Hello, I have an appointment in two days with a new doctor.
for the past 9 months, i have been dealing with unexplainable fatigue, weakness, dizziness, depersonalization, heart palps, despression, concentration problems, and memory loss. I have seen a few docs about it and none have taken me seriously. I was able to get one to do a head MRI and EEG. Both came back normal. It was eventually decided that it was anxiety. I dont deny that I am an anxious person now, but I think the anxiety is a result of my symptoms, not the other way around, like they think.
The symptoms started about a month after I had an emergency heart surgery, which was rather traumatic for me. Actually, to be more exact, the symptoms started after trying out Lexapro for some post surgery blues i was having. The Lexapro made me have all of these side-effects, but it seems like when I stopped taking it (like 3 days), the side effects never went away.
So here I am...
Anyways, I really have no clue what is wrong, but I guess CFS is a possibility. All i know for sure is that it is literally ruining my life. Im a full time student and this makes studying almost impossible. i have a girlfirend of 6 years and i am beginning to sense her frustration and confusion about the situation. I almost feel guilty for putting her through this. I'm finding it extremely difficult to figure out how to articulate my symptoms to anyone, even those that are closes to me. I find myself pretending that I feel fine around people, even my family, but even that fakeness is starting to wear thin. I think that people know somethings up..
My main reason for posting...
Can anyone provide me with some constructive tactics on how to discuss my problems with my doctor? Should I be requesting any specific tests? I think I've had all of the most basic of blood work done, but nothing fancy. I hear that a lot of docs either don't know anything about CFS, or think its a total crock. I just hope he doesnt laugh in my face, and might actually take me seriously.
Thanks and best of luck to all of you.
Keith
Last edited by Administrator; 02-12-2012 at 05:43 PM.
What type of doc are you seeing? I would try to find one who specializes in CFIDS (difficult I know) or an infectious disease doc. You might query them before you go to make sure they have an understanding of CFIDS (many don't!) and if not you will end up even more frustrated and misunderstood.
Sorry for the delay I don't use this board oftern. By insistant I mean don't take no for an answer. I was misdiagnosed with cfs for 12 months and recently found out I have a rare form of SVT, know as inappropriate sinus tachycardia. But from the sound of yours I wouldn't think you have this condition. I would however ask your doctor for a cardio referal again, just to be on the safe side as many people develope tachycardia's after surgery. You are entitled to this if your having heart palps and have had a recent op.
If this all checks out then I would insist on seeing a specialist who specialises in CFS. Normal doctors don't tend to understand how much this type of illness can effect your life. Don't be fobbed off. Ask any question you think of even if they sound silly (you will only wish you had if you don't.) Write a list of all your symptoms and read it to the doctor, ask them to account for ALL of them. Ask them for a plan of action. Don't just take their word that you have anxiety argue the point, this is your right. Also I am not sure where you are but in the uk there are cfs clinics so make sure you ask for a referal.
Write a diary of the symptoms to as it will be easier to give the doctor a run through of everything leading up to the appointment.
