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[BrightLight]

I agree about the blood test being far too simplistic - both in the range they offer and the interpretation.  Personally I don't go to the GP looking for a diagnosis as such, but I end up feeling that's what they think I want - "an answer" when really I want to know what to do about things and feel well again, this could be more diagnostic tests to rule things out or perhaps advice for self help and an invitation to return and keep the dialogue going.  Not much to ask?

Honorsmum - your misdiagnosis is not good to hear about, I recognise that sometimes it takes time to fathom out what is going on, but this is where I think the patient ends up having to push when it should be the other way around.  Anxiety is bound to rise in those situations>

I think they worry about being sued - red flag symptoms always get referrals - also probably have a budget for blood tests.

I had quite a farscal situation a couple of years ago - a cervical polyp was seen on a smear test.  I was reluctant to have it removed at the time and asked if it was safe to leave it.  Yes says one doctor, most women don't even know they are there.  I returned almost a year later to ask for an examination to see if it had resolved and it hadn't and was told I would be immediately referred for a gynae opinion. I referenced previous advice and doctor said the guidelines had changed and all polyps should be looked at and removed, that only a teeny percentage were cancerous and that really she felt this was a case of overtreating but cervical polyps were now red flag situations.  A case of 'trends' and 'fashions' in medicine - perhaps we will see adrenal stress tests hit the headlines in the NHS in a few years time - along with a brand new initiative for well woman clinics

[BrightLight]

I've found that taking high doses of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B5 and vitamin B complex, magnesium and iron seems to have made an impact on my fatigue issues.

My GP told me she considers adrenal fatigue, ME, CFS and thyroid issues as a dumping ground for patients whose blood tests show up nothing, but who can't accept a diagnosis of anxiety.  . In response, I'd say that anxiety is a dumping ground for GP s who can't be bothered to look further than blood test results...

Good to hear the supplements helped you - I have recently, in the past 3 months begun with the full mix you mention with Vit E included, I sometimes feel the B's really have made a difference.  My sister is a naturopath in Australia and mentioned I might want to take more easily absorbed B vitamins as some are harder to digest.

[BrightLight]

I have had blood tests come back as normal only to receive a phone call 8 weeks later saying actually my white cell count was raised indicating infection and to pick up a prescription for an antibiotic, this was 13 years ago.   However after taking the antibiotic my symptoms resolved.  As it happens some of the symptoms I am having now are like they were back then, aware of my heart beating, chest discomfort, yeuky taste in mouth and headache at one side. 

Also back in April when I had all that stomach pain, my tests were again 'normal' but as some of you will maybe remember I was suffering from a severely inflammed gallbladder, which I have now had removed, can't understand why my white cell count and/or CRP levels weren't raised back then, one GP even suggested I had pulled a muscle!  5 months of horrendous pain and eventually calling an ambulance, WCC was at 18.5, normal range is around 10!

I reckon we all know our own bodies, and if anyone feels they are being fobbed off, go to another GP within the practice.

CG x

I am glad you are well now - what a long road you had to travel.  I am at the point of changing practise, although would rather not but I have tried most of the GP's in the last year - I had irritated red, warm skin come and go all of last year (which I now think was hormones).  Four GP's seen, first said dermatitis, second said hives (they didn't itch), third said angioedema which is like hives and fourth said it wasn't any of those and it was hormones or stress.   Now they will look back and realise what it was - it wasn't 'serious' so I guess it didn't need a dermatologist - but it did make me realise I expect them to know more than they do.

[honorsmum]

I have had blood tests come back as normal only to receive a phone call 8 weeks later saying actually my white cell count was raised indicating infection and to pick up a prescription for an antibiotic, this was 13 years ago.   However after taking the antibiotic my symptoms resolved.  As it happens some of the symptoms I am having now are like they were back then, aware of my heart beating, chest discomfort, yeuky taste in mouth and headache at one side. 

Also back in April when I had all that stomach pain, my tests were again 'normal' but as some of you will maybe remember I was suffering from a severely inflammed gallbladder, which I have now had removed, can't understand why my white cell count and/or CRP levels weren't raised back then, one GP even suggested I had pulled a muscle!  5 months of horrendous pain and eventually calling an ambulance, WCC was at 18.5, normal range is around 10!

I reckon we all know our own bodies, and if anyone feels they are being fobbed off, go to another GP within the practice.

CG x

The same happened to my dad. He kept being sick after eating, severe pain etc. GP kept telling him there was nothing to treat. After repeated visits, he was eventually refered for an ultrasound that showed a gallbladder too inflamed to remove so he was told he'd have to wait. Soon afterwards, he was rushed to hospital with severe acute pancreatitis and spent 6 months in intensive care before they switched his machines off.

[BrightLight]

Honorsmum sorry to hear this story and that you lost your dad.  Must have been difficult in the circumstances.

[Rowan]

Pertaining to adrenalin sufficiency (fatigue) it is more likely to show on saliva tests

https://healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk/posts/1003064/nhs-salivary-cortisol-tests-at-the-specialist-biochemistry-department-at-university-hospital-southampton

[honorsmum]

Pertaining to adrenalin sufficiency (fatigue) it is more likely to show on saliva tests

https://healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk/posts/1003064/nhs-salivary-cortisol-tests-at-the-specialist-biochemistry-department-at-university-hospital-southampton

I mentioned this to my GP, and she just shrugged her shoulders, rolled here eyes and  stated that they only ever did serum tests for adrenals.

[honorsmum]

Honorsmum sorry to hear this story and that you lost your dad.  Must have been difficult in the circumstances.

Thank you. It was, and still is, very difficult to come to terms with.

[Rowan]

It says to copy out the letter and show GP.

Reading the comments below the article is interesting.

[honorsmum]

My GP told me that adrenal fatigue/insufficiency was not a diagnosis, simply a set of symptoms.
She said that if we're to have a saliva test done privately, she would not be prepared to acknowledge the results because she is a "conventional doctor"  and if I wanted something different, I should look for a new doctor or find a consultant.

[Rowan]

Extract from letter

"The Specialist Biochemistry department at University Hospital Southampton carry out salivary cortisol testing as a NHS service. This service will only assess cortisol (not DHEA) but it is a good starting point. This is a NHS service and it is free for NHS patients. I Should be grateful if you would arrange for the Specialist Biochemistry department at University Hospital Southampton to carry out a salivary adrenal test. Please call 02380 798717 for further details"

[cheekygal]

Awww HM so sorry to hear about your dad   xx

[honorsmum]

Awww HM so sorry to hear about your dad   xx

Thank you, CG.xxx