Diagnosed, but Seeking 2nd Opinion??

[Lune813]

I posted on this site once before, but, some recent information has come to light that is now making me question if what I was diagnosed with is valid in my case or not. It sounds valid, but the diagnosed me apparently gave me completely wrong treatment suggestions, was very unprofessional, and has since either left or been fired from the hospital where they worked.

Anyways, this doctor (rheumatologist) diagnosed me with Pain Amplification Syndrome (PAS). I've had random bouts of horrible pain (often throbbing or achy) for years, and a horribly weak immune system since just before puberty. I've had problems with climbing stairs, sudden dizziness, and motion sickness that is getting worse as I get older. I've had problems with heavy periods/irregular periods, severe cramps during the entire cycle, and breakthrough bleeding on birth control. And I have had problems with a high amount of fatigue that leaves me practically immovable from the couch on weekends.

The doctor told me all of this would go away if I either did counseling or took anti-depressants (I've gone to counseling for years, but apparently anti-depressants for this condition is considered unorthodox to most) as well as physical therapy. Well, the physical therapy did not do a thing besides left me in more pain. This left me doubtful, but I took PAS as an answer, since bloodwork multiple times has showed nothing besides a vitamin D deficiency that, due to other medical reasons, I can do nothing about. No signs of hyperthyroidism, and no signs of any other rare disease detected that way.

So, if anybody has a second opinion on this, I'd really love to hear it. I'm to the point where I'm afraid to be touched by others due to my pain, and have refrained from getting a driver's license due to getting carsick if the car doesn't have an internal temperature below 50 degrees F. Birth control has moderated my menstrual pain for the past year, but I'm afraid it won't last forever, and I don't want to be crippled to a bed for the rest of my life.

If it is PAS, fine, I'll try to find a way to manage it. But if it's not, then I need a better doctor and a better treatment plan than what the first one provided.

Thank you for your time.
~Lune813

[ShellyC23]

It may be possible that you have fibromyalgia (or is this another name for PAS?), or PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)  

It may be worth asking your rheumatologist what they think.

[Lune813]

PAS first occurs during adolescence, and it’s similar to but not the same as fibromyalgia. The random bouts of pain actually started in childhood, which is partially why the rheumatologist diagnosed me with it in the first place. As for a new rheumatologist, I’ve been meaning to see one, but between gynecologist appointments and regular doctor appointments, there’s just not enough time/money at the moment - and the thought of having to go back to one is a little daunting after my first one, if I’m being honest.

Thanks for your time.

[TSR796]

I don't know who your doctor is but that sounds like a ridiculous conclusion to come to when so many other issues are involved. What type of hormonal blood tests have you had so far? Also what has been ruled out as not being a cause? Sorry to ask but how are you physically? Are you a bit overweight or thin? Hair thinning, acne?

[Lune813]

Sorry for the late reply. They did do blood tests but I am not sure of what types besides allergies and auto-immune. The auto-immune was the only reason why I got sent to the rheumatologist in the first place, as I have a marker (but so does my mother, as she has Celiac’s). If anything has been ruled out, I haven’t been told much about it.

As for my physical, I’ve always been more than average, but never overweight, per se. And hair thinning and acne have never been a problem for me, the latter of which  my parents and my siblings had humongous problems with.

Thanks for your time.