Undiagnosed Symptoms...do I just need Prozac?

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Permalink Reply by genie on October 8, 2008 at 5:24pm

OK, Lori, that is really a sad story. You've been through some much to come up with nada in the answer dept. I'm so sorry!

I do have some thoughts for you, and I'll just randomly throw them out there so you can do whatever you like with them.

First, let me say that I have been there in the diarrhea dept -- on and off for 36 years! For heavens sake, isn't that just awful? Not only that, but diarrhea was the number one symptom that my poor baby daughter endured (she's now 30) before her diagnosis with ALLERGIES.

You can guess why I've put that last word in caps, and that's because I want to stress food allergies and sensitivities as the number one thing you should look at. Seriously. I have seen people who could not drive from the house to the office without stopping in a public bathroom completely clear up their problem by going off of wheat. The diarrhea can be due to wheat/gluten allergies, mouth sores are often due to citrus and tomato. I'm not saying that you are allergic, or what you might be allergic to, but merely that it's a road to investigate.

I personally found (after a zillion years) that garlic, of all things, is what gives me diarrhea. If I abstain completely for a long time, I can then ingest small amounts without a problem. I don't think I'm allergic to garlic in the strictest sense of the word, rather, it is a food sensitivity (very sensitive).

My problems have been made SO much worse by radiation and chemo. Hope that never, ever happens to you.

So I avoid garlic (although I love it so!), and I take probiotics like mad. You know about this? Good bacteria that is missing in our guts due to antibiotics, other rx drugs, modern living, etc? My favorite source of probiotics is kombucha, a delicious, expensive, addictive drink they sell at natural foods stores.

My daughter no longer has the terrible allergy problems she once did, thanks to years and years of avoidance of the culprit foods, along with problems to strengthen her immune system, but she still is allergic to peanuts, and they give her migraines.

Alright, enough about me, now back to you. You've done the medical thing in every possible way known to doctorkind. You've had every test, seen every specialist, and received the kiss-off, "here, try this prozac." The offer of prozac for undiagnosed health problems is the equivalent of saying, "since we can't help you we prefer to think you are crazy."

Anyway, since none of them has been able to help you, perhaps you need to consult elsewhere. Have you seen any holistic/naturopathic/alternative/complementary type doctors or practitioners? That is what I would suggest. It certainly couldn't hurt given that the conventional MD's have found nothing. If I were you, I'd look for one who could help you figure out if your diarrhea is food-related, and could not only help you figure out what might be triggering it, but also how to strengthen your immune system so that you could ultimately get back to the business of living.

I see you live near the world's capitol of everything holistic (Santa Cruz!), so you should have no problem finding a good doctor or practitioner.
My heart goes out to you and I wish you much luck in your journey!

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Permalink Reply by Austin from Earth! on October 8, 2008 at 5:30pm

Sweetie, I really hate to hear this. One word of advice for you, don't self-diagnose on the internets. It will drive you nutty!! You'll think you have everything from a-z. I can't say anything, i'm so guilty of doing it too.

I will be prayin' that they find whatever the root cause(s) may be and fix it! *hugs*

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Permalink Reply by Goony on October 8, 2008 at 5:48pm

Oh I get so mad when I hear another person was given prozac because the doctor couldn't figure out what was wrong. They are morons! You have something going on for sure. It's lagitimate, not in your head. My only suggestion is to keep going to different doctors until you get someone that finds what is wrong. When you had your hormones tested was it by your GP or an endocrinologyst? The endo is much more qualified to do that. Have you ever seen the show Medical Mystery? It features real people that have rare diseases and the one common thread with all the people is that it took them years to get diagnosed, and they went to many many doctors before getting diagnosed. Just becuase the doctors you saw didn't find it, doesn't mean it's not there. Keep going. Keep a file of all the tests you've had done and dates (get copies of everything) and take them with you to the next doctor you see. You shouldn't have to live like that, and you shouldn't be on antidepressants. I know it's tiring. I mean you've already seen a lot of doctors, but you can do it. We are here to support you.

