19th February 2005
OK, bud. Let's talk.
First, thank you for all the additional information. It was very helpful.
That being said, I sure don't have a definitive answer for you, but that's OK -- online message boards are a great place to find a jumping point but aren't very suitable for diagnosis anyway. There's a few things we should focus on here...
First, I would still strongly suggest you seek some counseling. This is nothing to be ashamed of and could come in very handy as you work toward getting a proper diagnosis. Do understand that I never believed all your problems were psychosomatic -- I stated that the first time I responded here. So let's assume that NONE of your problems are psychosomatic. Counseling is still a great idea. When someone is going through such a difficult period in their life, when their health is causes problems and there seems to be no explanation, it is not only frightening and confusing, but there is lots of stress, anxiety, possible depressing, feelings of worthlessness, boredom from being removed from normal activities, etc. It can't hurt at all to have an objective sounding board in the form of a counselor. Do keep this in mind as you continue to work on your situation. Seeing a counselor doesn't mean you are "crazy," but I think you know that.
I can tell you're a smart kid. Sorry, you're a "kid" to me -- I'm almost twice your age! You write well, you express yourself clearly -- you're no dummy. So some of the following stuff is not going to be anything new to you -- but I think it is worth discussion just the same. Sometimes it helps bolster our confidence and courage when we hear someone else say the same things we have been thinking all along...
I agree with Antoinette's recent post -- you need to have your kidney function tested. I would also recommend liver function while you're at it. She's right: a standard CBC isn't going to provide the necessary information. You need more specific tests. And you need them ASAP!
But before we get into a few other things of a medical nature, let me say this:
It is IMPERATIVE that you take an even more active role in your own health care. It seems as if you have been doing a good job of getting started on this, but there's much more to it. Lots of folks often listen to what a doctor says (in your case, the docs aren't saying much at all) and then just leave it at that. Doctors can be intimidating -- and sadly, some of them can be arrogant and even ignorant when it comes to issues requiring some degree of sympathy. It is necessary for a physician to distance himself or herself from a patient to a degree, but some take this to an unacceptable extreme.
If you had an engine problem with your car and took up with a mechanic who clearly had no idea what was wrong, you'd certainly go somewhere else! Remember, medicine is also a BUSINESS and YOU are the paying customer! You have every right to seek further opinions and to ask for referrals to the specialists you need!
I recently needed a minor out-patient, in-office surgical procedure. I met with one surgeon who didn't answer my questions and in fact, seemed annoyed that I had the nerve to even ASK these questions. He mumbled, he evaded and avoided, he left me guessing and instilled NO confidence whatsoever. And that was IT for this guy. I fired him and went to another surgeon. YOU can do the same at any time! Remember, it's YOUR health here.
So get ready to sometimes have to do battle. Always be polite, show respect, but also you should be treated like a human being and your questions should be taken SERIOUSLY and your complaints should not be dismissed or worse -- ignored. OK? Cool.
Now, get yourself a referral to a nephrologist who will check on your kidneys. You may need to get that specialized blood work done first to find out if there is even a need for a nephrologist. That's fine -- get it done. Start here.
You may also wish to see a cardiologist and/or a hematologist. Something's going on with your blood circulation, as is evidence by the erectile difficulty and the purple-blue hands. This needs to be addressed. I strongly suspect these symptoms are certainly related.
The timeline you provided was excellent -- give this history to the docs, too. Do not think that I am suggesting that you have been building new illnesses based upon the very first thing that happened. I wanted to know the order because this is an important thing to know. Also, to some degree, I still believe it is possible that some of your symptoms are being exacerbated by the constant worrying and fear. You can chirp all you want about not being depressed or having had a great life -- I believe you. But there is no way your current situation is NOT having an impact on you right now. Clearly, you would not be here seeking advice if this were not the case.
It is impossible here to detail all the possible diseases and condition which could be part and parcel of your chief complaints. I suspect you are already aware of most of them anyway. But DO bring up these possibilities to your doc, even if they are remote.
I'm sure you know that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can bring about a lot of the stuff you've mentioned. I'm sure you also know that it manifests differently in many people -- and is often accompanied by OTHER conditions as well. This is seen more in women but it is certainly found in men, too. CFS is a controversial topic and it is highly difficult to diagnose. You know this. But it certainly is worth being ruled out.
The same can be said for Lyme Disease -- remote chance of this, but worth consideration. Lyme is also controversial -- just read the posts about it and you'll see MASSIVE frustration from individuals who have it when dealing with the medical community who ignores their symptoms.
We can ignore the more exotic diseases at this time, I think. The focus should be on your kidneys, your blood, your liver.
A word about erectile dysfunction in general, if I may: ED most certainly has physical causes -- and I am familiar with the torsion device you had the unpleasant experience of meeting -- but ED is also very closely related to psychological issues, EVEN WHEN PHYSICAL CAUSES ARE RECOGNIZED.
