Depression over health problems, continued

Keep an eye on the lymphnode. It could be inflamed. I had to have three removed that were. It will probably go down though. I hope so.

Glad you saw the doctor. Lactose intolerance would explain a lot.

I hope that you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen

After thinking more about it, my symptoms were never consistent with mono and they're not consistent with lactose intolerance so I feel like I'm back to square one.
I really just feel like I need to give up on doctors. They see a young person like me who thinks critically about their health and wants to be an active participant in the diagnostic/treatment process and they label me with anxiety, which makes them feel okay about ignoring most of the things I say. I feel like most doctors have looked at individual symptoms and none have looked at the big picture. I've only seen one doctor I liked, and he's not accepting new patients. The only doctors I can see are residents who are afraid to think outside the box, and I need someone who's more experienced. This is just so frustrating.

I just think it would be crazy to try not to pay attention to my symptoms, when this needs to be figured out. I can't just ignore it and have it go away. I just hate that doctors see someone who is actually listening to their body and they say "it's all anxiety." They expect to see people in their office who are clueless about how their bodies work and trust that doctors know everything, which I don't. After most doctors have told me something different I really don't trust them at all.
I don't think it's health anxiety anymore, I just think it's human nature to want to figure something out when it goes wrong. I care more about my getting better than the doctors do so I think it's normal for me to do research.

Lindsay,

I understand what you are trying to accomplish.

However, you cannot see what is happening because you are to fraught with worry and everything you find you attach symptoms to and "it" becomes your problem. Your "research" has become one of your rollercoast rides. Up and down emotions, depending on what you find.

Anxiety, even worry and stress of the mold situation can manifest into real physical ailaments that don't show up on any tests. Such as IBS and Lactose intolerance, headaches, backaches etc...

I have been trying since the beginning to get you to focus on calming yourself and try to use meditation or mindfulness. You do not have to buy anything, go to the library and get a book. they are quick reads, well worth the time.

We can only suggest these things to you, it is up to you to take the steps to help yourself. Karen and others have told you self diagnosing over the internet will only cause more anxiety.

You will find peace through these practrices and then the real deal and be found medically. I encourage you once again to visit mindful.org and read some articles about calming emotions and anxiety.

I wish you peace

Trina

Hi Lindsay, I'm normally over on the Chronic Pain department, but I have depression and bipolar disorder too, so I thought I'd pop over here and your thread caught my eye.

One thing that a lot of us over at chronic pain do is write things down, healthwise, that we can bring to the doctor. Stay the course with your meds, as some can take a while to build up in your system to useful levels. But, for example, with your dietary things, write down what you eat and the time, and then whether or not you have symptoms, write that down too, along with the time, say 30 minutes and 1 hour after. Same thing with your meds. Time taken, and any effects felt - good or bad, with the time.

And any other symptoms you get, write down the time, and where you were, what you were doing right before it happened, things like that. This will give your doctor better information, written in black and white, that they can actually work with, and look for patterns. Patterns make sense to doctors, and allow them to hone in on what could be causing an issue.

I know I get sidetracked when I get to my Dr's appointments, and having things written or printed, especially if you keep a running "diary" so to speak, that goes back to the last appointment, or at least several weeks worth will help your doctor pinpoint things that need to be checked, changed, or studied further. Help them do their job better by keeping track of what's going on in your body.

I always keep this in mind. My first doctor, who I saw when I was a kid, self diagnosed himself into an inoperable tumor. You can't diagnose yourself on the internet. You will get 5 different answers from 5 different sites.

And be careful with the herbal stuff. Different brands work more effectively, some don't work at all, and some have added "inactive ingredients" that could cause other problems.

I know this sounds like homework, but it is your body, and your responsibility. Hope this helps, and I'm sending all the good karma I can muster. Stay warm in West VA, I hear it's a bit chilly out.

Change the type of foods you eat. Eat things with less calories. That is what I do. I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegies.

Hugs, Karen

Apples are rather filling, that might help. Make sure you eat the skin too. I was told it is very good for you.

Take care...

Well, that is wonderful! I hope that you continue to feel good. Keep us posted!

Hugs, Karen

I thnk it is normal for it to be a gradual change. Nothing good comes easy it seems at times...

I am glad that you are feeling better. One day at a time.

Hugs...

Feeling very sick to my stomach today which is disappointing because I was doing SO much better. Oh well, I guess it could be and has been worse. I hope this passes soon.

Lindsay,

You must remember it will take time to get better, you will have good days and bad days.

I urge you to stay with the internest you have know. Young doctors will work the hardest to find root causes for symptoms.

I hope you are eating 3 full meals a day plus the snacks, and eating and drinking 16oz of water with your medications. When your stomach is upset, eat Jello or yogurt. Chicken soup if you are home.

Don't forget that ginger ale soda, works wonders for nausea.

Most of all I think if would be a great idea for you to start a "gratitude journal" each night before going to bed, you write down what you are most thankful for that day. Could be the most silly thing, like a chocolate bar you ate.

Eventually, you will start seeing all the positives in your life and within weeks, you will be feeling even better. You will be listing more than 3 things, your lists will be longer and longer each day.

Get it a try.

Wishing you peace.

Trina

I am sure you will!

Trina