Goony

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Permalink Reply by Bren from Rivendell on October 8, 2008 at 6:18pm

Hi my sweet Lori, man, I am so relating to what you and Genie said. I too have some "issues" in this area. Still do. Having worked for the health industry, in risk management, here's a clue. If you see a doctor and "present" to them with more than 3 complaints at one time, they are definitely more likely to look at the emotional side as a contributor. Unfortunate, but its based on fact. That will give some insight as to what they are trained to do...not excusing it, but hopeful it will arm you with information.

As I read some of your stuff you listed..it occurs to me, I was diagnosed over a year ago with a rare disorder called "collagenous colitis" , its microscopic, and was misdiagnosed for years and symptoms still continue...but that's not where I'm going.

While in the hospital this week, my docs held some mtgs with me and we are all going gang up on gastro guy and look into "Celiac Sprue". It accounts for some of your symptoms and is not usually part of the testing process in the U.S. My docs said even if you only have two of the symptoms, you should be tested for it...just food for thought, no pun intended, do some research love...xo, Bren

Who should undergo antibody blood tests for celiac disease?

Some experts recommend that antibody blood tests be used to screen healthy persons with no signs or symptoms for celiac disease. In Italy, where celiac disease is common, all children are screened for celiac disease. Experts in the United States do not recommend screening healthy persons for celiac disease. Antibody blood tests are only recommended for individuals with a higher likelihood than normal of having celiac disease. These patients are:

Patients with chronic diarrhea (diarrhea that does not resolve in three weeks), increased amount of fat in the stool (steatorrhea), and weight loss
Patients with excess gas, bloating, and abdominal distension
First and second degree relatives of patients who have celiac disease
Children with growth retardation
Patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia
Patients with skin rashes suggestive of dermatitis herpetiformis
Patients with recurrent painful mouth sores (aphthous stomatitis)
Patients with disease known to be associated with celiac disease. Examples of these diseases include insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, ulcerative colitis, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Lori Shields on October 9, 2008 at 11:40am

Thanks Bren. You are a wealth of information. I wonder if I should have the blood test even though my doctor ruled out celiac disease based on the colonoscopy. Ugh. I keep going back to the same thing...I need to begin (again) with the diet and work my way through it. Thanks to you for your input especially as you are going through so much with your health right now. I really appreciate it.
xo
Lori

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Permalink Reply by Kendra Jacklyn on October 8, 2008 at 6:09pm

Oh, dearest Lori!
I don't have any information to provide either, but I do have loads of love and support for you!! I hope you find some kind of relief for your symptoms.

You are such a wonderful person and I hate to hear that you are having such a hard time, but know that I am here to listen and help in any way that I can.
I'm sending lots of good thoughts and love up your way!!

all my love-always, always
Kendra

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Permalink Reply by Sandra on October 8, 2008 at 6:20pm

Hey Lori, I'd entertain the idea that genie has about food sensitivities as something you can do while perhaps looking for another medical opinion. I had a shorter list of symptoms a few years ago including depression, stomach bloating, overweight etc . . . After a day where I ate croissant for breakfast, french baguette for lunch and pasta for supper and felt absolutely miserable I gave it a try - cut out wheat completely - just for several weeks. Within 10 days, weight was melting off of me, I was happy to wake in the morning, I was just plain happy all day long, colours were more vibrant, sounds were clearer, tastes were more intense. The difference was mind blowing. It isn't something that will hurt you and it isn't to replace medical expertise and it is FREE!

A couple of years ago, while experiencing problems with my bladder, I went to a Naturopath for a something called VEGA Testing. It shows which foods my body is most resistant too. For six weeks I eliminated many foods then was retested. Most things came back as OK except wheat and dairy and a couple of minor foods. Something to consider?

