Aa
multi symptoms (mine)-help
I will try to be brief, even though it will not. On top of symptoms I've listed in another post regarding blisters in my mouth (which includes all things respiratory).
This is very difficult for me to type. First, it's overwhelming. Secondly, I hate seeing my life in print-it further reminds me of my misery. Even though I feel it everyday.
This began around May of last year, for the most part but a few things cropped up prior. Such as: hair falling out, fatigue, a little difficulty in swallowing but I was able to deal with it.
May of 05: respiratory: spitting up orange flecks, nose plugging, thick clear mucus plugs from my nostrils, aching neck. Left wrist aching.
I finally went to the doc in Aug 05. I wouldn't have but everything continued to cycle. Doctor checked lungs and sinus via x-ray: clean. She did a CBC and according to her, fine. Months ago, I went through my files and see that my WBC was elevated in August. She reported it as fine.
My stools began to change: first they floated, then they became thin. In December, I was getting terrible left side gut aches. I attributed it to stress. When this happened, I gingerly took myself to bed.
My stools are still thin (not constipated). I am taking SAM-e and this does seem to help there a little.
Fast forward, December...felt weak. Begining of January, spit and found pus down my chin (gross, I know!). In looking in my throat, saw white gunk within tonsil crypt. Covered by a clear, glue like substance. My ears began plugging. In taking Afrin, blew out a-lot of orangish flecks. Helped my ears.
Cont...
This is very difficult for me to type. First, it's overwhelming. Secondly, I hate seeing my life in print-it further reminds me of my misery. Even though I feel it everyday.
This began around May of last year, for the most part but a few things cropped up prior. Such as: hair falling out, fatigue, a little difficulty in swallowing but I was able to deal with it.
May of 05: respiratory: spitting up orange flecks, nose plugging, thick clear mucus plugs from my nostrils, aching neck. Left wrist aching.
I finally went to the doc in Aug 05. I wouldn't have but everything continued to cycle. Doctor checked lungs and sinus via x-ray: clean. She did a CBC and according to her, fine. Months ago, I went through my files and see that my WBC was elevated in August. She reported it as fine.
My stools began to change: first they floated, then they became thin. In December, I was getting terrible left side gut aches. I attributed it to stress. When this happened, I gingerly took myself to bed.
My stools are still thin (not constipated). I am taking SAM-e and this does seem to help there a little.
Fast forward, December...felt weak. Begining of January, spit and found pus down my chin (gross, I know!). In looking in my throat, saw white gunk within tonsil crypt. Covered by a clear, glue like substance. My ears began plugging. In taking Afrin, blew out a-lot of orangish flecks. Helped my ears.
Cont...
lest I forget, I did also have an xray of lungs, which were repored as "clean." I also did a breathing test: handheld for which I blew 3 times, and reported within normal range.
Down below a few posts, I posted "Tiny, clear blisters in roof of mouth?" as being other current/past issues.
Thanks again,
~Kate
Down below a few posts, I posted "Tiny, clear blisters in roof of mouth?" as being other current/past issues.
Thanks again,
~Kate
funny - I work in mental health for people over 65 (admin only) but have learnt so much, - hope between utahmomma and myself we have given you a little more hope....your on track now...
Organic Screen is every blood test they can think of,U&E'S, LFT'S, FBE, thyroid function tests which should include TSH2 TSH3 & TSH4 most important) which is similar to your version, but more intense...I have had the most amazing tests done that I never thought existed when I was sick...the specialist I saw was not alternative he is medically trained so same as a GP but more of an expert....if you call one of the hospitals Im sure they'll know what I mean if you say Specialist Physician...
Even though you have had recent tests a few months ago, get the new doctor to re do everything and start from scratch...
good to see your changing doctors, they unfortunately become complascent sometimes...and you get put in the to hard basket.it really does sound like you have a thyroid problem....underactive causes weight gain, overactive causes, anxiety loss of weight, hair loss, dry skin, palpatations, difficulty swallowing, but then other hormonal issues can mimic so ask for hormone level tests as well, unfortuantely though these can come back normal, even though you may be suffering perimenopausal symptoms, these also can cause horrible aches and pains - it sounds like you have a couple of things as I said going on, which makes everything overwhelming most of all don't panic thinking something is uncurable keep the faith.....but now maybe with a little more insight - it will help you keep going in the right direction - leave no stone unturned you deserve it....when is your first appointment with the new doctor....
