October 26, 2004
Another wasted trip to the doctor......
Here I am finally. Back from vacation, busy, busy. Out of pain meds and trying to make it thru the day until I can call in my next refill!
So I went to the rheumatologist last week. I spent about 2 hours there (most of it waiting) for him to tell ,“I would rule out that you have RA” and "Just keep doing what you’re doing”. Okay then, that was very helpful. In other words – he has no clue!!
I did read a good article in my Endometriosis Association newsletter about the connection between women with endo and something called Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). This is taken from the newsletter:
Below are symptoms reported both by women with endo, and women with endo and a diagnosis of CFIDS:
Profound exhaustion and poor stamina
Sleep abnormalities (having a hard time falling asleep, awakening between 2:00 and 4:00 am)
Pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities
Recurrent flu-like symptoms (tender lymph nodes, muscle weakness, aching joints, low-grade fever)
Headaches
Chronic yeast infections
Irritable Bowel and bowel dysbiosis
Anxiety (fight or flight mechanism stuck on)
Allergies (environmental, hormonal food and/or chemical)
“Brain fog” (difficulty concentrating, memory and processing problems)
Symptoms of other conditions: irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, lupus, MS
Prolonged exhaustion after mental and physical activity
Okay, so I have all of the above except the menstrual stuff now because of my hysterectomy. They suggest changing diet, detoxifying your surroundings, starting allergy treatments, treating intestinal and bowel abnormalities, be selective with your healthcare, exercise gently but frequently, getting help with sleep, eating high quality small meals, choose organic, take nutritional supplements, use alternative therapies (massage, biofeedback).
There is my medical diagnosis of myself – question is – will my doctor believe me when I suggest it??? Right now I am treated separately for migraines, Chrons, and joint pain. I am sending the whole article to my primary doctor – we’ll see what he says next time I come in.
By the way, today I have joint pain, severe allergies, a headache, cold hands and feet and I am very sleepy. Yawn, yawn.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
Posted by Cheryl S. on October 26, 2004 08:21 AM
Hi
Read your diary with interest...I have just been diagnosed with Endo and still coming to terms with it..I have recurring pain in my knees since the last 10 years ( am 31 now) and it would just come and go ..last a few days each time and seemed to go up with change in weather, cold etc.
This time round the pain in my knees became very bad when i got my periods and I dont know if it is related to endo...
I have switched to a gluten free, dairy free, soy free diet to help with the endo and the pelvic pain is much better
Cheers
Sonica
Posted by: Sonica at October 21, 2005 08:22 PM