Multiple Diagnoses? You are Not Alone

By Merely Me Saturday, February 04, 2012

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Hey everybody!

The weekend is finally here. How about that? Hope everyone has survived the week. I encourage you to write a sharepost about how your week has gone. We want to hear how you are doing.

I wanted to talk today about having multiple diagnoses whether they are medical conditions, mental disorders, or a combination of both. It is my belief that it is unusual for an individual to have just one health problem. Unfortunately some people have a wide variety of acronyms to describe their varied medical and mental conditions.

I was recently looking at Health Central's front page and going down the list of our health topics and thinking...I either have this, or I have a friend or family member with this health problem.

Check it out:

My eldest son has acid reflux
My youngest son has ADHD, autism, and not listed as a specific health topic (yet), epilepsy.
Both my husband and I have asthma.
I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and she also has a teen with this same disorder.
My maternal grandmother died from breast cancer.
I suffer from both anxiety and depression.
My mother has just been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.
I have also battled IBD (irritable bowel disorder) since my first pregnancy.
My youngest son has multiple food allergies, one of which could be fatal.
I am now entering the stage of peri-menopause.
I was diagnosed in 2007 with Multiple Sclerosis.
My eldest sister has just been diagnosed with bone loss.
My mother has schizophrenia.
I have experienced several years of infertility before finally becoming pregnant.
I have had several moles removed which were pre-cancerous.
I lost a dear friend of mine to complications resulting from his obesity.
I have skin conditions including adult acne and rosacea and my youngest son has chronic eczema.
I suffer from sleep problems including insomnia.

And some say that I may be a chronic pain. Just a little joke there.

Have I left anything out? Oh yeah I have restless leg syndrome as well.

It looks a little scary doesn't it? So many medical and mental health things going on for me, my friends, and family. But the saving grace is that I have a site like Health Central with patient experts and caregivers at the ready to give support and information that I need.

I predict that my list will only grow as the years go by. It is simply amazing how many health issues we have to contend with over time. But this doesn't mean we can't learn to cope with these conditions and live a good life.

Now it is your turn! If you are courageous enough please share your list of medical and/or mental health diagnoses.

I would greatly encourage you to check out our other sites on Health Central...lots to discover and a lot of great people to meet including our other writers, community leaders, and members.

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Comments (26) | Add comment

Rena

2/ 4/12 1:17pm

Rheumatiod arthritis

Chronic pain

Depression

Anxiety

Carpul tunnel and ulnar nerve issues (4 recent surgeries to correct)

Sleep problems (insomnia and a rotating shift worker)

Acic reflux

Skin problems (precancerous spots removed)

Digestive system (high bacteria and hiatul hernia)

Father: Ex-severe alcoholic, anxiety, depression, hoarder, heart disease (Quad. bypass and aorta valve replacement), brain aneurysm, sleep apnea, acid reflux, sleep problems, skin cancers removed.

Mother: Depression, hoarder, knee replacements, diabetic, high blood pressure, serious sleep issues (night terrors and insomnia), skin cancers removed.

Brother (younger): Depression, sleep apnea, acid reflux, sleep problems(insomnia), high blood pressure, pre-diabetic.

Brother (youngest): Depression, alcoholic, sleep problems (insomnia).

I'll stop there. The RA, alcoholism, skin cancer, serious sleep issues and heart disease go on and on. Thanks for the post MM. It makes me think of my family and the issues they are dealing with.

Merely Me

2/ 5/12 9:31am

Hi there

This is quite a list!

It is interesting to see the patterns. For example in my family I wonder about the neurological stuff...my mother having schizophrenia...me having MS and my son having autism. I think somehow they must be connected somehow. It would be nice for some scientist to put together this puzzle.

Thanks for sharing Rena

Donna-1

2/ 4/12 2:15pm

bipolar

schizophrenia

depression

GERD

hypothyroidism

IBS

psoriasis

insomnia

endometriosis

I am about to undergo allergy testing on the 16th because I can't stop itching/scratching. Of course, it may be psychological. Who knows. Maybe I am allergic to myself (lol.)

Merely Me

2/ 5/12 9:40am

Hey Donna

I am wondering too what could be causing your itching....I betcha it is a side effect of a medication or something neurological. But it could be allergies too.

You will have to tell us what they find out for you.

Thanks for sharing your list.

