This is personal, I’m sorry mods. But I don’t know where else to turn.
I’m dealing with a lot of health issues at the moment. I’ve developed an eating disorder that I can’t seem to overcome on my own. It’s getting very bad. In specific, it’s ARFID, and a fear of any food I eat causing anaphylaxis.
This was likely brought on because I’ve entered perimenopause and my hormones have gone insane. And my stress has been high since last November because of family health issues (nonvaxxed). Constantly an anxious wreck.
So now I’m at a point where I need intervention. But that’s going to be medicine and I know it. I do not trust hormone pills - when I was on birth control it made me very suicidal. And I don’t trust anxiety medicine either, because…duh lol. Also don’t trust supplements and can’t afford the more trustworthy ones. I need vitamin C.
Frankly I don’t trust doctors, either. Especially with this bullshit second round of Covid.
Im also broke. Can’t afford any kind of treatment except if I were to be sent to the ER and be billed, then I just wouldn’t be able to pay it. I lost Medicaid last month because our Covid mandates ended.
What would you do?
I pray to God constantly about this but it just keeps getting worse.
So, Iron can help combat anxiety. Either through food or tablets.
Have you tried a daily allergy pill like Zyrtec? (Cetirizine is the generic). It might help calm your fears if you know you are already "safe" from problems. Plus, sometimes you actually might have a problem with certain foods and your body is trying to help you. I have histamine issues. So, no leftovers or high histamine foods. Maybe keep a log and see if it's certain foods that trigger it?
You might look into a free app, such as Lose It, for example, to help keep track of actual caloric intake. Just to ease your mind on if you're getting enough.
Definitely prayer, water, sleep, sex (if appropriate) and exercise will all contribute to general good health.
Keep us updated and I send hugs your way!
Thank you for commenting!
I think I definitely need iron, and I get what I can but since dropping potatoes, that's gone down.
No, haven't tried any medication because I'm scared of it and not crazy about having to rely on any more pills. As it is I'm on Vitamin D, magnesium, and Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
I've been keeping a log for about a month now. The symptoms just don't make sense because some days (less anxious days) there's no issue. Like my mouth used to get spicy hot no matter what I ate, and I'd be really sensitive to the heat of even pepper. Or it would get tingly or I'd get itches or my eye would twitched - all kinds of things, all of which calm down once I manage to calm down, and can come on even when I haven't eaten in hours. According to that same journal, potatoes caused me no issues. Now suddenly they 'do'.
Could you tell me more about your histamine issues? And does this mean no high histamine foods ever again? I do believe I've got a lot of histamine in my system from the chronic stress and anxiety but I really hope that it's a temporary thing and not something dangerous.
The app suggestion is a good one. I'll look into it, though there's a big chance it'll give me more anxiety around food/nutrition.
Will drink more water for sure. I always drink a lot but getting less than I used to. Prayer and sleep are also fine. Sex...haven't had that since 2019 and fine with it lol. Exercise I stopped due to chronic migraines made worse by exercise but I'll try to find something less intense, even if it's just pacing in my room.
Thank you! If I ever kick this thing's butt I'll post an update to celebrate. :]
Hi, for potatoes, you might see if Russet potatoes cause a problem, vs "waxy" like Reds, Yukon, etc. I have more problems with Russet. I seem to be fine with Reds.
I totally understand the medication resistance. I got a herniated disc a few years back (extreme pain) and got off the heavy meds as soon as I could. Now I just take otc as needed (when I've overdone it). The Cetirizine is only 10 mg.
So, here is a website that explains well. Just ignore the sales pitch! It's a place to start. https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/histamine-intolerance
Here's another with a diet start..just a place to see what jibes with your own experience. https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/getting-started-low-histamine-diet/
There are a lot of sites with food lists, but it really is best to trust your body over the lists.
For myself, I've found I need to avoid certain foods altogether. Some I can eat if they're well cooked. Leftovers can cause problems as well. I did find that quite a few of the listed foods were one I already didn't care for. Natural resistance perhaps?
My sister has exercise induced asthma, so I understand it can be a struggle. Maybe swimming, light walking, gardening, stretching, etc? There are videos for light stretches and walks. I'm sure youtube or Rumble would have light exercise guides.
I know you'll come through the other side! Have patience with yourself. Hugs!
You sharing that actually made me feel a good deal better! I read through that site and found some videos on Youtube, too. It doesn't sound like me at all. Considering that this is something that was worrying me, it's a big relief.
It leads me more towards thinking my anxiety/stress is causing the histamine issues.
I can't believe leftovers can cause a problem. That's wild, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that.
Thank you so much for your help and kindness!
Well, good! Every thing you can cross off the concerns list is helpful.
You might try searches about perimenopause symptoms and see if anything matches. Then search for natural ways to ease symptoms.
Keep searching for answers.. Seek and ye shall find. 😊
Also, obviously, I'm not a doctor. I can only offer my opinions and experiences.
So, I was just rereading your post a bit when I came back to leave a perimenopause link. I realized you're taking medication. I found this..
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levothyroxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20072133
If you scroll down a bit, there is "Less Common" side effects. It may be something to consider. Maybe a dosage or medication change may be in order?
Oh! There are two section that are labeled Less Common! One at the top and one down a bit past the overdose symptoms. That second one further down is the one to look at more, from the sounds of it.
Here.. Change in appetite crying diarrhea false or unusual sense of well-being fear or nervousness feeling not well or unhappy feeling of discomfort feeling of warmth feeling things are not real feelings of suspicion and distrust hair loss headache increased appetite mental depression muscle weakness quick to react or overreact emotionally rapidly changing moods redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest restlessness stomach cramps trouble getting pregnant trouble sitting still unusual tiredness or weakness vomiting weight gain or loss
Sorry, that didn't format properly.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause