systamatic medical examinations..

[aliasdoris]

i was diagnosed at the age of 22 - now 54 - with an under-active thyroid-in those days to determine results, its was either over or under,-I believe now its how much of the % its over or under- being then very underwieght, at that time, and now, the doctor was 'confused'however, over the years its been quite bizzare, over/under..etc., this past year - have many other diseases/illnesses..
..  Multi-system disease - unknown
..  Connective Tissue Dis
..  Capileritus
..  Tested moderate positive for ANA - disease - unknown
..  Osteoporosis
..  Vitamin B1, B12 diff
..  Saliva stones
..  Arthritus
..  Fibromyalgia
..  Eating dis.do not induce vomitting/binge
..  Hernia
..  2 x 2 Colon polyps removed
..  2 x 1mm Pit tumours-disappeared?
..  Vitamin D diff
And others..
Etc., etc., bedbound..still smiling.

My question:
Thyroid has been over twice in past 12 months, reduced thyroxine, now its under, discussing with gp thyroid 'storm'? Realising 'you' are based in US, would really like your suggestions..at present, NHS have taken 8 years of my persuasion, through scientific results, photographs of multiple symptoms, diarised entries..
Thank you for reading this.
Regards
Doreen Gerrard-atkinson

[aliasdoris]

Thank you for reply..
Its incredibly sad and irresponsible, that even across the waters that Doctors are so full of their own ego's, there's no room for knowledge, compassion, diagnosis.. how awful for you, diabetes, is 'life=threatening' -
Like yourself, I bought a digital temperature - as I believe/d that I  have underlying infections, and my temperature, would/is 36.1 upon wakening, and would shoot up to 37.2 plus..now this everyday, was told everyones temp up/down..yeah right, but, not in 2 hrs..
My gp, came out 5 times in 5 weeks, I never asked for a call-out, then one time he asked to see the temp gauge, and temp was 'normal'..I too, have kept diarised entries for over 2 years..as well as all the symptoms..which were/are many..
I am in a catch 22, I am unable to go to another gp, there is one more in the town, but, if the prognosis is not good - as stated in the letter I recieved from a group of consultants, predominately dermatology, skapegoats for the mistakes, incompetance, mis/non diagnosis..
As said, they believe, here in England, that every woman wishes to look perfect, I am not nor every have been materialistic..superficial..I have had advocacy which only takes the complaint as far as the NHS Ombudsman..I am attempting to find a solicitor who would represent me..afterall I still do not know which Multi-system disease I have - been tested for Neuro-syphilis, HIV Aids..all negative..thank goodness..which Auto'immune Disease I have- been tested for Lupus, Lymes - situation where out of 12 women I was the only one not to find a Deer Tick, most had more than one, and one poor lady contracted Lymes..-
Thank you for corresponding with me..
Been trying to find sites for  List of above possible diseases..

I'm not - as said - looking for compensation..just factual answers..and the knowledge that I may live longer..or, not as the case may be.. so, going to continue to see if I can 'get' legal representation..

[Barb135]

There are always answers, the doctors just need to be willing to look for them, by doing the research and proper testing.  I've found that some appreciate patient research and suggestions, while others become very arrogant and hostile.  

As an example, I have felt for some time, that I might have insulin resistance/prediabetes, so I asked my doctor to test.  He ordered an A1c test that came out "in range", but at the very top of the range - he pronounced me "fine"........A few months later, I went to the pharmacy and bought a meter to test my blood sugar.  I tested it faithfully, for several months, and many days, my fasting results were higher than the recommended 100.  so after keeping track of my fasting blood sugars, I took the record with me one day, when I went to see my doctor ....... he became absolutely livid, that I had done this on my own; he actually yelled at me saying "those meters are so inaccurate, they shouldn't even be sold".... he then pushed away the written record and wouldn't even look at it....... There are several diabetics in my family (my son was dx'd at age 10) and the very first thing the doctors said to all of them, was "go to the pharmacy and buy a meter to test your blood sugar"........... and here was MY doctor refusing to acknowledge that this might be a valid issue.......  Of course, this doctor is no longer my doctor, and I have not pursued this issue with another doctor; however, I do still check my fasting blood sugar on a fairly regular basis, and keep a record.  I am pretty much treating myself, by making sure I stick with low glycemic foods and get plenty of exercise............

I agree that you should not give up.  There is a doctor out there, who is willing to help you get well........ please feel free to let us know how we can help.  Our members have a wealth of knowledge regarding your issues, so don't afraid to tap into it.

[aliasdoris]

..Thanks..However, when I keep being told there may be no answers..is feeble, irresponisble..I have said, questions-answers-questions-answers-learning-knowledge etc., I will not be 'put-off', by this cop-out..their human, of course, that does not excuse their profession..doctors/scientist should never give up..

I have a clear view of their attitude towards myself -and others - 'answers', I have found most of them, for them..with 'proof'..Modern society eh?

D

[ThyroidHunter]

Barb135 and myself have seen and heard this stereotyping day after day. As a group of life disease sufferers, we're going to have to eventually band together, across the land and oceans, to stop this "attitude." Which frankly, I beleive is getting worse if that's possible.