Lou Lou

2/ 4/12 6:05pm

Here we go, I'm manic depressive (was a human guinea pig for 10 years), nothing worked. My Shrink who also was director of the Mental hospital I would go to for a holiday, ha, had me checked out by John Hopkins. They all agreeded I was on the right med. Hey, it gets better, he dropped me as a patient, and directed me to my county mental health dept. Now, tell me, how was that going to help, when he was like number 1 around. But I had no choice, I got a shrink but did not feel right with him. I was refused to get another. I also found out the county was just as expensive to see as my last shrink. To make this story, short, I rebelled. Found another shrink, and he put me on Lithion. I got my life back as much as possible. Then I broke a foot. But the 10 years of problems with med's and not getting stable helped to end my marriage. My ex had depression so he wanted to end the marriage of 25 years. His was cheating on me, which turned my stomach, making it easier to get a divorce. He even blamed me breaking my foot for his cheating, right, whatever you say.

I have 1 kidney (for some reason one died), take thyroid med.

On my Mother's side: My Grandmother had depression, then Alzheimer's for a long time - then breast cancer. I was glad something had happened to let her go, she knew no one. I loved her so. My Granddad had a break down over taking care of my Grandmother, then prostrate cancer. But he was a upbeat person, strong as a horse - always working on things around his farm house. I think I got some of his traits which are positive, always on the go and a nut about photography. My Mother has a narcissists disorder and rage if she doesn't get her way. I found out she was seeing a shrink and taking med's. She refused to tell me what is going on, that is private. Though anything with my disease is out in the open.

My Aunt will be ok, but if you hit a button, out of her mouth comes words that are meant to sting. My 3 cousins each has a problem for life except for the oldest. One of my cousins is challenged. She has her problems but she carries on. The other Cousin inherited being a Alcoholic, he is doing great. My Uncle had a battle like my cousin, but he became clean and was a AA sponser to those that had it bad. My Uncle had a brother who was Alchoholic so it runs in the family. I hope my one cousin's 2 boys escape from it.

On My Fathers side: My dad died when I was 14, he was 37. He was separated from my StepMother and was burning the candle at both ends. He got a bad cold and would not rest. Eventually, he got pneumonia. His Mother was a Alcoholic and had mood swings - I wonder - maybe manic depressive or depressive? In those days, people didn't pay attention to things like that. My grandfather died of Alzheimer's.

Merely Me

2/ 5/12 9:44am

This is a lot!

When you start to list these things it becomes apparent that there are patterns and perhaps some genetics at work for susceptibility to certain things.

You have been through so much. I applaud you for surviving all this.

Thanks so much for contributing to our discussion.

Lou Lou

2/ 4/12 6:19pm

I feel for anyone with that. I know I got it in my 40s because of one of my manic depression med's. I had it all day. I would like to walk it out but no such luck. I remember my step-dad coming over and seeing me get up off the steps of the garage and to a stool to sit down on. I could not sit on that stool. I had to get up, then get down. It was embrassing to say the least and then I get to hear from him, lite somewhere, Lou Lou.

It burned me up, I could not control it. He was also not a supporter of alot of med's for my manic depression.

Thought, what could I do. I was not in control of my doctor. Then when I was in the hospital over a suicide attempt, my parents called me. My Mother was ok, but my Step-dad was mad. He called me a coward while I was recovering in the hospital. They say Yale Men, where my step dad went are suppose to be so smart. Anyone would know without a

Yale degree, you keep that to your self, not ever saying that to anyone in or out of the hospital. But by then, I had found my voice, I told him, I am not a coward. I have never been a coward. I said you walk in my shoes and see what you think of my illness. Then I started to cry, it hurt so bad, plus, it made me made, the lack of respect or caring. Then a nurse comes over and told me to get off the phone, I could not cry in the hospital. I told her, then where am I suppose to cry? Come on, people do cry anywhere. Off my stand, just wanted to say, I've been there with RLegs.

Lou, Lou

Merely Me

2/ 5/12 9:47am

They told you that you can't cry in the hospital? That...doesn't make sense to me. And what was said to you about being a coward is just wrong. It has nothing to do with being a coward...and everything to do with....you needed some help. I am glad you did get some...not sure how good it was but you are here today to tell us your story and I am glad of that.

Thank you for stopping by to share your story. It is much appreciated.

