Ongoing Symptoms Without Diagnosis

fivespice on 24/01/2017 - 14:53

Hi all,

Preface: 27 year old male, prior to symptoms I was generally fit and healthy but was quite overweight and had poor diet around ages 19 to 22.

I won't get into the exact symptoms that I am/was experiencing unless somebody specifically wants to know.

In June 2015, I started to experience bizarre and vague symptoms that I had not previously experienced before. These symptoms affected multiple systems in my body (neurological, auditory, physical, visual etc.) and whilst these issues impacted me severely, I wouldn't describe my issues as debilitating.

I saw countless GP's, 2x ENT's, a neurologist, many blood-tests and had an MRI of the brain. The only thing that ever came back was a positive test for Epstein-Barr Virus (also known as Mono or Glandular Fever). Never got an official diagnosis and most doctors put my issues in the too-hard basket.

After approx 3-4 months, most of my symptoms subsided but some things were still lingering. I stopped pursuing the issue and visiting doctors.

December 2016: Started to experience strange gastrointestinal symptoms followed by many symptoms that I experienced previously in June of 2015.

So my questions are:
-Has anybody experienced something like this before and did you/they manage to get treatment?
-Where is the best place to go to see a doctor who will consider this as a whole-body issue rather than seeing an ENT/Gastroenterologist etc.
-I'm even considering some alternative medicine such as Acupuncture in the absence of adequate treatment through the normal medical channels. Is this a bad idea?
-Any other advice is appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

Health & Beauty

closed Comments

        • MessyG on 26/01/2017 - 08:16

          @sp00ker: My point is that the billing practice of the GP isn't relevant here and when you go seeking out people based on that alone, you may come across someone less qualified and operating on the fringes of medicine.

        • May4th on 26/01/2017 - 08:57
          +1

          @ozbargain1000:
          it doesn't need to be done in just one consultation, could be split over several. and a gap charging GP may well only spend 10-15minutes and churn through patients for the same reason. I fail to see how it is relevant. One thing you can do is to avoid big corporates with a business model that encourages fast turnover and volume consults where the GPs are constantly under pressure to see x patients per hr. Some corporates are better than others.

        • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2017 - 22:14

          @ozbargain1000:

          Do you think a medicare bulk billing GP will be able to sustain their practice if they spend that long on a single patient?

          If every patient was that complicated, probably not … but I think doctors/medical practices like complex chronic cases. The initial consult might be a loss leader, but each referral, each test request, each result delivery would be a new occasion of service for the doctor/practice.

          Heck, they might even get some intellectual stimulation, instead of the usual cold/flu cases.

  • JimmyF on 25/01/2017 - 19:44

    Insert meme here

  • bargainy on 25/01/2017 - 20:34
    +2

    My son had post viral syndrome after glandular fever. Somewhat different symptoms but difficult to come up with solid diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • Noctis on 25/01/2017 - 20:43
    +1

    Somatization disorder

    A. A history of many physical complaints beginning before age 30 years that occur over a period of several years and result in treatment being sought or significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

    B. Each of the following criteria must have been met, with individual symptoms occurring at any time during the course of the disturbance:

    (1) four pain symptoms: a history of pain related to at least four different sites or functions (e.g., head, abdomen, back, joints, extremities, chest, rectum, during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, or during urination)
    (2) two gastrointestinal symptoms: a history of at least two gastrointestinal symptoms other than pain (e.g., nausea, bloating, vomiting other than during pregnancy, diarrhea, or intolerance of several different foods)
    (3) one sexual symptom: a history of at least one sexual or reproductive symptom other than pain (e.g., sexual indifference, erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, irregular menses, excessive menstrual bleeding, vomiting throughout pregnancy)
    (4) one pseudoneurological symptom: a history of at least one symptom or deficit suggesting a neurological condition not limited to pain (conversion symptoms such as impaired coordination or balance, paralysis or localized weakness, difficulty swallowing or lump in throat, aphonia, urinary retention, hallucinations, loss of touch or pain sensation, double vision, blindness, deafness, seizures; dissociative symptoms such as amnesia; or loss of consciousness other than fainting)

    • MessyG on 25/01/2017 - 21:05
      +2

      There are 50 diagnoses I could copy and paste here - wouldn't make them correct. Diagnosis is a process, not a lucky dip filled with the results of different Google searches.

