Tsunami of health problems
Hi all
I hope you are well.
I’ve had an “interesting” 12 or so months and it’s still ongoing.
I started with many symptoms, as I discussed in a previous thread, some of which I couldn’t put down to PsA.
After many visits to my GP and discussions with my rheumatology nurses I might be getting closer to some answers.
The results so far are I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia.
Then I was diagnosed with h-pylori.
Then I was diagnosed with prostatitis.
Then I was diagnosed with balanitis.
These could be opportunistic infections after being on 7 different antibiotics across a 6 week period near Christmas.
To add salt to the wound I had a call off my GP late last night after I did a calprotectin test because of months of abdominal pain. I’ve had 3 of these tests in total and results of 0-60 are normal. Over 60-150 is elevated and over 200 almost always means an IBD of some sort, colitis or crohn's.
My first result was 110
My second was below 30
This weeks was 550! 😟
GP is referring me to hospital on a fast track appointment to try and catch what is happening.
I know it sounds dramatic but I honestly am getting to the end of my tether and don’t think I can take much more. I can’t see any end to feeling so I’ll all the time and I’m just getting one problem after another, with them becoming more serious each time. 😟
The hospital may find that it is a food or bacterial infection that is elevating the results, I hope so. It’s certainly not an appointment I’m looking forward to anyway.
Has anybody else been hit with so many things going wrong at once and if so how did/do you cope?
I’m just trying to take one step at a time but it’s getting harder and harder it seems.
I’m trying to stay positive and I know there will be people a lot worse off than me. I’m just so tired of it all.
Anyway, sorry if that was a bit of a rant 😊
Would love to hear some good news stories to give me hope that things will be at least managed if not fixed.
Take care
Greg.
My heart goes out to you,
. That all sounds so exhausting. I can't even imagine all you are going through, but please keep advocating for yourself and keep looking for answers. My niece was in a similar situation a few years ago. Out of nowhere, her health began to deteriorate. In two years time, she saw 30 specialists and had multiple procedures and surgeries. She went from an adventurous athlete to a near-skeleton in a wheelchair. Finally, her OB asked whether she had been tested for Celiac's disease. She had not been. That was it. Celiac's All those specialists over all that time and no one had thought to test for Celiac's. It took her a year to recover, but she is now her old self again. She sounded a lot like you just before she got the diagnosis - exhausted. I hope you get a solid diagnosis soon and get the treatment you need. Know that we are here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs! - Lori (Team Member) Hi Lori, thank you for support. It’s great to hear the story about your niece and I’m really glad that she got to the bottom of what was going on. I hope my upcoming hospital visits can do the same.
I was tested for celiac’s but it was many years ago. I have discussed this with my GP so we may test again.
Some time ago, after the hiatus hernia diagnosis, I went gluten and lactose free and that definitely seemed to help reduce the symptoms but nothing seems to help reduce the abdominal aches and pains now. Fingers crossed it’s something that can be managed. Thanks again for the hugs 😊
Take care
Greg.
Hi Greg
How are you going? Are you any closer to finding out what is going on?
I have had a similar experience with my body going haywire. I ended up needing to have 3 major and 2 minor surgeries in a 12 month period, then got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, two other auto immune diseases and severe fibromyalgia. Now I have type 2 diabetes.
I have started to surround myself with a support team, after recent suicide thoughts. My team consist of my darling husband, GP (General Practitioner), my pastor and a professional Counsellor.
I love to go for drives with my husband, and we have just bought a campervan to enjoy longer trips away. I enjoy knitting when I can. I am very active in my church and lead a home group at my house, and singing for my church.
I do find this group interesting and supportive too
All these things help me keep my spirits up, think outside my skin, and reduce my emotional distress.
I really hope you can surround yourself with people who care for you too. .
Hi @pileah. Wow you definitely have been through a lot. We are certainly happy to hear you find this group interesting and supportive. Also happy to hear you have a strong supportive system around you. That always helps so much. We are glad you are here. Vickie W., Team Member
thanks for your suggestions and support
I have been referred to hospital by my GP for further tests for IBD.
I understand PsA and IBD can be closely linked. I hope it’s caught in time for treatment and doesn’t turn out to be anything worse.
Have to admit I’m a little worried but I need to know what is going on of course so hopefully get seen reasonably quickly.
Look after yourself and take care.
Greg
You too Greg. Let us know okay?
will do. 😊
