Monday, March 17, 2008

Feeling Like a Hypochondriac

Lately, I've been feeling extremely run down and on the verge of the flu. Hubby had the flu (or at least flu-like symptoms) most of last week. He rarely gets sick so it is obvious when he isn't feeling well. On the other hand, I feel like it's always something with me. I never felt this way when I was dancing, but I will admit I was tired a lot. When I was young it was easy to just keep going. My energy is not what it used to be. Hubby thinks I'm being lazy.
Tonight I went to the doctor after work. I had an appointment to follow up with the counseling she had recommended. I feel like my doctor thinks I'm a depressed person. She seems to want me on antidepressants. My counselor doesn't think I need them. So what gives? Anyway, I digress. I think my doctor thinks I am a hypochondriac because I don't have a lot of physical signs of being sick yet I don't feel well.

Here is a list of what I have been diagnosed with over the years (by different doctors in some cases):

~Chronic EBV Infection
~Migraine
~Hypothyroidism
~IBS
~Chronic Sinusitis

Now, I think my biggest problems are the EBV, migraine, and IBS. I've got the migraine and IBS somewhat under control. What I think I am losing control of is the EBV. My current doctor is not on board with EBV being a "real ailment." Because of this I feel like a burden half the time when I go in. I've told her I have this and her response was just pretty much this: "oh yea, that's CFS. Same thing. Save difference. You just feel tired all the time and it just sucks to be you."
That's a shitty response from a medical professional. I told her EBV and CFS are not the same and she said they are. That's old news. EBV appears in a blood test where CFS does not. That means they are not the same thing. Incidentally, I don't think that one is more significant than the other; I just think it is naive for a doctor to lump them as the same when they are not. I think I am going to see about going back to the doc that originally diagnosed me with the EBV and maybe get retested.
I've been feeling fluish, but I didn't have a fever tonight like I expected to. I thought for sure I did--I was feeling hot and cold all day today. My temperature was low--just 97ยบ. The only thing I can think of now is the EBV is doing this. My glands feel swollen, but throat is a little sore, I ache, and I'm tired; but it doesn't seem to be the flu. It's frustrating!

OK. Rant over. :)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi - Hope you are feeling better today.
Found you on the NaBloPoMo blogroll.
Waving at you from New York,
Frances

Anonymous said...

Bless you! I feel your pain! What do you take for your migraines? I was taking topamax but stopped when I thought it was the cause of my severe hair loss.

Darla said...

{HUGS} I think you might be at the beginning of a "flare" or a "set back" as we in the auto immune deficincy community (LOL we're so official) call it.

I can't say it enough...pace, pace, pace. I know broken record, but rest. Seriously, go to bed....are you in bed? I better not see you on yahoo yet tonight - it's LATE o'clock there! /end scold

Signed,
Yo Mama

Anonymous said...

Have you taken and ept? Just a thought.

My guess is what goes on at home makes whatever this is flare up. You feel good when things at home are good. As we all do. You know my thought on all that. ; )

Feel better and open your windows to get the bug out of the house. (Or squish it with a shoe)

Anonymous said...

Oh, and thyroid issues will make you feel like shit. My mom is always "sick" with something because of her hypothyroidism.

You need a day at a spa. If gas prices weren't so high I'd drive down and we could go together! ; )

Shades of Pink said...

Hello, Frances from New York! Thanks for stopping by. I [heart] NY! :)

Hey Mer, I take Excedrin Migraine when I have a really bad migraine and it gets rid of the pain. I was on Topamax for a short period of time. It helped prevent new migraines, but I later discovered that my thyroid is somewhat responsible for them (they are hormonal). When I went from generic levothyroxine to name brand Synthroid, I was having virtually no migraines. I don't like to be on tons of meds so I quit taking Topamax. I noticed a slight increase in migraine frequency, but not enough to want Topamax again. And yes, Topamax totally causes hair loss. ;)

Thanks, Darla, or should I say mom? :) I think I may have flared something this weekend. I did a lot and walking 3 miles could have been a little excessive.

Hello, Jennifer. :) What's an ept? A day at a spa would be marvelous. ;)