multi symptoms (mine)-help

[borninquisitive]

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...

[borninquisitive]

Make no apologies for that "tone"...I feel at home with it.

>I also forgot to mention I had IBS symptoms and had a gastric empyting test done, which showed I had gastroparesis - a slow empyting of the stomach and difficulty swallowing.<

This will definitely be "filed away" for reference. Thank you.

>as my stomach was not dispersing the blood sugar normally....this I worked out myself after 3 years of suffering low blood sugar attacks<

How did you remedy this?

>and you need support from your loved ones...god bless<

You are so right. I get this from my mom but my husband has difficulty with it. For reasons, I understand but I am trying to get him to understand that there is a difference between certain personalities and that yes, there are systemic problems. As for systemic problems, he is uneducated.

>sorry if I have a tone Im 50 and do tend to come across motherly sometimes I just get frustrated when I hear how others are suffering people say i have a calming influence about me -<

This is why I say make no apologies. My mother has the same effect and I think...

>since being so sick myself for so long it makes you appreciate others and their illnesses - I know how hard I had to fight to get someone to listen to me....<

...it is because of this. My dear mother, who has been so tough, living with what she has. I have known little about her, until recently. She has suffered, silently.

For the same reasons, I am becoming like you and her. Here to help. I want to become better. Yes for my family's sake and my but I now know what I want to do with my life and don't feel like I can do it right, having my own problems. I want to work with the elderly in long term care and those within my community, who have physical/mental illness. If I could go back in time, I would have pursued a RN degree and Psychology degree.

>firstly I can't believe the drs haven't done an organic screen which is a full blood work up<

What is an organic screen? We do have what you call a Complete Blood Test but they don't cover everything.

>secondly, I saw someone call a "Specialist Physician" - who specialized in difficult medical cases...they mau have a different name over there than in Australia,<

We have many specialists but am wondering if you are thinking internist or holistic.

Thank you, Jen. Never apologize for your "tone"...it is most welcomed. Those who bring a sense of "calm"...would do so well in the field of medical/psychological fields.
We need more of this...not less.

Sincerely,
~Kate

[borninquisitive]

I have had cbc done and a head/neck ct scan. Head/neck came back as hypertrophied tonsils, adenoids (which according to ENT was a mistake on radiologist part) and small nodes present.

In my cbc, last year: low BUN count and high cholesterol. Later, cholesterol good, low bun count, high wbc.
Had thrush, wbc was high. After treatment, wbc (10 I believe) within normal range. Still, low BUN count.

So to date (within last 3-4 weeks) all is normal save for the BUN.

[borninquisitive]

>I'll take a doctor who says "I don't know" over one that makes a snap diagnosis any day.<

Me too! I am not looking for a quick diagnosis or fix either from my doctor. Simply, honesty and willingness to investigate. If it takes many months...so be it. I would be content with that.
I have a good feeling with my new doctor. Relaxed, totally unhurried and seemingly unmoved by what I say, in a good way.

>Don't feel bad about switching doctors - this is YOUR health and YOUR life.<

I don't but it really hurt me. I had been with her for years and always thought it best to stick with a doctor familiar with you. She was great for the simple things. When it became difficult, she revealed a different side.

>Have you had an ultrasound of your thyroid?<

No, I haven't.

>An increasing TSH may, or may not, indicate something amiss in the thyroid that you can't pick up on a blood test.<

I've wondered this.

>Has anyone done a glucose tolerance test on you? Some of your symptoms could be attributed to hypoglycemia or diabetes.<

The last time this was performed, was during pregnancy (standard). Oddly, after my tonsils were removed, I couldn't tolerate sugar as it made me ill (and I just love it), that has since improved but I see I get the "shakes" sometimes around dinner time.
My grandfather was hypoglycemic.
My last blood test showed high glucose, compared to the past but still within "normal" range. 98 I believe.

