I've been sick for 8 weeks and I'm scared
 

I've had what the doctor said was a weird virus running around in my body. It has attacked one area after the next. Think about your worst sinus infection ever, then the worst sore throat you have ever had, then the worst case of flu followed by the worst case of asthma. Along with all the other problems I have had headaches EVERY day, some of which are migraine level. The doctor put me on some strong medication and I started feeling better by week 5. On week 7 the whole thing started over again so I made another appointment to see the doctor. He called in a prescription for heavy duty antibiotics and I saw him yesterday. After a physical exam he commented on how many bruises I had on my arms and quite honestly I hadn't noticed but there are a lot of them. He started asking me questions that scared me so I asked him "Do you think I have leukemia?" All he said was "That is why I am giving you a blood test. I want to rule that out." I asked him what his gut level told him and he said that he thinks the blood test could show the cause of all the signs and symptoms but he thinks his first diagnosis is the correct one. I have allergies that left me open to a nasty virus and my body is having a hard time fighting it off. I am run down and weak. The office nurse called me a few minutes ago and told me that he wants to do another blood test on me. Her explanation is that I am very anemic and he wants to find out why. Should I be scared?

I can't tell my family this because we have a tendency to think the worst and I don't want anyone needlessly worrying but I have to talk to someone and you guys are the best listeners (readers) in the world.
Thanks for being there.
Lou

Hi Lou, I don't have any advice, but I do hope you feel better really soon!!! Hopefully, you will know soon what EXACTLY is wrong and that probably will help alot. Worrying is probably the worst thing you can do, but realistically, what else are you gonna do? I would be worried sick too, anyone would. Anemia can really cause lots of other problems and maye if you can get that fixed, it will help the other problems. I have problems myself with being anemic and it is one of those things you always have to stay on top of. I hope you get some good news soon, and let us know when you do, cause I will be thinking about you!!:hug:

Hi Lou - I also don't have any advice other than to tell you to rest lots, continue to take care of yourself and I'll be sending prayers that this is nothing major.

Try not to make yourself sicker with worry, but eat properly and get plenty of rest. Did the dr wait 7 weeks to do a blood test? Hopefully it's just a really strong virus and you will feel better soon.

My thoughts are with you and hope you have te best possible outcome.

Be strong ---- move forward and keep your head held high.:)

Thanks everyone. I am feeling more confident with each passing hour. I was really feeling lost there. I did google the symptoms of leukemia and I do have quite a few, but many of them are symptoms of anemia too. LuvtheCooper, are you under doctor's care?

And Patti, I was sick for 4 weeks before I finally made a doctor's appointment. When I finally saw him he was certain that I had caught a virus that some of his other patients have had. Most of them got put in the hospital. They didn't have it as long as I have had it.

oh wow you have been sick - I hope they find out what's going on and GET WELL SOON !!! poor thing

Bless your heart..I have been going thru some rough times lately and I kNow how the mind can conjure up all kinds of bad things. One really bad day I just imagined myself crawling up in Jesus lap and Him putting his arms around me. Can I tell you how much that helped. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Patty

Oh honey i am so sorry you have been so sick:( You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just try to keep good thoughts and know we are here you.

i bet he is testing you for pernicious anemia also. That is good that he is doing all these tests. i know you are sick with worry and I'm not going to tell you not to worry because I have been there and know you can't help it. Just TRY not to and just know that we are all praying for you for good test results.

WOW Lou I am so sorry you have been so sick. I sure hope they get to the root of your problem. I will keep you in my prayers.

No, I am not under a doctor's care for anemia. It is just something I always have to battle, no giving blood for me :( , I have to make sure I eat right and take vitamins or it will get bad. When I had my last child, I had to stay in the hospital because of it for awhile, I had to beg them to get me to leave and I had to promise to just rest and do nothing. I also bruise very easily, but I am not sure if that is related to being anemic. I do know though, that being anemic kinda feeds on itself..you get sick easily, hard to get over things, and then those sicknesses cause you to be more anemic...it can be a vicious cycle. Take care and let us know when you know more!!:)

Lou, I'm sorry you haven't felt good for a while. :( I know you can't help but worry. Like others have said, try and think good thoughts. I will say a prayer that it's nothing serious. :hands: Please keep us informed and I hope you'll be feeling better soon. :getwell:

Lou, you did the best thing you can possibly do by going to the doctor. You can't fight what you don't know. Please take care of youself. Prayers are going up for your speedy recovery:)

Get Well thoughts to you
 

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well soon.


Jay


:nursing:

I'm so sorry you've been feeling so awful lately. I hope you get well soon, don't read too much into tests -- he's only trying to justify his original diagnosis. Don't worry, negative feelings can prevent your body from healing. Do things that make you feel good. . .watch a favorite movie; play a favorite video game. . . curl up with a favorite book. . . whatever is healthy and healing for your spirit will help your body.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep us posted, and don't forget rest as well as a little exercise (walk around the block with your doggie) can make a huge difference in how you feel.

