Sick and desperate

[thinbrownline]

Thanks for all of the responses. After posting that I had an episode where I blacked out twice. I went to the ER and I had an irregular EKG and some elevated protein that indicates a heart attack. I spent a week in the hospital and they did tons of tests on my heart and my brain. The consensus was that my brain surgery caused the EKG abnormalities and I was OK. I inquired over and over again about the recurring symptoms I have been experiencing and the dr. said I was depressed or anxious. He gave me a prescription for Prozac before leaving. He did all of this in front of my DH and actually chuckled patronizingly as I broke down while telling him that I KNOW MY BODY AND I'M SICK.
The day after I was released I had an appt with my dr. I told her what happened at the ER, that my CT scan was OK (she had initially thought that my previous brain surgery may be causing the symptoms) and could we please look into adrenal problems. She said my test results did not indicate any adrenal problems (A generic lab tests including thyroid). She did order a 3 hr glucose and said that my fasting glucose was a bit abnormal at 112. I insisted on seeing an endo and she reluctantly gave me an authorization. I mentioned Addison's and she ordered a fasting cortisol blood draw. From what I'm reading that won't show anything? Am I correct?
Also, when I was in the hospital they said that my potassium was low and gave me supplements. From what I am reading Addison's disease causes high potassium. They also said I had low BP and had a sub normal temp.
It's so frustrating. My dr ordered copies of the hosp records and called me 2 days later with a psych referral. I am so angry at the hospital doctor. My dr and now even my DH are starting to doubt me because of him. How can he even prescribe psych medication when he isn't a psychiatrist? and from what I'm reading there are dozens of real medical disorders that cause the symptoms that I am experiencing. Is it just a given that a 30 something mother is depressed?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for letting me rant. If anyone has any encouraging words or advice I'd be grateful.

[tracey_416]

This is very similar to what has been happening with me, for 2 years and I still don't have a diagnosis. The docs kept telling me to see a psych, so I finally went and the psych said it was not a mental problem, it was physical and there was nothing he could do for me.
At least that shut up the other doctors who were more than happy to pawn me off to the shrink. It might be worth one trip just so the docs will rule out psychiatric problems.

[thinbrownline]

I finally saw an endo.
He told me I have pre diabetes (110 fasting and 5.8 A1c) and elevated prolactin levels
He gave me Bromocriptine
Looking at the tests, my FSH was also low 2.8 (2.5-10.2 range) but nothing else
my cortisol at 9 am was 12.6 (4.0-22.0 range)
besides the normal blood tests he did
rheumatoid
FSH
LH
Progesterone
Prolactin
T-4, Free
TSH
IGF-I

I have noticed more skin discolorations and I'm still very ill. Are there any other tests I should ask for? Does the normal cortisol reading exclude Addison's?
Thanks for any advice

[val319]

I still think your cortisol looks low. Can I just say &*%*& to test ranges, they are crap! TSH can be .2-5. At 5 I'd be a tired hippo, .2 I'm like an ADD kid on pixy sticks and a 2 liter of cola. Here's an off the wall idea= call around to local pharmacies and ask for a list of doctors that prescribe florinef. Same thing if you want an armour doctor. I am a firm believer if they don't prescribe they do not believe. If your in Chi town let me know I found a wonderful dude. "HE LISTENS AND CARES" kinda like finding out Santa does exist.

Did the dr check progesterone on day 21, check for PCOS during first 7 days of cycle. Problem is they just send this stuff off without realizing all the technicalities.

[Crssywissy]

Originally Posted by tracey_416

This is very similar to what has been happening with me, for 2 years and I still don't have a diagnosis. The docs kept telling me to see a psych, so I finally went and the psych said it was not a mental problem, it was physical and there was nothing he could do for me.
At least that shut up the other doctors who were more than happy to pawn me off to the shrink. It might be worth one trip just so the docs will rule out psychiatric problems.

It's amazing to me that so many doctors are quick to brush us off when we KNOW something is wrong with our bodies. I saw more than ten physicians that all told me, "there is nothing physically wrong with you." One ER doctor even went so far as to tell me, "It's all in your head. You have no illness or sickness of any kind." I saw so many doctors that all said the same thing so many times that I started doubting myself. I was to the point where I just thought...well...I've officially lost my mind! Then, I had my Addisons Crisis and my endocrine doctor came into the ER and diagnosed me right away. Thank God for him.

It seems hopeless, but your savior is out there. Don't give up hope and don't let these doctors tell you there's nothing wrong with you when you KNOW your body. Good luck and God bless.
Christina~~