      • Noctis on 25/01/2017 - 22:53
        +1

        I'm not trying to make a diagnosis - it is impossible given the limited amount of information provided. Given his plethora of symptoms across multiple systems, and having gone through numerous medical tests without an answer, one of the next logical steps would be to go down the psychiatric route.

        • MessyG on 26/01/2017 - 08:11

          But you don't know what tests he's had.

  • nickster9999 on 25/01/2017 - 20:45
    +4

    Many who espouse the benefits of natural/alternative treatment go on about how "big pharma" (ie the big pharmaceutical companies) are just out to make money and don't want their treatments to work properly or at all, or that they're hiding the cure for cancer etc etc.

    However, the natural/alternative treatment industry is a multi multi billion dollar industry.

    Do you not think that, if some of these natural/alternative treatments have any actual proven efficacy, that "big pharma" would be jumping around and selling them too to make money? No, because they know they exhibit no efficacy other than placebo or anecdotal benefits, and that clinical trials prove they are generally all useless.

    One thing though that natural/alternative treatment is VERY good at is extracting money from your wallet.

  • Tikk48 on 25/01/2017 - 21:37
    -2

    Hi
    Very sad and disturbed to hear your storey.
    It is true lot of people have had different symptom complex with EBV infection and different names are given to them depending upon severity and duration.
    However you also get CMV infection as well and you get confusing symptoms.
    First get a doctor who makes a bond with you rather than going to see different doctors in medical setting so complete diagnostics are done.
    Blood tests for EBV Thyroid Coeliac Kidney function and loss of protein in urine blood sugar vitamin levels and ANA ENA DNA to be done.
    If you are not taking any blood thinners with permission of your GP take one spoon of ground turmeric and some black pepper mixed in younghart and honey daily for one month .

    You should notice difference with in one week if it is what I had in exact similar situation.
    Unless you are diabetic or on warfarin blood thinners it has no known side effects.
    Good luck and let me know please.
    Cheers.

    • fivespice on 25/01/2017 - 23:43

      Hi, thanks for your suggestion. May I ask what your situation was>

      I have a curcumin supplement. Should I just go and buy turmeric powder from a store? Happy to try it, but at the moment I am avoiding dairy until late February as a trial.

      • Tikk48 on 26/01/2017 - 06:49

        I had viral infection with similar symptoms of low energy did not want to do any thing felt exhausted most of the time lasted for several months and fluctuated .
        Several tests EBV and CMV positive.
        All tests including several scans blood tests endoscopy upper and lower normal.

        Will get loose motions and constipated.
        Weighed 105 kilo.
        No diagnosis.

        Lost weight some improvement but still good days and bad days.

        Friend have this recipe two days later every thing improved.
        Here is how and what I did.

        1. Early am one glass of water with lemon juice and mint

        2. Avocado mixed with ground pepper and one spoon of turmeric powder on toast with breakfast.

        3. Turmeric and honey in younghart at night.

        Results were almost the next day.
        I started going for a walk then gym
        Now my memory energy and sleep are 98 percent normal.
        If you are off dairy for little while that is fine. Just mix it in water at night time. If it have you indigestion have it with meal instead.

        Since several of my family members have tried with viral kind of non specific ailments works all of them.

        Please keep your GP involved in case your situation was different.
        Let me know how you go.
        Even if you partially improve let me know I have heard other which can go with it.

        Good luck
        Cheers

  • bargainy on 25/01/2017 - 22:03
    +2

    Nothing wrong with acupuncture in addition to normal medical treatment.

    • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 07:22
      +1

      Nothing wrong with preying on the gullible and taking their money?

      • MessyG on 26/01/2017 - 15:50
        +1

        I don't know, I think out of all the snake oil moneymaking 'cures' out there, acupuncture is ok. But as Gargelbutt said, in addition.

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 21:25

          No it's not. Every cent wasted on that could enrich the patient's life in a real tangible way. I have plenty of links for you showing that A) acupuncture has in fact been well studied and B) out of all that study there is no evidence that stands up to scrutiny that it is any better than placebo.

  • Veebee88 on 25/01/2017 - 22:11

    Please look up Candida, it's a parasite that I believe took a toll out of my life because of a poor diet. You can PM me if you want more info.

    https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/draxe.com/candida-symptoms/a…

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 22:18
    +1

    Did you visit a prostitute while you were in those exotic countries last year? Usually ebv transmit through kissing.
    I did hear from friend having similar symptoms after episode of glandular fever.

    • fivespice on 25/01/2017 - 23:42

      No I did not. Have had the same girlfriend and only one partner since around mid 2013.

