It's a little ironic

[Eaglesfan27]

but I'm afraid of going to the doctor. Well, I've had a nasty reoccuring headache for a few weeks along with some minor transient back pain. I've run through the possibilities in my head as the headache has kept coming back. Anyway, time to stop avoiding my fear and let someone objective take a look at me. I'll appreciate any prayers or good vibes sent my way. Of course, I'm probably focusing too much on the really bad things it could be and it is probably nothing.

[wade moore]

I imagine I'd be much worse about going to the doctor than I already am if I knew all of the worst-case scenarios - so I totally understand. Heck, I HATE calling Help Desks ;).

Anyway, best wishes - here's hoping it's just a pinched nerve or something.

[DolphinFan1]

Just a thought. I was getting headaches during the winter. Then I noticed that my water tasted like chlorine. I put a filter on my water and haven't had a headache since. Do you have city water?

[albionmoonlight]

Prayers and good vibes sent.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

My wife is a doctor and does the same thing. If she's feeling badly or our baby is fussing, she starts going through every single terrible thing that it could be. It's exhausting at times.

Best wishes.

[Warhammer]

You aren't cutting back on caffine are you?

[Eaglesfan27]

Just a thought. I was getting headaches during the winter. Then I noticed that my water tasted like chlorine. I put a filter on my water and haven't had a headache since. Do you have city water?

Ever since I've lived in New Orleans, we've ordered bottled water and one of those coolers. Even though the water quality is much better in Prairieville, we've stuck with bottled water.

You aren't cutting back on caffine are you?

Nope, I've been almost entirely caffeine free ever since I finished taking night time call last year.

[Kodos]

Here's hoping it's nothing serious.

[terpkristin]

I dunno, you being a doc makes perfect sense why you would be "afraid" of going to a doc--you've been through med school, you know all the things that COULD be wrong. ;) Sometimes, I think ignorance is indeed bliss. :D

Glad you're going to get checked out, good luck! I'll be sending good vibes your way. :)

/tk

[korme]

Good luck, I really need to go to the doctor too.

I fell asleep with my contacts in for only about 2 hours last night, and when I took them out I feel like I damaged my right eye. I can barely keep it open and if I shut it for longer than about 10 seconds, it just gushes with water. Every few hours last night I'd wake up with what felt like a waterfall coming out of my eye. Not to mention that it is the most bloodshot I've ever seen any eye.

[Anthony]

it's like raaaaaaaain, on your wedding day
it's a green liiiiight, when you're already late.


hope it all works out. :)

[finketr]

Glad you're going to get checked out, good luck! I'll be sending good vibes your way. :)

/tk

Yeah, tk... I think good vibes from you might make EF27 to require surgery or something. :)

all the best to ya, doc.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone. I do feel really lucky in that I don't have a doc near my new home but I've heard good things from my friends about an internist near my home. Fortunately, he had an appointment slot for new patients open this afternoon which is good to get it over with before I change my mind. Also, my old job would have given me grief about needing to leave early from work at the last minute for an appointment, but my new boss just said, "I hope everything is ok."

[NoMyths]

Sending good thoughts, EF.

[flere-imsaho]

Good luck, hope all is OK (for relative values of OK).

[albionmoonlight]

So when a doc goes to the doctor, are you like "Hey, I'm a doctor so you can cut the bullshit. Just let me know--is it spine cancer or not?"

Is there any different dynamic that goes on?

[Eaglesfan27]

So when a doc goes to the doctor, are you like "Hey, I'm a doctor so you can cut the bullshit. Just let me know--is it spine cancer or not?"

Is there any different dynamic that goes on?


In my past experiences, there is definitely a different dynamic. It's a bit odd. Much more medical jargon is used, even though I haven't done an internal medicine rotation in 8 years. However, I've only been to the doctor a few times in the past 8 years and I've only been to 2 doctors, so this guy might be different.

Edit: Then again, I'm going to be foreright and tell him what my concerns are diagnostically which most patients don't do..

[CamEdwards]

Best wishes and prayers sent your way EF.

[Deattribution]

good luck - hopefully nothing serious.

[Axxon]

Get to that doctor and get yourself fixed up asap. :)

I'll be thinkning good thoughts for you.

[Eaglesfan27]

So when a doc goes to the doctor, are you like "Hey, I'm a doctor so you can cut the bullshit. Just let me know--is it spine cancer or not?"

