Blood Tests

[Jaquta]

Is a Full Blood Count able to pick up many of those weight-related medical conditions?  Or at least indicate that more testing may be needed?

My GP ordered a FBC and was checking for potential iron deficiency.  For fatigue.

I feel my increased weight is affecting my health.  I run the differential but wonder if the symptoms are all mutually exclusive.  I have been turning blue and have had a sore calf, etc.  Would taking a list of symptoms to my GP be an effective way for him to discern what is, or isn't, going on?  We always seem to get stuck on the mh stuff (which hasn't progressed) and I'm finding this very frustrating.  These physical symptoms are important too!

I have been thinking about joining Weight Watcher's.  I was hoping the structure would help set up some healthy eating and exercise behaviors.
During radiation I was given a one month free gym membership so have been considering using that.  That could help with motivation and weight loss and confidence.  I'm a bit concerned about excessive sweating though -I don't want to look like I've peed my pants.  
I'm trying the journaling/ blogging which you suggested to another member.  It hasn't been going very well.  I fear owning stuff and being judged by others.  I guess I've kept it impersonal and have refrained from discussing experiences that have defined me.

Thanks for your time and for listening.

Jackie

[Jaquta]

I spoke to my GP today.  There was a good lead in to discussing cardiovascular issues as my GP attended a resus course (during our normal appointment slot) and he utilized his pre-course readings in the weekend when a patient collapsed in the supermarket car park.  Unfortunately a defib only became available 12 minutes later.  My GP said the earlier a patient is shocked the greater their chance of survival.  This
patient died.
I saw the police and ambulances so I was curious as to what had happened.
I've seen my mother stop breathing and have watched her being intubated.
Anyway, my GP mentioned this person had had chest pains in the morning.

My GP said my cholesterol was OK (3.5 in 2005).  He seemed to think my blood pressure was OK too.  I saw my discharge summary (for breast abscess) a while ago and it said my BP was ?/ 48 at the end of last December.  My GP checked my blood sugar level and said it was 5.3 -whatever that means.  He also checked one of my peripheral pulses in one of my feet.  He said there was a strong pulse there.
And because I am young and female he seems to think I'm OK.  And I don't smoke and I don't have first degree relatives who have dropped dead from heart disease, etc.

My Ferritin level came back as low so my GP has chucked me on Fe and Vit C supplements.  
Maybe iron deficiency and anxiety account for all my symptoms.  ??
We didn't have time to discuss this in depth as the result came through as I was leaving.  I had my therapy (can iatrogenic stuff be considered therapy??) appointment soon after.

Now I'm not even sure whether exercising, on top of what I'm already doing, is a good idea.  I already feel completely knackered.

Maybe anemia affects mood.  I read in the Harvard Medical School HeartBeat that stress makes one more vulnerable which can affect outlook.

I'm rambling because I'm buggered.
J

[Jaquta]

Thanks for that!

I totally overlooked the significance of the questions.  It makes sense that we can't have our fears allayed if the doctor is unaware of our concerns.  And maybe questions help to put the list of symptoms into context too.

I don't think I'm trying to find stuff wrong.  I just want to understand what is.

I'll see how I get on with my list of symptoms AND questions.

I have an irrational fear that the symptoms are all psychosomatic.  Although that doesn't make sense as increased weight and stress are risk factors for certain medical conditions.  I hope my list doesn't resemble a novel.  

Thanks again.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Generally, more specific testing might be needed - endocrinologists and gynecologists may be the most qualified specialists in addition to your internist to determine what these tests might be for you.

I think that writing down your symptoms and your questions is a great idea!