I think I need a new doctor!

[chrisw87]

Somehow I think I need a new doctor, tell me what you think?

He always seems to be in a rush to push patients through, the average time I've experienced is 2 minutes in the exam room followed by "its a viral infection, heres your certificate for work"

I haven't had a routine health checkup in ... holy heck... 4 years so I decided to go in for one because of a few odd problems I've been having lately (appeared in the last 4 - 6 months).

1. Light headed to the point of almost blacking out when standing up from a low crouch position (unless I'm working out).

2. I've started bleeding alot during shaving which doesn't seem to stop within 8-15 minutes unless I use an anti-bleed stick. I've noticed the same with small cuts I get from day to day injuries.

3. Chronic fatigue (mostly overcome by changes I've made this last year)

4. Frequent bruises on my lower legs and sometimes upper legs and arms. I don't remember hitting them but if I did it must not have been hard. 5-15cm in diameter.

5. dull ache in my abdomen not related to IBS (LHS around the bottom of my rib-cage).

6. Weight loss, although I've changed my diet in the last 2 months, I wanted to check if my weight loss is appropriate. While still eating butter, full fat milk etc and large meals I've lost 20kg (44lbs) in the last 2 months. I haven't really tried to lose it and just attributed it to my diet change of cutting out sugary drinks and candy like snacks.

I went in for a checkup with said doctor... he checked my blood pressure, heart beat, lungs, ears, temperature and had a look at my eyes and throat. His response; 'you are probably sick, get some sleep and take some time off work'

I have never been a hypochondriac though with these oddities happening my common sense is telling me to get a second opinion and I think it is DEFINITELY time I got a new doctor for routine checkups.

 

[looseliam]

With the combination of your symptoms, I would suggest you go to a different physician sooner rather than later.

 

[chrisw87]

With the combination of your symptoms, I would suggest you go to a different physician sooner rather than later.

Indeed,

coming from a family of scientists / pharmacists etc I understand the symptoms aren't nice though since I am hoping to get a blood test done to check my cholesterol etc it is probably a good time to have a general screening for 2 specific things and anything else nasty.

 

[guyfromNY]

I can't offer any advice on your symptoms, but I will say this. Some doctors are absolute jerks who have no business practicing medicine. This is a fact and since you cannot change it, the only thing you can do is change doctors!!

 

[AlmondMilk]

I can't offer any advice on your symptoms, but I will say this. Some doctors are absolute jerks who have no business practicing medicine. This is a fact and since you cannot change it, the only thing you can do is change doctors!!

I have to agree. Sometimes a trade off for quick service is that the doctor doesn't spend enough time with you. Some doctors actually take the time to talk to you and make sure they have all of your questions answered, while others don't. Sometimes the ones that rush you out are correct with their diagnosis, but others aren't. If possible, you should see another doctor. With some insurances it can be a pain to switch doctors, but if possible, definitely go for a second opinion. It's better to be safe than sorry!

 

[airtw0004]

Well this is what I think (this is coming from a medical student) right off the bat. Karablut can probably do a better job, so you might wait for him to chime in.

1. Your light-headedness and fatigue may be due to anemia.

2. Your excessive bleeding/bruising could be due to a clotting factor or platelet problem

Both of these can be assessed with blood work

3. Do you have a history of ulcers/gastrointestinal bleeding that may be causing your stomach pain? Do you have blood in your stool?

4. Your weight loss seems excessive especially if you aren't trying to purposely lose weight. How old are you? As you know, weight loss can be a sign of cancer.

Anyways, all your symptoms point to you needing to get a good full physical complete with blood work.

Hope you feel better soon...!

 

[palemale]

How is it you didn't have the blood work done at an annual physical? That alone would get me to change doctors.

I recently changed doctors, but only because I changed health plans and my old doctor doesn't accept my new plan. I liked him and wouldn't have changed otherwise. However, both he and my new doctor spend a lot of time with me, do a full exam, including blood work and an ekg. My old doctor, when I first went to him, took a full family medical history. He asked, and the new doctor asked, about any changes in my health, but also with respect to the rest of my family. Because of the history of heart disease in my family, my doctors pay particular attention to any heart issues.

That being said, a lot of this is a function of class. When I was very young, poor and on my own, I was on medicaid. Visiting a doctor was a very different experience. Other people I know in NYC who are poor or working class, even if they have health insurance, have a very different experience at the doctor's office than does a well to do Manhattanite.

 

[chrisw87]

3. Do you have a history of ulcers/gastrointestinal bleeding that may be causing your stomach pain? Do you have blood in your stool? Thankfully no GI bleeding

4. Your weight loss seems excessive especially if you aren't trying to purposely lose weight. How old are you? As you know, weight loss can be a sign of cancer. I am 24, and yes I know but I've been through scarier prospects in the past with my previous work. Early detection is best if it were to happen, but if it did happen, that's life.

Anyways, all your symptoms point to you needing to get a good full physical complete with blood work.

Hope you feel better soon...! Yes I agree 100% and ty

How is it you didn't have the blood work done at an annual physical?

I've never had a blood test done except for on the job injuries with my past career as a police officer. Saying that though, I've not had yearly examinations since I've been an 'adult'. Stupid of me yes, though finding a good doctor that bulk bills (free) is a hard task.

 

[chrisw87]

Good news!

After a few blood-tests and checkups it turns out I have a blood virus that is apparently a result of a comprimised immune system probably from one of the last big cold/flu infections.

I completely forget what the doctor called it but apparently it can cause minor bleeding issues and easy bruising.

The doctor is a bit concerned about why its taking my body so long to fight it off, though he is happy that my body is at least responding, apparently my temp is up high but not to the point of a fever.

A few more blood tests to go and it should all be in the clear and happy He said there is nothing much you can do but wait for your body to fight the virus off as well, so its just a waiting game it seems.

Might get a chance to get my cholesterol and similar things checked on this next test too .

 

[KaraBulut]

I completely forget what the doctor called it but apparently it can cause minor bleeding issues and easy bruising.

Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus?

 

[chrisw87]

Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus?

I left my papers 260km away so I can't get the exact 3 words that it was, however it was neither Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus.

The main point for the test was for infectious _______ _______ however no matter how long I've searched on google I can't pick up anything related that might cause bruising.

And I am 95% sure it was not infectious mononucleosis.

 

[yhtang]

Good news!

After a few blood-tests and checkups it turns out I have a blood virus that is apparently a result of a comprimised immune system probably from one of the last big cold/flu infections.

I completely forget what the doctor called it but apparently it can cause minor bleeding issues and easy bruising.

Good to know the source of your problem has been found. But how did you manage to corner your doctor long enough to get a blood test done? Or did you change your primary health care physician?