Is there any different dynamic that goes on?


It definitely was more like visiting with a new buddy today... He was asking my opinion on each of the things that he wanted to do and we chatted about interesting cases (without using identifying data.)

He ordered a boatload of tests most of which have to be scheduled over the next week or so. However, he doesn't seem too concerned. I also found out I have slightly high blood pressure despite taking a medication for that (not really high enough to explain these headaches) and I will be starting a new medication for that. Worse of all, due to my family history (multiple relatives on both sides had colon cancer at an early age), I'll need a colonscopy in the next few weeks. He is even more conservative than my previous doc who wanted me to get one when I turned 35. Then again, I have a VERY strong family history and colon cancer is one of the biggest killers that is completely preventable. Oh well, the blood pressure will be a strong motivator to stick to my diet and continue my weight loss program. Furthermore, if a colonscopy is the worst thing that comes out of this, I'll count my blessings.

[terpkristin]

glad to hear things sound ok so far, EF! i definitely like it when my docs aren't too worried about things.

no fun with the colonoscopy....

:) feel better :)

/tk

[MikeVic]

I'm hoping for the best EF.

[daedalus]

good luck, dude.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just got the call to schedule the colonscopy which will be done next Friday. I'll be drinking stuff to "clean" me out on Thursday and will have to take the time off work as a result. The good news is I'm being told that I won't feel a thing because they are going to sedate me on Friday. The bad news is that I'm sure Thursday won't be fun and I'm a bit scared of being sedated. I know the risks are very unlikely to happen, but they still scare me a bit. Anyway, I know I'm probably overreacting, but continued good thoughts and prayers particularly next Friday will be appreciated.

[albionmoonlight]

Just don't do like Peter King and give us a detailed write up about when you take that cleansing juice.

Good luck, man.

[st.cronin]

Watch out for yer cornhole.

[EagleFan]

Sending good thoughts your way 27.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just don't do like Peter King and give us a detailed write up about when you take that cleansing juice.

Good luck, man.


I'm thinking that I'll be writing up Madden impressions instead. Might as well have something good come from the time off work ;)

[Klinglerware]

Watch out for yer cornhole.

I think it might be a little late for that?

Good luck EF27, hope it isn't serious...

[FrogMan]

will be keeping you in my thought doc.

FM

[vtbub]

Hang in there. :)

(No Taco Bell tonight for you either.)

[gkb]

Hang in there EF27. My wife and I are sending good thoughts your way.

[Warhammer]

Moooooon River, wider than a mile...

[Mustang]

Watch out for yer cornhole.

Just as long as this doesn't happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0-Qdjv7uoY

:D :)

Good luck this week

[terpkristin]

I just got the call to schedule the colonscopy which will be done next Friday. I'll be drinking stuff to "clean" me out on Thursday and will have to take the time off work as a result. The good news is I'm being told that I won't feel a thing because they are going to sedate me on Friday. The bad news is that I'm sure Thursday won't be fun and I'm a bit scared of being sedated. I know the risks are very unlikely to happen, but they still scare me a bit. Anyway, I know I'm probably overreacting, but continued good thoughts and prayers particularly next Friday will be appreciated.

I think they always sedate you for this...if for no other reason, to spare you feeling self-conscious. Either way, take it from me, the sedation is nice. It's just like going out with general anesthesia except you don't feel as crappy afterwards. I'm guessing they'll use low doses of propofol for the sedation...maybe that with some Versed, which will also help you just chill. Sedation rocks, infinitely better than being fully alert for it and significantly better than GA.

I'll still be thinking good thoughts for you, though. Hope this ends up just being a routine exam. :)

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

Just as long as this doesn't happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0-Qdjv7uoY

:D :)

Good luck this week

:D

As soon as I saw it was a family guy clip, I knew which one it would be. Unfortunately, it's not until next Friday. However, I think I'll still avoid Taco Bell or any similar types of food until after the test. Anticipation is often the worst part and I wish I was getting it over this Friday. However, in an interesting coincidence of timing, my yard will be torn up starting this Friday to have a sprinkler and drainage system added to it.