Organic Screen is every blood test they can think of,U&E'S, LFT'S, FBE, thyroid function tests which should include TSH2 TSH3 & TSH4 most important) which is similar to your version, but more intense...I have had the most amazing tests done that I never thought existed when I was sick...the specialist I saw was not alternative he is medically trained so same as a GP but more of an expert....if you call one of the hospitals Im sure they'll know what I mean if you say Specialist Physician...
Even though you have had recent tests a few months ago, get the new doctor to re do everything and start from scratch...
good to see your changing doctors, they unfortunately become complascent sometimes...and you get put in the to hard basket.it really does sound like you have a thyroid problem....underactive causes weight gain, overactive causes, anxiety loss of weight, hair loss, dry skin, palpatations, difficulty swallowing, but then other hormonal issues can mimic so ask for hormone level tests as well, unfortuantely though these can come back normal, even though you may be suffering perimenopausal symptoms, these also can cause horrible aches and pains - it sounds like you have a couple of things as I said going on, which makes everything overwhelming most of all don't panic thinking something is uncurable keep the faith.....but now maybe with a little more insight - it will help you keep going in the right direction - leave no stone unturned you deserve it....when is your first appointment with the new doctor....
Sounds like you are going in the right direction and if you feel good with your new one - WONDERFUL! If that doesn't work, can you call that doctor who told you to find a good physician and ask him for referrals? He sounds amazing and honest in a way that is hard to find.
About the sugar issue. It may be expensive but you might want to invest in a glucose meter and check your blood sugar levels when you wake up, before meals, and after meals. If it drops below about 70 or spikes above about 160, cut out the carbs (including fruit juices, bread, pasta, etc.) then keep an eye on it for another week. Make sure that you are eating at least 5 small meals a day (you can find great diabetic diets on the Internet and South Beach follows it pretty closely).
The sad thing is, no matter how many doctors we may - or may not - have available, sometimes we have to diagnose ourselves. :-(
The glucose monitor is a simple and effective way to see if you have a sugar problem without jeopardizing your health (just your finger tips get sore!). Saying you "love" sugar is a sign, so is the "shaky" feeling around meal time. Having a family member who was hypoglycemic could also be an indicator.
A thyroid ultrasound is non-invasive and will show if there is a growth. I didn't have any symptoms and my thyroid levels were fine but the ultrasound did find a "mixed nodule" which turned out to be cancer. I'm NOT saying that may be your problem but getting an ultrasound will help with a good diagnosis.
As for firing doctors: I went through 6 OB/GYNs this year alone - I had huge, recurrent, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and all of the OB/GYNs wanted to either do a complete hysterectomy or put me on some very frightening medication. I finally found one who would just remove the ovary and it took me 7 months to find him but thank god it did!
Yeah, the "layman" and some doctors may brand you as crazy but who really cares. Move on until you find one who really wants to help!
My best to you Kate, I wish you were somewhere where you had more choice in medical care but it does sound like you things are looking up with your new MD. And, as a fallback, you found an honest, caring doctor who might be able to lead you to a good one nearer to your home.
Good luck and keep us posted!!
About the sugar issue. It may be expensive but you might want to invest in a glucose meter and check your blood sugar levels when you wake up, before meals, and after meals. If it drops below about 70 or spikes above about 160, cut out the carbs (including fruit juices, bread, pasta, etc.) then keep an eye on it for another week. Make sure that you are eating at least 5 small meals a day (you can find great diabetic diets on the Internet and South Beach follows it pretty closely).
The sad thing is, no matter how many doctors we may - or may not - have available, sometimes we have to diagnose ourselves. :-(
The glucose monitor is a simple and effective way to see if you have a sugar problem without jeopardizing your health (just your finger tips get sore!). Saying you "love" sugar is a sign, so is the "shaky" feeling around meal time. Having a family member who was hypoglycemic could also be an indicator.
A thyroid ultrasound is non-invasive and will show if there is a growth. I didn't have any symptoms and my thyroid levels were fine but the ultrasound did find a "mixed nodule" which turned out to be cancer. I'm NOT saying that may be your problem but getting an ultrasound will help with a good diagnosis.
As for firing doctors: I went through 6 OB/GYNs this year alone - I had huge, recurrent, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and all of the OB/GYNs wanted to either do a complete hysterectomy or put me on some very frightening medication. I finally found one who would just remove the ovary and it took me 7 months to find him but thank god it did!
