Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | My doctor's appt, fibro, etc

Well, in addition, to the AWESOME pelvic exam and pap smear I had today (I'm being sarcastic, of course, but I took a lorazepam before the visit and it really helped me relax! I also wore colorful knee-hi socks and a sweater over my patient's gown so that helped me feel a bit more comfortable as well.), I also had SIX vials of blood taken from me. Not too bad.

My doctor said she wouldn't could give me a diagnosis of fibromylagia becuase there isn't a specific test for it and because it would require a diagnosis of exclusion. She said she felt she didn't know enough about it to give me those tests and come up with a diagnosis. She also wondered if it could be something else, like RA.

So she had me do bloodwork, set me up to see the rheumatologist on Tuesday, and gave me a prescription for 5 mg of amitryiptyline (Elavil) at bedtime to help me sleep and help with the pain. After I see the rheumatologist and go over the blood work with him, then I see my doctor to go over what the rheumy said. If they can't come up with anything, then they're sending me to a sleep medicine specialist.

I spent about an hour with my doctor today, and she really listened to me and let me read my list of symptoms and history of tests and diagnoses. I told her my worst fear was to hear that "It's all in your head." I said people, friends, family, and I know myself very well and I'm definitely not a hypochondriac and I'm definitely not getting anything out of being sick. She said that I'm a mystery, but that I seem to be doing all the right things when it comes to taking care of myself. She also said not to thank her until she and the specialists figure out what's wrong with me.

Here's what bloodwork was done (which I seem to be having done every two years):

Complete Blood Count

Sed Rate

Blood Chemistry

TIBC- This is a blood test that measures the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) as an indirect measure of transferrin. (medlineplus)

CPK - measures creatine phosphokinase an enzyme found predominantly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle...when the total CPK level is substantially elevated, it usually indicates injury or stress to one or more of these areas. (medlineplus)

TSH (thyroid)

RA Test (Every few years the docs think I have rheumatoid arthritis because I get pain and swelling in my hands, feet, and knees; however, last time, the RA factor test came back negative. We'll see how this one goes.)

I am so excited to see a rheumatologist! But what should I wear?

Just kidding!

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and encouraging me to advocate for myself. Whooo! I'm so glad this first step is over. I've been really depressed the past couple of weeks, missing a lot of work because I've been so fatigued and in so much pain. Now I feel like I have my doctor on my side and that's such a blessing!

Edited by Maria! Maria! (02/23/06 09:34 AM)

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator