At a loss, multiple consultations still no answer...any idea?

Posted by change25 @change25, Apr 24, 2021

In the last year my health has rapidly declined, I've recently had a blood test which was normal except for my folate which was low. My Dr conducted an examination, but was unable to properly diagnose me.

Any idea what it may be from these symptoms:
*Pulsating headache, difficulty focusing.
*Weak eyes where they feel droopy along with being dry and painful.
*Dry and sore mouth.
*cheek and jaw pain.
*Changes in pigmentation, face appears gaunt.
*Back pain.
*Odd tingling sensation present in hands and feet.
*cold hands along with an odd rash present on hands and knuckles, which is a deep purple.

I know something isn't right, yet I'm unable to obtain the answers I need. I've added some images before the changes occurred to now so that you can get a context into what's occurred. Any insight will be greatly appreciated, many thanks.

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Profile picture for change25 @change25

Absolutely, I appreciate that there's protocols in place and an ongoing backlog but is seems unnecessary and cruel to wait that long. I'll definitely pursue it, I no longer care in fairness.

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Yes, remember the “squeaky wheel gets the grease.” One of my mottoes!

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Profile picture for athenalee @athenalee

Yes, remember the “squeaky wheel gets the grease.” One of my mottoes!

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That's a good one!
It's easy to get lost given the number of patients they deal with on a weekly basis. We are often reluctant to chase things up as we don't think our issues are as serious as others. Those days are gone for me and that wheel will require a lot of grease.

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Profile picture for change25 @change25

Absolutely, I appreciate that there's protocols in place and an ongoing backlog but is seems unnecessary and cruel to wait that long. I'll definitely pursue it, I no longer care in fairness.

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Good morning @change25 . The news you received really isn’t the news anyone wants to get. I applaud you for calling the hospital so that you know that your report is in someone’s hands. Not a great report but at least you’re moving forward. Do you know the name of the neurologist that you’ve been referred to? Think you could call his office, explain who you are, and ask for an appointment?

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Profile picture for athenalee @athenalee

You can have Sjogren’s and may not be positive on the blood work. As @helennicola noted there are various tests for Sjogren’s and many systemic symptoms. My Sjogren’s first manifested extraglandular…tremors, peripheral neuropathy in all extremities, and moderate to severe muscle and joint pain.

Hopefully blood labs can rule out what you don’t have. Keep pursuing answers, more labs, tests, and request referrals to different doctors if you’re not satisfied . I’m still searching for a competent rheumatologist who will provide treatment. I do have a good neurologist.

If you’re interested, here’s two excellent websites I’ve found helpful:
https://www.smartpatients.com/
https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/
Best wishes on finding answers and solutions!

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Glad you have a good neurologist, my neurolologist and rheumatologist both leave a lot to be desired! I often get tired of trying to figure things out and have come to all conclusions and self-treatment decisions for the past 3 yrs. Luckily I have managed to keep symptoms from progressing too much. Doctors either have inadequate knowledge of, or the time to treat, you must be willing to do your own research and be your own advocate these days.

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Profile picture for Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy

Good morning @change25 . The news you received really isn’t the news anyone wants to get. I applaud you for calling the hospital so that you know that your report is in someone’s hands. Not a great report but at least you’re moving forward. Do you know the name of the neurologist that you’ve been referred to? Think you could call his office, explain who you are, and ask for an appointment?

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Unfortunately not, it just has the name of the neurologist that requested the test. The number that was given is just a generic hospital number that deals with cancellations. My GP is calling me next week so I'll discuss my concerns with him to see what he suggests.

I'm not happy with how things are progressing. I'm tempted to see if I can get my MRI released and head down to Mayo earlier instead.

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Profile picture for joannemm34293 @joannemm30809

I am going to my cardio doctor next week to discuss this matter.
Do you have a link I can read and bring with me so I'm prepared to explain this matter to my doctor?
Also I have a Loop recorder in my left chest for three years now and I was wondering if that too could be causing a neurological problem.

Anyone who has info on long-term Neuro and health issues with metaprolol please send me that info! Thank you so much! @jwillits8

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@joannemm30809
I don’t have a link. Does the loop recorder have wires that perhaps came loose? Don’t give up! Keep persevering! I know how hard it is myself.

