[kmano8]

I also had some similar symptoms 2 winters ago. Turned out to be anxiety, stress, mediocre diet, and a bit of hypochondria. What finally got me out of the rut was taking a trip to San Diego, spending time with friends away from my commute in the cold/dark hours, and realizing that maybe it was all in my head. It was difficult for me to accept that I could be psychologically messing with myself, but this was ultimately the problem.

[grandalf]

Congrats for realizing that those sorts of "minor" things can have a significant impact. I think that this guy has something similar, which is why I suggested he go to Costa Rica in the last HN story.

[kmano8]

Thanks. It all started in some October when I had some sort of bad reaction to something (maybe food) that caused a massive headache/vomiting all day for me. I got pretty worried about the cause. The headaches nagged everyday on through winter and into March (when I finally went to California).

I went to specialist after specialist.. had blood tests, MRIs, etc. The actual headaches were real and not just in my head, as it were -- the search for something that wasn't there was really what brought me down.

And ps- symptom checking online is the worst thing I did to myself (can't stress this enough).

[grandalf]

Symptom checking online is a huge mistake, I agree.

It's fascinating to think about the role of an "official, correct diagnosis" into the psychological aspect of the suffering.

The most uncomfortable suggestions are those that are accompanied by not reassuring stamp of authority. What, go to Costa Rica and eat fresh fruit and swim and learn to surf? That's crazy, what I need is a pill... etc.

It's not just health but the experience of feeling/being healthy/unhealthy that is profoundly important.

It's rather humbling how complex the human body (below and above the neck)!