Re: What my endo just told me

[Guest guest]

Hm, this sounds familiar! My family doctor, who had been my doctor for years, told me I was a hypochondriac and should get counseling when this whole thing started for me. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't walk. Period. I've worked in 2 psych hospitals and I know there's such a thing as hysterical paralysis, and sometimes I somaticize a little, but my legs hurts so bad I was literally crawling around. He told me I was probably depressed about something. Okay. I just got divorced from an alcoholic, drug abusing, wife beater the year before, had just married my new husband, and, in my opinion my life was finally worth getting up in the morning for, and this bozo tells me I'm depressed. I dropped that idiot like a hot potato. It took awhile - 2 family practice doctors, 1 internal medicine doctor, 1 sports medicine doctor and then, finally my rheumatologist decided I wasn't nuts. Actually the sports medicine doctor said, "Honey, I know there's something wrong with you, I just don't know what." Ah, at last, a doctor who can admit he doesn't know it all - and when he doesn't know what's making me sick he doesn't label ME as the one needing psychiatric help. It couldn't possibly be that the doctor doesn't know what the heck he's talking about, it must be YOU! Okay, I'm venting a little. I'm so sick of doctors who just wave off what they don't understand as depression. I had a chiropractor that I went to after I was diagnosed and I listed fibro on the health sheet they gave me to fill out. When he called me back in the office he told me, "I don't believe there is such a thing as fibromyalgia." So, I turned around and left. Don't EVEN start with me, you will not win.

So, the point of all this? I have no doubt you probably are depressed. Chronic pain and feeling ill can make a person depressed. I'd be worried if you weren't depressed. But, I'm sure that's not the whole picture. Don't settle for less than a diagnosis. I don't know how keen internal medicine doctors are on diagnosing fibro, but rheumatologists are wonderful IMHO. BTW, I can't remember what you're going to an endocrinologist for, is it for thyroid? My rheumatologist takes care of everything for me because he's a board certified Internal Medicine and Rhematology doctor. Works for me.

Sorry this has been so long, I took some pain medicine this afternoon (storm front moving in), so I just can't shut up. I think I'll go lay down now! Sorry for the length!

Mindi

What my endo just told me

Hi,Well, today was just peachy and if you've read my post though I have only been a member for a week, you will find that I am trying to get a diagnosis. A call to my endocrinologist today led him to suggest that perhaps I have Bi-Polar disease. How I laughed to myself because a few of you here told me that doctors are not too keen on diagnosing fibro. I was outraged because he keeps telling me I am depressed. I have seen this man 2 x's. Once when I had to be genetically tested to make sure I did not carry the rare cancer gene my sister had. The other time was with my mom (I brought her for an extra opinion) when I was having hypoglycymic symptoms and he told me then I was depressed. In other words all of my aches and pains are imagined in his eyes! He wished me luck and refered me to my internist who I am seeing Wed. The endo knows nothing about me and is trying to sum my life up in 2 visits. I was a professional dancer, a ballet dancer. Maybe I have arthritits (that's what the internist will access Wed.) At least he is leaning in 'that direction' and did not tell me anything about me being bi-polar. I am upset but I just don't know now. a

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindi,

Here is a brief rundown.

I went to the endo because he diagnosed me with Pcos (polycystic

ovarian syndrome). I have only seen him twice. Yes, there has been a

little depression : 1 pregnancy which resulted in a miscarriage on my

wedding anniversary in 2000, just after that my sister was diagnosed

with a terminal rare form of cancer and thyroid meduallary cancer.

She died on March 7 last year. My father died this September 18 after

being on life support for 3 weeks. He suffered 3 cardiac arrests and

a massive heart attack. I was with him when he died too. This has

been a lot and many people would have a very tough time. The fact

that I found out I had pcos and could not be a mom did me in and from

there out I have grieved my losses but I am also a very spiritual

woman. My faith is very strong and that is how I have survived these

losses. I am very alarmed that the endo who has met me twice for 30

minutes each appt. feels he knows me well enough to make such a

suggestion that I probably have Bi-Polar disease. I don't think so.

I am debating as to whether to see my internist on Wednesday. I don't

feel like going through this again. I have to gear myself up lol!

a