Keep in mind, Docs are people too, just people expected to have "answers", and have them "on demand." When they don't, for whatever reason, many react with with blame for the patient. They don't teach "healing" in medical school, they teach medicine. There's a huge difference.

Never give up, and stay angry, it will keep you fighting! Best. CB

[aliasdoris]

Hey thanks...  actually, to me, it seems unless you have the rarist, unusual, strange 'disease' etc., they do not want to know..I find it almost amusing..but, then our society dictates, what docs do..and our doctors, as said, stereotypes, discriminates, age, sex, culture, etc., just to become Politically Correct..which bores me..

Thanks again...

[Barb135]

Not getting the medical care you need is frustrating, to say the least; many of us have been in your situation; our doctors tend to stereotype, here, as well.  Most doctors only want to throw antidepressants at us, so we'll go away and hide under a rock!!  From what we hear from other members, it's even harder to get proper treatment in UK than it is here in the US - and we have private care!!  

Wishing you the best and you can feel free to vent here any time.

[aliasdoris]

Apologies for repeating myself..I do 'get on one'..daily actually..

[aliasdoris]

Thank you for your replies..
I do not suffer from anxiety attacks..The major 'problem' has been getting the consultants/surgeons/doctors to believe me..because here, they stereotype..and because of the abuse as a child, rape at 17, domestic violence x 2..they wanted to convice me that its all physchological..and I knew it wasnt..I do beleive in Neuropsychology, and when the microademas 'appeared', the neurologist wanted to send me to UCLH- which would/will be a great idea..however, I knew that there were specific physical symptoms/ailments that needed medical treatment..it has taken nearly 8 years..complaints now underway..and 4 years to 'get them' to recognise that not all English?British people are obsese..I had put on 3 stone in 3 months in 2007, baring in mind I have been underwieght for all my life, and dislike of food for over 40 years..and yes I know why that it..
Last year, diagnosed with..Multi-system Dis, Connective Tissue Diseas, Mild sleep apnea - had severe apnea 4 years ago when skinny..I am also aware the medical profession have completely 'mucked up' and been detrimental to my health and well-being.. I have repeatedly enquired/asked what is the Multi-system disease? What Auto-immune Disease is it? and not one, not one, is able to tell me..
And sounding rather arrogant - kinda feel I've earnt that one - I was correct in my assumption of my complicated physiology..

Have past history of 33 epilepsy..33 years of Epanutin.. and various other prescribed meds. that I have also said could have been extremely detrimental, the contra-indications of meds. could have caused many of the diseases..

So, getting answers are very difficult.. and I do not believe 'they' will answer me..I have complied files,photos and have been 'searching' for legal representation, which is also difficult..I have been discriminated against, attempts of intimidation etc., you would not believe..
I cannot afford private medical care - have enquired to see if I could pay in installments..no course not, its England..very superficial country 'we' have become..
I also not money orrientated something else that higher professionals do not get..very farcical..
Thanking you both once again..
Awaiting more tests..as my feet, fingers, skeletal areas are growing..I Have big feet anyway..smiles...I am finding this growing thing quite amusing,,cos I'm 5ft 10..54..

Kind regards
Doreen

[Barb135]

Do you have any current lab results you could post for us, along with reference ranges, since these vary from lab to lab.

Many of the symptoms/diseases you mention produce symptoms caused by thyroid issues.  You should try to get tested for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease that produces antibodies which attack and destroy your thyroid.  This is the main cause for hypothyroidism in developed countries, and it's very common for one to swing between hyper and hypo, during the destruction of your thyroid gland.  

[ThyroidHunter]

There are several possible causes, with your many health issues especially, but your symptoms as I read through the note are very similar to mine. I have hashimoto's syndrome, late stages.

Many with hyper, or hypothyroidism experience this "roller coaster" or flip flopping of blood results, weight issues, anxiety and energy levels, to name  a few of the symptoms that will swing like a pendulum at times. This appears to be due to erratic performance of the thyroid gland, from a possible host of diseases and disorders.

I do not believe you've had a "thyroidic storm", these almost always require hospitalization (mine was 5 days) and a definite diagnosis can be made as the free T-3 or free T-4 will go into the fatal range, or be near it when your test results are done in the emergency room/clinic. That does not mean you've not had an anxiety attack which can look and feel a lot like a thyroidic storm, except they're not routinely fatal.

I read through the lines you may be in the UK? If so, you need to consider private medicine at this time I believe, with very specific testing. If you cannot afford it, you've proved you been a helper with your work with the NHS, who can be difficult, at best, to work with.

Also consider, was your diagnosis for arthritis based on a blood test, or analysis by a physician? Same with the Osteo. These are common "side symptoms" of advanced thyroid disease. One to look out for is commonly called "frozen shoulder", where you will routinely begin to wake up with a large joint, usually shoulder, knee or hip, virtually frozen and unable to use. This IS a sign of advanced thyroid disease and you would need immediate medical attention and medication.

Regards, Clay Ballentine aka ThyroidHunter.

[aliasdoris]

Oh...and Mild sleep apnea..