If I was a doctor (and I'm not), my first big assumption is that you have allergies. In fact, I'd bet my last paycheck that you have severe allergies. The fact that you had "glue ear" as a child, is pretty evident of that. My son has severe, severe allergies so I'm pretty sure I recognize this. When you get to the ENT, they will (should) be able to help you with this. I cannot say enough about treating allergies with on of the prescription nasal sprays out there (Flonase, Rhinocort, etc). I had severe post nasal drip and this all but stopped it. My son also has a horrible post nasal drip but he is lazy about using the nose sprays so he doesn't control it as well. But he takes Zyrtec and Singulair and that keeps him pretty healthy with the allergies. I can tell you, that if he did not take these meds, he would be as sick as you describe of yourself. Allergies can make you very sick, listless, etc.

Your digestion issues can be caused by many things. I know that many young people--my daughter included who is 16, have poor diets. I'm not saying that is you, but MOST people do--especially here in the States. Lots of fast food or just "junk food" at home like Kraft Mac N Cheese etc. My DD, because she is on the run, eats too much. For the last few days, she has gotten diarrhea. It is from her poor diet. I see it everytime she goes overboard. Same thing happens to me but to a lesser degree. I just get lots of noise, pains, etc. I never used to at your age, but believe it or not, all of our diets were quite a bit healthier 20 years ago.

I'm not saying "this is it" just one thing for you to look at. You may not even realize it. HOWEVER, I think it is always a good idea to discuss with your doctor and have a celiac panel of bloodwork done. I did this for the same reasons that you are feeling however my tests were negative, I do not have celiac. Just a body that wants me to eat better.:D

As for the anemia, this is very easy to check. I suggest you have this test done with all the others. There is no sense saying you have anemia when you are not sure. I have anemia and I don't get the cold hands and feet. My friend gets extremely cold hands all the time and she does not have anemia. Go figure??? You can't just rely on your symptoms alone because those types of symptoms can also be related to thyroid issues, circulation issues, not moving around enough, etc.

Anxiety--YUCK--I have had this too. You know, especially when you are not feeling well, are tired, or stressed, this is the perfect time for anxiety to show itself. It could be that you are worried and this just is in your subconscious all the time and then sets off panic attacks.

Or, anxiety can be caused by physical problems. Celiac would cause it because you are suffering from gluten intolerance. Anemia can cause it because of the lack of oxygen to the cells and rapid heart rate that follows, and just not feeling well due to allergies can set something off.

My advice to you would be:

1. Visit the ENT and SERIOUSLY start on some allergy meds. I think that is going to be your first improvement. Get started on a nasal spray. It will take about a week to start working.

2. Go back to the GP and tell him you would like to be tested for anemia and celiac. This will be one blood test and he can do both. Also ask him to add in a ferritin test (this is part of an anemia workup but not all doctors do it). It would be interesting to see what your level of stored iron is.


I know it's hard to go in and demand things from your doctors, but you get to the point where you have to. As women, lots of doctors dismiss are feelings so I've found you sort of have to be pushy with them.