youâre doing all you can to control your anxietyâmindfulness, yoga, even seeing a psychologist. Even if some days are more difficult than others, your resilience shown by your constant striving. Though difficult, the weight loss, nausea, and palpitations do not lessen your efforts towards recovery.
Like when your colleague is with you or when you are with your psychologist, I hope you can hang onto the times when you do feel secure. Those times show that, even if it seems transient right now, you may discover peace and foundation. You are not alone yourself in this, hence it is normal to be afraid. You are doing the best you can; that is enough.
you may feel that way and that is perfectly alright!!!
iâve always felt like i needed to be strong all the time and always feeling in the space to do my best, but i came to realise i am only making it harder on myself than it needs to beâŠ
idk if its helpful for you to hear, but i really think it is okay if youre not feeling as strong as before in the moment, that doesnt mean you are not strong nonetheless, cos i think you are!!!
another thing my friend once told me when i was down and unmotivated, was that sometimes my heart follows what my body does and my body feels what my heart does, its kind of like a feedback loop back and forth. so while i may not feel like doing much, that is exactly what i am feeling in that moment, to lie down and do nothing and breathe. so i set up my space with scented candles i like and play the music i feel like listening to in that moment, and just do nothing. until i feel like doing something else.
you have the desire to work on your issues, just by voicing them out here in this space, so i have faith you will find your rhythm again amongst everything going on.
! Thank you for sharing your story with us ! It seems overwhelming, terrifying, and draining. Your experience is so much to bear, and it is very normal to feel bewildered and nervous after such a catastrophic medical event. Even if it seems like the symptoms continue, you have been very resilient in seeking treatment from many experts and in trying several coping mechanisms.