DISCLAIMER: The following post outlines the writer’s personal medical journey. It is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about your health.
“It’s just anxiety.” I have lost count of the number of times medical professionals have told me this. Have you ever felt like a detective trying to crack a case when it comes to your own health? That’s exactly how I felt for years. Every ache, pain, unexplained symptom was a mystery, leaving me baffled and frustrated.
It all started with a subtle sign–fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations that seemed to come out of nowhere. At first, I brushed it off as stress from having a new baby. But as my son grew up, the symptoms persisted, and new ones emerged. I knew something wasn’t right–it was time to unravel the medical mystery.
We are calling to confirm your appointment . . . again.
Thus began my journey through cardiologists, psychologists, endocrinologists, functional medicine doctors, primary care physicians, emergency room visits, consultations, and tests. Each one bringing me closer to the truth, but never quite there.
I have been “diagnosed” with irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, iodine deficiency, possible tumors, Hashimoto’s, thyroid issues, autoimmune disorders, and depression. It felt like I was stuck in a never-ending loop of uncertainty, with no way out. I had started to lose hope–and convinced myself that the exhaustion, weight gain, abdominal issues, and all my other symptoms were just that “anxiety.”
Always Trust Your Gut
I knew deep down that something wasn’t right–that these symptoms weren’t just “anxiety.” Just when I was about to lose hope, a close friend referred me to an endocrinologist. He identified a pattern in my symptoms that had eluded other doctors. This led him to conduct a stimulation test aiming to confirm his suspicions of pituitary gland dysfunction.
The test took part over two days. The first day they placed arginine in my IV that was supposed to stimulate the pituitary gland; I was nervous going into the infusion room, but it wasn’t bad at all. The second day, they injected insulin into my system to drop my blood sugar and see how my body reacts in distress. This one was the most difficult!
My sugar levels dropped super low fast–I started sweating profusely, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. After drawing two vials of blood, they told me it was time to eat. I brought my mom with me, so someone could drive me to the restaurant to indulge in food after.
Medical Mystery: Solved
The waiting game was the hardest part. Waiting for test results, waiting for follow-up appointments, waiting for the elusive diagnosis that would explain it all. Meanwhile, the uncertainty was gnawing at me, fueling my anxiety. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders when I finally received the results.
The diagnosis wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to hear, but it was an answer, nonetheless. Knowing what I was up against meant I could finally act. No longer was I in the dark; I had clarity and a renewed sense of empowerment. Life threw me a curveball–a diagnosis of hypopituitarism and adult human growth hormone deficiency. Instead of singing into self-pity, I decided to take charge and kickstart my healing journey.
I contacted my dream team of medical professionals that helped me find the perfect treatment plan. Fast forward five weeks, and the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. I am finally feeling like myself again–I am feeling like the supermom I always dreamed of being! The days of constant fatigue and irritation are scarce; now, I have energy to spare and am able to be fully present in my children’s lives like never before.
My workouts? Let’s just say they’ve leveled up! I am conquering intense exercises that once seemed out of reach. The icing on the cake?! I am finally getting some quality shut-eye–real, rejuvenating sleep that leaves me refreshed and ready to take on the world.
So here I am, on the other side of a medical mystery, finally having some answers and relief. It’s a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, perseverance pays off. By actively listening to your body and being your own advocate, you empower yourself to take control of your well-being. This proactive approach allows you to make informed decisions, seek appropriate care when needed, and ultimately live a fuller, healthier life.
Never underestimate the importance of prioritizing your health and taking proactive steps to maintain it. While the journey may have been long, the satisfaction of unraveling the mystery makes it all worth it.
