And more tests
 

Well maybe something in all this mess will finally show what is making me feel so dreadful.

I was *sick* again and went to my PCP today. I felt like I had a fever but my temp was only about 99 - it usually goes about 96. I ached like crazy, it was hard to even lay down, really tough to sleep.

Other than that I wasn't really sick if you know what I mean. And this happens every 6 wks to 2 months. What the heck?

The doc ordered a whole slew of tests: EMG/MCV (arms and legs) hepatitis battery, T3, t4 and TSH.

CBC, Lytes, BUN, Creatinine, Sed rate, RA titer and ANA titer (I've had only a couple of those before).

And another chest xray because I smoke (I'm down to 1/2 a pack :)).

He gave swelling as one of the reasons for the tests. I said funny he wrote that, since I'd had some swelling in my hands. He said "Yes, I know. I noticed."

A lot of drs I've seen don't listen or don't believe half what you tell them. This man knows what's wrong even if you don't say.

I have no idea how long all that stuff will take - the EMG will take a while, the rest not so much - but I wanna get it done tomorrow if possible. Wish me luck.

I am so, so sorry that you're suffering, Kathy...and glad that you have a doc who actually notices things...
I kind of hope that some of the tests come back with an answer...even though I don't want you to have anything that those tests would confirm...
take care of yourself, dear, and I hope that you let us know what's up...:hug:

Awww.... Brain.... I'm hoping that something will finally show too, at least through what you already know's wrong. :hug::hug:

I'm so not looking forward to the EMG/MCV for you. It hurts just thinking about it. If you remember, I can't stand EMGs. (can you say "Ouchie"? Sure, I knew you could.) :)

Tell your body for me that it has to stop feeling crappy at least until you get that story written. See, I want to be a test reader for it (duh... the story not your body weirdo!). :D

Glad you have a good doc. Really, truly, and absolutely. Keep us posted about the results.

(And too bad we can't get to the P-bgh get together. I'd love to swing by and pick ya up to go but I ain't a up to it either right now.)

I really hope you get some answers and get feeling better asap. :hug:

praying for answers Cathy. YOu so deserve them. :hug:

OK now, sis it is time to start feeling better. I do hope something shows up to explain all of this, but I'm sorry you have to have that EMG. That goes under the category of tests I will NOT ever be doing again along with the LP. You've had EMG's before as I remember and it doesn't seem like they bothered you as much as they did me and Gazelle.

I wish you were better and that you and the antlered one could visit with us here in the Burgh on Sunday!

I would love to be in Pburg! Dang...

Someday they'll be able to beam us from A to B like Star Trek. Then I'll go to all the get togethers.

:)

Well, I did all the labs and the x ray. The EMG/MCV is set for Wednesday. I have a feeling that either that is gonna be really bad or I'll laugh it off. My nerves either are too sensitive or I can barely feel pain, it changes all the time.

But the way my shocks are, it's going to take pretty good zaps from their machine to really fip me out.

I dread driving up to the hospital more than the tests - except the blood work EWWWW. Six vials - and she had ME hold them! ~faint~

:o


I do have a good doc. I wish you guys could meet him. I tell dh I'm running off to Italy with him.

:p

Oh good. You run off to Italy with the doc and I'll have TWO people I can visit there. :D

I'm voting "Yes" for you running away with the doc to Italy. Just get a pool or a villa near the sea, ok?

i'm glad most of it is done brain.
your dr is a real winner. my dr takes me seriously too.

i hope you get the answers that will help your care.
and i hope you get to feeling better soon. :hug:

Brain sorry I missed this good luck on the EMG, now you have that avatar and yur sceered of a lil old blood, hope you get an answer or the villa by the sea

Acch, Cathy, I missed this, and everything else as well, sorry.
I hope that something your good Dr is doing gets to the source of the problem fast.

Feel better and hugs.

Awww Brain! Hope you 1) Feel better and soon 2) all the tests show something and thus they find a solution to what ailes ya

Gentle hugs!

Brain, I am so sorry I missed this! I am so glad you have a good doctor who knows you without you even talking. Those are the good ones to hold onto. Praying he gets to the bottom of your problems so you start to feel better. :hug:

Cathy, I really hope you get some answers :hug:

Please let us know about the testing and what is or is not found as soon as you know....you know we care.

I'm thinking of ya too, Cath! I hope you can get some answers soon. I've been feeling Carpy myself, but have an appt tomorrow, so I'll cross fingers for both of us. Take care and know that I'm knocking on wood for ya. :hug::hug::hug::hug:

Good luck with the tests Brain. :hug: You've been in limbo a long time, I hope they can figure something out soon.

Brain, I wish I had a magic wand to make everything better..Hey, maybe....