:)
Jess

Lou, I hope they find out whats wrong and get you back to good health.I know what thats like being there myself but for different symptoms. as others have told me...dont worry so much. I'll keep you in my thoughts..get better soon :) (((((hugs)))))

i've never had Mono but do you think it could be that??

either way i'll be praying for you!

I'll also be praying for you. I'll agree with the others...think positive and hopefully all the worry will have been for nothing. I hope your doctor comes up with a diagnosis and treatment and you are back to yourself in no time. Bless your heart!

I'm no doc by any means, but I had something similar -- though not as severe -- about 20 years ago. It was right before graduating from college and of course I was up all night studying and finishing projects (not to mention packing to move home and partying:) ), also working extra hours and it all took its toll. Got a major bug that I couldn't shake.

Took three rounds of antibiotics before any improvement. Then, I was diagnosed as "borderline anemic." (Initially, I think they thought I was anorexic because I was quite thin back then -- under 100 pounds. If they only knew how I love food.:p ) But, they put me on super duper iron pills for a month, did one more round of antibiotics ... and it was gone. Apparently I had a serious iron deficiency, that coupled with my beat up immune system, just kept me sick.

For your sake, I hope you will get similar diagnosis. Try to stay positive and try (I know it's almost impossible) to not worry. That will only make your body weaker. Good luck!

Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Let us know what the results are. ((hugs))

THanks you guys. You make me feel so much better. It seems like most of my favorite posters have responded to me and that makes it even more special. Thanks again. I go in for the next blood test after work tonight so maybe by tomorrow I will know everything and be on the proper medications / treatment. I don't know if many of you know it or not but I am a hospital librarian and do research for physicians so I am exposed to a lot of unwanted information! LOL So, as you would suppose, I worry even more when illness is involved with me or my husband.

Marcerella, I wondered if it is mono too. And Ozzie's person, your message fills me with relief. Thank you thank you Thank you.

I'll post what I learn as soon as I learn it.

Thanks again my angels. You guys are the best!

Lou,
So sorry to hear you have been so sick! Hopefully this last test will pinpoint the problem so you can be properly treated and well again. I know about the worries when you deal with medical stuff all the time, and then see the same symptoms in yourself. I worked for a medical insurance company for years and tried very hard not to be a hypochondriac LOL! (I do medical transcription now).

Hang in there! I have a daughter who had leukemia and we made it through that. Hopefully yours is just anemia. Remember we are never given more than we can handle...hard as it seems sometimes.

You are in our prayers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of prednisone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious, irreversible damage, and they occur more frequently with higher doses and more prolonged treatment. Side effects include retention of sodium (salt) and fluid, weight gain, high blood pressure, loss of potassium, headache and muscle weakness. Prednisone also causes puffiness of the face (moon face), growth of facial hair, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, impaired wound healing, glaucoma, cataracts, ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, rounding of the upper back ("buffalo hump"), obesity, retardation of growth in children, convulsions, and psychiatric disturbances. The psychiatric disturbances include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior.

Prednisone suppresses the immune system and, therefore, increases the frequency or severity of infections and decreases the effectiveness of vaccines and antibiotics. Prednisone may cause osteoporosis that results in fractures of bones. Patients taking long-term prednisone often receive supplements of calcium and vitamin D to counteract the effects on bones. Calcium and vitamin D probably are not enough, however, and treatment with bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) may be necessary. Calcitonin (Miacalcin) also is effective. The development of osteoporosis and the need for treatment can be monitored using bone density scans.

I noticed you have asthma. I do also. Which ends up putting me on prednisone quite often. I get a cold my asthma flares. Flu same thing. Prednisone side affects are listed above. I do bruise easily from all the years of using this drug. I don't know if you do or not, but I thought this might be helpful.

Poor dear! Rest all you can and follow the doc's advice. I'm sorry you're feeling so badly and I hope he can find the cause and get you back to yourself again soon.

You poor thing - that's a long time to not feel well and to worry. Prayers and hugs are going out to you. Please keep us posted, and at least try to enjoy your down time by resting, watching tv, sleeping, etc.

iam sorry you are not feeling well:( just wanted you to know iam praying for you. i hope you feel better real soon:)

The thing is I haven't had asthma since I was a kid and then only when we went to Kentucky during the summer and I would start to run around like a wild child. This asthma (which is gone now) just popped up. Now I just feel like Ivan is sitting on my chest if I'm not standing or laying down. I guess that could still be asthma though. Geez!

Well, I know a little more. I have been diagnosed with iron deficency anemia. Now I have to have a colonoscopy to find out why. The doctor suspects internal bleeding somewhere. I couldn't get in till June 20th so I'll just hold my breath till then and hope for the best.
Lou