>There are many things that mimic IBS and many, many more that can aggravate IBS. Since you said you've had your neck pain for over 20 years, let's just assume you are older than 21?!? :-)<

Yes, I am 34. The neck pain began at the age of 14. Severe neck spasms.

>Schedule a colonoscopy to make sure that it is only IBS.<

This came up at one appointment, will address my new doctor with this.

>Drinks lots of water and use fiber supplements (not laxatives)<

I do drink lots of fluids, always have. Fiber supplements seems to make me abit nauseous but perhaps I should try it again.

>Your nasal problems: have the doctors tried decongestants or nasal sprays on you to see if the sore throat and stuffiness is relieved? You may have an allergy, chronic sinusitis, etc.<

Yes, Nasonex was prescribed but I nixed it when developing a chest "rattle." I use Sino-Fresh and this seems to help quite abit.

>Can you schedule an appointment with a neurologist? The numbness, stiffness, pain in the back, etc. could all be signs of a neurological situation.<

There aren't any Neurologists here. He/she will be my last resort as travel to visit one is much further.

>Here's another suggestion: write down ALL your symptoms, your family history, your medications, and any surgeries/medical procedures.<

I pretty much have these on file (including family history), save for current symptoms.

Sadly, in regards to family history: half is missed due to early deaths on my dad's side of family.

>Many symptoms may seem unrelated to you but might put a piece of your health puzzle together for a specialist.<

I agree. I think that I have at least 2 issues going but think most are "related." Telling these to the "laymen" and the first thought is, "you are out of your mind!"

>(Remember, THEY don't have to live with your pain and symptoms - YOU do!)<

It's what I've been continuing in telling myself. I think what really helped- is seeing a doctor in another town.
I did NOT say much to him, yet he must have read between the lines.
He pulled me aside and said (in passing one another from the cafeteria), "Kate, it's imperative to you that you find a doctor that works with and for you. Most don't/will not have you in their best interest...believe it or not."
I was shocked (his honesty and he cared enough to share it), went back to my room and cried over my dinner plate.
He helped strengthen my back bone up (I was sick, tired, cynical and demoralized), for when I came back home. I changed doctors immediately.
I didn't expect that, I didn't think he knew anything about me and I didn't expect anything other than what I had received in the past from my now ex GP.

Life is too darned short and...people deserve good care.

Thank you utahhmamma, I really appreciate it.

~Kate

[merlo]

Hi Kate

sorry if I have a tone Im 50 and do tend to come across motherly sometimes I just get frustrated when I hear how others are suffering people say i have a calming influence about me - since being so sick myself for so long it makes you appreciate others and their illnesses - I know how hard I had to fight to get someone to listen to me....
firstly I can't believe the drs haven't done an organic screen which is a full blood work up ....to see what's what - this you must insist on...secondly, I saw someone call a "Specialist Physician" - who specialised in difficult medical cases...they mau have a different name over there than in Australia, but there must be someone similar....keep going and don't let them tell you it's all in your mind , it's not....it's taken me 3 years to regain some of my old wellness back....I think you have not been handled properly and just fobbed off....
best wishes
Jen

[myproblem]

I know I've read your stuff before, but please refresh my memory. What tests/blood work have you had done? I have some ideas for you, but don't want to scare you. If you can share test results this will help me know if I'm on the right page.

[merlo]

great advice from utahmomma I also forgot to mention I had IBS symptoms and had a gastric empyting test done, which showed I had gastroparesis - a slow empyting of the stomach and difficulty swallowing.  You fast an then eat an egg and it shows how long the digestive sytem takes....this disease although not life threatening can cause severe pain - and then I started experiencing awful bouts of low blood sugar attacks....as my stomach was not dispersing the blood sugar normally....this I worked out myself after 3 years of suffering low blood sugar attacks.....the problem seems to be you have several things happening which is overwhelming....1 step at a time and like Utahmomma says it is your health hassle as many doctors as you must - you need answers....and you need support from your loved ones...god bless