Health Issues

T., I'm so sorry to read this. It is frightening and nerve wracking to have medical problems that you can't seem to find an answer for.

I have 3 suggestions. One, find a rheumatologist. A good rhematologist is like a regular doctor's diagnostician. Often, they get the "hard cases" that doctors can't figure out. Some rhematologists are also internists. That helps as well, though it's harder to get an appointment with them because they are so booked.

My next suggestion is to buy a juicer (research them well before purchasing - ease of cleaning is a big deal, so make sure you notice that - read lots and lots of reviews online.) Put vegetables in the juicer and drink it every day. It's kind of expensive, but it is very worth it. You must get your fiber in another way because juicing removes all the fiber.

You also need to eat adequate protein. Greek yogurt is a good way to get it (look at the protein grams - there are some Greek yogurts that have 22 grams of protein per serving.) And to flush out the fluid, you need to DRINK fluids. (Perhaps that seems counterintuitive, but it's true.) You need WATER. Don't drink coffee - that works against you. Did your doctor tell you how much water to drink? Make sure it's at least 48 ounces a day, but I think that half you weight in ounces would be good (check with your doctor, though - don't just go by my suggestion.) Hydrating first thing in the morning, as soon as you get up, is also very important.

I really think that what you put in your mouth needs to be your first line of defense here, as well as getting a rheumatologist involved.

My 3rd suggestion is to exercise. Start with gentle stretches and work your way up to walking. Even if you are marching in place in front of the TV to get your heart rate up and moving your limbs, it will help. When you sit, put your feet up so that the fluid isn't pooling in your feet.

I agree with the Shaklee lady that taking supplements helps. Just don't go overboard with it. You need the REAL food going in your stomach to provide most of your vitamins.

Please update us in your quest here. We're rooting for you to find the answer!

Dawn

Have you tried a nutritious diet and supplementation to see if you feel better? I don't know your area and it is hard to find a doctor that believes in supplementation, but I am a Shaklee Distributor and a firm believer in the power of eating properly while adding in vitamins. I have personally gotten better and seen others do the same just by doing this.

Are you on medication? I am no doctor and don't know anything about prolactin levels, but a quick google search told me medication can mess with them.

Private message me if I can help make a few recommendations on specific vitamins.

I'm a doctor in Connecticut. Call me and I'll try to help you. ###-###-####... My name is Allie

I'm not sure what other problems you've had but I was on a medical roller coaster for 7 years before being diagnosed with celiac disease. It can cause a whole host of issues. I had to ask for the blood test and my primary didn't even want to do it but called back to apologize when it turned out that was what it had. 5 years later and almost all of my issues have been resolved by following the gluten free diet. good luck. i hope you figure it out! Here's a check list of some symptoms although these are the most common but not all inclusive.

http://www.celiaccentral.org/Celiac-Disease/Symptoms-Chec...

My GI doctor is like that, and I love him. I live in Texas, though, and don't know anyone in your area. I recommend that you find one doctor (any specialty) who is thorough and wants as much as you to get to the bottom of things, and have that doctor refer you to others who are like-minded. Unfortunately, it might take hearing it from a peer to spark an interest in some doctors to fight hard for you.

How frightening and frustrating to go through all of this, and then to add on the stress of having three kids who are dependent on you! Please know that I am sending you lots of support and good vibes.

I'd like to know more about your symptoms so feel free to message me. But up front, because your situation seems to defy a definitive diagnosis and because what they've already suggested has caused MORE problems, my thinking is going toward an auto-immune issue. These conditions are on the rise and there is some evidence that there are high numbers of certain conditions in Rhode Island, where you are. I'm about an hour away from you so I'm on top of some of that reporting.

I have a dear friend who is a well-known physician in your area - so I can check with him but it would help to know which hospitals/doctors (specialities) you have been to. I also work extensively with people who have had auto-immune issues and have made great strides. For example, one friend had lupus, Reynaud's Syndrome, arthritis, IBS, osteoporosis and some brain fog. Everything is under control now, and the osteoporosis has been reversed to osteopenia. There is a lot you can do while you search for a physician, and actually reduce your issues instead of just taking medication alone for your symptoms.

PM me if you want to talk. You deserve to be healthy and your kids deserve a mom who is fully functioning and not panicked.

Continuing to search the internet yourself -- with various search terms-- may also eventually help. (Could also search for doctors and doctor reviews).
Of course you have to be careful and use your judgment about what to believe, including the reviews (a tiny bit similar to when doctors give you advice), but at least you may find some leads.
Another forum where I've previously found useful comments (though with no experience as a participant) is ask dot metafilter dot com

:( I hate feeling crappy. And it's scary not knowing.
Look into a product called OPC3. It's an antioxidant that fights free radicals and frees your immune system up to fight whatever is going on. I have seen it help so many folks. Obviously it's not a cure and I would honestly try to get to Boston to see some specialists but it will absolutely help you get through this with more energy and feeling better.
If you want a sample let me know. I will get some to you.

Visions Medical Center in Wellesly. Their primary care physicians practice functional medicine. And they take insurance. Don't have the number handy, but if you google them they are easy to find. You must be willing to make lifestyle changes and not just want a prescription, but well worth it.