HEALTH UPDATE:

[GreenPartyVoter]

I was able to get in to see the nurse practitioner. She didn't really have time to read all the symptoms I had written out, but she said she could schedule some tests for me. Mostly she suggested I would feel better if I lost some weight (I am very heavy.) I am sure this is true but I have been thin and fat and in pain no matter what.

Here's hoping next week's blood tests and future visit with the doctor will get me some answers.

[hedgehog]

1. Good vibes to you!

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Thanks!

[Dystopian]

3. Have been thinking of you ((hug))

I'm thankful that you're making progress...at least an impending diagnosis...so sorry about the pain

Hang in there... knowing positive thoughts and love surround you...


peace~

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Thanks! Blood test is the first step. Hopefully when I see the doc she will have a chance to look at

the list of symptoms and sort out which ones go together.

[Pool Hall Ace]

5. Hang in there!

Still sending vibes !!

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. Thanks!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Thanks for the update, my dear GPV!

I'm sorry the NP didn't have enough time to really hear you.

Hopefully, the blood tests and the doctor visit will go better.

Losing weight is a good idea even if it doesn't help with the pain...



Vibes continuing!

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Thanks, Peggy. I will try with the weight. Not easy at all since

I have been using it as a comfort crutch for more than 30 years. Even during my worst ulcerative colitis flare-ups I reached for food to comfort me! But The UC is one of the reasons why I am pursuing the possibility of a co-existing autoimmune disease. (Assuming Lyme gets ruled out, at any rate.)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. I understand about the comfort...

Just take it easy. Watch your calories, and try to do some exercise on a routine schedule. Walking is really good, and low impact.

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. I was doing pretty good with walking earlier this spring until the vertigo. Been hard to get myself

back out there again.

[siligut]

16. Have you been tested for Celiac Disease?

Some of what you have said about your symptoms and now you say you have ulcerative colitis and are concerned about an autoimmune disease, makes me wonder if you have been tested for a gluten sensitivity. Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity are considered two different things if I recall, but I group them together.

Here is a link for symptoms of Celiac Disease: http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=12

[GreenPartyVoter]

18. I think they ruled it out when I was a kid? Not sure. Parents aren't here to tell me now. I will

ask the doc.

[GoCubsGo]

7. Is a thyroid test part of that?

If not, you might want to ask her to check your levels. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause all sorts of issues, including aches and pains. Hypothyroidism can also lead to depression, which is also a source of aches and pains. And, it can make you fat.

Whatever it is, I hope they can figure it out soon.

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. It's funny, docs have for years been suspicious of my oversized thyroid, but it always has tested as

normal. She mentioned it today, but I am not sure if she's doing a test on that too. My ridiculously short short term memory can't remember.

[HeiressofBickworth]

15. I would ask for the specific test results

In my case, my thyroid test was "within normal limits" which turns out that I was just barely above the number indicating low thyroid function. I told the Dr. I would prefer to be on the higher end of "within normal limits" and went on a thyroid pill.

[MerryBlooms]

13. ((hug)) Get some good rest and try to clear your mind.

You're going to be just fine.

[GreenPartyVoter]

19. Thanks! *hugs*

[rurallib]

14. best wishes

[GreenPartyVoter]

20. Thank you. :^)

[kimi]

17. Thank you for the update

I hope the blood tests & visit with the doc help out in some kind of treatment. Take care!

[GreenPartyVoter]

21. Thank you. I have my fingers crossed. :^)