General physician wants to refer me to psychologist

[nolow]

Hello,

I have been having the following symptoms for about two years:
--Fatigue
-cognitive problems (short term memory, concentration, alertness)
-trouble comprehending things
-Lethargic
-Lack of motivation
-I used to be detailed orientated and be able to plan daily procedures out carefully without forgetting to bring certain things. Now, I always can seem to run through the process of daily tasks to plan ahead.
-visual snow
-chronic stuffy nose

I went to a doctor two years ago when the symptoms started. He diagnosed me with allergies. I had a persistent cough at the time that went away. I still have a slightly stuffy nosed that will not go away all year long.  I went to my general physician last week and told him my symptoms. He immediately said he wanted to refer me to a ophthalmologist and psychologist. The ophthalmologist makes sense, but I do not understand the psychologist referral. Did he mean a neurologist? Would a psychologist be able to help me? He also is sending me for blood work. I will post what he is testing for later. All of my symptoms started after installing a roof for one of my relatives. It was during a very hot summer. I went from graduating with honors from a university to having trouble comprehending simple emails. If anyone can help or help me make suggestions to my doctor, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you

[Londres70]

Well, most definitely, quit drinking the alcohol, coffee, soda, especially if you having problems.  Yes!!!!!   Just common sense.

Secondly, total Cholesterol 214?  Geez!  You are only 27.  Either you have a CRAPPY diet and/or you have inherited this.  Yes, you need to stop all the above, eat better and do some exercise.  You are too young to be having those kind of cholesterol numbers.  Actually the HDL is good; the LDL is a little high.  
  
Hope your sort this out soon.

All the best.
  

[nolow]

I went over my blood work today with my doctor. My cholesterol was a little high as well as my hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Total cholesterol: 214

HDL 43
LDL 150

My hemoglobin and hematocrit were borderline high. My doctor said that my test results came back fine, and I should just change my diet and exercise routinely. I am going to stop drinking alcohol, soda, and coffee and drink more water. I read that chronic dehydration can cause visual snow and high hemoglobin. I also asked the doctor if I should see an ophthalmologist or optometrist for my visual snow, and he told me to see an optometrist first. I can then get a referral for the to an ophthalmologist if the optometrist sees anything. I've done some research on visual snow, and I don't think an either doctor can help with it. I will see an optometrist, however, to see if he/she sees anything out of the ordinary.

[Londres70]

Yes, indeed, by all means clarify what kind of physician he is referring you to.  Yes, of course, you can ask for a copy of your labs.  Anything in your chart you are entitled to have a copy.  The only other thing I can think of maybe a CT or an MRI of the brain/head;  preferably an MRI of the brain/head with contrast.  Just don't let him immediately throw you into the "psych boat" if you feel something physically is wrong with you.  Remember the physician is working for you; you can hire or fire if he is NOT meeting your needs.  

Keep us posted about the outcome.

The best!

[nolow]

Thank you for all the help. I'm going to the doctor on Thursday to go over my lab results. I would like a copy of the results. Is this something that is normally requested by patients? I have been very fatigued the last two days. I slept all day yesterday with no energy. I was then able to sleep through the entire night. I'm hoping I can figure out what is wrong with me. I went to a restaurant and added the tip incorrectly. Since I graduated with honors with a math based degree, I find this very troubling. I will clarify with the doctor on whether he meant psychologist or neurologist. Is there anything I should request for as far as testing goes? I'll keep everyone updated.

[testdeprived]

lol yeah i have BOTH anxiety and depression...but they are a result of going to countless doctors and FEARING  for my life,  that i will never find a competent, and caring one!

hahahah!=p.

[Londres70]

I agree with testdeprived, the anxiety/depression cards are played MUCH too often.  Please make SURE you are tested to see if there is something physically wrong with you before being shove off to a psychologist unless you have psychological issues in the past and/or present.  I think alot of patients do have anxiety and/or depression issues BUT secondary to a physical problem/disease/condition.  

Keep us posted.

