How can I overcome medical issues to alleviate self-esteem issues?

Asked by livelaughlove21 (15724) February 3rd, 2013 from iPhone

For the past 6+ months, I’ve been having gynecological issues that have kept me from exercising. I’ve gained about 15lbs because of this and my self-esteem has plummeted. Additionally, my sex life with my very young, very horny husband has dwindled to nearly nothing as I seek an answer to my ailment.

Just when it seemed these issues were getting manageable, I began getting headaches, painful muscle tension, and fatigue that the doctors labeled tension headaches. I was placed on lortab, an anti-inflammatory, steroids, and muscle relaxants. The symptoms began to alleviate and I stopped taking the medication (after 2 weeks) as ordered.

I was fine for a day, but I was laid up the next day with muscles that were sore to the touch and a general crappy feeling. My headaches appear to be back as well. I’m a bit better today, but still not much energy.

I have no motivation or energy to do anything at all, and my stress/anxiety is only making it worse. I just want to sit around and do nothing. On the other hand, I feel like I’m letting myself go and I’m worried about my marriage suffering because of it.

I need to lose weight. I need the energy to want to do things outside of the house. I need to have sex with my ever-patient husband. But I feel like I’ve dug myself into a hole I can’t get out of.

I’ve been to doctors. I’m 23 and I feel like I’m being brushed off because I’m seen as “too young” to have a serious disorder worth looking into and my symptoms aren’t particularly severe, consistent, or chronic (as of yet). And everyone around me thinks it’s all related to my anxiety, which it may be, but I can’t keep paying for doctors to tell me there’s nothing wrong with me.

How can I do the things I want to do while I feel so awful? What if my anxiety about it is making my symptoms worse? How could I know that for sure?

Any advice – any at all – would be super helpful.