Can my doctor's be wrong about my diagnosis?!


Question: Can my doctor's be wrong about my diagnosis?
I am a 24 year old female. In July of 2009, I realized I had started losing hair more often than usual for me, I thought it was just due to stress of losing my younger sister to leukemia. In September of 09, I had started school and was feeling extremely fatigued, and my knees and ankles were KILLING me. I ignored it and just thought it was because between my 2 kids and school, it was taking a toll. In November, the pain finally got to the point where I went to a rhumatologist. After doing a physical check and bood work, she told me I had fibromyalgia and Hashimoto's disease. I was put on hydroxycholorquine and a bunch of different anti inflammatories throughout 2010. Nothing seemed to work and the pain in my knees were getting worse and now my hips are killing me. I have been on a ton of different meds for the pain and also had a clean MRI of my knee. As of right now, I am taking Adderall XR for ADD, Soma and Flexeril for muscle relaxers, Methotrexate for the thyroid, and Folic Acid for the sickness the Methotrexate causes. Recently, My toes KILL like a extremely stabbing pain and I am getting random bruising on my hips, thighs, knees, calfs, and ankles. WHAT IS GOING ON?! WHY DOESNT ANYTHING HELP WITH THIS PAIN!?!? Could my doctor be wrong?

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I too recommend a second opinion.I also take hydroxycholorquine(plaquenil) I have lupus and fibromyalgia.I take folic acid as a result of the plaquenil as it can cause anemia.It's an immune suppressant(plaquenil),and that is why you and I must take folic acid.Honestly? I think the reason why your experiencing so much pain,and it's not under control...is due to your fibromyalgia.This condition is due to nerve pain,and a medication called Lyrica works great for fibromyalgia.You may want to ask your rheumatologist about this medication,and ask for a script.You should never have to suffer this way.Never.I know the pain your dealing with,and from what you've described about this pain..it sounds like fibromyalgia to me.but,as for the Hashimoto's disease? I'm not sure about this specific disease.Your mri was clean...which is great.This is another indicator you possibly have fibromyalgia.But,either way..always best to get a second opinion even when your not 100% sure.I wish you all the best and I hope everything works out for you.Remember..you don't have to suffer as much as you have been.Try asking about the lyrica for your fibromyalgia pain...it really does work.Again....all the best.



Doctors are only human and can be wrong.
If nothing else you need to get these drugs fixed out and onto a regime that does help so yes as the person who posted before me said....
Get a second opinion.



get a second opinion !



tscherma86,
The cause is still unknown of FMS or fibromyalgia syndrome, which is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. (This may be where the Hashimoto's Disease may be considered). These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that's already present in the form of genetic predisposition. Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body. The pain comes from the connective tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. FMS does not involve the joints, as does rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, that you mention, experienced by fibromyalgia syndrome patients is a chronic problem, which tends to have a waxing and waning intensity. There is currently no generally accepted cure for this condition According to recent research; most patients can expect to have this problem lifelong. However, worthwhile improvement may be obtained with appropriate treatment. Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep, as well as reducing pain. Because deep level (stage 4) sleep is so crucial for many body functions, such as tissue repair, antibody production, and perhaps even the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals, the sleep disorders that frequently occur in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients are thought to be a major contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medicines that boost the body's level of serotonin and noradrenalin--neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain and immune system function--are commonly prescribed. Examples of drugs in this category would include Lentizol or Tryptizol (amitriptyline), Sinequan (doxepin), Seroxat (paroxetine) and Dutonin (nefazodone). A low dose of one of these medications may be of help, they can improve the quality of sleep and may reduce pain perception. Routine use of most sleeping pills should be avoided, as they are habit forming. Newer sleeping medications such as Stilnoct (Ambien) might prove useful in some cases. Hashimoto's Disease is typically diagnosed by clinical examination that demonstrates one or more of the following findings: Enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goitre. In some cases, the onset of Hashimoto's and elevation of antibodies will be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, some of which are included amongst those of fibromyalgia and include - anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weight changes, depression, hair loss, muscle/joint aches and pains, and fertility problems, among others. So, back to your question, “Could my doctor be wrong?” – Of course your doctor could be wrong, but it is not likely. Many tests and examinations would need to be done/repeated to complete a definitive diagnosis. If you really wish to obtain a second opinion – that is your right and your choice. You quotes of the various drugs that you state that you are taking is quite surprising. I was unaware, for one, that methotrexate was one of the drugs of choice for what you quote as “for the thyroid” and also that folic acid is taken “for the sickness the Methotrexate causes.” There are possible side effects but it does not specifically cause sickness. Methotrexate is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug used in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases and as an abortifacient in the induction of medical abortions. It acts by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid. This is the reason that folic acid is given when methotrexate is prescribed. If you are taking all of the drugs that you have mentioned, you would be advised to check with your doctor /pharmacist because selected sympathomimetics/tricyclic compounds have a SEVERITY LEVEL of 2 = Severe Interaction: and action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. I wish you well.


ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.

It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.


The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Hope this helps
matador 89



most docs are clueless about FMS

this doc just used FMS as the label for pain from the Hashimotos--that is incompetant..

you can suspect, FMS at that point, but you need to regulate the known condition (hashi) before saying you actually have it

a lot of thyroid meds don't metabolize right--an therefore don't work right--the only one that does is Synthroid--if that is one f your options, try that


the bruising is a BIG concern..that wouldn't happen with FMS..or hashi as far as I know..try a hematologist


my doctors have been wrong more often than right...the only reason I am not bedridden anymore is because found a $4/month treatment on my own...a very common med......that many docs never heard of

they have missed
OA in my foot
optic nerve damaage
knee damage
post concussice syndrome
mono..often after MANY visits to the same doc and including 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions

FMS INVOLVES THE SOFT TISSUES IN THE JOINTS



Oh my. Well, fibromyalgia is another symptom of thyroid problems:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lon…

Were you aware that methotrexate can lower the immune system?
That's not a good thing if you realize that thyroid disorders can also
lower the immune system. Perhaps a better option for thyroid treatment
would be actual thyroid treatment. Perhaps read this article on Hashimotos:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/has…
And this article, too: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/thi…

You're probably going to need this:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/how…

I sincerely hope this helps you.




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