I need some help or advise

Posted by kkozuna @kkozuna, 5 days ago

So im having health issues, they thought it was uterus cancer and it wasn't, then pancreatic cancer, and it wasn't and now maybe colon cancer but I can't afford the procedure to find out. But I had all my teeth pulled and didn't heal in the expected time, so my dentists said it may be an auto immune disease. And my vision is going, it gets really blurry and its extremely light sensitive, so I went to the eye drops and they said I still have almost perfect vision but I may have an auto immune disease. But nobody can tell me what the auto immune disease could be. I have energy issues, and digestive issues, but im also 7 months into trying to get new teeth, so I can't eat much. I have had vitamin defieicentxy my whole life, is it colon cancer or an auto immune disease. I have so many drs that arent even like health drs telling me all sign point to auto immune disease.I just don't even know what to look into. There's so many. Any advise.

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suzieq11 | @suzieq11 | 4 days ago

Do you have a primary care physician (PCP)? The job of the PCP is to coordinate your care and to help you access the referrals you need. If the PCP is in a group practice, they may have a social worker to help you access the insurance assistance you need. Usually a rheumatoligist is the specia1ist to diagnose an autoimmune disease.

tuckerp | @tuckerp | 4 days ago

I would agree. I would start with a specialist like a rheumatologist or endocrinologist . There can be good and bad of those but they are more specialized.

kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | 4 days ago

Who are these doctors that aren't even health doctors? You need to see a primary care doctor, an opthalmologist, a rheumatologist and a hematologist-oncologist. They can start diagnosing your health issues. This is not a self doctoring moment!

diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | 4 days ago

What are your labs/bloodwork saying? Red blood count, white blood count, neutrophils, cytokine counts? What Vitamin is deficient? It will help if you ask for copies of your blood work and can show that to a rheumatologist. There is a problem with coordination of care in this country. I know it is hard when I don't feel like doing it, but I have to be my best advocate. Doctors do not seem to communicate with other doctors which is the definition of coordination of care. Ascension doesn't automatically send information to HCA for example. It is really an issue. Please let us know if we can be of support.

gently | @gently | 4 days ago

kkozuna, see a rheumatologist for autoimmune testing. Usually it begins with serum ANA. See a gastroenterologist to determine if you have colon cancer. Usually it begins with a colonoscopy.
I'm not sure what your suspect(ed) diagnoses are arising from, but you might best rule them out.
Sorry about your teeth. They'll take all your money
Ask one of your diagnosers for requisition for a cologuard test https://www.cologuard.com/ ColonoscopyAssist Program You can get it without cost to you.
2100 Valley View Ln, Suite #490
Farmers Branch TX 75234
Phone : (855) 542-6566
Fax : (847) 847-2888

You can order the ANA at Jason Health without a doctor's order https://www.jasonhealth.com/

ANA Screen,IFA, with Reflex to Titer and Pattern
Essential autoimmune disease test. Measures antinuclear antibodies that attack the body's own cells. (learn more)
ANA $15.00
Lab Collection Fee $18.00
Total: $33.00

dederickve | @dederickve | 4 days ago

In reply to @diverdown1 "What are your labs/bloodwork saying? Red blood count, white blood count, neutrophils, cytokine counts? What Vitamin..." + (show)

@diverdown1 Agree with you. And, have noticed, there is sometimes jealousy among doctors. My goodness !

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | 4 days ago

@kkozuna Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that you’ve gotten partial answers to your question. That’s how this forum works. Members try to get information for you from their own personal experiences. @gently was great with her helpful information and the others with their helpful tips. You would be best going to your PCP and starting there to come up with answers. Sound confusing? It can be but we’re here to help!

gently | @gently | 3 days ago

In reply to @becsbuddy "@kkozuna Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that you’ve gotten partial answers to your question...." + (show)

@becsbuddy, it really is best to have an internal medicine doctor sort the validity of each concern. If cost delays detection in the case of colon cancer, saving money for a test that you can't afford while losing time isn't a healthful option. The medical professional who ordered the colonoscopy should readily order cologuard by phone request without the additional cost of an appointment.

jrkittel | @jrkittel | 3 days ago

The symptoms you describe (lack of energy, digestive issues, vitamin deficiency) can be caused by celiac disease. The immune reaction to consuming wheat, barley, or rye, even in tiny amounts, results in damage to the villi in the small intestine. Nutrients in food aren't absorbed well when the villi are damaged, often resulting in the symptoms you describe. It can be diagnosed by a blood test plus a biopsy of the lining of the small intestine. A GI doctor does an endoscopy to look at the villi and get the biopsy. I agree that your primary care doctor is the place to start but just want to make you aware that celiac disease is a possibility. The bad news is that there is no medication or cure for celiac disease. The good news is that with a completely gluten free diet the villi can recover and function normally again. I know. I've gone from "near total atrophy" of the villi to normal. I hope you are able to get treatment for whatever is causing you symptoms.

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