Judy

2/ 5/12 12:51pm

Here's my list: depression, PTSD, anxiety, leaky heart valve caused by rheumatic fever 51 years ago, a sort of chronic migraine that I take care of with propanalol and then a few digestive things from my gastric bypass surgery. I really can't complain too much, I don't think.

In my family, though, one or both of my parents have high cholesterol, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart faiure, knee replacement and, I suspect, depression. I had a grandfather and aunt (both maternal) who had bladder cancer, my paternal grandmother had colon cancer (as did two of her sons) and strokes and my paternal grandfather had severe arthritis and congestive heart failure. So, I make sure to get my colonoscopies - which always show up with polyps - and pray I don't get the other stuff!

Merely Me

2/ 7/12 6:37pm

Hey Judy

May I ask...what is a leaky heart valve? I have never heard of that.

What age did you get your colonoscopy? I have had the one where they go half way up...long time ago. It was a bit uncomfortable...I was awake and they showed me on a little TV what was going on. And even gave me an image of my colon!

Hey thanks for sharing....it seems we all have a variety of medical and mental issues to contend with.

jpw2008

2/ 5/12 7:36pm

hi mm

I dont know some of them

I have schizoeffective disorder

generalized anxiety

i have eczema

other problems undiagnosed

jon

Merely Me

2/ 7/12 6:41pm

Hi Jon

My son has eczema. It is caused by food allergies and also he gets it from too many hot baths. How are you coping with your eczema? If you ever need any tips or suggestions we have an Eczema Resource page on our skin site.

Maybe sometime you can explain what schizoaffective disorder is like. I don't know much about it.

Thanks so much for sharing Jon.

patsyg

2/ 6/12 6:25pm

I may forget some of mine; oh yeah, memory problems!

Major Depression

GAD

Social Phobia

PTSD

Migraine Disease, which is genetic

RLS

Morbid Obesity

Sleep disorders, including insomnia and OSA

Fibromyalgia

Possibly ME/CFS

Allergies

Hypertension

Stress incontinence

Facial herpes, but does not break out often; usually on lower lip; somtimes to the side and toward chin.

Toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot

Bunions

Yesterday my younger daughter, age 28, and I went out to eat. We got into a discussion regarding how I'd "disappointed" her often, and hurtfully so, by being sick so much when she was growing up, mostly with depression and migraines. She said that whether or not my being unable to do things she wanted to do at times I was sick was unintentional, that intention didn't matter. It was still hurtful to her.

patsy

Merely Me

2/ 7/12 6:44pm

Awww I am sorry. That must have hurt your feelings...what your daughter said. But these things are not your fault. You certainly didn't ask to have to deal with all these medical and mental conditions.

May I ask...what is CFS? That was the only one on your list I did not recognize.

I think we could all write a book on all these conditions of ours!

patsyg

2/ 7/12 7:48pm

MM,

It is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, now also called

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Encephalopathy. From what I've read many people who have fibromyalgia also have ME/CFS. Besides the site here on Chronic Pain, I read a weekly email newsletter about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from About.com and written by Adrienne Dellwo. It's very informative and doesn't cover other areas that don't apply to me. More people comment there, but there are few personal replies and none such as we have from you. There is also a forum, though, and I haven't used it.

Thanks for the support you give us!!!

patsy

jpw2008

2/ 7/12 7:52pm

Youd "disappointed" her?

That sounds mean to me

If I understood it wrong I am sorry

It just sounded mean

I hope youre having a good day Today!

Im sorry you felt hurt by that

Jon

Merely Me

2/ 7/12 8:00pm

Oh okay....yes I have definitely heard of this. What does it feel like to have CFS? Are there medications which help? I take Provigil for my MS fatigue and it helps a lot...my insurance may be giving me a hard time though in the future as they are saying it is an ADHD drug...it really isn't a frontline med for that condition. I think they are just inventing ways to not cover my medications.

Anyways...thank you for talking about this...I have always wanted to learn more about this condition.

patsyg

2/ 7/12 8:04pm

In case Jon doesn't explain schizoaffective disorder there is a good book called "I Think I Scared Her: Growing Up with Psychosis by Brooke Katz. Brook was psychotic in elementary school and kept it from everyone. She did not start treatment until her teens, I believe. She wanted to be a doctor, but her illness interfered too much. She has become a nurse. You can see her book on Amazon.com--http://www.amazon.com/I-Think-Scared-Her/dp/1413445683

I found the following information about Schizoaffective Disorder on the U S Library of Medicine site:

Schizoaffective disorder

Last reviewed: February 7, 2010.

