Confused and Dismissed
I have had a lot of health issues for years, but never got an answer.
My last doctor's appt. She asked, "did you know you have lupus?"
What? "NO."
Four years ago I was ready to have a knee replacement and they suddenly pulled my IV's because my blood work came back that it was thin, so I was sent to an oncologist for blood work. I was told my clotting was normal but my blood was thin.
Symptoms for many years
I have had complaints over the years, I have dry eyes and dry skin. The dentist said I have a very dry mouth, rinses don't work. I get sores in my mouth. My eyes are tender to light. Type two diabetes, high blood pressure, underactive thyroid, and deaf in one ear from a blood clot burst.
When I get upset, I am mentally and physically tired for days. I have arthritis in my back, hands, and neck. I have had two knee replacements and one hip replacement. I have a rash across my cheeks and nose and it feels like a sunburn when it acts up. All this time I thought it was because my blood pressure was high.
A new doctor
So after years of this being in my files, It pops up. This isn't the doctor I was seeing at the time. She said, "Well it's not as bad as some." I didn't say a word. All this time I have had these issues and no one listened...
What should I tell my doctor?
So, I go back in a week to see my doctor, always for a sugar check, every three months. DO I tell her all these issues or do I just go on thinking it's all in my head? I have learned how to deal with the issues, but I am tired of wondering if there's help and if "I'm just nuts. I also suffer from depression, 'surprise.'
Thank you for listening, it felt good to say it to someone. My husband doesn't know what to say, so he says nothing.
Interested in sharing your own diagnosis story, treatment experience, or another aspect of living with lupus?
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