I have been sick for years. I have been to doctors when I had health insurance. I suppose I didn't put two and two together-nor did they. I was diagnosed with depression-which can explain nearly every symptom.
I, however, think I have some form of adrenal failure/fatigue or perhaps even Addisons. I wanted to list my symptoms for those who know about this disorder as I only know what is on the internet and not what it feels like. Also, I have no insurance now and don't know how to get tested and medicated as I also lost my job.
Symptoms:
Never ending fatigue. Years of this, only seems to get worse. I could sleep 20/24 hours on some days.
Chronic pain, especially in legs, neck (although I have bulging disks, arthritis and bone spurs), abdomen
Chronic headaches that at times require phenergan to stop the nausea
Feeling cold all the time
Nightsweats
When I lived in the desert, I overheated SO easily that I almost died on 4 different occasions from dehydration (was either hospitalized or blacked out)
Can't go ANYWHERE (including upstairs where kitchen isn't) without a drink in my hand (fear of thirst)
Anxiety/Startle symptoms Everything sounds loud to me
Hyperpigmentation of 3 areas on my face (I also think my gums are a lot redder than they used to be)
chronic infections or illness (I will catch anything and everything)
trouble breathing (asthma? I use an inhaler)
low blood pressure
dizziness upon standing
weakness
pain in joints
pain in my eyes when I look to one side or the other without turning my head
breast lumps regularly (luckily all benign)
caffeine dependant to stay awake and still used to almost fall asleep at work
Trouble falling asleep at night as I seem to "wake up" when I should be sleepiest; then can't wake up in the am
I would say the worst thing is the fatigue.
I have given you tons here, but I wanted to be thorough. I live currently in the Norfolk area of Virginia. I desperately need help. Please give me your opinions!
That list is very long. Why don't you have health insurance anymore? Do you have a way that you could attain your own plan? The reason I ask is you have a ton of symptoms that could be a number of things. I mean a lot of things. I have similar symtoms to you and they still haven't figured out the big picture for me. Don't you think you have some bigger auto-immune disease, so do I. I am leaning towards MS, I cannot even take a hot shower anymore without shaking the rest of the day in pain. So MS has a link to heat sensitivity that would answer your dehydration. I have buldging disks and bone spurs I have chronic pain that has just started all over my body it was pretty much in only the bottom half. I am still pluggin away. There are so many auto immune diseases What makes you think it is addison's? What about Lupus? I am just trying to help. My bloodwork always comes back normal. It's frustrating. The only thing you can do is find a good doctor I mean a great one, take the financial hit and try to find out what all this means. There are so many disorders that mimic each other it is hard to get a diagnosis, then there is fibromyalgia. Which is an all over pain disorder.
What state do you live in? I know of a good Rhumetologist.
I hope this helps, none of us are going to be able to diagnose you plus if you are lucky enough to get that you need the right treatment for that ailment. I wish you the best and will be praying for you to find your answers.
Thanks for your reply. I lost my job, so I am both without insurance and money, so I can't do anything at the moment. I know that I can't get better without a proper diagnosis. I was hoping more than one person would chime in to at least give me an idea of where to go, although I had thought of autoimmune type stuff as well. But, like you, no tests I have had have pointed me in any particular direction as of yet.
Thanks, and I will let you know if I do get medical care.