Man to man, dude: when your penis is on the fritz, it is DEEPLY disturbing. Doesn't matter if your family is supportive. Doesn't matter if your girlfriend understands. This is BAD MOJO for the male ego and male psyche. A vicious cycle is often very problematic: a physical issue causes some problems -- you think about that -- you have more problems -- you think about it more -- the problems get worse -- you think -- MORE troubles -- more worry, etc. It doesn't seem to have an end. DO NOT dismiss the psychological component here, even though it seems likely there is a physical issue as well, your mind cannot help but make that EVEN WORSE.
Do not attempt Viagra at this time until you have the full approval of a physician who is certain you can tolerate it. But it's worth keeping in mind for the future, AFTER you have a diagnosis and are working on a solution. Your loins might need a little encouragement at that time, you know?
I have never, ever heard of the problem you are having with fluids and bloodshot eyes. No one here suggested this was something you hallucinated or made up -- but it IS wild. I've been working on online message boards since... well, since about the time Al Gore supposedly invented the Internet when message boards consists of amber and green screens displayed on CGA monitors reached via a dial-up connection at a speed of about 1,200 baud. That's a LONG time. I've never heard of anything like this.
The feeling you get which makes you uncomfortable, being unable to void your bladder and the problem with your eyes -- this is troubling, yes. But you mentioned that you sort of fiddle around and gauge your symptoms by not drinking -- in the same breath you mention you know this is not a good idea. Dude! Stop this! Dehydration is a SERIOUS thing -- you cannot fool around that way. Please drink normally, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Your body MUST have fluids and if Antoinette is correct (and I think she is) that you electrolytes are all out of whack, limiting your fluid intake is the WORST thing you can do!
A quick word about electrolytes... I once knew an elderly lady... sweet woman. She'd tell a dirty joke now and then, but was generally a kind soul. After a diabetic attack her electrolytes were thrown for a loop. She was OUT of it completely. She was swearing a blue streak and telling her children she hated them. We were all terrified. It took two days but the docs finally got her balanced out. She returned to normal immediately and has never had this episode repeat.
Your body is a collection of systems. This you know. It is in delicate balance and harmony. SOMETHING is messing with that in your case. Please make sure you don't contribute to further problems. Eat and drink normally, OK?
One last "nag" to re-emphasis the most important point here: YOU are in charge of the docs. If they blow you off -- kiss them goodbye. Do not be intimidated. Do not accept "I don't know" or "the tests are all fine" as a final answer. Clearly, SOMETHING is wrong.
The good news is that the STANDARD tests ARE fine. That is no guarantee, but it could mean that you might just be looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack and when that is finally located, you could very well see yourself get back to normal.
Let us know how things turn out. I'd start on Monday morning and make calls to get appointments ASAP.
Get busy!
Good luck.
First, thank you for all the additional information. It was very helpful.
That being said, I sure don't have a definitive answer for you, but that's OK -- online message boards are a great place to find a jumping point but aren't very suitable for diagnosis anyway. There's a few things we should focus on here...
First, I would still strongly suggest you seek some counseling. This is nothing to be ashamed of and could come in very handy as you work toward getting a proper diagnosis. Do understand that I never believed all your problems were psychosomatic -- I stated that the first time I responded here. So let's assume that NONE of your problems are psychosomatic. Counseling is still a great idea. When someone is going through such a difficult period in their life, when their health is causes problems and there seems to be no explanation, it is not only frightening and confusing, but there is lots of stress, anxiety, possible depressing, feelings of worthlessness, boredom from being removed from normal activities, etc. It can't hurt at all to have an objective sounding board in the form of a counselor. Do keep this in mind as you continue to work on your situation. Seeing a counselor doesn't mean you are "crazy," but I think you know that.
I can tell you're a smart kid. Sorry, you're a "kid" to me -- I'm almost twice your age! You write well, you express yourself clearly -- you're no dummy. So some of the following stuff is not going to be anything new to you -- but I think it is worth discussion just the same. Sometimes it helps bolster our confidence and courage when we hear someone else say the same things we have been thinking all along...
I agree with Antoinette's recent post -- you need to have your kidney function tested. I would also recommend liver function while you're at it. She's right: a standard CBC isn't going to provide the necessary information. You need more specific tests. And you need them ASAP!
But before we get into a few other things of a medical nature, let me say this:
It is IMPERATIVE that you take an even more active role in your own health care. It seems as if you have been doing a good job of getting started on this, but there's much more to it. Lots of folks often listen to what a doctor says (in your case, the docs aren't saying much at all) and then just leave it at that. Doctors can be intimidating -- and sadly, some of them can be arrogant and even ignorant when it comes to issues requiring some degree of sympathy. It is necessary for a physician to distance himself or herself from a patient to a degree, but some take this to an unacceptable extreme.
If you had an engine problem with your car and took up with a mechanic who clearly had no idea what was wrong, you'd certainly go somewhere else! Remember, medicine is also a BUSINESS and YOU are the paying customer! You have every right to seek further opinions and to ask for referrals to the specialists you need!
I recently needed a minor out-patient, in-office surgical procedure. I met with one surgeon who didn't answer my questions and in fact, seemed annoyed that I had the nerve to even ASK these questions. He mumbled, he evaded and avoided, he left me guessing and instilled NO confidence whatsoever. And that was IT for this guy. I fired him and went to another surgeon. YOU can do the same at any time! Remember, it's YOUR health here.