All the best to you on your healing!
hugs
xxoo

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen on October 8, 2008 at 7:14pm

I agree with Austin that it's a sticky situation to self diagnose using the internet. However, I also want to share that after testing positive for a wheat allergy (amongst a few other things) I took myself off all gluten. My stomach issues cleared up, mouth sores went away and my fatigue greatly improved. I feel like I got my life back after years of confusion and being told it was all in my head. Best of luck on your journey. :)

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Permalink Reply by LiLJen on October 8, 2008 at 7:38pm

Lori.....

I too have been on your path....and let me just tell you......don't ya just wanna do something crazy when they try to throw the anti-depressants at you? You are not crazy........I went to one doctor after another.....complaints of fatigue, needing naps, enlarged lymph nodes,low grade fevers of unknown origin..dizziness... freezing cold, insomnia (go figure)......etc etc....well I gave up going....was tired of hearing I was depressed.....I was getting depressed because no one could tell me why I required naps during the day, at that time I was in my 30's..I got the depression diagnosis, chronic fatigue diagnosis, anxiety diagnosis..that was a good five years ago...I learned to take naps and deal with it.......This past April, I went to a new GP with complaints of abnormal periods.....I went over all of my symptoms with her....she ordered a TSH test....that came back too high....then she ran the antibodies test.......well, there we go.....I have an auto immune disease....my antibodies were 593, they were supposed to be under 33....my immune system attacked my thyorid as if it were a foreingn object...needless to say, my doctor concluded that this diagnosis was missed over the years, I am on meds now....now my doctor wants me on anti-depressants because I've been through so much....for the 4th or 5th time, I have once again refused.........unfortunately, my periods are still whacked....but that's another whole issue I learned about today....please go in and ask for antibodies tests......auto immune diseases go undiagnosed all the time........celiac disease is an auto immune disease.......and it's been said if you have one auto immune disease, you probably have two..... I wish you the very best, it makes one crazy when you keep getting no where.........Don't give up until you get answers, I wish someone had encouraged me not to give up going.....but ya do.....ya just get tired of not being taken seriously........

Take care,
Jen

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Permalink Reply by Lori Shields on October 8, 2008 at 7:54pm

Thanks everyone. I appreciate everything you all offered. I agree that it is probably not the best idea to self-diagnose with google as my expert. :) The idea of food allergies is an interesting thought. When I had the colonoscopy the doctor said I do not have celiac disease. Apparently there would be evidence in the digestive system if that were the case. I find it frustrating that my health insurance will pay for all kinds of unnecessary and very expensive medications but will not pay for any more natural alternatives. I appreciate all of your support. The truth is that I am used to being sick and used to being in pain and there is something wrong with that that must be fixed!

xo
Lori

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Permalink Reply by Sandra on October 8, 2008 at 8:18pm

Hi Lori, You can have an intolerance to wheat (or other foods) and not have celiac.

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Permalink Reply by Hopalong on October 8, 2008 at 8:25pm

It drives me crazy that doctors think we are crazy when they can't figure things out!!!! I too suggest finding a naturopath or a doctor who believes in integrative or alternative medicine. There are tons of things that could be causing your problems. I have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome...it seems to be the common diagnois that is given when they can't determine what one's stomach problems are. My problems seem to subside when I give up wheat, dairy and sugar. I do not have celiac disease, but I still have a gluten intolerance. Many things can be controlled by diet. But the wrong diet can also wreak havoc. My naturopath is having me do a neurotransmitter profile which can explain a myriad of problems. I wish you well...sometimes it is worth exploring alternative approaches and seeing if you can work out some kind of monetary deal with them. Often if you purchase the supplements they suggest online instead of from their office, you can save some money. Don't give up and don't think that doctors know everything...In actuality they really know very little in the grand scheme of things.

Lorri
(By the way...you spell your name wrong...or maybe I do!!!)

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