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Profile picture for jwillits8 @jwillits8

@joannemm30809
I don’t have a link. Does the loop recorder have wires that perhaps came loose? Don’t give up! Keep persevering! I know how hard it is myself.

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Loop recorder has no wires etc. It's just a tiny looking chip the size of half your pinky finger.

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Profile picture for helennicola @helennicola

Glad you have a good neurologist, my neurolologist and rheumatologist both leave a lot to be desired! I often get tired of trying to figure things out and have come to all conclusions and self-treatment decisions for the past 3 yrs. Luckily I have managed to keep symptoms from progressing too much. Doctors either have inadequate knowledge of, or the time to treat, you must be willing to do your own research and be your own advocate these days.

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I agree…My neurologist warned me I might not even be seen by a rheumatologist! Sure enough, I get stuck with a PA who was completely unhelpful after two visits, so I canceled the third visit, asked to see a MD, and was refused. Very sad as I look at Mayo and John Hopkins and they have a webpage on Sjogren’s and do a team approach for treatment.

So, I found the Rheumatology Dept. Director at the only other big hospital in the region. I wrote her and her assistant got back to me the next day. Said to get a referral and they’d definitely see me. So, I I’ve got a request into my neurologist.

He also had referred me months ago to a neuromuscular doctor, who I finally get to see in two weeks, so I’m a little more hopeful!

I did start taking R-ALA/S-ALA, ALCAR, and complete Omegas, with GLA, and B vitamins. And, I take 300 mg Gabapentin at night to help me sleep.I also don’t do refined sugar, white flour, etc. and I walk a lot. My numbness has continued to worsen, as have my feet, hands, and muscles. But I don’t have the sharp nerve pains as much.

I’m glad your managing your symptoms somewhat. Perhaps I’ll have better results as I keep my self-treatment up longer. Anything else natural you’d recommend?

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Profile picture for change25 @change25

Unfortunately not, it just has the name of the neurologist that requested the test. The number that was given is just a generic hospital number that deals with cancellations. My GP is calling me next week so I'll discuss my concerns with him to see what he suggests.

I'm not happy with how things are progressing. I'm tempted to see if I can get my MRI released and head down to Mayo earlier instead.

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Waiting is not something I’m good at either! When you talk to your GP ask if the report shows something that needs urgent action- or there may be some abnormality that just happens to be found but may not affect your life now.
In that case it’s best to wait to see the neurologist to get a proper explanation.

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Profile picture for athenalee @athenalee

I agree…My neurologist warned me I might not even be seen by a rheumatologist! Sure enough, I get stuck with a PA who was completely unhelpful after two visits, so I canceled the third visit, asked to see a MD, and was refused. Very sad as I look at Mayo and John Hopkins and they have a webpage on Sjogren’s and do a team approach for treatment.

So, I found the Rheumatology Dept. Director at the only other big hospital in the region. I wrote her and her assistant got back to me the next day. Said to get a referral and they’d definitely see me. So, I I’ve got a request into my neurologist.

He also had referred me months ago to a neuromuscular doctor, who I finally get to see in two weeks, so I’m a little more hopeful!

I did start taking R-ALA/S-ALA, ALCAR, and complete Omegas, with GLA, and B vitamins. And, I take 300 mg Gabapentin at night to help me sleep.I also don’t do refined sugar, white flour, etc. and I walk a lot. My numbness has continued to worsen, as have my feet, hands, and muscles. But I don’t have the sharp nerve pains as much.

I’m glad your managing your symptoms somewhat. Perhaps I’ll have better results as I keep my self-treatment up longer. Anything else natural you’d recommend?

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I’m so sorry to hear that most of your symptoms have worsened but glad your pain is less. I can only add, for what it’s worth, that I drink a smoothie each morning containing whey, creatine, 2-3 fruits, peanut butter, cocoa, protein drink, ground flaxseed and almond milk. I also take Vit. C, D, magnesium glycinate every day and B complex 1-2 x month. I walk plus use exercise equipment plus some lite yoga/stretching at home. I’d been seeing a P/T for my neck which has been bad lately and will probably see a chiropractor, also my ears/jaw have been sore/tight lately. I think it’s SS. also mindfulness, and prayer help me. I don’t see my rheumatologist again until Dec. but I’m going to look for another one beforehand. I do hope you get some answers and feel better soon.

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