I have way too many health problems for my age

[Shalini]

I just need somewhere to get this out because I am so sick of this.

I am a 24 year old woman, I am a healthy weight (but gaining).

I literally just got back from the ER for my fourth ruptured cyst on my ovary. This is my most NORMAL problem...many young women have ovarian cysts. Mine started when I was 16. I had so many on one ovary I had to have it and the fallopian tube completely removed recently. I thought my ovarian cyst problems were gone, and then this morning was so unbearable I had to go to the ER where another one was diagnosed, wonderful.

This, all when I can barely walk due to severe labral tears in both my hips. There is NO KNOWN REASON WHY I GOT THIS. This has been my major health issue the past 5 years because of the paralyzing pain and complete immobility (I am always on crutches and need help even to get to the toilet sometimes). I have had so many misdiagnoses. I take tons of narcotics and have for over 5 years. I read forums about 60 year olds have the same pain I have in ONE hip for 3 weeks and think it's the end of the world. I have been suffering 5 years in both hips when most people my age are just starting their lives.

I have polycystic kidney disease. Again, FOR NO KNOWN REASON. No family history...nothing. Cysts on my kidneys were accidentally discovered during a lumbar MRI for my leg problems.

I have high blood pressure -- either because of the cysts on my kidneys, the severe pain I'm in every single day, stress, or a combination.

Depression/Anxiety -- but really who doesn't. Mainly stemming from grief of losing my healthy and young dad to cancer so very unexpectedly. I don't know anyone my age who has gone through a death of a parent, just grandparents. Which they like to compare to...trust me, it's not even close unless they were your parent-figure. Not being able to move without pain would also depress anyone. I also have difficulty getting good breaths in and am often gasping for air as a result of anxiety. (I'm not treated because this is seriously way way low on my list of health priorities).

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome -- but only have one ovary now. I also get my period about every 5-8 months.

I am just constantly in pain. When I went to the ER today I got so much sympathy from nurses and doctors who couldn't believe all the medications I'm on and why. My life is going to doctor's appointments and trying to deal with this pain. Today I went to the ER completely unexpectedly, tomorrow I am having an MRA/hip injection done, then I see the hip surgeon, the next day I have a kidney clinic appointment, then my GP. I am living the life of an obese 60 year old when there is NO REASON AT ALL! I am terrified that I will never get a career with insurance benefits because I am in way too much pain to get a new job and I'm off my mom's insurance in 2 years. I am just beyond frustrated right now and would understand no responses. It's days like today I wonder what I did to deserve the life I got. I had dreams of having a family, having a great career, I had SO much going for me.

 

[puproyale]

I'm sorry you have so much to deal with. I've also been frustrated lately by multiple medical problems that seem to trigger each other. I hope you can get things resolved to some extent.

Do you have social contacts? Friends?

Also, some health insurers will keep disabled adult children indefinitely--something to look into if you are unable to work.

 

[sera p]

iamtooyoung: Gee, I'm sorry to hear about your pain. I don't know if I've got alot to offer but I'll try to give you something here. First, see if you can get to a more NATURAL TYPE doctor. You need someone who thinks outside of the box. There are companies out there that sell herbal remedies. I had a test done by a local rep of one of these companies. It's called a Bio-terrain (sp) test. It's one of these urine tests that looks at all your cells and stuff like mitochondria. It gives your "real age", like Dr. Oz is always giving people.

There are herbal solutions out there like Black Walnut Extract, Black Cohosh and more to help with female issues. I have a feeling that some of your problems, if not all, are related to Estrogen Dominance. Too much estrogen in us can be a major problem, including increasing the cancer rates in women. We live in such a toxic world today that we are constantly being bombarded with chemicals that increase the estrogen in our bodies and our progesterone just can't keep up with the demand to get rid of it.

I found out that I was estrogen dominant when I started having epileptic seizures. No one wanted to listen to me except one neuro-endocrinologist that I saw and he agreed -it was the hormones causing the seizures. It's all because of menopause with me.

See if you can get all your hormones tested and see if you've got excess estrogen. Just because you're only 24 doesn't mean you don't have it. Look it up on the web and search it with Dr. John Lee's name. Look at the symptoms - there's around 40 of them.

I'd also get a vitamin panel done to see if you're lacking in anything in that area.

Another thing I had done was a hair analyis that tested me for toxic and non-toxic elements. I was amazed to find out that I had a high level of Gadolinium in me. I said, what's that!!!! It's the dye they use when they want to enhance an MRI!! It's toxic, and my body wasn't getting rid of it. I also found out I was deficient in magnesium and selenium from that hair test. This test was done by a more holistic/natural doctor. Mainstream doctors don't get involved in all of these types of things because they're just taught in medical school to prescribe drugs!

Another avenue to take is Ayurvedic medicine. I don't know 100% about it, I don't follow it, but I have friends that do. Unfortunately it's not covered by insurance. Research it, if you can, and see if you've got anyone in your area that specializes in it.

You should look into Social Security as well. Even though they've got problems these days it wouldn't hurt to try to see if you can get on it. You don't know if you don't try. And if you get rejected, appeal and try again. Get a lawyer if you have to. You might not get alot of benefits since you're young but it's better than nothing. You might also be able to get on medicare/medicaid.

It's tough living with all these problems, I know. You need to keep the faith and keep searching for answers. Hopefully you'll get some more responses here with some additional advice. Take care, and God Bless.

 

[bluepenguin]

Hi there,

I can't offer any solutions to your problems, but I can certainly relate and found your story touching. I can't imagine many things worse than when our bodies betray us and keep us from enjoying life to the fullest.

For me, problems started in my 20s with severe panic anxiety attacks giving me all the symptoms of a heart attack. I would live my youth and still do in fear of that impending doom. Even worse, I'm in the mega high category for heart attacks and have high blood pressure.

In my 30s, more serious permanent problems developed. In 2002, I damaged my hearing and developed permanent loud ringing in both ears. Immediately, I could no longer enjoy playing electric guitar, seeing live bands or go to the movies as there is fear of losing more of my hearing.

Then my life long struggle with IBS began, and I started living my life having to stay close to a bathroom. Stomach cramps and diarrhea can strike me anytime and I have to find a bathroom within minutes, sometimes seconds. Then a year ago, I started having signs of a pinched nerve in my arm. Again, doctors useless to help me. I still deal with this pain which sometimes feels like someone sitting on my arm.

I know my problems sound pretty minor compared to yours, but I can definitely relate to the depression and frustrations of doctors not being able to pinpoint the problem. Hang in there friend!