So get ready to sometimes have to do battle. Always be polite, show respect, but also you should be treated like a human being and your questions should be taken SERIOUSLY and your complaints should not be dismissed or worse -- ignored. OK? Cool.
Now, get yourself a referral to a nephrologist who will check on your kidneys. You may need to get that specialized blood work done first to find out if there is even a need for a nephrologist. That's fine -- get it done. Start here.
You may also wish to see a cardiologist and/or a hematologist. Something's going on with your blood circulation, as is evidence by the erectile difficulty and the purple-blue hands. This needs to be addressed. I strongly suspect these symptoms are certainly related.
The timeline you provided was excellent -- give this history to the docs, too. Do not think that I am suggesting that you have been building new illnesses based upon the very first thing that happened. I wanted to know the order because this is an important thing to know. Also, to some degree, I still believe it is possible that some of your symptoms are being exacerbated by the constant worrying and fear. You can chirp all you want about not being depressed or having had a great life -- I believe you. But there is no way your current situation is NOT having an impact on you right now. Clearly, you would not be here seeking advice if this were not the case.
It is impossible here to detail all the possible diseases and condition which could be part and parcel of your chief complaints. I suspect you are already aware of most of them anyway. But DO bring up these possibilities to your doc, even if they are remote.
I'm sure you know that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can bring about a lot of the stuff you've mentioned. I'm sure you also know that it manifests differently in many people -- and is often accompanied by OTHER conditions as well. This is seen more in women but it is certainly found in men, too. CFS is a controversial topic and it is highly difficult to diagnose. You know this. But it certainly is worth being ruled out.
The same can be said for Lyme Disease -- remote chance of this, but worth consideration. Lyme is also controversial -- just read the posts about it and you'll see MASSIVE frustration from individuals who have it when dealing with the medical community who ignores their symptoms.
We can ignore the more exotic diseases at this time, I think. The focus should be on your kidneys, your blood, your liver.
A word about erectile dysfunction in general, if I may: ED most certainly has physical causes -- and I am familiar with the torsion device you had the unpleasant experience of meeting -- but ED is also very closely related to psychological issues, EVEN WHEN PHYSICAL CAUSES ARE RECOGNIZED.
Man to man, dude: when your penis is on the fritz, it is DEEPLY disturbing. Doesn't matter if your family is supportive. Doesn't matter if your girlfriend understands. This is BAD MOJO for the male ego and male psyche. A vicious cycle is often very problematic: a physical issue causes some problems -- you think about that -- you have more problems -- you think about it more -- the problems get worse -- you think -- MORE troubles -- more worry, etc. It doesn't seem to have an end. DO NOT dismiss the psychological component here, even though it seems likely there is a physical issue as well, your mind cannot help but make that EVEN WORSE.
Do not attempt Viagra at this time until you have the full approval of a physician who is certain you can tolerate it. But it's worth keeping in mind for the future, AFTER you have a diagnosis and are working on a solution. Your loins might need a little encouragement at that time, you know?
I have never, ever heard of the problem you are having with fluids and bloodshot eyes. No one here suggested this was something you hallucinated or made up -- but it IS wild. I've been working on online message boards since... well, since about the time Al Gore supposedly invented the Internet when message boards consists of amber and green screens displayed on CGA monitors reached via a dial-up connection at a speed of about 1,200 baud. That's a LONG time. I've never heard of anything like this.
The feeling you get which makes you uncomfortable, being unable to void your bladder and the problem with your eyes -- this is troubling, yes. But you mentioned that you sort of fiddle around and gauge your symptoms by not drinking -- in the same breath you mention you know this is not a good idea. Dude! Stop this! Dehydration is a SERIOUS thing -- you cannot fool around that way. Please drink normally, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Your body MUST have fluids and if Antoinette is correct (and I think she is) that you electrolytes are all out of whack, limiting your fluid intake is the WORST thing you can do!
A quick word about electrolytes... I once knew an elderly lady... sweet woman. She'd tell a dirty joke now and then, but was generally a kind soul. After a diabetic attack her electrolytes were thrown for a loop. She was OUT of it completely. She was swearing a blue streak and telling her children she hated them. We were all terrified. It took two days but the docs finally got her balanced out. She returned to normal immediately and has never had this episode repeat.
Your body is a collection of systems. This you know. It is in delicate balance and harmony. SOMETHING is messing with that in your case. Please make sure you don't contribute to further problems. Eat and drink normally, OK?
One last "nag" to re-emphasis the most important point here: YOU are in charge of the docs. If they blow you off -- kiss them goodbye. Do not be intimidated. Do not accept "I don't know" or "the tests are all fine" as a final answer. Clearly, SOMETHING is wrong.
The good news is that the STANDARD tests ARE fine. That is no guarantee, but it could mean that you might just be looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack and when that is finally located, you could very well see yourself get back to normal.
Let us know how things turn out. I'd start on Monday morning and make calls to get appointments ASAP.
Get busy!
Good luck.