Frustrating frustrating frustrating!

[Writer]

I've been having trouble with wooziness, light-headedness, and some trouble concentrating for the last 10 days. Over the weekend, I had trouble walking through an art exhibit with Mr. Writer, and I started feeling tension in my chest. So I went back to the doctor on Monday. Nothing. My lungs sounded fine. My heart sounded fine. My blood oxygen was about normal, per a finger tip measure. They took a chest x-ray on Monday, but I haven't heard back, so I suspect that's normal, as well.

What's so frustrating about this, is that my energy and motivation are low. That's not normal, but there's nothing measurable to point to. Also, my blood pressure has dropped over the last year despite no regular exercise (from 140 to 110-112). As I sit here, I'm still experiencing chest tightness, and I had enough wooziness this morning that I couldn't really shower, and Mr. Writer had to drive me to campus.

I'm now wondering if this is all in my head, or if it's associated with stress. This semester has been a dream work-wise compared to the fall, but that's not translating into a relaxed graduate student. x(

I'm not looking for medical advice, but I am venting. This is frustrating. I am waiting for the doctor's office to return my message about my x-ray, and I might go ahead and schedule a third doctor's visit and see about getting blood drawn (I'm due for my annual physical anyway).

Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kentauros]

1. I can see how that can be frustrating.

You might also examine your diet. Maybe there's something there that's causing problems.

Maybe try some meditation if you think stress is part of the cause

[Writer]

2. Thanks.

Actually my diet is quite healthy, which is why I've lost about 20 lbs. over last year, too. Other than poor exercise, I'm in good physical shape.

I'm thinking that it might be good to get back into yoga, and I was considering visiting the rec center tomorrow in order to sign up for a class.

[david13]

3. I have to start with stress, then diet. Graduate student is one of

the least relaxed, most stressful times in life. It is a time of unknown for the future. That can be extremely stressful, and the greatest stress is not knowing that we are stressing.
dc