Hello! I have never commented in the past 2 yrs since I’ve found this site, so I apologize for the lengthy comment - but have used the Mayo Clinic Connect as an amazing “Real-People in My Shoes” resource as I went on my own journey the past couple years (NON-COVID or VAC related; so many people’s symptoms became noticeable with those 2 scenarios). My lab tech where I’ve had my numerous blood tests drawn has become another valuable resource in my journey, she told me about a website - https://www.ultalabtests.com/ - when I was running into closed doors everywhere as well. I have since created a wonderful medical team of Rheumatologist & ARNP at the practice, PCP, Dermatologist, Optometrist, Psychologist/Therapist (YES - one of the most valuable team members since more than my body has been affected & my mental health has taken one of the biggest tolls!) and today after a much anticipated 5-month wait, I’m seeing the Neurologist for the remaining symptoms that no one can determine the cause!

The website I included above does not go through your insurance or a need to be seen physician to order tests! It gives a fair price as well as often there are sales (99% of the time, a test is going to be on sale, so wait for it and sign-up on the site as it’s free to become a member). I had always wondered my blood type & started with that one, they give you an order to bring to lab for draw & all results go directly to you! They have every single blood test imaginable from what I can tell and their support agents are very helpful in answering questions. For example, I may soon no longer have insurance, therefore, I will be using this site to order my tests that my physicians order since it will be much cheaper than going through the lab directly w/ my doctor’s blood order.

My best advice to you is DO NOT STOP RESEARCHING - be knowledgeable about your symptoms, organized with your thoughts or questions and make good use of that 12 min you’re going to get when you’re alone w/ the doctor. You have to be your own advocate (so many people say that) but if I was not persistent through this process, I wouldn’t have a diagnosis at all, I wouldn’t have medications prescribed to help minimize the symptoms at least a little bit and I wouldn’t have found a team that I felt was as dedicated to restore my quality of life to the best of their ability as I was.

Don’t be afraid to look elsewhere for a new PCP - this was the key to my journey. I fired my previous one since they did not see the sense of urgency I did since I was declining so rapidly with no answers. My new PCP was able to send referrals to the multiple specialists needed to keep digging until we find all the answers for everything. My first visit with him, I was distraught, frustrated, exhausted, in pain, confused, angry, sad - everything you can imagine and essentially wept explaining what I was going through day after day. When I apologized for breaking down, he simply grabbed the tissues and said “You don’t have to apologize. You cry as many tears as you’d like. I can’t imagine what you’re going through but I’m not stopping until we get it figured out.” I knew I had found THE one!!! When you have a doctor that says “Stop googling! I am your google. Send me a message and ask me anything on your mind” - and you actually believe them - then you’re on the right path!!!

My dx: MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), Hashimoto’s, Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) & Fibromyalgia

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