Doctor's visit was disappointing... loosing hope

I hope everyone here is doing well,

I finally had my appointment with an internist today after months of waiting, and, low and behold, he didn't take me seriously. Since all my previous blood tests have come back normal, he said that my symptoms are likely the result of stress and that I'm fine and healthy. He is running a few blood tests (cortisol, testosterone, etc.) but told me that if these tests came back normal, he wouldn't be seeing me again.

My life has become consumed by constant exhaustion and pain and I'm being told that nothing is wrong. I left his office holding back tears.

A part of me almost believes that I'm just crazy and made up all these issues in my head, but I know that can't be true...

Despite my devastation, I hope these tests will show light to what's going on with me. If not, my search for answer will continue.


Sorry for the rant, but I know many of the people would understand.

Happy Wednesday :)

Tara, it is frustrating wondering and waiting to find out what is causing the pain and fatigue. It is also painful not to be taken seriously. It was my 3rd rheumy who figured things out... I do understand what it feels like waiting for some help.

I too am glad that you will continue your search for answers...hope they come soon! Wishing you the best!

Hugs, Robin

How frustrating Tara!

I "diagnosed" myself with fibro in 2006 or so, and had been to 9 different doctors since then before finally getting diagnosed by an orthopedist. There were times in that period where I was sure I would never be diagnosed, never get any relief, never be taken seriously. In 2009 I finally at least had a doctor who ran all the tests for RA, lupus, and the other autoimmune disorders, so I knew it was unlikely I had anything serious.

For me it was hard to know when to "dump" a doctor. In the end, I finally decided I would keep trying until I got diagnosed. Also, if you suspect you have fibro, bring it up with the doctor. I always thought I needed to give doctors time to get to know me, see my symptoms didn't go away before they would diagnosed me. But in the end, I was diagnosed after a 10 minute exam by a person who doesn't usually see fibro patients. So you never know!

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words :)

I guess I'm so devastated because I waited so long to see this person and he was unwilling to help me unless the hormone tests came back abnormal. I just want to be able to function like a normal 21 year old and that won't happen until I start some sort of treatment plan. I need some sense of control with this!!

I'm going to start looking for doctors who are sensitive to fibo. Maybe my uni counsellor will be able to help.

All I can do for now is try and be positive

Tara you're sounding so disappointed and frustrated I want to just give you a hug and tell you everything happens for a reason. I know how badly you want a diagnosis so you can get on with your life and I'm sorry the Dr you saw did not provide you with what most of us want in a Dr compassion.
I'm glad you're not going to give up, keep your chin up girl.

Take care
Rose

Tara,

Keep your chin up... when I first started on this roller coaster 18 months ago...I went to my primary and told him my symptoms. He sent me to a neuro thinking I may have ms... I came back clean and was told to go back to the primary and have him refer me to an endo..that it may be a thyroid issue...Primary told me he though I was depressed and would not refer me to anyone unless I started on anti-depressants.

Mind you ( and believe me I was not even close to being a super woman) I worked 60 hours a week, frequently traveled (I had just recently returned from a 3 week trip I took by myself in the South Pacific island hopping and couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted because of how lousy I felt) was constantly planning weekend getaways with friends and family, and was always the person that people told "you are too darn happy"...Yet this man was telling me I was depressed...it ticked me off.. and poof I was off to find another primary.

The wonderful women I found immediately tested me for several things and sure enough I have Hashimoto's syndrome. Went on the meds with the hope that the fatigue, confusion, aches, pains, dizzy spells, and low grade temps would finally stop.No such luck

As this all continued on and on I was once again faced with the "we are treating the thyroid are you sure you aren't depressed" and once again I had to defend myself. I didn't miss work, I didn't stop cleaning, cooking, or trying to play...but every day was a horrible challenge.

I am now seeing a rheumy who treats for fibro, but is reluctant to medicate me since I had a seizure 6 weeks ago.....

stick with it!!! you know yourself and your body.....

Healing hugs~

Thanks to everyone else who responded. I don't know what I'd do without all of you.

BeachGirl808: I have been doing research on Becehts since your first post and even though the information online is limited, the symptoms really do fit. I didn't ask this doctor about it (I was feeling intimidated and annoyed, bad I know) but am going back to my GED and will get her to look into this or send me to a doctor who will. Considering my main symptom is mouth, nose, and *other* sores, Beceht's is a huge possibility and will continue pressing for it until it's checked into. I'm happy that you finally have a diagnosis, hopefully I will too.

mrsbubulz: I'm so sorry you are having a hard time. I really hope you sort things out soon.

teeners: Our experiences with doctors sounds really similar. I realize that its hard on doctors when a patient comes to them and all the standard tests come back normal, but that's no reason to treat us like liars. Are you getting the mass in your neck taken out? And no I've never been to a neurologist, but feel like it might be a good idea to see one. Best of luck to you in your search for answers :)

Tara, Behcet's really does fit. I would print out all the information on the Mayo Clinic site about Behcet's and bring it to your primary care doctor.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/behcets-disease/DS00822

I know it feels weird to suggest a diagnosis to a doctor, but it could solve the mystery and start getting you treatment. You might also have fibromyalgia - it commonly co-occurs with autoimmune diseases.

Heather Lynn, that's a great idea. I'm going to try and get another appointment with the internist and I will bring a copy of that page... if not I'll bring it to my next specialist appointment. Yes - it does feel totally awkward and he'll probably get annoyed, but I guess I have to suck it up. I'm asking my GED about it (and lyme) when I see her this weekend as well.

Fantod & Heather Lynn, I did mention that my GED suspected fibro. He checked the tender spots but then brushed it off, again said that there was nothing obviously wrong with me, and told me that the rheumy I'm waiting to see would be better suited to deal with that. Luckily I have an appointment with another internist (who specializes in kidney function b/c there was protein in my urine) and the rheumy in late august. Being assertive can be a challenge for me, but I'm learning.

Thank you for everyone who has responded :)

Tara, just wanted to add your age probably isn't helping anything. Doctors didn't take me serious until my 40's /50. It does suck and everybody here has probably been thur the exact samething.

Nana. I would love to know what kind of herbs you take and what for..

please pm me..