      • insular on 29/01/2017 - 21:55

        EBV can also be transmitted through cooking utensils etc.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 22:21
    +1

    Preface: 27 year old male, prior to symptoms I was generally fit and healthy but was quite overweight and had poor diet around ages 19 to 22.

    Anyone else having trouble reading that?

    The way I read it … you had a poor diet between 19-22, put on weight and now you have a mysterious disease? When exactly were you 'fit and healthy'?

    • fivespice on 25/01/2017 - 23:42

      Sorry, from the age of 19 through to 22, I was overweight. At around age 21/22 I was at a normal weight again and have been ever since. Symptoms started at age 25.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2017 - 21:37

        Sorry, from the age of 19 through to 22, I was overweight. At around age 21/22 I was at a normal weight again and have been ever since

        Huh? Were you overweight at 21 or not … I guess you really mean you had normal weight from 23 on.

        • insular on 29/01/2017 - 21:58
          +1

          i think this weight background info is all irrelevant. you're talking 5+ years of feeling fine. weight loss does not cause all of these symptoms.

          if you didn't have EBV at 19-22 or prior then it's likely you didn't get it then. i don't think you contract EBV and then have symptoms 5+ years later. incubation period is a few weeks to a month.

  • Skramit on 25/01/2017 - 23:05

    Depression/anxiety?

    Have you considered your symptoms may be physical but caused by your own subconscious? It's quite common. Very common in middle aged men.

    Many people think depression is crying in bed. Or anxiety is is being nervous about things but both are far far more powerful and have a wide breadth of symptoms. Have you done the quick test on beyond blue?

  • exc3113nce on 25/01/2017 - 23:43
    +1

    Are you keeping your body hydrated?

    • fivespice on 25/01/2017 - 23:44

      Yes I am drinking plenty of water.

  • beatwixkid on 25/01/2017 - 23:52
    +13

    Hi - mediocre bulk-billing doctor here.

    I'm assuming you've pretty much been worked up medically from top to bottom so I'm not going to give any specific medical advice or possible diagnoses. My general thoughts relating to your questions are:
    * To considering a referral to a Rheumatologist/Infectious Diseases specialist - they tend to deal with the weird and wonderful things
    * Please do consider non-Western medicine, like acupuncture. While I have yet to see hard scientific evidence of efficacy of other natural therapies, some patients do feel a benefit from seeing an alternative medicine practitioner.
    * Put together your own folder which includes timeline of your symptoms, along with referrals and test results. It will make things clearer for yourself and any other doctor you see.
    * If you feel your GP is getting jaded/becoming too passive in the process, you may need to consider finding another one, Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can change the course of management. Usually word-of-mouth is a good way to find a GP who will suit you.
    * Over-investigating can become more problematic than the disease.

    Good luck.
    From, a GP with Lupus

    • ozbargain1000 on 26/01/2017 - 00:20

      This is the best advice you will receive.

    • YTW on 26/01/2017 - 02:19
      +4

      Over-investigating can become more problematic than the disease.

      Yes. This is an excellent point. Not to say you shouldn't be searching for answers - but not to let it rule your life, because sometimes those answers aren't going to be there.

    • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 07:26
      +1

      Very disappointed to see a GP send a desperate patient in the direction of "alternative medicine". The benefit you're seeing is called placebo effect. They feel better but underlying physical conditions do not improve. Evidence based medicine FFS.

      The rest of your advice is actually good.

      • darkchoc on 26/01/2017 - 09:37
        +1

        Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for over 3000 years. You will find western Dr's recommending it as complimentary therapy. There have been some suggestions clinical trials that I have read about.

        In particular, as part of my therapy, acupuncture was supported by the medical profession as it was shown to improve the success of recovery.

        From my understanding, The significant difference between modern and certain older/eastern medicine (such as TCM) is that the latter quite often uses natural remedies that cannot be patented and therefore there is little merit in big pharma companies paying for expensive clinical trials.

        Modern medicines also have learned from the older traditional medicines… E.g. currcumin extracted from turmeric used certain cancer treatments.

        There is a much higher chance of getting a quack with alternative medicine. So a big caveat is to go with a recommendation and for a type of alternative medicine with historic success

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 21:16
          +1

          If it's alternative the reason is studies have shown it not to be effective. If it has been learnt from and incorporated into mainstream medicine that is because there is evidence in the form of adequate peer reviewed research.

          There have been a lot of studies on acupuncture and still no proof it works any better than placebo. Those are the facts. Deal with it.