I think they always sedate you for this...if for no other reason, to spare you feeling self-conscious. Either way, take it from me, the sedation is nice. It's just like going out with general anesthesia except you don't feel as crappy afterwards. I'm guessing they'll use low doses of propofol for the sedation...maybe that with some Versed, which will also help you just chill. Sedation rocks, infinitely better than being fully alert for it and significantly better than GA.

I'll still be thinking good thoughts for you, though. Hope this ends up just being a routine exam. :)

/tk


Thanks, tk. I know sedation should be much better than GA, but it still scares me. It's nice to hear a good report from someone who has actually experienced it though. I've only read about it. :)

[Axxon]

I just got the call to schedule the colonscopy which will be done next Friday... The good news is I'm being told that I won't feel a thing because they are going to sedate me on Friday.

The better news is that they're sedating you this friday. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Update time:

I've now rejoined the world of the living.. Fentanyl and Versed are some good stuff.. I don't remember the procedure except for being in pain at one point and then the nurse gave me some more. I was told I would want to sleep for a few hours afterwards and I didn't believe it right after the test, yet as soon as I got home, I was out for 4 hours. They still don't know what are causing my headaches, but I haven't had any for 4 days so I'm cautiously optimistic that they are gone. Meanwhile, the headaches may have been a blessing in disguise as they forced me to go to the doctor. My colonscopy revealed several small polyps which are likely nothing, but you can never be sure until they are cut off and sent to histology. Anyway, thanks for all of the prayers and good vibes. All I have left now is a sleep study to make sure that I don't have obstructive sleep apnea which could cause headaches and a few of the other symptoms I've been having.

[terpkristin]

Update time:

I've now rejoined the world of the living.. Fentanyl and Versed are some good stuff.. I don't remember the procedure except for being in pain at one point and then the nurse gave me some more. I was told I would want to sleep for a few hours afterwards and I didn't believe it right after the test, yet as soon as I got home, I was out for 4 hours. They still don't know what are causing my headaches, but I haven't had any for 4 days so I'm cautiously optimistic that they are gone. Meanwhile, the headaches may have been a blessing in disguise as they forced me to go to the doctor. My colonscopy revealed several small polyps which are likely nothing, but you can never be sure until they are cut off and sent to histology. Anyway, thanks for all of the prayers and good vibes. All I have left now is a sleep study to make sure that I don't have obstructive sleep apnea which could cause headaches and a few of the other symptoms I've been having.

Weird, I always thought Fentanyl was some anti-nausea medicine. Guess it was some other Fen... drug. Glad to hear things went reasonably well (and still keeping fingers crossed that the polyps are indeed nothing). Now enjoy a peaceful weekend. :)

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate (more powerful than Morphine.) Like I said, good stuff :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Maybe you are thinking of Phenergan? Anyway, I definitely plan on putting aside the worry and enjoying my weekend :)

[gkb]

Glad to hear that everything went ok...I hope everything continues to turn out well.

[terpkristin]

Dola -

Maybe you are thinking of Phenergan? Anyway, I definitely plan on putting aside the worry and enjoying my weekend :)

HAH! I just did a Google search to try to figure out what drug I was thinking of, and had just found Phenergan by looking up "antiemetics." Indeed, that is what I was thinking of. :) Good call, doc. :)

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

In the last day or two, I think I've discovered a possible cause for my headaches after a bunch of tests all turned up negative... I'm afraid of going to the dentist much more so than the doctor. I'm a wuss about it, and it has been 7 or so years since I've gone. At the time, I only had 1 cavity which was my first cavity ever. The last two days I've had an explosion of tooth pain that is making the side of my head hurt. When it first started, I made an appointment for Friday afternoon after work, but it became so much worse last night that I was having trouble sleeping. So, this morning I called and got the appointment moved up to 3:45, today. It's a long shot, but maybe this was causing my headaches if it was a very dull pain that I was ignoring. *shrug* I just hope they fix the problem with my tooth today as that pain has made me forget about all about my headaches and is making it hard to concentrate at work.