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental condition that causes both a loss of contact with reality (psychosis) and mood problems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown. Changes in genes and chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may play a role. Some experts do not believe it is a separate disorder from schizophrenia.

Schizoaffective disorder is believed to be less common than schizophrenia and mood disorders. Women may have the condition more often than men. Schizoaffective disorder tends to be rare in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are different in each person. Often, people with schizoaffective disorder seek treatment for problems with mood, daily function, or abnormal thoughts.

Psychosis and mood problems may occur at the same time, or by themselves. The course of the disorder may involve cycles of severe symptoms followed by improvement.

The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can include:

Changes in appetite and energy
Disorganized speech that is not logical
False beliefs (delusions), such as thinking someone is trying to harm you (paranoia) or thinking that special messages are hidden in common places (delusions of reference)
Lack of concern with hygiene or grooming
Mood that is either too good, or depressed or irritable
Problems sleeping
Problems with concentration
Sadness or hopelessness
Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Social isolation
Speaking so quickly that others cannot interrupt you

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will do a psychiatric evaluation to find out about your behavior and symptoms. You may be referred to a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis.

To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, you must have psychotic symptoms during a period of normal mood for at least 2 weeks.

The combination of psychotic and mood symptoms in schizoaffective disorder can be seen in other illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. Extreme disturbance in mood is an important part of schizoaffective disorder.

Your health care provider should consider and rule out medical, psychiatric, and drug-related conditions that cause psychotic or mood symptoms before making a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. For example, psychotic or mood disorder symptoms can occur in people who:

Abuse cocaine, amphetamines, or phencyclidine (PCP)
Have seizure disorders
Take steroid medications

Treatment

Treatment can vary. In general, your health care provider will prescribe medications to improve your mood and treat psychosis.

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat psychotic symptoms.
Antidepressant medications or "mood stabilizers" may be prescribed to improve mood.

Talk therapy can help with creating plans, solving problems, and maintaining relationships. Group therapy can help with social isolation.

Support and work training may be helpful for work skills, relationships, money management, and living situations.

Expectations (prognosis)

People with schizoaffective disorder have a greater chance of going back to their previous level of function than do people with most other psychotic disorders. However, long-term treatment is often needed, and results can vary from person to person.

patsyg

2/ 7/12 8:09pm

Yes, Jon, I was very hurt and also felt it was mean. Thank you for seeing that! At the time I was getting all the treatment possible for my mood problems and migraines. All I can say is that I did the best I could at the time.

Thank you, Jon!

patsy

patsyg

2/ 7/12 8:20pm

Jon,

I'm sorry if I jumped in ahead of you on schizoaffective disorder. I'd still like to hear what your experience of it is like.

patsy

patsyg

2/ 7/12 8:25pm

MM,

I found this information on the U.S. National Library of Medicine site also:

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

CFS; Fatigue - chronic; Immune dysfunction syndrome; Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

Last reviewed: February 14, 2011.

Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.

See also: Fatigue

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some theories suggest CFS may be due to:

Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause
Innflammation in the nervous system, because of a faulty immune system response

The following may also play a role in the development of CFS:

Age
Previous illnesses
Stress
Genetics
Environmental factors

CFS most commonly occurs in women ages 30 to 50.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of the flu and other common viral infections, and include muscle aches, headache, and extreme fatigue. However, symptoms of CFS last for 6 months or more.

The main symptom of CFS is extreme tiredness (fatigue), which is:

New
Lasts at least 6 months
Not relieved by bed rest
Severe enough to keep you from participating in certain activities

Other symptoms include:

Feeling extremely tired for more than 24 hours after exercise that would normally be considered easy
Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping for a proper amount of time
Forgetfulness
Concentration problems
Confusion
Joint pain but no swelling or redness
Headaches that differ from those you have had in the past
Irritability
Mild fever (101 degrees F or less)
Muscle aches (myalgias)
Muscle weakness, all over or multiple locations, not explained by any known disorder
Sore throat
Sore lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms

Signs and tests

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes CFS as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on ruling out other possible causes.

