Update

[AJLang]

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all of your help - it really gave me the strength that I needed. I saw a different GP today and she was absolutely lovely.........even when I started crying (I've never cried in front of a doctor before). She is determined to get to the bottom of what is wrong although she said that it is difficult because there aren't more symptoms. I'm having more tests for inflamation - another ESR and a C-reactive protein. I'm also having an ANA screen to check for autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Another full blood count - she said that she also wanted to check the thyroid again and a test for immunoglobulins. I'm not due back at work until Tuesday (I work part-time) but in case I need to use it she has given me a one week sick note dated with Tuesday's date with reason being exhaustion. I can either arrange a telephone or face-to-face appointment when the results are back. She said if the tests don't don't reveal anything then she is going to get together with the other doctors about possible causes.

 

[Northerner]

That's great news Amanda! At last someone prepared to go the distance and try to help you rather than sending you away confused and no better off. I hope that the tests reveal what is happening and you can get appropriate treatment so you can start feeling better 🙂

Then, perhaps you can go back to the other doctor and tell her what she missed! 😱

 

[AlisonM]

What a relief it must be for you to be taken seriously at last! I'm so glad.

 

[Copepod]

Great news AJLamg - a new pair of eyes / ears etc, resulting in a new determination to get to the bottom of the issue; very pragmatic approach to give a predated sick note, in case you need it.

A bit different, but same sort of idea of looking ahead and preventing hassle: A doctor with whom I worked (volunteering at a rehab centre for disabled children / shelter for victims of domestic abuse) in Mexico did something similar when we realised that the date written on my immigration form could be misread and look like I had overstayed, which I hadn't. He wrote a letter staying I'd been delayed due to illness - to be used only if questioned, and destoyed if not used. Obviously a slightly different approach for a different culture of bribes etc, but he was acting in the best interests of a medical colleague and to potentially avoid extra costs from my pocket to a bent border official. The date was read correctly, so the letter was not seen by anyone, and destoyed by me.

 

[margie]

Amanda you must feel so relieved to have someone listen to you. Hopefully the tests will reveal something and you can be on the road to recovery.

 

[Robster65]

Really pleased you saw a different GP amanda. Well done.🙂

They'll be writing a new medical book about you before the year's out

It'll be a great relief once you can find a cause for the symptoms.

Rob

 

[Caroline]

That all sounds very positive and you have the certificate if you need it. I hope you gt some answers and can start treatment or get things sorted soon.

 

[trophywench]

Just - Good!!!

 

[Flutterby]

I am really pleased that you have seen someone different who is determined to find out what is going on. That will really help you because you know someone is fighting your corner with you and doing all the tests to rule things out or determine what's going on. I hope they can get to the bottom of it for you and that it's something that can be dealt with quickly and easily. Don't go rushing back to work until you are ready. Love Karen.x

 

[Catwoman76]

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all of your help - it really gave me the strength that I needed. I saw a different GP today and she was absolutely lovely.........even when I started crying (I've never cried in front of a doctor before). She is determined to get to the bottom of what is wrong although she said that it is difficult because there aren't more symptoms. I'm having more tests for inflamation - another ESR and a C-reactive protein. I'm also having an ANA screen to check for autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Another full blood count - she said that she also wanted to check the thyroid again and a test for immunoglobulins. I'm not due back at work until Tuesday (I work part-time) but in case I need to use it she has given me a one week sick note dated with Tuesday's date with reason being exhaustion. I can either arrange a telephone or face-to-face appointment when the results are back. She said if the tests don't don't reveal anything then she is going to get together with the other doctors about possible causes.

Thats what you call a good doctor. You seem to be on the right path now, at last. I hope the outcome is a good one. Take care, with best wishes Sheena

 

[Blythespirit]

It looks like you've found a good doctor at last Amanda. Keep hold of her! I'm so glad that someone has finally started listening to you. It must be such a relief. Fingers crossed the tests find out what the problem is and that you new doc can then help you to feel better. XXXXX

 

[chattygirl197811]

It must be stressful the 'not knowing' I have had a lot of uncertainty around my health lately and its the not knowing that makes me feel worse. Like yourself I have a better doctor now and from the sounds of it your new GP will get to the bottom of it for you soon so hang in there! all the best 🙂

 

[AJLang]

Thank you everyone for your messages. I am really pleased that I have a GP who wants to help me. Although it is scary not knonwing what is causing the exhaustion in another way it will be good to know because at least I might then be able to work out how to deal with it. I'm making the most of the good days - yesterday I was exhausted and not capable of doing hardly anything after the visit to the GP and then to the hospital for the blood tests. Today I feel much more normal and like I did on Saturday - so going to pace myself and keep my fingers crossed that I can get back to work on Tuesday.

 

[lucy123]

Hi Amanda,

So pleased you finally feel you are being listened to. The GP may not come up with the results immediately but it does sound like she will stick with you until the problem is resolved - which I think is absolutely what you want.

Exhaustion takes some time to get over though so please don't feel too bad if you don't make it back to work Tuesday. Listen to your body young lady!🙂

Are they testing your vitamin D and calcium levels as well - it might be worth throwing it in the pot if not. You may remember how I have been feeling lately and I have to admit I think the Vit D and calcium tablets are beginning to help. Just a thought.

Please let us know how you get on. 🙂

 

[AJLang]

Hi Lucy, thanks very much for this. Would the Vitamin D and calcium be measured in a full blood count or chemistry test or does it need to be a different test?

 

[lucy123]

Hi Lucy, thanks very much for this. Would the Vitamin D and calcium be measured in a full blood count or chemistry test or does it need to be a different test?

It needs to be a specific test Amanda - I think it should come back with a level above 100 to be normal (vitamin D). Mine was 27. I have been taking a good dose of vitamin D for approx 2 weeks now and do feel a good bit better - not totally on top yet but much better. They also found my PTH and calcium levels were not right, but after some calcium they seem to be coming more in normal range. There are so many things in the body that can cause exhaustion, but I do hope you get back to your normal self soon.

Also a bit of self discipline can help too - go to bed very early for a few weeks (8pm for me for a bit) and rise at a set time. Also make sure you eat healthy too - it will all help you to recover soon when they find the true cause. Take care and feel free to pm me anytime.🙂