Sick of doctors saying I'm too young

Hi, here to post again. Long story...Kind of like repeating myself cause ive posted previously. But i feel that writing out makes me feel better! I'm 22 btw.

Had my worst panic attack on end of jan, went to the a&e and was told 'what do you want me to do?' I mentioned my family doc heard murmur so she referred me to cardiologist on 30 apr. I went private on feb and had an echo done. Had minor mitral valve prolapse. The doc said if I'm experiencing palpitations I have to go back.

Meanwhile I was having some issues with my gastric a few months ago and was referred to a gastroenterologist.

While waiting for my cardiologist and gastro appointments, I caught dengue fever (viral illness) and this made my appetite to near zero and I dropped around 10 pounds within 2 months. I went to the a&e twice again without knowing what was going on with me. On my first trip, I told the doctor that I had fever but I took fever meds at home. I also said I felt really unwell and express my concerns on my weight loss. He took my temp and said, 'no you didn't have fever.' and sent me home.

2 days later, I went to a&e again. I felt really weak as I had not been eating and was anxious at the same time. I nearly told off the doctor. I told him its not anxiety and I know it. He took a blood test and my blood platelet was low by then which eventually leads to diagnosis of dengue fever.

So after the dengue episode I have been feeling fatigued and not myself for around 2 months already. My gastro doc said Im too young to have anything and prescribed me nexium for a month. She doesnt recommend me to have endoscopy (im scared of sedation anyway). I took nexium on and off and sadly felt I could eat better without them. I mentioned I wanted to gain weight as I'm only around 95 pounds now. She referred me to a nutritionist.

So recently, I have been experiencing racing heart beat and palpitations that can last a few days and have dizziness as well. Still feeling low energy and tired. I'm bringing my cardio report to this cardiologist that I'm going to see next tues. But in my heart, I keep thinking that the doctors would be laughing at me for being hypochondriac. And I hate when they also says I'm too young. I kind of have a low self esteem due to anxiety. I'm not looking forward to my appointment next tues as I don't know what the doc will think of me.

I know I may be a hypochondriac, but the palpitations, dizziness, fatigue are REAL. Not a fragment of my imagination. But ever since diagnosed with anxiety, it seems like the doctor don't believe me anymore. :( I googled online and found 'mitral valve prolapse syndrome/dysautonomia'. Apparantly MVP can cause anxiety and a whole lot of other problems!

Hi Evelyn,

I am sorry that you are continuing to feel unwell.;(

Have you seen this particular cadiologist before? If not, then it might be wise to not mention your anxiety beforehand, and just see what the appointment/examination reveals.

After all, you were told to be seen in the event of palpitations...so this is really a seperate issue from your anxiety. You are simply following your doctor's advice.

True, anxious people do tend to over worry every physical event and feeling...however, we are also entitled to good medical care. We deserve to be listened to, and need the chance to be evalutated in case there IS something that needs to be medically addressed!

Be your own best advocate, and do not go away until you have the answers that you need!

Let us know how it goes on Tuesday okay?

S.C.

Evelyn, when I was young I had the prolapse valve diagnosis also, by one doctor, 40 years later I had a
triple bypass I asked my cartigois about my heart valves and he said I had your heart in my hand your valves
are perfect. Some doctors just cant stand not to find something wrong please dont worry.
Now even is it was true My Wife has two prolapse valves and she is 67 years old and they have never bothered her. Many people have them their whole life and never know it. Peace!

Larry ***

Good for you the quicker you get the facts the sooner you can lock in on your other problems,
I predict you will be a good student of defeating PAD, I don't want anyone to suffer this kind
of thing. Even in my own case I knew it was PAD but when it hit it made me a basket case.
Worked full time went to College stayed in the Reserves for 18 years, if they had cut me open
I would have bleed stupidity!
Best to you and your future.

Larry ***

I am sorry Ev,

I think at this point you should concentrate on self-help coping skills then..

Have you tried anything from our Resource Guide? I can also recommend some good books for you if you'd like for help with the health anxiety.

Keep posting with us, we will support you through this!

S.C.

Thanks Scaredy cat & Larry!

I didn't know a bout of illness can bring on so much anxiety and panic. I was feeling very down these few days but am feeling better now. I guess I'm frustrated that my family doesn't seem to understand how I feel no matter what I say. But I don't blame em cause they have never been through all these stuff.

I'll go by the resource corner and read up. Going to have therapy in June :) This time I think the psychiatrist gotta let me pop some pills although I'm a major med phobic. Lol

Evelyn,
I just wanted to say I can really relate to what you're going through!
I'm 20, and it seems like every doctor just wants to say everything I feel is anxiety related.
I can understand though, because every time I "diagnose" myself I'm wrong. Haha.
I can say for sure I am a hypochondriac though.
Anyway, on Monday I came down with a stomach virus thats been spreading around my household, and ever since then I've been very weak and way more anxious than usual. Not fun.
I've also noticed that my heart has been beating faster than usual and its easier to get winded. Scary, but I'm sure its from the illness.
I don't know a lot about dengue fever, but if its bad enough I can see how you mightht still be feeling unwell, espescially if you add anxiety and panic attacks to it! Those are exhausting all by themselves.

Post Edited (sjennings45) : 5/3/2013 2:40:38 AM (GMT-6)

Hi Evelyn,

I just had a thought...my oldest dauther is 22 as well. When she is not doing well with her issues and condition (she was dx'd with bipolar 2 by our GP) she wants me to make an appointment for her, and basically for me and the doctors to fix it.

Well the last time I did that, she decided she hated our GP and the medication that he prescribed...and did not take any of the advice that she was given.

I now tell her that even though she in on our insurance...she now needs to take charge of her own appointments and decisions, so that she 'owns' it, and follows through.

Now I am by no means saying that you are or would do any of this...but I think maybe that you may want to go ahead and take your medical care into your own hands.

You are old enough to do so...and perhaps your parents aren't as apathetic as they are just wanting you to take charge of this part of your life?

I certainly care about my daughter, her condiotion and health...but I realize at her age, she needs to take care of these things on her own.

Again, your parents surely have different reasons for feeling this way as I do with my daughter...I was just giving you an example of why I feel the way I do...

...but maybe it's time to try to be a little more autonomous in your medical care.

Just a thought, and know that you will always be supported here.;)

S.C.

Evelyn I personally think you are great, it take's a lot out of us to just function with our conditions, but from
where I sit you already have made positive strides to recovery. You will get better, your a fighter.

Larry ***