:grouphug:Just popping in with update. Haven't been around much - laid up with my first cold in over ten years, lol! They're worse than I remember.

:o


I had the emg nerve conduction yesterday. It was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Some of the pokes were pretty ouchie but most of them I barely felt. The hand - by the thumb and finger - and lower back were the worst.

The back of my arm where you'd think that would be really sensitive, the doc measured and needled that 3x, cuz I couldn't feel it at all. I guess the reading was weak too or he wouldn't have triple checked to see he hit it right.

And the doc who did the test was a neuro who is one of the best in this part of the state. If anyone is going to find anything, he will.

He was running way late because his assistant was off sick so we only did the left side (which is worse). But my doc will send me back to do the right if I need it.


I go back to my doc find out what the results are the 20th.


I'd hug all of yas but I don't wanna get you all germy.

Have you ever been tested for lyme? Best to test using Igenex Labs. Alot of times lyme runs on a 6-8 week cycle. Its also a good idea to check for babesia and bartonella.

Aw come on, hug me. I don't mind germs and could use the time away from work! I feel like I need a vacation after actually thinking about pig farms and how they can be used to make nuisances go away. :D I'd only have to worry about 3 small parts for ID purposes and.... <sigh> Well, if wishes could come true, someone would have had a VERY bad day today and let's just say it wouldn't have been ME!!

Glad that the EMG wasn't as bad as you thought. And I hope they don't have to do the other side. Ya couldn't get ME back there voluntarily to do that.

Keep us posted about the results. Inquiring mind (at least me) wants to know. Um... it's probably "minds" but I'll let everyone else speak for themselves. ;)

And take care of the cruddy cold. Chicken soup--homemade--is really, really good for that. Just don't let Cayo's biddies hear that. :cool:

Good luck on your test readings, Brain...I hope you get the answers you need...:hug:

Oh my dear one.. I hate that I missed this..but like you I am not on any forums much.

Have you every been thoroughly tested for heavy metals?? I mean more than an MD would? Or did anyone ever test for that?? Anyone??

You'd be amazed at how much it causes neuro problems..and cognitive problems and as it builds up it can make you so sick..not to mention in pain etc.

YOU know I care!!

Jan

Glad you survived the tests today, Brainy.

I hope whatever you've got is very treatable.

Go ahead: breathe on me. I've got MS and they say we've got an amped-up immune system. I ain't afeared of ya! :D

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your tests,Brain. Hope you get some answers. I remember what it was like during that long limbo period.

I'm glad the tests are over. I hope you don't need to go back for the EMG on the other side.:eek: Next Thursday you will know if anything showed up - that isn't too long of a wait. Of course, we will be waiting for an update as soon as you get home....:p

Uh remind me to never, ever get on your bad side!!! BTW, swimming with the fishes sounds better than being swill for the pigs!:eek::eek::eek:

Feel better Cathy. I hope everything goes okay on the 20th.:hug:

Brain, I know what you mean about the thumb and finger. OUCH! I had that test last year for carpal tunnel which I didn't have thank goodness. The neuro who did mine immediately told me he didn't find anything wrong. I hope you find the answers your needing. :hug:

Hope that ole doc can find something to relieve the pain...and hope you are feeling better.

I'm just not looking out the window as much checking on you darlins cause it hurts so to type...but I will always think of you and say a prayer, sometimes two or three...:hug:

Shhh... do not say chicken soup with Murphy in the next room. Ever been the victim of a fly-by pooping?

:eek:

I have to go with tomato soup & grilled cheese else risk standing in the naughty corner covered in droppings like a statute. You can tell I'm not a king.

:rolleyes:

I wanted to tell you this.. was cleaning Minnie the lovebird's cage yesterday and talking to her (of course!) as I cleaned. I asked, "Whooooo's Mummy's pretty bird?"

And she stepped forward and said, "Ohhhhh, Minnie bird!"

Just like Jesse always does.

That little thing can talk.

:D

Awww..... that's cute, Brain. You do have a great relationship with your birds. Sometimes I wish I would have kept the saucy boy but he took to my grandmother and to you. Ok, your daughter first. :)

Too funny that you have to say Tomato Soup (and I'm REALLY glad you included the grilled cheese)!! MMmmmmm...... I made homemade tomato soup this year and it was awesome. Used roasted tomatoes for it. YUM!! It was so good I made myself nauseous by eating too much of it at one sitting. :eek:

Holly, I don't think you'd EVER get on my nerves like that guy did yesterday. Sheesh.... not sure which sounds worse. I have a thing about drowning, so swimmin wit da fishies doesn't sound too appetizing either.

Which brings me, Brain, to a very weird idea I just had for a story for you. Hmmm... will have to PM you or e-mail. ;)