Your bloodwork is ‘normal’.
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When we seek medical help, we place our trust in the expertise and guidance of our healthcare providers. We hope for clarity, understanding, and, most importantly, solutions. However, what happens when the answers we receive don't quite match the experiences we live through? My journey through the murky waters of "normal" bloodwork, while still feeling far from okay, has been a testament to the complexity of health and the importance of advocating for oneself.
The Beginning of Confusion
It all started with a panic attack, then trips to the doctor. No heart problems and I was sent on my way. I actually recovered quite well from this and chalked it up to hormonal, stress, etc. Fast forward 5 months and the panic was back with a slew of other things. Chest pain, numbness in my face and jaw, waking up every night at 3 am, diziness, heavy periods, the list could go on actually. I was a certified mess! So off I went for bloodwork that came back ‘normal’ and was told it was all probably related to the anxiety and I could up my anti-depressant. To that, I said, no thanks. I don’t want a band aid, I wanted to find the root cause of this.
After numerous visits to the doctor and multiple blood tests, the verdict was always the same: "Your bloodwork is normal; there's nothing medically wrong with you." So basically, it’s in my head! Nothing can make you feel more isolated than that statement.
I took a deeper look into my normal bloodwork to find one marker was below normal, but they weren’t concerned. My concern is that I don’t feel normal, so this can’t be normal. I actually ended up being extremely iron and B12 deficient, both which can cause EVERY symptom I was having. I don’t recommend Dr. Google, but if you feel like you’re being ignored, where else are we supposed to turn?
I upped my iron and took care of the root cause of this, and 4 months later, I’m feeling much better! My goal of telling this story isn’t to have us doubting our healthcare professionals, but to learn to advocate when things aren’t right! It takes some research and time!
Hearing that your tests are "normal" when every cell in your body screams otherwise is both confusing and isolating. It's a strange limbo where the relief of not having a diagnosable condition is overshadowed by the frustration of not having a clear path to feeling better.
The Search for Answers
Refusing to accept this as my new normal, I embarked on a journey for answers. It was a path filled with research, self-advocacy, and, most importantly, learning to listen to my body more than I ever had. Here's how I navigated through this challenging time:
1. Educating Myself
I dove Facebook support groups, reputable health websites, and patient forums to understand more about what my symptoms could mean. This knowledge armed me with the right questions to ask and the potential need for more specific tests or referrals to specialists. I found an OBGYN that was certified by the North American Menopause Society and this was key to figuring things out.
2. Seeking Second Opinions
Accepting my initial diagnosis as the only truth was not an option. I sought out second, even third, opinions from other healthcare professionals. Each appointment was an opportunity to discuss my symptoms afresh, hoping for new insights or suggestions. Don’t stop until you get what you need.
3. Listening to My Body
I became more attuned to my body's signals, tracking symptoms, diet, sleep patterns, and any changes in how I felt daily. This log became invaluable in my discussions with healthcare providers, offering concrete evidence that something was amiss.
4. Advocating for Myself
Armed with knowledge and a symptom diary, I became my most vocal advocate. I learned to insist on further tests, ask for referrals to specialists, and even challenge doctors when I felt dismissed. It was scary, but necessary.
5. Exploring Holistic Approaches
Parallel to seeking medical advice, I explored holistic and lifestyle changes. Adjustments in diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene began to make a difference. These changes did not replace medical advice but complemented it, offering relief when traditional medicine could not.
The Road to Wellness
My journey is far from over, but I've made significant strides in managing my symptoms and improving my quality of life. This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson that "normal" is not always synonymous with "healthy" and that our healthcare system, while advanced, still has its limitations in recognizing and treating the nuances of individual health.
It's a reminder that as patients, we must be proactive, persistent, and unafraid to seek the best care possible for ourselves. Our health is too important to accept ambiguity, and sometimes, finding wellness means reading between the lines of a "normal" bloodwork report.
If you have been through this, I hope that your journey is coming to a good place! I’d love to chat if you’re willing!
XO
Sarah