          Every cent spent on something unproven could be better spent getting down to the bottom of what the actual problem is via a mainstream approach.

        • darkchoc on 26/01/2017 - 21:31

          @syousef: actually TCM is extremely low cost, was offered by my dr to support my mainstream treatment as evidence based trials have shown it to help treatment.

          Generally, a number of the alternative medicine seem to focus on a healthy lifestyle and body which can help be preventative. We all know if the body and mind are healthy, we are less likely to get sick. Using acupuncture, guidance on diet and herbs to help the body get back into balance and avoid certain illnesses.

          I think only when you get sick and understand the limitations of modern medicine and treatments, that's when you begin to understand the merits of using alternative medicine as complementary to improve the quality of life.

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 21:38
          +1

          @Newplace:

          Point me to those evidence based trials please. Show me a protocol that was repeated by another team and stood up to peer review.

          Acupuncture is hokkum. Wishing it wasn't doesn't help. Placebo can make you feel better but that doesn't mean it's okay to charge for it. Low cost may mean a patient can't afford real evidence based treatment.

          I have been quite sick thank you very much and I do deal with chronic conditions every day. "Complimentary medicine" is a weasil phrase. It is unproven, unregulated pseudo-medicine.

        • darkchoc on 26/01/2017 - 21:47

          @syousef: have you tried mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises?

          Give them a whirl… Free guides on YouTube. Can't speak about trials as I was told be Drs and they must definitely help.

          I put my anecdotal evidence and experience: helps me breathe deeper rather than shallower, resting heart rate reduces, have a clearer mind. I put the feel good factor to having reduced stress and higher oxygen intake. Feeling good generally helps get mind off illness. Therefore, might actually help get better.

          Might be a placebo effect as you describe it. But it works for me and there must be something in it for the drs to recommend it.

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 21:59
          +1

          @Newplace:

          Anecdotes are not evidence.

          There ARE actually studied benefits to breathing, relaxing and meditation. It lowers your heart rate and reduces stress on your cardiovascular system. And they are free.

        • darkchoc on 26/01/2017 - 22:17

          @syousef:I have my fingers crossed that I hope you find a way to deal with your chronic condition.

          From your comments, it seems like you have had terrible experience with alternative medicine and you are sceptical. But I'm glad you understand that certain alternative treatments such as breathing, mediation and relaxation will help and I hope you get to benefit from them.

          it does help to keep an open mind.

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 23:05

          @Newplace:

          An open mind is good. But not so open your brains fall out.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 07:07
          +3

          @syousef: show me the peer reviewed evidence where people's brains have fallen out when keeping an open mind.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 08:43

          @Newplace:

          It's a turn of phrase, not a recommendation for treatment. I assume you're being facetious but just in case you're not, it means that you shouldn't be ignoring reality and disregarding the best evidence you have in order to keep an open mind.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 08:56

          @syousef:

          Banter

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 08:57

          @Newplace:

          Ok fair enough. I do get fired up about this because I know people who've spent money on this crap much to the detriment of their own lives.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 09:29

          @syousef:
          All good bro.

          Being serious though, your experience and research is right for you. I can't disagree with that at all.

          Whatever works is the best medicine. Other people may have different experiences and that's what I think the other comments are trying to say.

          In my experience, I found alternative treatment to be amazing and changed my health for the better (especially breathing, meditation, yoga). I found acupuncture cheaper and more effective than massages. I also found drastic changes in short period of time using Chinese herbs and avoiding certain foods as recommended by the TCM practitioner.

          I also saw a naturopath, and other TCM practitioners that were a waste of money, nonsense and ingenuine people.

          The real truth is if you find someone that makes you feel better, that's all that matters.

          I agree with you that if one is completely naïve, a fool and their money are soon parted.

          But, if one is forever sceptical, one easily becomes cynical. Being too sceptical/cynical, when one tries to offer genuine help, people might listen to the passionate arguments but dismiss them as they are too skewed.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 10:40

          @Newplace:

          The key is evidence based. Your feeling better is placebo. You just don't understand what that means or how it works.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 10:44

          @syousef: the key is feeling better. doesn't matter if it is evidence based or the placebo effect.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 14:44

          @Newplace:

          You can feel better and still be killed by a disease.

          If you refuse to engage with and understand the world as it is, you pay the penalty.

