HI all,
I just came back from my appt with my PCP. I took my MRT testing and the article that Tex or Marliss posted showing the high correlation of thyroid dysfunction among persons with MC. Basically I said "I talked to the GI and we need your help. Here are my symptoms (weakness, rapid weightloss, lack of energy, and nausea, yet my gut is a quiet as it's ever been (which is true), so we are concerned there's more going on". I gave her some real life examples of how my weakness and stamina resulted in my becoming exhausted to the point of dry heaving when I was driving to another town 90 minutes away. I told her the GI and I had discussed thyroid dysfunction possibilities and she jumped right on it. I told her I was up to anything else she thought might be necessary- like checking for anemia. We discussed my restricted diet, so I showed her my MRT tests and she was impressed how extensive they are. By the time we were done she had opted for a full thyroid panel, antibodies for Graves and Hashimotos, tests for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus proteins, B12 level, CBC, lipids, iron level and a couple of other things I can't recall. It took 4 large tubes and 1 small tube of blood for all of it. But, hey, it's what I wanted.
I told her if it all came back normal then I would accept that this is just part of healing. She said it does take a long time for the gut to heal and it takes a huge amount of energy, from what she has observed and she felt medical science wasn't very advanced in this area, especially where the small intestine is concerned because it's so hard to see and the smart pills/cameras are relatively new.
It was all in all a good appt I thought. At least I will feel we've looked in an effort to get to the bottom of things.
Carol
PCP appointment went well
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PCP appointment went well
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Carol,
Glad you have your PCP on your side. Very important! Mine doesn't have much imagination or understanding of what this is about, but she will order tests if I want them.
Are you eating enough protein? I think you have to eat a TON of it for healing. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between.
Also, I am sure you will be getting your electrolytes tested, but I think it's important to mention this. I often feel really bad when my sodium and chloride drop really low. I get so exhausted that sitting up in a chair is to difficult. I will go onto the floor if I have to sit and wait. I can't hold my head up without support.
Your description is very similar to the exhaustion I feel (like right now) when my electrolytes are out of whack.
Glad you have your PCP on your side. Very important! Mine doesn't have much imagination or understanding of what this is about, but she will order tests if I want them.
Are you eating enough protein? I think you have to eat a TON of it for healing. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between.
Also, I am sure you will be getting your electrolytes tested, but I think it's important to mention this. I often feel really bad when my sodium and chloride drop really low. I get so exhausted that sitting up in a chair is to difficult. I will go onto the floor if I have to sit and wait. I can't hold my head up without support.
Your description is very similar to the exhaustion I feel (like right now) when my electrolytes are out of whack.
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MBombardier
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1523
- Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:44 am
- Location: Vancouver, WA
Hi all,
I've given a lot of thought as to how to get across to her what I need her to know because she doesn't think in the same vein I do, so I have to find a common ground. I've learned that she does best if I can give her specific real life examples. It's not enough to say "I have no stamina'. I needed to tell her that I was driving and became fatigued by the time I got to Salina (90 miles away), then when I pushed myself it became more intense and I had to stop at Abilene (another 20 miles) because I was dry heaving. Maybe everyone does better with a more graphic description but I think with my doctor it's essential. I've seen it before-- if I can tap into a common experience she gets a much better understanding of the depth of the problem. I have to tie it to something she can relate to. And this appt was definitely different. She was also concerned about my weightloss, she could see this was seriously affecting my life and that I'd put a lot of work into getting better. She thanked me for bringing the research article. And she could easily see her role in helping the GI and I try to get to the bottom of this. I think these things made a difference and set the stage for a productive appointment.
I am hopeful and relieved to get these tests done. One way or the other I'll have a better sense of direction.
Carol
I've given a lot of thought as to how to get across to her what I need her to know because she doesn't think in the same vein I do, so I have to find a common ground. I've learned that she does best if I can give her specific real life examples. It's not enough to say "I have no stamina'. I needed to tell her that I was driving and became fatigued by the time I got to Salina (90 miles away), then when I pushed myself it became more intense and I had to stop at Abilene (another 20 miles) because I was dry heaving. Maybe everyone does better with a more graphic description but I think with my doctor it's essential. I've seen it before-- if I can tap into a common experience she gets a much better understanding of the depth of the problem. I have to tie it to something she can relate to. And this appt was definitely different. She was also concerned about my weightloss, she could see this was seriously affecting my life and that I'd put a lot of work into getting better. She thanked me for bringing the research article. And she could easily see her role in helping the GI and I try to get to the bottom of this. I think these things made a difference and set the stage for a productive appointment.
I am hopeful and relieved to get these tests done. One way or the other I'll have a better sense of direction.
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
