![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by avery on February 5, 2006, at 9:56:32
The beginning of my story is probably familiar to many of you. I have struggled with my moods since I can remember, and I became very desperate and suicidal when I concluded that I might just be stuck like this. Anti-depressants failed to make any difference in me, despite attempts with several brands.
I decided to see an endocrinologist, hoping my thyroid disorder could be blamed for my depression. I was annoyed when he sent me to the hospital for a glucose tolerance test, as my blood sugar is always normal when fasting. I almost didn't go. I sat in that waiting room for 5 hours and I wrote down how I felt each of the 7 times they drew my blood, per his instructions. It freaked me out a bit as I went through a whirlwind of emotional and physical changes in those 5 hours. I went from yawning and shivering to crying and total panic. I later learned that my dropping blood sugar levels coincided with my symptoms. I slept for 2 days after that test because I couldn't get off the couch. I wouldn't get my actual results for a week, but I guessed that whatever it was that he was looking for, I had it. Prior to this I would have ignored any suggestion that this could be my problem, but that day told me it couldn't be ignored.
Basic reactive hypoglycemia explanation from a non-expert: Your blood sugar goes up every time you eat or drink. Your pancreas makes insulin to bring it back down to normal. If you are unlucky (ie hypoglycemic), you pancreas makes too much insulin taking it below normal. Your brain is fed by the sugar in your blood, so when it goes too low your brain freaks out causing a long list of problems. One of those problems is feeling like you are losing your mind.
I am so thankful for the explanation. It is a struggle everyday, but I do not feel as hopeless. I obtained a lot of useful information from the website hypoglycemia.org (there is a test on there if you want to check your symptoms)and the book by Roberta Ruggiero. I am not suggesting that anyone stop their meds, but if this is contributing to your problems, a few changes in your diet will make a big difference within a couple days and your doctor might tell you you can quit the meds. I would love to hear from anyone with similar experience or questions. Or just someone who needs a good listener.
It hurts to know that others are suffering with mood disorders. When your reality is skewed, whatever the cause, it is hard to remember what good days felt like. Even if yesterday was one of them. I think about all of you and wish you the best. Be safe. Don't give up.
Posted by Phillipa on February 5, 2006, at 21:06:06
In reply to depression/anxiety/panic/blood sugar?, posted by avery on February 5, 2006, at 9:56:32
Protein eatten every couple of hours will help to stabalize your blood sugar and prevent the dips to hypoglycemia. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ghostshadow on February 9, 2006, at 9:20:48
In reply to depression/anxiety/panic/blood sugar?, posted by avery on February 5, 2006, at 9:56:32
when did all of this start with you? i've suffered depression literally for as long as i can remember (back into early childhood) and am always at least borderline hypoglycemic. not generally panic per-se, but definitely the other two symptoms...
Posted by Avery on February 9, 2006, at 13:14:50
In reply to Re: depression/anxiety/panic/blood sugar? » avery, posted by ghostshadow on February 9, 2006, at 9:20:48
I was diagnosed reactive hypoglycemic 4 months ago at age 30. My fasting blood sugar is always within normal range, so my family doc never thought to look any further into it. I have been depressed and anxious as far back as I can remember, too. Best of luck finding a solution - submit another post if you find something that helps!
Posted by ghostshadow on February 10, 2006, at 12:11:05
In reply to Re: depression/anxiety/panic/blood sugar?, posted by Avery on February 9, 2006, at 13:14:50
thank you, and best of luck to you, too.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.