[Flasch186]

hope everything works out for you EF. Youve been great for me mentally health wise however im not touching your butt.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well. I very well may have found the cause of my headaches. I have 3 impacted wisdom teeth, 2 of which are abscessed. One of the abscesses is huge. 2 of them are such a bad placement that the dentist won't touch them. I have to go to (or maybe just call) my PCP tomorrow morning and get a referral to an Oral Maxillary Surgeon (ok, now I wish I didn't have a HMO for just this moment ;)) Then, I have to call and try to make an appointment. Of course, I imagine they won't cut until I finish my week's worth of antibiotics. Also, I'm now on Percocet for at least the next few days. Good thing that none of my FOF MP leagues start their drafts until next week (hopefully, I'll be off the Percocets by then.) Now, I just need to make sure I don't become like House ;)

[sterlingice]

(OW!) Hope that does clear things up :)

SI

[terpkristin]

Icky icky icky!

I have no problems with most doctors (though I must confess, I think most orthopaedic docs see me and say to themselves "cha-ching!"), but oh boy does the dentist scare the living daylights out of me. It's been about 10 years since I've been (though I carry dental insurance, "just in case"). I hope that all this clears up your headaches, EF, but boy does that just sound uber squicky to me.

/tk

[lordscarlet]

Icky icky icky!

I have no problems with most doctors (though I must confess, I think most orthopaedic docs see me and say to themselves "cha-ching!"), but oh boy does the dentist scare the living daylights out of me. It's been about 10 years since I've been (though I carry dental insurance, "just in case"). I hope that all this clears up your headaches, EF, but boy does that just sound uber squicky to me.

/tk

If you haven't been to a dentist in 10 years I hope you're flossing. I hadn't been in five, and I had never flossed in my life, and I have some pretty severe gum problems (I'm 28).

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I didn't even mention that I found out I have some mild gum disease. They'll be treating that as well.

[terpkristin]

If you haven't been to a dentist in 10 years I hope you're flossing. I hadn't been in five, and I had never flossed in my life, and I have some pretty severe gum problems (I'm 28).

Flossing, electric toothbrushing, and Listerine'ing daily.

If I start having pain in my mouth, I'll go to a dentist (which is why I carry the insurance), but generally, aside from my mouth being too small, I've been ok. Worst part is, I'm sure that if I could take a Valium or something before going, I'd be OK. Unfortunately, I'm allergic (or highly sensitive or something) to benzo's (last time I was given one, I all but stopped breathing and my blood oxygenation plummeted, and they ended up keeping me overnight for what should have been outpatient surgery).

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

The surgeon doesn't have any openings for 2 weeks, but hopefully once the antibiotics kick in over the next few days and get rid of (or at least shrink) the absecesses the pain will subside. As soon as the Percocet wore off last night, the pain (worst pain I've ever had in my life) woke me up this morning. That is why I was posting at 5:00 AM this morning, something I almost never do.

[lordscarlet]

Flossing, electric toothbrushing, and Listerine'ing daily.

If I start having pain in my mouth, I'll go to a dentist (which is why I carry the insurance), but generally, aside from my mouth being too small, I've been ok. Worst part is, I'm sure that if I could take a Valium or something before going, I'd be OK. Unfortunately, I'm allergic (or highly sensitive or something) to benzo's (last time I was given one, I all but stopped breathing and my blood oxygenation plummeted, and they ended up keeping me overnight for what should have been outpatient surgery).

/tk

I had no pain, I just went for a checkup (because I know I need my wisdom teeth out) and found out. But, my understanding is that if you floss regularly you're light years ahead of many people that go to a dentist each year.

[sterlingice]

Ok, not being at the dentist in 10 years is just plain awful. You've gotta be swimming in cavities that you're going to have to deal with at some point, sooner better than later.

SI

[sabotai]

Ok, not being at the dentist in 10 years is just plain awful. You've gotta be swimming in cavities that you're going to have to deal with at some point, sooner better than later.

SI

Yeah, I learned the hard way that you don't feel them and then suddenly they hurt like a bitch. I had a ton of work done because I didn't take care of my teeth and didn't go to the dentist for awhile. Getting a root canal is NOT fun.

But now I go every 6 months for my cleaning to stay on top of things.....helps that the dental hygienist is a hottie. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

re: 2 abcesses -- OUCH.

One small one was plenty for me to deal with, two at a time sounds like it'd be a real bitch.

[StarBuck]

Best of luck. Elevated blood pressure can give you those headaches. Get well soon, take care of your health, you'll be fine. :-)

Edied: Maybe I should read the entire thread before posting and found out about your teeth. I was given Fentanyl inthe hospital once...wowie...I found out later I asked the surgeon and the OR staff what their favorite desserts were and invited them all to a David Bowie concert.