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Annual Physicals: New doctor not as thorough, what's normal?
Men's Health | Last Active: Sep 8 10:44am | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
I didn't mean this to turn into a discussion about Medicare... I'm not quite there yet...lol. But it is a factor when finding a new doctor.
He called with the bloodwork and everything was normal except barely high cholesterol, which is normal, no higher than usual. He asked how I was feeling and I said just tired all the time (again) and he said to let him see if they could add testosterone to the work without drawing more blood (shouldn't that have been added when I was in the office?). Nurse called me the next day and said my testosterone was normal. No one can tell me why I am so damn tired ALL the stinking time though.
Replies to "I didn't mean this to turn into a discussion about Medicare... I'm not quite there yet...lol...."
You said they did all bloodwork, but I didn’t get my Vitamin B12 tested, until I requested due to some tingling. It’s not a normal screening test. I was deficient. Fatigue wasn’t my symptom, but it is for many. Also, did they test the thyroid?
Sometimes, depression can cause fatigue too. Were you screened for that?
I feel very invigorated since switching to a daily exercise schedule and changing my diet.
I hope you can find some answers.
Keep a record of all your labs.
If you have access to a MyChart
or similar portal use it. Your doctor
likely tested your thyroid level.
Know your lipid numbers and family history. You can request
age appropriate screenings such
as high sensitivity CRP for inflammation. My local hospitals are offering self referred
Cardiac CTs for artery calcium scores for 60 dollars.
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@newtobeingold - Haha. I love your screen name! In time you will likely change to something like: "Usedtobeingold...but not loving it"
You didn't share how old you are? Sleep difficulties are common with aging. Some studies suggest oldsters actually need less sleep. I haven't found that to be the case.
First, your new doctor and issues. I just think doctors today are more focused on problem solving than on diagnosis. Low T was a good thought, and you're OK in that area, fortunately. Give the doc's office credit for that thought.
You might benefit from a deeper understanding of "how" you sleep and other lifestyle issues: (1) How much sleep do you actually get? I use a sleep tracker (built into my mattress) which helps me understand the quality of my sleep. (2) Do you struggle to fall asleep? Stay asleep? There are techniques to help in each instance. (3) Have you tried simple supplements like melatonin?
Are there any lifesyle elements that may be contributing to your feelings of fatigue? Not enough physical exercise? Correct BMI? Too much alcohol?
You need to be the chief driver of managing your health. That's just the way of things these days. Keep digging until you have a better understanding of your feelings of fatigue.