What's Wrong With Me??

[CrabbyPatty]

I'm currently in the second semester of nursing. Just before Thanksgiving, (in Nursing 1), I started having tachycardia, SOB and dysrythmias. That was also when my neurologist increased my dose of Adderall XR from 30mg to 40mg (I have ADD). AND it was just before the end of the semester and finals were about to begin.

Ok, so it's now more than 4 months later and my symptoms haven't subsided. Almost 2 months ago, my doc decreased my dose back to 30mg Adderall XR, but there haven't been any changes with my symptoms. I also take 300 mg Wellbutrin SR daily.

In addition to the original symptoms, I now have orthostatic hypotension. I'm incredibly thirsty and I drink lots of water.

I've intentionally lost 41 pounds since the beginning of Nursing 1 (8 months ago). Seeing so many ill people during clinical rotations (and the fact that i'm turning 40 this summer) made me change my way of eating and I started exercising. I still have another 30 pounds to go (to be at a healthy weight; 5'9 and 155 lbs).

I'm under incredible stress besides nursing school. Recently married (3 years ago). My 82 yr old mother-in-law who lives with us has Alzheimers and my husband is in complete denial. We're having an addition added on to our house and our house is in complete disarray. Too many other issues to mention (besides 12 yr old son reaching puberty and ex husband who is an idiot)

I started working out at the gym almost 2 months ago. A year (and 41 pounds ago) I could "power walk" on the treadmill and my heart rate would reach 130 or so. Now, if I'm walking slowly on the treadmill, my heart rate is 145! When I lift weights my HR is 130 or so and I get orthostatic hypotension rising from the machines. However, I don't usually eat much beforehand so maybe the dizziness is from that???

Anyway....I've had a Chest X-Ray (negative). Pulmonary Function Test (normal). Holter Monitor (no call from the doc yet). I have an echocardiogram scheduled for a couple of weeks from now. Today I had a stress test and I reached my Maximum Heart Rate (180) after only 7 minutes. My BP at that time was 182/???

I just had my yearly physical in January and everthing was normal. My cholesteral actually dropped from 236 to 142 in a year!! I think my weight loss and exercise did that. My thyroid tests were normal.

Any ideas??? I'm at my wits end! I finally lost weight that I needed to lose, got my cholesterol in check and now this!!!

I was selected to do an extern program this summer and I'm thrilled! I just hope I survive all this. I had anxiety and panic attacks about 8 years ago and this doesn't feel like that.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.:icon_hug:

[suzanne4, RN]

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