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Original poster

How do I approach a doctor with this?

15 replies

FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 19:14

So I believe I have a certain neurological disorder which it so happens to be X disorder awareness month and having seen a lot of infographics online, a lot of my ongoing, chronic health problems fall into this disorder.

Now, I've been for testing for a lot of them, and often given a brief 'it's this but it'll fix itself' or 'it's this but there's nothing we can do' however there are treatments for this disorder that a lot of my issues fall under.

My question is, will a doctor take me seriously if I walk in and say 'Hi, I've no medical qualifications whatsoever but I think I may have X'? How do I even get an appointment for this?

I can give more info if required and perhaps anyone who is medically trained can assist in how I broach this with a doctor, but anything would be helpful at this point. I fear I'll get laughed off.

OP posts:
KeepNameChanging81 · 03/10/2023 19:15

You need to tell us what X is and what your symptoms are

Original poster
FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 19:28

I believe it to fall under Dysautonomia, although that's a collective issue that certain other health conditions fall under. I've already been diagnosed with 2 of these conditions and many of the other issues I suffer look to be associated. I've copied my list below.

How do I approach a doctor with this?
OP posts:
WetBandits · 03/10/2023 19:34

How old are you OP? A lot of those can also be signs that you are in perimenopause (which is a lot more common than dysautonomia!)

Original poster
FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 19:35

I'm 28 Blush and have had the majority of those symptoms from early to mid teens

OP posts:
SofiaAmes · 03/10/2023 19:38

Many different conditions/diseases can cause Dysautonomia...My DS has Dysautonomia. It is one of many symptoms of his mitochondrial disease (caused by mutations in his mitochondrial dna). Treating Dysautonomia is a very individual thing because you need to figure out what is causing the Dysautonomia. So you may want to try to figure out (or have some well researched ideas of) what is the underlying disease/condition causing the Dysautonomia before presenting to your doctor...otherwise there is not much he can do.

Having said that, the symptoms that you describe above sound like peri-menopausal/menopausal symptoms and could be helped with HRT. (Note I am not a medical professional....just a well-researched sufferer of most of the symptoms that you list above....HRT solved most of the issues totally or in great part.....you may have to experiment with several different types of HRT to find what works for you)

SofiaAmes · 03/10/2023 19:39

Just saw your latest post.....you can still have hormonal imbalances at your age. Have you had your thyroid and/or hormones tested? Have you been tested for POTS?

Original poster
FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 19:41

@SofiaAmes thanks for your input - I hope your DS is doing well.

I have already been diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as hyperhydrosis and asthma which is treated with steroids. So I have a couple of bits which fall under the dysautonomia.

I've had most of these symptoms since early teens so unlikely to be menopause related I'd imagine.

OP posts:
baklavagoddess · 03/10/2023 19:46

I have a lot of similar symptoms to you op and I have functional neurological disorder

Original poster
FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 19:52

@baklavagoddess do you mind me asking how you got a diagnosis? Did they offer specific tests?

Hope you're doing well!

OP posts:
BerfyTigot · 03/10/2023 19:55

I have FND too. Got diagnosed by neuropsychiatrist while in hospital for unrelated issue. I did lots of written tests. I find my FND is worst when I'm tired.

SofiaAmes · 03/10/2023 19:56

I am confused. The treatment for the AS and other conditions should be helping with the Dysautonomia. The Dysautonomia is a result of those diseases, not a separate disease per se.

lljkk · 03/10/2023 19:56

is there medication for the FND?

Original poster
FreshStartAgain23 · 03/10/2023 20:01

@SofiaAmes there is no treatment, unfortunately. I've had diagnosis' and then been sort of left to my own devices. I was taking a mound of painkillers whilst under investigation however I then fell pregnant, came off of the painkillers and nothing has ever been picked up again and in the throws of life I've just not gotten on top of anything - DD is 4 next month!! It's my own fault, but I've prioritised DD's health and well-being and forgotten about my own.

OP posts:
baklavagoddess · 03/10/2023 20:08

@FreshStartAgain23 I saw a neurologist for an unusual type of chronic migraine I have, he diagnosed me with FND Aswell, I had never heard of it before. I'd have a look into it and see if any of it looks familiar to you symptoms wise, although it can vary from person to person quite a lot I've found

baklavagoddess · 03/10/2023 20:09

@lljkk I've been told there isn't any and I have to manage it with lifestyle changes and to seek psychological support

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