[testdeprived]

a psychologist wont be able to help you man. a lot of doctors like to throw the anxiety card, as a means to get out of working on your case to find out why you are PHYSICALLY SICK. i have a brain tumor, and doctors are telling me it is not causing me issues, and its all in my head. an mri proved  i had one also. i know its frustrating, and  i myself have pretty much given up hope of ever finding a doctor who will help me, but all i can say is keep trying.IT IS NOT IN YOUR HEAD.

i have a lot of the same symptoms as you. pretty much all of them. the cognitive problems suck! i am so foggy in my head!

[Londres70]

1. CBC W/Diff-Your white blood cells, red blood cells, etc.
    a. Trying to rule out anemia, infection
    b. Related to your fatigue, stuffy nose, lethargy
2. CMP-Your sodium, potassium, glucose, etc.
    a. Trying to rule out an electrolyte imbalance
    b. Related to your fatigue, lethargy, cognitive problems, vision problems
3. TSH-Your thyroid function
    a. Related to your fatigue, lethargy, cognitive problems
4. Vitamin B12-Checking if you level is low
    a. Related to your fatigue, lethargy, cognitive problems, vision problems
5. Lipids-Your cholesterol
    a. Very high or low cholesterol levels could be related to a thyroid problem
    b. Women have thyroid problems more often then men, but men can have problems too.

Suggestion:  the visit with your physician shouldn't be a monolog; meaning you should not just be sitting there quiet and him telling you this and that while it is going over your head or saying yes you understand when you don't.  Please ASK questions!  You are paying for the service so get your money's worth.  It is your health and you must take an active role in educating yourself, so ask questions and get involved.

Keep us posted; the best.

[nolow]

I'm going to the lab tomorrow. Here is what they are testing for:

CBC W/ Diff
CMP (Comp. Metabolic panel)
Lipid Panel W/O dir LDL
TSH
Vitamin B12

Can someone let me know what some of these things are testing for? I'll try to do some research on it. I would have liked to be tested for some other things. I also noticed some discomfort under my throat, when I have some of my symptoms. Is it common to have thyroid problems as a male?

Thank you for all the help

[Londres70]

Most definitely, ask your physician whether he is sending you to a Psychologist or a Neurologist; BIG DIFFERENCE and I would ask him why too if you are not understanding what he is doing.  Just hope your family physician has done everything to rule out anything physically going on with you.  I believe this day in age physicians want to blame everything on depression and/or anxiety/stress .  Don't get me wrong, that is the case with some people, but I think the diagnoses are OVERUSED.

Keep us posted; the best!  

[jwlms]

Regarding your comment about a "major event" -- keep in mind that a lot of depression is biological in nature. This means you don't have to be "sad" about anything to have depression. It's an illness that can strike anyone -- even if things are going just fine in your life.
Keep an open mind about seeing the psychologist. They should be able to rule out depression after a complete history. Depression and many, many other disorders can have similar symptoms. Would be a good idea to get a basic blood panel done to check for anemia and other deficiencies. Best of luck and hope you feel better soon!

[baishagirl]

Sounds like fibromyalga... Check out Dr. St Amand

[nolow]

Thank you for the reply. I held off on the psychologist appointment until after the blood work comes back. I have a followup appointment to see him. Should I ask him why he is referring me to a psychologist? I was going to ask him for a script for singulair. He told me to get off of zyrtec because he thinks that could be contributing to the brain fog. I didn't know depression could cause so many of my symptoms. The only major event that happened two years ago was I spent a month and a half in the sun replacing a roof for a relative. This is when my cough and a runny nose started. I must have been allergic to something in the roof material. I was severely dehydrated during this time period. I will post what the blood work is testing for later this afternoon. Thanks again

[remar]

A Psychologist may be able to help you because you have many symptoms of depression.
You can very well have two or more things going on at the same time. That's why your Dr is referring you to two different Drs.
The visual snow could be floaters and only an eye Dr can tell you that for sure. It does sound like you have allergies and your family Dr can give you meds for that.
I'm glad to hear your also getting blood work. Other problems can mimic depression. You could be anemic, low on vitamin B, have low blood sugar.
Yes, please keep us up to date on what you find out and take care. Remar