Hello everyone - I have been reading various stories on here the past few months and have finally taken the plunge to join.
I have been suffering for 6 months now with something and nobody knows what.
It started just as a normal cold, the sneezing, runny nose etc. but then developed into a cough and was diagnosed with a chest infection. The doctor gave me Clarithyromicine which is a fairly standard thing. They did not clear it, and 2 weeks later, I went back, and the locum doctor just diagnosed me with asthma (which I have had mildly from Age 9) and to take inhalers more often, and despite "no chest infection" gave me Doxycycline tablets. This is when the real trouble kicked off and been one thing after another since.
I went back again - another doctor (how I wish I could see one doctor only to build up a relationship with), thought it may be silent reflux due to anxiety, and prescribed me Omeprazole. They didn't do a thing, my throat was so sore every time I ate or drank anything, even water. Went back again, another Doctor doubled the dose and referred me to ENT. (that Dr is the most helpful one I wish I could see each time, as at least she cares).
I had a trip to A&E in agony with chest pains, thought it was my heart - had all tests done and they said it may be pleurist and to take painkillers. This lasted a couple of weeks but did wear off, still the odd twinge.
ENT put a camera down my throat, and he confirmed I had swollen lymph nodes, maybe due to the chest infection, but not cancer. I cried with relief that morning. Was told to use Difflam spray and to come off Omeprazole gradually.
But this would not go away - more trips to the doctors and another one told me that could have Glandular Fever. I thought that odd as had no fever. I am used to feeling tired and in pain as have Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia and Underactive Thyroid (had the latter 12 years and on 100mg of Levothyroxine a day).
Terrible pain started under both my ribs, especially the left one. Another trip up A&E as was in agony. Tests all clear, and liver fine, they thought possible constacondritis, and to take Ibuprofen 3 times a day and Omeprazole to protect my stomach. Still getting the twinges and pain even to this day, but not as often. No longer take the pills.
Had a swab test done of my throat - not strep throat. More blood tests which were negative. Thyroid test normal but got nagged into having another which showed it to be borderline. And to be tested again in November. How could this change in about 6 weeks since the last one?
Had an ultrasound under my ribs - spleen fine, but found 3 small gallstones. The scanner lady was surprised as I was not overweight - in fact in this 6 months I have had unexplained weight loss of 7 pounds when not even dieting which worries me.
But another trip to the doctors, and keep being fobbed off with a nurse practitioner the last 2 times, and both were no help. One said it was my mind making me think I am ill, which was an insult, and another was a real cow - told me to get appt with a GP. My husband was with me for that one, and he was furious. I am going to be anxious and scared when ill for 6 months, and I worry that I have lymphoma as blood tests do not show these up. We went to reception and I broke down sobbing that I needed help. The receptionist told us to wait and got me in later on that day to see the (good) doctor. She was once more a lot more caring. Thinks it may be my thyroid and got tests for the T3 and T4 (which are rarely both done) for October, and organsing a throat scan, which I am TERRIFIED about.
And this week, got more wrong, feel weak and faint, terrible stinging at back of nose and throat, feels like blocked phlegm, and terrible neck ache. Still got the swollen glands in my throat too.
Sorry to go on and on in my first post to you all - but if anyone can help or give me advice, I will be so grateful. I just feel I am waiting to die.
