Hi there,
I have always had this issue with mental health making the trans-tasmin trip to the dx of physical illness. I have been chronically physically ill for the last 5 years and often my colourful and rich mental health history has gotten in the way of thorough physical investigation. Unless you have a second head growing out of your ear, or you are glowing green from radiation poisoning the doctor is often able to put all physical discomfort down to "mental degredation".
I am not saying that mental illness cannot effect physical health, on the contrary. It can, with missile capability. But if we stick to the notion of gravity(good on you Newton, you are arguing my case!), what goes up, must come down.....what about the remote possibility that physical illness can effect mental health? As it is in my case, with a misdx of Bipolar disorder due to the devestating effects of perimenopause and thyroid complications.....finally! It only took 5 years to work that out with me screaming constantly into the black, vacumous hole at doctors made of stupid putty.
I don't have a problem with me being dx bipolar......I have always taken the labels with a grain of salt.....and I would not trade one with the other. I feel like an angry ferret on crystal meth most of the time anyway.
Example and you guys are going to laugh at this one, it is so funny it is terrible......
Went to see FIRST Endocrinologist by advice of my surgeon( who by the way is not on my hit list. He is wonderful!). This is what wonder britches had to say......
Endo: So, are you on any medication?
me: yes, lithium and occasionally diazepam.
Endo: You have a mental health history?(ears perk, blood stirring)
Me: yes, I was originally dx borderline with schizoeffective 15 years ago and now bipolar(here we go!!!
0)
Endo: Oooohhh....(eyes go blank, mouth in perfectly formed "O", leans back, arms cross across chest...yep...defensive, smug, got all the answers. I have seen this reaction so many times before, I can play it in slow motion in my mind. I immediately know what I am in for.) Have you shown this list of symptoms to your psychiatrist?
me: yes, he encouraged me to come and see you. He believes that there is a physical issue. We have explored the criteria for much psychosomatic and not fitting all of it. Inconsistencies.(no, you moron!! I am completely oblivious to the fact it might be a mental health issue
Sarcasm. I don't pay my shrinks to sit on their hands. You idiot!!)Keep smiling michah, don't show your fangs.....
Endo: Did you know that lithium effects the thyroid?(as she goes to her computer to tell me how it does. She is a consultant endo. she should know this off the top of her head)
me: (very calmly as my partner goes nuclear in the chair next to me) It is not necessary to consult your computer god, I will explain to you how lithium effects the thyroid(and so I do......hhhmmmm). I have done first year biology at uni and chemistry. I have also worked in a hospital. I do much research. I am quite learned(aaahhh here come the fangs......smile like a rictus without reaching my eyes. I am ready to launch attack. Sensing my "rage switch" my partner calmly puts his hand on mine. "Careful honey")
Endo: well I think you should get a job, you know, 4 hours a week. Just to get some ROUTINE IN YOUR LIFE!!"( What the?.....I am on a disability pension. I had to leave my job, defer my degree because of my psych hospital admission and the terrible physical symptoms. She knew this and she tells me to get a bloody job!!! I ALREADY HAD ONE!!)
me: I am going to leave now. I have never been so insulted in my life you stupid, nasty, insensitive woman. I am mentally ill, not a moron and I came here asking for your help with my endocrine system, not my seemingly misplaced responsibility to ROUTINE!! I want my freaking life back!!! ( I get up off the chair and she instinctively leans back as far as she can. I still have my rictus smile except my eyes have gone to slits and i have gone deathly pale. My partner knows whats coming and gets me out of that room quick smart.
That is a exerpt of all that is wrong with people. No wonder I am misanthropic. No wonder we are all terrified of our own shadow sometimes........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.
My God it makes me angry.......I have written a letter to the head consultant of that clinic......she isn't getting away with it.