CFS is diagnosed after your health care provider rules out other possible causes of fatigue, including:

Drug dependence
Immune or autoimmune disorders
Infections
Muscle or nerve diseases (such as multiple sclerosis)
Endocrine diseases (such as hypothyroidism)
Other illnesses (such as heart, kidney, or liver diseases)
Psychiatric or psychological illnesses, particularly depression
Tumors

A diagnosis of CFS must include:

Absence of other causes of chronic fatigue
At least four CFS-specific symptoms
Extreme, long-term fatigue

There are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis of CFS. However, there have been reports of CFS patients having abnormal results on the following tests:

Brain MRI
White blood cell count

Treatment

There is currently no cure for CFS. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Many people with CFS have depression and other psychological disorders that may improve with treatment.

Treatment includes a combination of the following:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise for certain patients
Healthy diet
Sleep management techniques
Medications to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever
Medications to treat anxiety (anti-anxiety drugs)
Medications to treat depression (antidepressant drugs)

Some medications can cause reactions or side effects that are worse than the original symptoms of the disease.

Patients with CFS are encouraged to maintain active social lives. Mild physical exercise may also be helpful. Your health care team will help you figure out how much activity you can do, and how to slowly increase your activity. Tips include:

Avoiding doing too much on days when you feel tired
Balancing your time between activity, rest, and sleep
Breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
Spreading out more challenging tasks throughout the week

Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques can help manage chronic pain and fatigue. They are not used as the primary treatment for CFS. Relaxation techniques include:

Biofeedback
Deep breathing exercises
Hypnosis
Massage therapy
Meditation
Muscle relaxation techniques
Yoga

Expectations (prognosis)

The long-term outlook for patients with CFS varies and is difficult to predict when symptoms first start. Some patients completely recover after 6 months to a year.

Some patients never feel like they did before they developed CFS. Studies suggest that you are more likely to get better if you receive extensive rehabilitation.

Complications

Depression
Inability to participate in work and social activities, which can lead to isolation
Side effects to medication or treatments

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience persistent, severe fatigue, with or without other symptoms of this disorder. Other more serious disorders can cause similar symptoms and should be ruled out.

patsyg

2/ 7/12 8:26pm

MM,

If you happen to have obstructive sleep apnea, your insurance might cover Provigil. Mine does for that diagnosis. I have to be careful taking it due to it possibly triggering migraines for me.

patsy

2/ 8/12 7:56pm

White matter brain disease (still no MS diagnosis) with associated intention tremor and periodic limb movement disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea. Esophageal cancer and Barrett's Esophagus. PTSD and depression.

Thankfully the cancer is at stage 0 (carcinoma in situ). I opted for radio-frequency ablation therapy to remove the surface layer of my esophagus, versus having my esophagus removed completely. So far that's not working so well and the docs are reconsidering the esophagectomy for later this year.

Interesting how everything is interconnected. The tremors led the doctors to give me an MRI and do a neurological work up. That revealed the white matter lesions and a variety of cognitive, visual, and movement problems. A related sleep study revealed the sleep apnea and the periodic leg movement. The leg movement was linked back to the lesions. A complete physical (including endoscopy) revealed the Barretts Esophagus. A biopsy of the Barretts revealed the cancer.

tammy

2/23/12 4:55am

I have rheamatoid arthritis, ptsd, anxiety/panic disorder, ADHD, bi-polar, ancd a few more. Nice!!!

Anonymous

7/25/12 6:00pm

Acquired Brain Injury (with Post Concussion Syndrome)

Ovarian Cancer

Anaphyllactic Shock (chemo drugs, two times)

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Breast Surgery

Severe Osteoporosis

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Many rib fractures and spine sprains

and my husband has Aspergers Syndrome

Anything else doesn't seem worth mentioning.

Tired of being called the Poster Child.

Kyle

7/28/12 8:17pm

Well I was diagnosed with encompresis when I was much younger but it does not affect me anymore.

And I, of course, have severe depression. But I can't help but think it's possibly bipolar disorder cause of what I read up on Mania. Sounds a lot like what I do once in awhile.

So at this point I'm considering my depression possibly unconfirmed bipolar disorder if the patterns keep coming up I'll see what my psychiatrist thinks.

Multiple Diagnoses? You are Not Alone

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