          Nature doesn't care one bit how you feel.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 16:56

          @syousef:

          you can be a miserable person and still be killed by a disease.

          a life where you feel better vs a life where you feel miserable. that's what is key.

          if you refuse to engage with people and understand them the way they are, you pay the penalty.

          people care about you and positve interactions with people will help how they feel about you and you about them.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 17:17

          @Newplace:

          All your arguments are straw men.

          Did I say you had to be a miserable person? I said that a disease will kill you anyway. It doesn't care if you're miserable or happy. Placebo effect doesn't fix everything. There are people out there taking snake oil to cure cancer and neglecting real treatments. Many doctors have commented that Steve Jobs had a very treatable form of cancer but choose alternative woo instead.

          You can be positive and compassionate and provide evidence based medicine instead of hokum. Understanding people is part of understanding the world as it is which I have argued you should do. You don't need to charge and profit providing a theatrical placebo. Fleecing your client providing a placebo is disgraceful. A placebo doesn't have to cost a thing. People providing alternative medicine generally are in it for the money. They aren't in it to make anyone feel good.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 17:55

          @syousef:

          i have no idea why you make the statement that placebo effect doesn't fix everything. nobody is disputing that at all. i think you're arguing against alternative medicine in a scenario where it has to be alternative vs EBM, which makes no sense.

          all my points are about my experience and of course they are about strawmen. just the same as your strawmen arguments about steve jobs and alternative medicine providers generally being in it for the money and not to make people feel good.

          everybody has a choice on how to live. my view is that it should be filled with people that make me feel good.

          (CURATIVE) when i get sick, i see a qualified dr and follow their recommendations, which included trying alternative medicine.

          (PREVENTATIVE) i also see my TCM practitioner (which is lower cost than seeing my GP) every now and again, i practice yoga and meditation because it increases my standard of living and makes me feel better. It is also cheap, i meet genuine people and by feeling better i think i am genuinely healthier.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 18:00

          @Newplace:

          I literally could use your responses as examples in a course on logical errors so I'm not surprised you used Tu quoque.

          This thread is about a need for a cure, not preventative.

          You aren't preventing anything when you see your "TCM practitioner" other than your ability to deploy the money more usefully.

          It is your choice. I don't think it's useful to want to take away that choice. I just lament that so many people lack the critical thinking skills that they would ever make the choice and that their numbers colour what's available for all people.

          I'm done with this conversation. It's no longer useful.

        • darkchoc on 27/01/2017 - 18:11
          +1

          @syousef: regardless, it's been a useful conversation for me. I rarely meet people that believe that they are always right.

          Thank you.

        • MessyG on 27/01/2017 - 18:22

          @syousef: Point me to yours.

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 19:42

          @MissG:

          See the links on my first reply to beatwixkid. There are links from the articles.

      • beatwixkid on 26/01/2017 - 12:56
        +1

        Medicine is an art. If you are not open to including a patient in their own management, they only get driven away from actual EBM.

        It's my job is to tell them the evidence, weigh up the pros and cons of any alternative treatment. If there is no physical harm or if the cost of treatment is reasonable, I don't dissuade alternative medicine as an adjunct to EBM. BTW placebo effect is not necessarily a bad thing.

      • MessyG on 26/01/2017 - 15:58
        +3

        A lack of evidence does not equal a lack of effect - often it just hasn't been studied yet. There's quite a few longstanding alternative therapies that are being studied as placebo-controlled trials now that are beginning to show evidence that they work for certain conditions. Acupuncture is currently one of those treatments that are now being increasingly investigated. And out of all the alternative therapies out there from coffee enemas to 'vitamin infusions' to essiac tea - Chinese medicine is the most long-standing and probably the least costly of them all. Even if it does turn out to be placebo in the long run, placebo's themselves are often effective. I have no problem with alternative medicine, as long as my patient finds it beneficial and it doesn't cost them an arm and a leg, and it doesn't make false promises (i.e. curing cancer with coffee enemas). That's part of being holistic.

        • syousef on 26/01/2017 - 21:23

          See all of the above links in my reply to beatwixkid. Acupuncture has been well studied and there is a mountain of evidence that it is nothing more than placebo. You can state otherwise, but you are either fooling yourself or you are being dishonest.

        • rambao9 on 27/01/2017 - 00:49

          @syousef:

          Haha, thanks for the laugh syousef, you are the greatest acupuncture nazi ever.

          Very curious, why the heavy hate? (Please don't brush me off with "studies" have shown it placebo).

        • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 08:46
          +1

          @bao28:

          "Why the heavy hate?" There are only 2 possibilities here. People practicing this are:
          - so misguided that they believe this stuff or;
          - well aware it's BS and happy to take advantage of gullible people.

          Either way people (and health funds) who could be spending the time, money and effort on real tangible benefits are throwing it away. It takes advantage of ignorance, stupidity and desperation. What's not to hate?

        • May4th on 29/01/2017 - 01:19

          @syousef:
          http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290115…

          this says further data is required and there are two RCTs showing efficacy for lower back pain. a healthy sceptism is healthy but care shoupd be taken not to be close minded. remember every treatment is not evidence based until there is enough evidence. so then how do you think we gather evidence? food for thought

        • syousef on 30/01/2017 - 10:38

          @xbai:

          Really? Article in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" is what you're citing? This is NOT a major medical publication, is not credible and is a textbook case of conflict of interest despite the dodgy declaration. I would be floored if a journal set up to discuss acupuncture included studies that proved it to be a sham.

          What's more it's a small study - 424 outpatient. Actually small is an understatement. The most you can do with one of these is note that it is worthy of further investigation. Not repeated eithe.

          You'll have to do much better than that. Do you even understand the standards required for a study to carry weight?

        • May4th on 30/01/2017 - 13:42

          @syousef:
          i'm merely saying there is more research that's needed, i have not appraised the study itself as it's not an area of interest i'm not saying it's a proven treatment by any means. i'm not sure your attitude is helpful in medicine. yes we need to practice based medicine, but earth was flat before it was proven to be round. an open mind and scientific method aren't mutually exclusive.

          by the way, if you really want to talk EBM, 400 is an acceptable sample size and an RCT is level two evidence. whether it's repeated is not relevant, what you are looking for is level one evidence which is a systematic review/meta-analysis.

        • syousef on 30/01/2017 - 14:21

          @xbai:

          And I'm telling you a lot of much more legitimate research, some of which I have linked to, has been done. And it has been shown time and again that acupuncture is no better than placebo.

          I disagree with you about my being unhelpful. Earth was flat before it was round = People were wrong before they were right. I think it's very helpful to move from wrong to right.

          An open mind means testing things, not refusing to accept the results, or continuing to present shoddy and biased disproven claims as still possibly true.

          If yuo think a study of 400 people is conclusive without it being repeatable I can tell you that you have NO CLUE about how scientific research is done. Part of the review process is to have other teams verify your result independently.

          Again I'll repeat - there is already plenty of review and meta analysis, which has shown repeatedly that acupuncture is no better than placebo.

          Your post is proof that our science education is very very bad.

        • May4th on 30/01/2017 - 14:23

          @syousef: if you stop putting words in my mouth maybe you will see what i'm trying to get at. but that wouldn't do enough to stroke people's egos

        • syousef on 30/01/2017 - 14:27

          @xbai:

          I put no words in your mouth.

          You said: i have not appraised the study itself
          Why did you present it as proof then?

          You said: 400 is an acceptable sample size
          Incorrect.

          You said: whether it's repeated is not relevant
          Incorrect. That's not how scientific research works.

          You said: An open mind means testing things, not refusing to accept the results
          But I've pointed you at plenty of results and I had actually read them.

          It has nothing to do with ego. It has to do with discovering the truth instead of thinking wishfully.

        • May4th on 30/01/2017 - 14:32

          @syousef:
          i never said it was proof that acupuncture works - all i've said up till now is that there is ongoing research into evidence for acupuncture and whilst we do not accept it as evidence based treatment, it would be wise not to dismiss new/alternative treatments until enough evidence is gathered.

          there is a lot more to critical appraisal of evidence which i will not bother to go into here but i'm glad you feel so passionately about it.

          an open mind refers to accepting uncertainty and being comfortable with what we don't know, you demonstrate precisely the contrary.

        • syousef on 30/01/2017 - 14:36

          @xbai:

          Not so open your brains fall out.

          I don't tend to consider new and wonderful theories about the Earth being flat….except to have fun debunking the bad physics.

        • May4th on 30/01/2017 - 14:42

          @syousef:
          I'm all for evidence based practice and science (if you look at my other comments on this thread), but I also think there is so much we don't know that I try to see where others are coming from! The flat earth comment was tongue in cheek analogy :)

        • syousef on 30/01/2017 - 15:15

          @xbai:

          I realise that your flat earth reference wasn't serious. But it made for an excellent example of taking "open mind" too far by ignoring the evidence presented.

