Perhaps someone here could help me figure out what's really wrong with me. I've been suffering from several different problems since I was 17 years old and I am trying to figure out where to turn next for care. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I realize this is rather long. If you have the time to read through all of this I would really appreciate any insights. Thanks.
Family History:
My Father was diagnosed with Reiter’s Syndrome back in the 70’s, although that is under dispute right now. My uncle has Grave’s disease and had his thyroid removed last year. He also has the Grave's eye Ophthalmology. My other uncle has diabetes. My grandmother has Hashimoto’s, and my grandfather died of thyroid cancer. We also have strokes on my mother's side. and my mother recently suffered from a minor one this past year.
My Top Complaints:
1. Migraines and headaches (especially bad right before my period).
2. Shoulder pain.
3. Lower back and leg pain.
4. Foot numbness, since 2005.
5. Neck and upper back pain.
6. Intense pain and fatigue before and during my menstrual period.
7. A very short menstrual period- About two days.
8. Fatigue.
Diagnoses or Conditions Throughout My Life:
*Eczema
*Chronic Bronchitis (& Pneumonia): I don’t suffer from this anymore.
*Allergies
*Asthma
*Panic Attacks: subsided in mid 20’s. Two instances, 3-6 month time blocks each instance. I do get minor ones before my period however.
*Anxiety
*Tendonitis: knees, wrists and shoulder.
*Sciatica
*IBS: (uncontrollable diarrhea) diagnosed in my mid 20’s, subsided, no current issues. some constipation currently.
*TMJ: diagnosed in my mid 20’s with intense ear and neck pain.
*Minor Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Palpitations: In 2005 I went to the ER. My potassium was slightly low. I wore halter monitor for a couple of days, no doctor ever followed up with me about the results. As long as I take potassium and a multivitamin every day, my heart seems to beat normally, otherwise I have palpitations.
*Irritable Bladder: I also used to get a lot of UTI’s and once I had a painful Bladder Spasms. I am not sure if this means anything.
*Vitreous Floaters: I just presented in June this year ‘09 in my left eye. My Ophthalmologist suggested I get my thyroid retested when I told him my left eye also felt “bigger” or “fuller” than the other. I also have trouble sometimes and wake up with my left eye watering profusely as though it's been open all night and I've been rubbing it all over my pillow. It's kind of strange.
*Nerve Dysfunction: EMG performed. “pinched nerve” in my lumbar spine.
*Minor Degenerative Disc Disease: Bulging and torn disc at L5-S1, and 4 small cervical protrusions.
*Minor Scoliosis
*Degenerative Facet Disease and Facet Arthritis
*Impingement Syndrome (Type II Acromion): Right Shoulder
*Fibromyalgia: Not sure how I feel about this, although at least I am being treated right now.
Surgeries:
1. Lazy Eye (Amblyopia), 1979 and 1981
2. Arthroscopic Decompression Shoulder Surgery, April 2nd 2008
Additional Information:
• My body temperature is usually low (95F-97F range is normal for me).
• My fingernails peel and bend.
• I bruise easy.
• Dry eyes, use eye drops frequently.
* I drink a lot of fluids throughout the day, but I tested negative for Diabetes a year ago.
* My TSH was tested one year ago and I tested normal 1.06, but no further testing was done.
* I have lost 20lbs within the last 6 months, but I am taking the medication Topamax, so it may be unremarkable.
Thanks for taking the time to read through this.