Labs Follow-Up

[Deleted]

I had my second appointment with my new PCP today.
I have to go back on Vitamin D supplements. Labs showed me level at 15 ng/ml, normal range is 32-80.
We also discussed options for my B12 deficiency. My labs came back at 221 pg/ml, and apparently anything in the 200s is considered low, though the normal range is technically 239-931. Due to my stomach issues he thinks it is an issue with absorption rather than a diet issue, so he recommended injections. I've been feeling so terrible that I didn't want to mess around with trying oral meds first, so I got my first injection today. I go back once per month for injections, and we'll re-check my levels in three months.

He was considering prescribing a medication for IBS or symptom relief until I told him how much worse my symptoms have gotten lately. My nausea has been terrible, my lower GI has been incredibly painful, my bloating has become noticeable every day (by the end of the day I could pass for 2nd trimester pregnant), and I noticed blood yesterday. I had my GI appointment scheduled for mid-August so that I wouldn't have to miss work for it, but he asked that I move it up to as soon as possible. He said the symptoms are bad enough that he doesn't feel comfortable being in charge of controlling them without me seeing the GI first. He also asked if I have a family history of Crohn's, which I find amusing since my last PCP laughed out loud and mocked me when I mentioned that option to her. I also scheduled an appointment with a GYN in about a week and a half to talk about possible endometriosis, and testing for that.

He's also starting me on Zoloft, because my depression, anxiety, and OCD are out of control. Between work and school and being so sick, I feel like a crazy person. H and I are arguing more because I can't seem to control my emotions or the stress.

I feel like he actually listens to what I'm saying and he's giving me the opportunity to control my medical decisions. As an example, he let me decide whether I wanted to try the oral meds first or go straight for the injections. He let me ask as many questions as I wanted and didn't try to talk me into choosing one option over the other. He did the same thing with all of the options that he offered me, and it made me feel really good about how we're moving forward with looking for answers and treating symptoms.

Overall, I really like him and I'm very glad that I followed through with changing my PCP.

[OrangePixyStix]

I'm glad you feel you are getting more support and information from the new Doc, and hope that you start to feel better really soon. That's so great he is willing to discuss all the options and let you choose which one to take!

Did he recommend any dietary restrictions for controlling the pain you are feeling lately?

[Deleted]

Aug 2, 2013 13:42:56 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

@pixiechinchilla, Out of curiosity have you noticed a change in your GI symptoms (for the better) since trying the anti anxiety medicine?

I'm not gonna lie, I haven't started it yet.
I know that I need to, but life has been crazy and I just haven't been able to talk myself into starting them. I will definitely check in once I do, though, and let you know if it makes a difference either way.