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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by spriggy on September 18, 2005, at 17:23:40
Everytime I have bloodwork done, I swear it leaves me more confused and instead of answering questions, leaves me with more.
They ran FOUR ANA tests that came back positive. My last one was very low (1:80) and I started feeling better so my dr. hesitated to say for "sure" this was lupus. First said, "I think this is lupus," then said, " Not sure it's lupus, could be something else like fibromyalgia."
Sent me to a neurologist who said "fibromyalgia." Wanted to put me on antidepressents for it (claims it helps the aches and pains).. I said "no thanks."
Felt much better physically for a few months. Then I got sick with sore throat/fever/swollen lymph glands. First I thought it was a virus, but it wasn't going away.
Doctor did more blood work. Found out I have Epstein Barr (high titers). Also found a "goiter" but my thyroid numbers are all normal now.
Now- my wrists/elbows are aching again, I feel "flu like" every afternoon, and I run fevers between 99.5-101 DAILY.
So now doctor wants MORE bloodwork and wants me to get a spinal tap done..Is a spinal tap necessary?
I am really getting discouraged. I have too much to do to be sick. I am taking Mannatech products/vitamins/minerals/ambrotose. I am taking Milk Thistle for my liver.
I am about to start on L-Lysine because I have read it can get rid of the Epstein Barr virus and yeast ( I have candida as well).
I am just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. If it's not one thing, it's another.
I'm too young for all this crap. I'm a mom and a wife and have some things coming up that will require me to be healthy and have energy.
Posted by spriggy on September 20, 2005, at 17:35:14
In reply to more tests coming up... sick and tired!, posted by spriggy on September 18, 2005, at 17:23:40
Anyone had one before that can calm my fears?
I've had two children and one epidural. Is it similar??
Posted by spriggy on September 20, 2005, at 18:51:53
In reply to anyone? I'm scared about the spinal tap.., posted by spriggy on September 20, 2005, at 17:35:14
Posted by TamaraJ on September 21, 2005, at 13:50:48
In reply to more tests coming up... sick and tired!, posted by spriggy on September 18, 2005, at 17:23:40
I don't want to sound like a broken record and tick you off, so this is the last time I will harp on the thyroid issue.
I was just wondering if your Dr. has, in addition to the usual TSH and T3 and T4 thyroid tests, ran Thyroid Antibody Tests. There are two tests - antithhyroglobulin and antimicrosomol- which measure the number of immune system terminators created specifically to do battle against the thyroid. The tests help identify whether you have thyroiditis, an allergy to your own thyroid. This is an autoimmune condition which is becoming quite common. It is called, I believe, Hashimoto's, and, as I understand it, the only way to diagnose Hashimoto's is by running thyroid antibody tests. I have read of some people having normal tyroid tests for years, but continuing to suffer from fatigue, depression, anxiety, etc., and, finally having antibodies tested and finding out they had thyroiditis (Hashimoto's).
In a book that I have there is a list of thyroiditis symptoms in descending order of frequency:
profound fatigue
memory loss
depression
nervousness
allergies
heartbeat irregularities
muscle and joint pain
sleep disturbances
reduced sex drive
menstrual problems
suicidal tendencies
digestive disorders
headaches and ear pain
lump in the throat
problems swallowing.Anyway, maybe you can check with your doctor to see if he/she has run the Thyroid Antibody tests.
Just a thought.
Posted by JenStar on September 26, 2005, at 21:33:23
In reply to anyone? I'm scared about the spinal tap.., posted by spriggy on September 20, 2005, at 17:35:14
Spriggy, I'm sorry I just saw this. Did you have it already? I've had one before and it went just fine. It didn't hurt at all, and it was over quickly. :)
I had to have mine done in the hospital so they could use an Xray machine to see where to go in between my vertebrae. My doctor had tried in his office, but couldn't get the right spot, so he sent me in to get it done by the experts.
I was scared but it was OK to take Xanax before it, they said! Yah! I did that and it hreally helped me relax. The anxiety over the procedure was WAY worse than the thing itself.
After it was over, they tell you to lie flat on your back for a day to ensure that the spot heals up OK and also to prevent a spinal headache. I lay on the couch and watched movies all day. I lay in bed the next day too, just in case! (A friend of mine said that SHE got the awful spinal headache, but confided to me that she went out on 100 degree heat and did gardening directly after her LP...so I'm not surprised she got that reaction!)
I have a feeling it's probably easier than an epidural. I've not had one, but from what my friends tell me, the LP sounds pretty similar but epi's are worse b/c you're already in pain from labor!
If you have to get one done, bring a Xanax if you have them and think you'd need one. Or ask in advance. But it's not that bad and it's quick. Just make sure to stock up on movies or DVD's or books on tape...and get ready to baby yourself for a day or two. :)
I hope you're feeling better!
JenStar
Posted by lunesta on September 29, 2005, at 20:12:39
In reply to more tests coming up... sick and tired!, posted by spriggy on September 18, 2005, at 17:23:40
ACK. worst experience ever. ASK for a morphine and ativan IM shot before. They usually have no problem with this. It is a scary event, if you have panic or anxiety you will need some sort of benzo shot, morphine helps too. ask forthem.
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