What tests should I ask for?

[prettysenshi]

Hello all,

I've been battling some severe symptoms for the past several years and they have recently exploded, making it unbearable. My doctor keeps telling me it's one thing or something else, instead of looking at all of the symptoms as a whole, and I want to be able to discuss with her possible tests to run.

Here is a list of my symptoms: Extremely bloating, meaning that if I wear a size 18 pants (I normally wear 14), I will bloat until they are uncomfortable, and it becomes painful for the fabric to touch my stomach. The doctor told me that she believed it was IBS, and I took probiotics with negative effects, even with gluten-free with no effect. I can drink water, eat food, not eat, and I'll still bloat.

2nd, is extreme fatigue (no joke). I struggle to get up in the morning and stay up; so far the doctor had to give me adderall to keep it awake during the day (taking 20MG x2 a day). This is the biggest complaint that I have; I have absolutely no energy to do anything. And just for the record, exercise makes it a lot worse.

3rd, I get headaches every day around the same time (maybe cluster headaches?) and they usually last until I go to bed that night.

4th, Despite staying the same weight, my stomach (when on occasion doesn't bloat) has gone from a 40 in waist to a 44 in waist. I have gained weight and it's all in my stomach.

5th, can't lose weight. Even if I eat 1200-1500 calories (which my BMR is about 1540), I do not lose anything, no matter how long I maintain this for.

6th, a brain fog. Even with the adderall, I am just "here." No other way to describe it except feeling like a zombie.

7th, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which has been under control for a year and a half, and am still testing in "normal" standards.

8th, low sex drive, it takes a lot for me to get going.

9th, irritability, I'm less willing to deal with people on a daily basis. I was diagnoised with depression towards the beginning of last year, but believe I have made the neccessary changes in my life to combat it, and the doctor and I both agreed, that I no longer need it.

I'm honestly thinking there is something going on internally with myself (ie adrenal gland). What tests would you recommend to have the doctor test me for?

Note: These symptoms are SEVERE. Have been reoccuring for MONTHS/YEARS, and no doctor has been able to successfully identify the issues. Also, cost is NOT an issue. I do not care if I have to pay 10K in tests, as long as they find out and I can get back to my old self.

[melanielange]

I take Dexedrine to help with alertness and it increases my blood pressure. My BP was going too low and that caused me to develop tachycardia. I take a multivitamin, and a calcium/magnesium/Vitamin D supplement. I increased the amount of salt in my diet, and drink at least 3-4 litres of fluids a day, more in hot weather. I eat small meals/snacks throughout the day as my digestive troubles are lessened. If I eat too much starch in a meal, my BP sometimes drops too much. I have compression stockings that I wear if I know I will be on my feet a lot that day. My symptoms worsen in hot weather, so I have to be careful about activity then.
I used to have severe GERD and even the strongest prescription meds weren't enough. Now that my BP is improved and I'm staying better hydrated, I'm managing with only the occasional Tums. I have the odd day when my heartburn is terrible, but those occur with low BP days, so they are more like a warning sign now that I need to take it easy for a couple of days.
The recipe I use for oral rehydration, which is recommended by the WHO and many other organizations is as follows: 6 tsp white sugar, 1/2 tsp table salt, 1/2 tsp salt substitute (for the potassium it contains), 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 litre of water. It tastes better if you add some lemon juice to it. If the taste is too strong, which sometimes it is for me, I just dilute it...
My quality of life will never be what it was before, but compared to 2 years ago, it is better and now that I'm taking the rights meds for the right diagnosis, I take way less meds than I used too, so less side effects to deal with as well. Hope things go well at your appointment :)

[prettysenshi]

Thanks,

What is the treatment that you are receiving for it? I am meeting with my doctor tomorrow to discuss options and tests that can be ran.

[melanielange]

Exercise intolerance is a symptom of POTS, so don't be too hard on yourself if you have it. Before I was diagnosed with my condition, I would go for a 30 min walk, and fall asleep on the couch for 3 hours to recuperate. I had been prescribed beta-blockers, which made my symptoms much worse. Even though I had no appetite and ate little, I gained about 70 lbs from not being able to be as active as I used to. I've lost 60 lbs since my dr. discontinued the beta-blockers and I can go for walks more easily now.

[melanielange]

I would get tested for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). I have something similar and I share all the same symptoms with you. You'll need a Tilt Table Study and an EEG at least. The quickest way to improve your symptoms today is to drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day, increase your salt intake, and take a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. Get a pair of compression stockings; if you notice after wearing them that you feet "feel light" like mine did, you may have previously undiagnosed low blood pressure. What's your heart rate like?
I separately have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, which have been normal for the last few years.

[mashell1980]

Have you had a ct scan done of your abdomen? There may be an issue with your liver, or another organ. I would at least start from there since that is where the most problems come from. Good luck