Hi, 52yr old post menopausal ex nurse. 30 yr history of depression, but never referred to Psych. IBS 20 years, but never had investigations. Joint pains/stiffness years (more than 30 for wrists/hands/hips).Worse in morning.
Recently (last 12 months) feeling more depressed/anxious and mania and OCD traits. Brain fog, short term memory probs, trouble concentrating and doing routine things. Trouble following conversations and instructions.
Pins and needles hands, feeling like things stuck on bottom of feet, , feet feeling like they're on fire at night,worsening vision over last year (need glasses on to do almost everything now and lights on if darker, problems driving in dark, feeling like middle vison is bad but round the edges OK.
Walking into things (has been a problem for years,but worse now), losing track of time, can't stand on one leg or do heel /toe walking. Lose balance if I look up at sky or turn head to look over shoulder when walking. If we go out walking I have to look at the ground to see where my feet are all the time, otherwise I fele like I'm going to fall over.
Developed ?psoriasis of scalp about a year ago. Just on crown.
Ridges in nails (not sre how long)
I have a wonderful, supportive and loving husband, but my libido for last 10 years (we've been married nearly 14) is zero ( and I mean absolutely zero)
GP changed antidepressants about 6 weeks ago to Sertraline from Venlafaxine and after 5 weeks I thought I was going mad. Threatening suicide, yelling ,thrwoing things. Never been like that before. Stopped them. Felt better. Now on nothing to try and get to the bottom of this. Feel less depressed since taking B12.
BP low always (90/60) and was having irregular heart rate.ECG normal.Head sweating horrendous over last 4 weeks.
Weight loss about 10lbs and not trying.
Brain fog and fatigue, but not sleepy. In the past if I didn't sleep well could sleep well for 2 hours in the afternoon and feel better, but now can't sleep in the afternoon. Only sleep for 4 -5 hrs now
GP wont do bloods or look at my head. "Make another appointment"
Have just paid for private bloods which show heamaglobin and Red cell count at low end of normal. Looks like I have too many cells of different sizes (RDW high) but they didn't do a reticulocyte (baby red cells) count Iron, Ferritn OK. b12 just OK, but have been taking B12 for 4 weeks. Vit D just OK but have been taking supps for 6 months.
White cells just OK (lower end)
Neutrophils and Monocytes just OK.(lower end)
My triglcerides and LDL are below normal range. Total chol and HDL good. Hb A1C good.
Thyroid function good.
LFTs and Kidney good.
Family history- Mother ( lives on wheat and refined carbs!) has diverticular disease and borderline anaemia - need to check her last bloods to be more specific.
Also ataxic, but she's 80 and hasn't done any exercise for eyars unless you count walking round shops
Uncle had an ileostomy 15 years ago for UC and pre cancerous polyps
Grandfather died from bowel cancer
Great Uncle died from anaemia in 1920's.
Sorry for such a long post and so much detail but thought better to get it all out there, plus I'm probably a little manic too! Any thoughts appreciated.