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Labs always borderline yet I have severe symtoms

Posted by joseph0372 @joseph0372, Oct 9, 2019

Hello, first time...hoping to get some help. I have a few things going on. I've been treated for A-fib, which I had an ablation done last year, I have multiple cyst on both kidneys, Hiatal hernia, GERD, IBS-D, hypertension, and right now dealing with acute pancreatitis. I am needing some help because I'm so frustrated and now getting depressed. Whenever I have labs done the results are always on the minor side rather than severe but yet I ALWAYS have severe symptoms. Since the labs don't show the severity of my pain or symptoms I feel the doctors don't really listen to me. What else can I do to get the doctors to listen to me about my severe symptoms. Example.. I had a cardiologist tell me my problem was between my ears while I was in the hospital with chest pain, shortness of breath and I could feel the A-fib come n go. I of course fired him on the spot then finally the next cardiologist took the time to listen to me and finally caught the A-fib on the EKG. If only all doctors would just listen to their patients. Well my question is why do I always have severe symptoms but the labs show different? Any help is appreciated

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 10, 2019

Hello @joseph0372 and welcome to Mayo Connect!

You have asked a very good question about inattentive doctors and bothersome symptoms that don't occur with consistent lab values. I am glad to hear that your change of cardiologists was helpful in getting an Afib diagnosis. That is an important disorder to treat.

Many of us have had to do our own research to find good doctors and help. We often have to be our own patient advocate. If you live near a multi-disciplinary health care facility (like a university medical center or a Mayo Clinic), you will probably find more attentive clinicians who will listen and offer you help. As you have a variety of disorders, this type of medical facility might very well work better for you.

Do you live near such a medical center or would you be able to drive to one?

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ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | Oct 10, 2019

@joseph0372 Only thing I can say is that each person is different and hence feel things differently. You gather 10 people together and you will get 10 different descriptions of the same pain. I tolerate pain better than many.. most people's 10 is a 4 for me.

Doctors... it can be quite a search to find the right one for you. I have fired a few. Ever once in a while a recommendation from a friend or acquaintance... I have very few people around me I call friend... can be helpful. I found an excellent podiatrist that way. My friend from way back in high school is a nurse and recommended him. I asked her because nurses are on their feet a lot and often need to see a podiatrist. She had not seen him yet, but many of her friends had and they were really pleased with him. I don't mind driving an hour to her town to see an excellent doctor. So if you need a cardiologist or a gastroenterologist ask those that have those doctors and their opinion of them. I don't hold much thought of the reviews online.

I agree with what Teresa said... good advice.

ZeeGee

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 10, 2019
In reply to @fourof5zs "@joseph0372 Only thing I can say is that each person is different and hence feel things..." + (show)
@fourof5zs

@joseph0372 Only thing I can say is that each person is different and hence feel things differently. You gather 10 people together and you will get 10 different descriptions of the same pain. I tolerate pain better than many.. most people's 10 is a 4 for me.

Doctors... it can be quite a search to find the right one for you. I have fired a few. Ever once in a while a recommendation from a friend or acquaintance... I have very few people around me I call friend... can be helpful. I found an excellent podiatrist that way. My friend from way back in high school is a nurse and recommended him. I asked her because nurses are on their feet a lot and often need to see a podiatrist. She had not seen him yet, but many of her friends had and they were really pleased with him. I don't mind driving an hour to her town to see an excellent doctor. So if you need a cardiologist or a gastroenterologist ask those that have those doctors and their opinion of them. I don't hold much thought of the reviews online.

I agree with what Teresa said... good advice.

ZeeGee

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Good advice, @fourof5zs. Nurses usually know the best doctors because they work with them!

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