    • fivespice on 27/01/2017 - 13:40
      +1

      Thanks so much for this, really appreciate your input. Over-investigating for sure has been an issue as I'm very keen to get to the bottom of this. I am still spending time with friends and family as going into isolation isn't going to help me mentally or physically.

  • Clarafina on 25/01/2017 - 23:55
    +1

    Hopefully your doctors have considered fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome as a potential cause of your ailments, esp given your EBV history. All the best.

  • jimmy2000 on 26/01/2017 - 00:17
    -1

    Hi

    firstly symptons help to identify conditions, thus without the specific info assumptions are being made based broadly upon what you stated, eg GI distress.
    GI distress falls under the umbrella of IBS, basically when you have a gastro-intestinal (GI) issues that cant be diagnosed.
    I would suggest contacting http://www.cdd.com.au/, they are in five dock Sydney, they are mainly Gastroenterologist.

    I could suggest that the GI distress has weakened your body eg immune/mental/sleep cycles and now the other previous health issues have arisen again.

    There could be a host of things for examples as other peoples have suggested, parasites, candida (fungal/yeast infection) which are throwing your body out of balance.

    My suggestion…
    1/ stop working and rest for 6-12 months ….. yes it is a financial hit but think longterm.
    2/ walk as much as possible and get quality fresh air and sun.
    3/ def see a gastroenterologist, GP will be limited in what they can do for you, I think specialist could be more beneficial but research who is the best in your city.
    4/ really crack down on your diet, no gluten, minimal sugar, prob no dairy, minimal spices, source organic food, especially eggs and meat.
    There is a lot of good resources here for example, Heal your Gut by Lee Holmes
    If you are really looking for more Paul Cheks's how to eat move and be healthy is a good start.

    These are just a few ideas, getting better takes a while, as someone else wrote, get an excel sheet and track any triggers or things that work well.

    Re mental health….I think you are best to know if you are depressed or have anxiety etc

    I hope some of this helps

    Best of Luck

  • jimmy2000 on 26/01/2017 - 00:24
    +1

    2012 - Bunch of countries in Europe
    2013 - Singapore
    2014 - Hong Kong, Indonesia
    2015 - Hong Kong, Japan
    2016 - Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan

    I would be looking at a parasite/ bacteria imbalance in the gut

  • ozbargain1000 on 26/01/2017 - 00:28
    +3

    You are essentially asking the internet to google and play doctor to your non specific symptoms.

    Go and see a GP who has time to deal with your vague, non-life threatening illness (a.k.a first world disease).

    Therefore expect to pay for the GP's time. A good GP will save you hundreds in the long run.

    Or if no GP or indeed, specialist, is able to find a cause, maybe its time to see a psychiatrist re:somatiform disorders.

  • AlienC on 26/01/2017 - 01:01

    Time to see a guru, no seriously eating healthy watching my weight while doing slow deep breathing exercises and learning meditation has helped me enormously in my stress and health related issues and travels.. Just eating right and maybe having tea every once in awhile does great wonders for me you might be different so i cannot help you there just my two cents ymmv

    I used to be very intense physically and in workouts and day to day activities but over time i have noticed a slow down.. I have fatty liver now but thats mostly just my addiction to eating unhealthy foods haha lol (i am not perfect but i also know my body's own limits maybe get to know yours?) Otherwise see a doctor and get all that shit checked out.. Ask for a thorough overhaul health check regime.

    Or go get a colonoscopy and ask to also check for tapeworms who knows you could have it OP.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2017 - 01:02
    +1

    http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Mosquito-borne-dise…

    With regards to tests I would suggest testing for Ross-River Fever and any of the other Mosquito Borne Disease in the above link that you may have been exposed to overseas and i would also suggest you ask for a rehumatological screen ie ESR, ANA, ANCA, anti ENA.
    Your GP sound like they are happy to organise tests for you which is great, but a General Physician (ie FRACP) may be useful to consult as well.

  • imcold on 26/01/2017 - 01:19

    My experience of things is although most symptoms are unrelated and have different causes; Certain illness can weaken you to the point that increases the likelihood unrelated past/new problems crop up. Some problems occur due to nutritional, phycological, physical or enzyme imbalance caused by the first illness.

    The best solution is quite simple. It is to take on a preventative approach. That's to maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fluids, and more importantly a diet that works for you, and try to stick to it even if it's an inconvenience. Also try to keep fit.

    That way you keep a nice threshold between your current state and the point where problems start occurring.

