Updates

[kris_tin29]

Hello all!  I had my follow up with my family doctor to receive tests results.  My Gall Bladder scan was normal and so were the lung functions tests.  She still has no clue what is causing my upper right side pain and gave me an anti-flammatory gel to try as she now thinks it could be muscular.

she mentioned that we've tested for lots of things and haven't found much and also reminded me that she had offered me medications for the anxiety and possible depression I might be experiencing...I reminded her that I do not think I am depressed.

I also reminded her that stress does not cause tingling, buzzing and numbness or hands to fall asleep or shooting burning pains down legs.  Stress did NOT cause my gastroparesis-so WHAT did??  This got her attention...perhaps she forgot about all of that??  She left the room to do a little research about what could cause those symptoms and the gastroparesis (GP).  She returned an said that 50% of GP cases are of unknown origin.  The other 50 are divided amongst MS, auto-immune disease, brain disorders and something called amyloidosis (spelling?).  She said MS and brain disorders are ruled out and she ruled out Scleroderma and other auto-immune with an ANA but she is testing now for the amyloidosis.  She is also redoing the ANA and is testing for vit D and C deficiency (i've already tested a little low for B12).  
She also suggested going to Cleveland clinic for a 2nd opinion with a neurologist.  My neuro surgeon has also suggested this.
I'm so frustrated I could cry-but NO I'm NOT depressed!! LOL!

kristin

[kris_tin29]

thanks guys!  i never considered myself to be very assertive, but I guess that's the one good thing about this illness-I am sure learning to stand up for myself!  I refuse to be labeled as depressed and sent on my merry way with a goody bag of anti-deppresants.  I absolutely think that depression exists and that there is a need for medication.  I do not think there is anything wrong with being depressed or with taking meds for it.  But I do not think that means it's okay to ignore symptoms and not look for a cause.  I'm just getting frustrated because I feel like my Docs are just about done with me and are just humoring me at this point.  I can feel the day approaching where they say, "Sorry, we just don't know and can't find anything.  Here's your prozac-take or leave it, but we're done with testing. " That is my biggest fear!

I've actually been feeling pretty good here the last few days.  that may be where all this "firecracker" stuff is coming from!  Hopefully this good feeling will last!

[jibjen]

Your a firecracker!!! way to go to you for telling them ...depressed, I must be psychotic...

That will be my next appt......your fine Jibs, just psychotic AND depressed...

Be well
Jibs

[StormyRenee]

Kristin.
Binx hit the nail on the head.....

Good job for standing up to your doc!

Take Care, Theresa

[silkcut]

Thanks for update. I totally agree with binx. You're inspiring, kristin!

You'll get answers, I just know you will - you know you're not depressed and all that, and you know your body.

(PM on it's way to you).

hugs
samxxx

[illinwithoutacause]

hi kristin,

thank you for posting the update.  i've been thinking about you, hoping things were going okay on your end.

i am really sorry to hear you are still coming up empty as far as dx goes, and you know we all appreciate how frustrating that is.  i agree that a 2nd opinion neuro sounds like a really good idea, and the cleveland clinic is supposed to be tops.  furthermore, as far as your ANA is concerned, from what i understand, you can still have an autoimmune disorder and a normal ANA.  i wouldn't let your GP rule that out completely either.

good for you for reminding your doctor that depression doesn't cause all of your symptoms.  i am so damn sick and tired of how many of us have the big "D" slapped on us just because the doctors are too lame to figure out what is at the source of our illness.  i commend you for your perseverance and allowing yourself to have a voice with your doctor.

take good care and keep us posted.

best wishes,
binx