Yeah, the "layman" and some doctors may brand you as crazy but who really cares. Move on until you find one who really wants to help!
My best to you Kate, I wish you were somewhere where you had more choice in medical care but it does sound like you things are looking up with your new MD. And, as a fallback, you found an honest, caring doctor who might be able to lead you to a good one nearer to your home.
Good luck and keep us posted!!
Hi again Kate,
Just thought I send the following for your information..hope it helps
TSH tests and blood tests are useful to help diagnose hypothyroidism but should not be used alone. Symptoms are the most important factor. It is rare that a blood chemistry panel shows your true condition because the values measured are only about 30% accurate. It is common for a hypothyroid person to have a completely normal thyroid panel. This is why the Thyroid Panel is considered by many to be inadequate.
It is common for a hypothyroid person to have a low TSH value, which is usually interpreted as hyperthyroidism, not the reverse, despite many symptoms of low thyroid (depression, dry skin, weight problems, chronic infections, female problems, hair loss, low blood sugar, and so on).
TSH tests are not as scientifically accurate as they need to be.
There is a sophisticated test to reveal even mild low thyroid and it is the TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) test. This test requires an injection, followed by one or more blood draws at 15, 30 and 45 minute intervals. This test is accurate, but is expensive and inconvenient for both patient and the lab.
Different section
Take your own temperature.
The "basal body temperature" test was developed by Broda O. Barnes, M.D.,
Because thyroid hormone is so vital to cellular metabolism, reduced thyroid function often manifests as a drop in body temperature to below the normal level of 98.6*F. Barnes recommended the following procedure:
Immediately upon awakening, and with as little movement as possible, place the thermometer under the tongue or in the rectum.
Leave it there for 10 minutes.
Record the readings on three consecutive days
If the average temperature over the three days is less than 97.8*F, then, according to Barnes, you may have hypothyroidism. Even if you have had a blood test and were told your did not have a low thyroid reading, you might go back and look at the test results again. You may find that your blood levels of thyroid hormones are actually low normal. Many people who are within the so-called "normal" range but below the midpoint could benefit enormously from thyroid supplementation.
Your optimum oral temperature should be 98.0 in the morning before arising. Your oral temperature should rise to 98.6 to 99 degrees for about 10 hours a day (from 8 am until 11 am).
A good test time is to take your oral temperature between 11 am and 3 pm. The next time to do this is 20 minutes after lunch which is when your thyroid function should be at its best.
It is so important to work on getting and keeping your temperature at 98.6. The thyroid system is a vicious circle, one thing leads to another until bacteria, parasites, and viruses attack and cause other diseases and symptoms, including the body's wanting to attack itself. When body enzymes are not the correct temperature, 98.6, they don't turn into correct hormones, which then cause illness.
Even if your temperature is normal and you still have symptoms, you may have a low grade infection that is raising your temperature. Symptoms are a really important factor that need to be taken into account. Once the low grade infection is taken care of, you will be able to pick up a low temperature.
Purchase an inexpensive bottle of the brownish-red iodine in the drugstore. Paint a circle about the size of a silver dollar on your stomach, If this color is absorbed in two to six hours there could be an iodine deficiency. And since this nutrient is necessary for the body's production of tyrosine.
best of luck Jen
Just thought I send the following for your information..hope it helps
TSH tests and blood tests are useful to help diagnose hypothyroidism but should not be used alone. Symptoms are the most important factor. It is rare that a blood chemistry panel shows your true condition because the values measured are only about 30% accurate. It is common for a hypothyroid person to have a completely normal thyroid panel. This is why the Thyroid Panel is considered by many to be inadequate.
It is common for a hypothyroid person to have a low TSH value, which is usually interpreted as hyperthyroidism, not the reverse, despite many symptoms of low thyroid (depression, dry skin, weight problems, chronic infections, female problems, hair loss, low blood sugar, and so on).
TSH tests are not as scientifically accurate as they need to be.
There is a sophisticated test to reveal even mild low thyroid and it is the TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) test. This test requires an injection, followed by one or more blood draws at 15, 30 and 45 minute intervals. This test is accurate, but is expensive and inconvenient for both patient and the lab.
Different section
Take your own temperature.
The "basal body temperature" test was developed by Broda O. Barnes, M.D.,
Because thyroid hormone is so vital to cellular metabolism, reduced thyroid function often manifests as a drop in body temperature to below the normal level of 98.6*F. Barnes recommended the following procedure:
Immediately upon awakening, and with as little movement as possible, place the thermometer under the tongue or in the rectum.
