Date:   10/1/2013 10:45:47 PM ( 11 y ago)
Hits:   7,777
URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=2110503

Well, things did not go as well as I had hoped. My doctor took one look at me and my labs (mostly the ones she had already run with the off-the-charts ANA) and told me that even if all of my hormones were all out of whack, it wouldn't be making me feel this bad, so there was no use testing. She also said that if I was still having regular periods (which I am-- they're ridiculously heavy, but they're there), that they were working "well enough." I was shocked, since she hadn't recommended the tests I did on my own, and I did them, and all but the cortisol turned out funky. Why not at least follow up on my instincts? It's not like I have ever demanded a test before. But she just said that we had "tried" the natural route (I started seeing her again in July... not sure how much of a "try" it was), and that it was time for me to go back to the rheumatologist for standardized lupus treatment.

I was pretty floored, because she has been my long-time OB but got fed up with her job and what it had done to her own health and she went and studied integrative medicine with Dr. Weil, and has now opened up this supposedly integrative practice.

Her take seems to be that I have no time to lose, and that treating the lupus with antimalarials and/or chemo may just be what I need in order to make the natural supplements and other lifestyle measures I have been implementing work. And I get that-- I do. I just feel like there is this ONE big possibility staring me in the face what with the shuddering pupils and low DHEA and aldosterone and a history of low progesterone... and I'd really like to rule out the possibility that my adrenals need some support before I try to treat the Hashi's or the lupus, if indeed that is what is going on.

As to whether that's really it, I have splotches along my upper cheeks and the bridge of my nose, but they are just that-- splotches. I did notice the portion along my nose first about a year before I started feeling like hell, but they're not severe by any stretch, so I can't really say whether they're characteristic. The rheumy noticed a mild rash across my chest, which is also always there, so I guess, maybe. And the sky-high ANA is something that they told me couldn't just be from the Hashi's. But I didn't test positive for any of the lupus-specific antibodies. The rheumatologist just gave me the diagnosis on the basis of the ANA and symptoms, and told me that it was up to me whether I wanted to proceed with treatment. And I know I should be thankful to have it-- at least it's SOMETHING to go on. I just can't help but think that doing a few labs before I make that choice would be a smart thing.

So, I made an appointment with my old endocrinologist-- the one who first diagnosed the Hashi's. I quit seeing him after years on Synthroid with no good effect, and several bad side effects, saw him again and begged for Armour, which he prescribed willingly but which made me have such drastic symptoms I couldn't stay on it, and then swore him off for what seemed like negligently prescribing too much. Looking back on it, I wouldn't be surprised if there were some problem with the other hormones/adrenal stuff that prevented me from processing the T3 properly, but he insisted that I couldn't be experiencing such crazy side effects from Armour after only a few days, and I kind of didn't trust him after that. He did diagnose low progesterone before, though, so perhaps at least I can count on him to run the labs. If they turn out fine, I guess I'll try the lupus treatment. If they're off, at least I'll have something to arm myself with in my search for someone who wants to help me do something about it.

Wandering in the countryside sounds WONDERFUL! I live in Houston-- it's kind of a big, toxic land of sidewalks and chemical factories, but it has its nice parts. It was always very helpful to me to take my kids out in our backyard and plant some seeds or do a little gardening (we have a tiny little raised bed that we plant one or two things in every season), but lately it has been so hard just to make it through the day that I haven't done that. I've always been one to feel weird not being "productive," even in my down time, but I think you are right that I need to at least get outdoors and set aside those feelings. That's probably a part of what landed me in this state in the first place.

I am glad you mentioned the salts. I actually ran across a whole bucket of dead Sea Salt s at the grocery store yesterday and invested in one, hoping that it would ease some of the pain and fatigue. Do you think Epsom Salts are better?

Once again, I really appreciate your thoughts and your support. This is a lonely process, and it's so nice to have a place to turn when I think I'm spiraling downward. I am not sure I would have had the energy to keep following up with my own labs and more and more appointments-- pushing my way ahead despite the doctors-- if it hadn't been for this forum.

Best wishes to you, and good luck with the mushroom hunt! Do let us know if you find any delicious morsels!
 

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