Deficiencies corrected, symptoms remain

Other blood tests

by USMC-Pacer - 2023-06-12 14:10:00

Perhaps a complete hormone test; testosterone, thyroid, etc. You're young, but you never know. For me (58) and "low T" that changed everything! Just a thought.

Doctor's routinely claim depression and administer SSRIs instead of finding the culprit. If your doctor refuses to do the tests, if you decide to go that route, you can have them done online for a reasonalble price.and without a script.  I'm assuming you are in the USA.. 

I'm sure others will chime in with other ideas. Good luck, hope you feel better soon!

I Understand Your Frustration

by SeenBetterDays - 2023-06-12 15:51:17

Hi Hayden, I'm really sorry to hear that you are continuing to experience pain and fatigue and that correcting the deficiencies hasn't helped. That must be really disappointing. I relate to your search for answers and your frustration at being unable to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. I have ongoing fatigue issues and have done a lot of reading to try and self diagnose, this can be an expensive and difficult task. It has led me down many a blind alley! When we are chronically unwell it is understandable and natural to be anxious and worried about the underlying health issue which may be causing the symptoms. This is worsened when you are unable to get clear answers or a definitive diagnosis. My advice would be to give your body the best possible chance of recovery. That means taking steps to switch off the sympathetic nervous system which keeps us in a stress response and switching on the parasympathetic system. This is the rest and digest system which gives the body the right environment to heal. A stressed state means that we are constantly producing chemicals and hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which block the body's natural ability to return to balance. I know that this might sound difficult to achieve in your current situation but there are many relaxation techniques which can be really helpful. Meditation, breathing exercises, visualisation, walking in nature, soothing music, talking with supportive family and friends can all help tip us into a more parasympathetic state. I also find it useful to take a break from news channels at times as we are constantly bombarded with sad and depressing stories which are not balanced with more uplifting and positive news.  I know you might find this response a bit annoying as you just want an answer and a solution but while you are searching try to give your body a true rest. Sometimes the quest for answers and anxiety about health can create even more stress and tension. I really feel for you and understand some of what you are going through. You will get there, it just may take some time. I really hope you are able to feel better soon and find the answers you so desperately need.

depression

by new to pace.... - 2023-06-12 17:31:17

You can think you are not depressed but sometimes your body says you are. By letting you know that you do not feel well.  There is no harm in talking with a therapist.

Also remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water especailly when you are taking tests and studying.

new to pace

A potential diagnosis?

by Gemita - 2023-06-12 18:08:11

A potential diagnosis ? broken heart syndrome (or stress induced cardiomyopathy) from the loss of your Mum.  This condition is real and can affect many of us after the loss of someone special.  In fact some never recover from such a loss.  You would normally be talking to your mother about your concerns now and about your A Level exams and of course you miss her very much.  I am glad you can open up to us since many of us have been in the same place as you find yourself in now.  Do you remember your earlier post when we said that we would try to focus on what makes us happy even though we are going through a difficult period?  We need to do that more than ever now.

I often ask myself why is getting a “real” diagnosis so important?  Is it because by getting one we would then have permission to be ill, to really take care of ourselves, to receive the recognition from our doctors that we are sick and need help?  But we can give ourselves permission to be ill, to take time off to recover from sickness, without the permission of others.  We have to give ourselves this permission because no one else can do it for us.

If you are still suffering from the loss of your mother, it will affect your health Hayden in more ways then you will ever know.  I developed a long illness following the death of my mother (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME was diagnosed at a specialist hospital).  I was offered a course of CBT and spent months with a lovely therapist.  We “focused” on how to get better, not on my illness and it was the best treatment I could ever have hoped for.  

I would return to your GP and quietly and firmly ask for a second opinion.  You are entitled to a second opinion from another doctor Hayden if you feel your symptoms are not anxiety/depression related.  

Good Points Above

by Penguin - 2023-06-13 03:53:50

Hi Hayden, 

There are some really good points made in the posts above and some empathetic and insightful suggestions as to where to go from here.  I've learned over many years that medicine doesn't have all the answers and often don't have time to explore more complex explanations. When this happens it is very common for a mental health issue to be suggested.  Unfortunately, the loss of your mother provides reason for suspicion although depression and grief are not the same thing at all. 

Where to go next? My suggestion may be too obvious but here goes. Folate & Vit.D deficiency were caused by something - diet, lack of exposure to sunlight or perhaps something which hasn't been looked into yet?  Have you been told what the cause was and if so what have you done (other than take medication) to address the cause?  If you have simply treated the symptoms with iron tablets or supplements, the blood tests may normalise but the underlying cause won't necessarily go away and symptoms may come back. 

If I was to seek a second opinion, as Gemita suggests, I would probably ask to see a haematologist who might offer more in depth knowledge and testing. A haematologist may be useful as they will also take note of any cardiac function issues.  The referral will take a bit of time no doubt and in the interim I'd ask your GPs advice re: whether or not it is necessary to continue with any iron supplements, but go back if you stop taking them and then find that symptoms worsen.  

If you need to speak to someone to process your grief, I'd try a bereavement counsellor from a charity such as CRUSE https://www.cruse.org.uk/ in the first instance.  Grief isn't depression and you know how you feel. 

Blood pressures

by Chey - 2023-06-30 23:22:25

Hi there,

have you taken a look at your blood pressure recently? Do they run on the lower side? 
the broken heart syndrome is a real phenomenon. I also agree with the post that sometimes your body will be depressed even if it seems like your mind isn't. 
Light, consistent exercise and consistent meditation/ hydration can go a long way.. even though I know that's not helpful to hear :/