Leave it there for 10 minutes.
Record the readings on three consecutive days
If the average temperature over the three days is less than 97.8*F, then, according to Barnes, you may have hypothyroidism. Even if you have had a blood test and were told your did not have a low thyroid reading, you might go back and look at the test results again. You may find that your blood levels of thyroid hormones are actually low normal. Many people who are within the so-called "normal" range but below the midpoint could benefit enormously from thyroid supplementation.
Your optimum oral temperature should be 98.0 in the morning before arising. Your oral temperature should rise to 98.6 to 99 degrees for about 10 hours a day (from 8 am until 11 am).
A good test time is to take your oral temperature between 11 am and 3 pm. The next time to do this is 20 minutes after lunch which is when your thyroid function should be at its best.
It is so important to work on getting and keeping your temperature at 98.6. The thyroid system is a vicious circle, one thing leads to another until bacteria, parasites, and viruses attack and cause other diseases and symptoms, including the body's wanting to attack itself. When body enzymes are not the correct temperature, 98.6, they don't turn into correct hormones, which then cause illness.
Even if your temperature is normal and you still have symptoms, you may have a low grade infection that is raising your temperature. Symptoms are a really important factor that need to be taken into account. Once the low grade infection is taken care of, you will be able to pick up a low temperature.
Purchase an inexpensive bottle of the brownish-red iodine in the drugstore. Paint a circle about the size of a silver dollar on your stomach, If this color is absorbed in two to six hours there could be an iodine deficiency. And since this nutrient is necessary for the body's production of tyrosine.
best of luck Jen
That's all the testing they've done?! I strongly recommend that you have autoimmune testing done. You have symptoms that seem in line with autoimune disorders, particularly Lupus and Scleroderma. Now, before you look these up, be aware that the medical websites usually profile the "worst case scenario". Some of the stuff you will read, and pictures you will see will seem too bad to be like you, and some may be scary to think you could get that bad if you indeed have an autoimmune disorder. As for the breathing test, all they did was Spirometry. You should ask for a full set of Pulmonary Function Tests. Spirometry only evaluates how hard you can blow out, lung capacity, or gas exchange.
The symptoms that sound most like an autoimmune disease are:
hair loss
coarse skin
swallowing problems
neurological problems (Lupus)
breathing difficulty
fatigue
joint pain
intestinal problems
nail changes
weakness in hands
To be thoroughly evaluated, you need to see a Rheumatologist. Take a list of your symptoms, all typed up, and ask him to go over it with you, and put it in your file. I did this for my internal medicine specialist, and he actually appreciated it. It also made my visit much more productive.
Now here are some links:
http://www.uklupus.co.uk/tests.html
http://www.uklupus.co.uk/symplist.html
I prefer the UK Lupus site although I am in the US
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2076.htm
If you read the long section under the "History" heading, it will list symptoms.
In my case it took 12 years to get a diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. That means that my Dr. is sure it is autoimmune, but I don't fit solidly into a single disease category. Part of the reason it took so long is that some of the Dr.'s I saw just didn't think I was that bad off, or were too busy to look very deep. The Dr. I have now has taken time outside of our office visits to make lists of my problems to try to categorize me. He still says I'm an enigma, and has certainly said "I just don't know." more than once.
The symptoms that sound most like an autoimmune disease are:
hair loss
coarse skin
swallowing problems
neurological problems (Lupus)
breathing difficulty
fatigue
joint pain
intestinal problems
nail changes
weakness in hands
To be thoroughly evaluated, you need to see a Rheumatologist. Take a list of your symptoms, all typed up, and ask him to go over it with you, and put it in your file. I did this for my internal medicine specialist, and he actually appreciated it. It also made my visit much more productive.
Now here are some links:
http://www.uklupus.co.uk/tests.html
http://www.uklupus.co.uk/symplist.html
I prefer the UK Lupus site although I am in the US
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2076.htm
If you read the long section under the "History" heading, it will list symptoms.
In my case it took 12 years to get a diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. That means that my Dr. is sure it is autoimmune, but I don't fit solidly into a single disease category. Part of the reason it took so long is that some of the Dr.'s I saw just didn't think I was that bad off, or were too busy to look very deep. The Dr. I have now has taken time outside of our office visits to make lists of my problems to try to categorize me. He still says I'm an enigma, and has certainly said "I just don't know." more than once.
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