    As for reoccuence of illnesses, be always on a lookout for presympytoms. That is minor nuisance you may have suffered before the onset of a more delibertating illness. Immediately take action to change your life style to correct any deficiency.

    Of course with age you just become weaker so slacking off would have more consequences.

  • Windows7forever on 26/01/2017 - 06:21
    -4

    Maybe you're a hypochondriac. Man up.

  • Tasmaniac on 26/01/2017 - 06:35

    Wire brush and detol. Fixes everything.

  • megastim on 26/01/2017 - 07:40
    -1

    Hi there,

    I am a physiotherapist, I thought I might contribute to your dilemma.
    Not knowing the details of your trouble, it sounds like you are experiencing a breakdown of normal body functions which appear to be random.

    There is a class of conditions we call dysautonomia, which simply means the automatic stuff in the body is not running smoothly. Can usually be triggered by trauma or strain to the spine, mostly neck or mid back. I would go see a Physio who understands dysautonomia, because not all do, Chinese medicine practitioners and some chiropractors are also are aware of this condition too. With the right treatment this can definitely resolve and fast!

    If I were you, I would start with putting a hot pack on the neck and shoulder blades and seeing if that helps, good to feedback to your treating physician if it does or not too! Hope this helps.

  • Bingo1231 on 26/01/2017 - 08:03

    Maybe not 100% down the line of the exact treatment you require, but I'd recommend trying cupping therapy, which may help. It works wonders. Few of the comments above seem to also very helpful. Good luck!

    • idonotknowwhy on 26/01/2017 - 09:36
      +1

      I would not recommend cupping.
      I tried it for chronic back pain, and it does nothing other than break the blood vessels under your skin, leaving a red mark for several weeks.
      It did absolutely nothing to help.

    • syousef on 27/01/2017 - 09:06
      +1

      Cupping? There isn't even a plausible mechanism for how that's suppose to help anything.

      I'm surprised no one suggested leeches or drilling a hole in his head. I don't know how it is possible we're regressing like this. It's 2017. You're typing this on a computer!

  • funnybunny on 26/01/2017 - 09:51
    +1

    Probably the best specialist to see would be an immunologist.. generally the most all round physicians . You might have something called chronic fatigue syndrome but other diagnoses need to be ruled out. They are able to exclude most autoimmune diseases which a lot of vague symptoms may be due to. Which area are you in and I can PM you a reputable one. (PS I am a training specialist).

  • Aap Ke Papa on 26/01/2017 - 10:20

    Start doing yoga everyday. It might do wonders. No harm.

    • ssx on 27/01/2017 - 07:45
      +1

      No offence, but I hate it when people say yoga is a harmless exercise.

      It needs to be taught by a qualified and well experienced person who knows the difference between "ow, my muscles are too tight" and "ow, this is damaging my ligaments".

      On top of that, it is quite harmful for people with EDS and hypermobility-related syndromes.

  • axlfan on 26/01/2017 - 10:27
    +1

    BTW how is your weight now? Is your BMI normal? You have said that you have visited a bunch of medical practitioners and I know that is so frustrating.

    I was in the US for the last 9 years and I have a bad back injury that kept getting worse with time. I tried a mix of general medicine along with "alternative" stuff like chiropractioners, accupuncture etc…That did not help and finally I tried everything else apart from surgery…..Did not help….Maybe its not the same as you but in my case, straight medical science helped me. I wish you the best of luck. Try to narrow down your symptoms and also try and join medical / doctor discussion boards and post your issues. Hopefully you will get a better diagnosis soon and tackle the issue.

    • fivespice on 26/01/2017 - 21:09

      Thanks for your advice, I am glad you found some help. I am approx. 6'2 and 82kg. Not overweight and not extremely skinny either.

  • DiscoJango on 26/01/2017 - 10:50
    -1

    hi guys,ive been really sick lately, i wont tell you specifically what is wrong, but i havent felt well, thats all you need to know. i did some tests, but im not going to tell you what test i got done. does anyone know whats wrong with me? im not going to tell you my age or gender either. please help im desperate!

    • Tikk48 on 26/01/2017 - 17:13

      Thanks

      Best advise is seek proper medical input from a caring good General practitioner.

      Good luck
      Cheers

    • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2017 - 18:02

      Too much disco, Jango :)

    • fivespice on 26/01/2017 - 21:11
      +2

      I know this tongue in cheek, but I never actually asked for a diagnosis. I asked for advice re chronic issues and suggestions about "alternative" therapies.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join