RELYING ON YOUR INITIAL DIAGNOSIS CAN BE DANGEROUS.
In the past few months, I was reminded again how important it is that when you experience a new symptom, all avenues are explored before concluding your illness has added a new symptom.
I just lost a friend who for the past year was going to doctors for an ever-present headache. As she had been diagnosed previously, not much was made of her new symptoms and no tests were done. Finally, her heaches were so severe she was rushed to the hospital where tests were finally made. It was a dire diagnosis and her family was told she had only weeks to live. Tests indicated brain and stomach cancer but it was so advanced, there was nothing that could be done. Four days later she passed away.
Another friend of mine has had Lupus since she was a teenager. She is used to the flare ups and saw her rheumatologist on a regular basis. She then started having problems with her energy levels to such a degree that she was spending more time sleeping than staying awake. Her rheumatologist advised her that her Lupus was acting up and she would get over it.
Fortunately for her, the Rheumatologist retired and she got to see a replacement. When she related what had been happening to her, he immediately sent her for tests for her kidneys as well as her heart. Her heart turned out to be the culprit and without intervention she would have been dead in a few months.
Although these were extreme cases, there is also the possibility that a new symptom may be treatable and relying upon it being related to your present illness or condition may obscure any chance of getting relief.
It is important to remember that no matter what illness you have, it does not make you immune from getting anything else. To be safe, first get the new symptom checked out. Neither you or your doctor should feel confident that it is related to your present condition or illness.
Lydia
November 16, 2015
