QuestionDear Dr. Borucki, I'm wondering if perhaps you can point me in the right direction or tell me it's time to stop looking for a diagnosis. I have been going to doctors and having tests for 12 months. I believe I had Adiposis Dolorosa, but I'm not sure that explains all of my symptoms. Perhaps I have more than one thing going on. Symptoms started 12 months ago with bb-sized lumps forming under the skin on my forearms. Now I have these lumps under my skin just about everywhere. Two biopsies showed lipomas, and they appear literally overnight. Other symptoms sound like Hashimoto's, but blood tests ruled that out. I think I've had every blood test possible, and all are normal. Symptoms: stiffness in hands (worst at night), occasionally tingling in arms or hands, skin has become more lax, veins have become more prominent, developed a sensitivity to salt, eyes won't focus properly causing double vision, feeling of swelling in throat, discomfort in front of neck up to ear area, occasional difficulty swallowing, significant hair loss with none growing back since January 09, fatigue started one month ago, easy brusing, more sensitive to cold, trouble with memory and concentration - feeling "foggy", and more irritable. I was at Mayo clinic 6 months ago, and at that time they thought I might have the beginnings of something not yet advanced enough to diagnose. They also suggested fibromyalgia but were hesitant, because I only meet about 50% of the criteria. My symptoms have worsened since I've been to Mayo, except that I used to have pain in my muscles, which seems to have subsided quite a bit. I have been diagnosed recently with degenerative joint disease in my spine, but but no one seems to know what else is wrong. Do I just give up seeking medical care and hope someone will eventually figure it out? If you have any ideas, I'd be most appreciative.
Thank you
Answerthis is a tough one... you said you had a lot of tests, but not which ones.... for hashimotos, I assume you had thyroid antibiodies done... I would also like to know if you had a sed rate done and if you have gained weight with these occurring. Sometimes we can't come up with a diagnosis immediately... the mayo has one of the best reputations for diagnosing tough things.... I wouldn't give up, but unless some symptoms become more severe, you may not get an answer now....
