I need a 2nd opinion (Part 2)

[YupThisAlex]

I am fully convinced that there is something else wrong with me. My doctor keeps stating that stress is the only factor that's causing my weight loss and fatigue. But if my stress levels are the same when I am working or just staying at home, why do I drop 5 lbs per week when I have a full time job? When I don't work I gain on average 1 lb per week. I am confused why I am loosing so much weight. I keep telling the doctor that this isn't stress because I do everything possible to keep my life stress free!
Are there any other tests you think my doctor should run on me?

[Health Dr. 1]

There are simply too many factors here to provide an answer that will do justice to your situation. Previously you have described a number of problems including bacterial infections, problems with elimination/digestion, dental problems, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I believe that your current problems may stem from some of the other problems that you have had in the past. It sounds as if each of these issues is treated as a separate “disease” when they may, in fact, be a part of the larger picture.

Stress may very well be a part of the problem. From the tone of your posts, it does give the appearance that you are deeply concerned about your health, which is completely normal. The fear that “something” is wrong with you is enough to create anxiety and to cause a physical effect. Now, to be fair, this does not mean that the anxiety is creating the problem or that it is the primary problem. It is enough to say that it is in some degree contributing to the problem. This is very important because many people with Chronic Fatigue have abnormal amounts of adrenal hormones; this of course can be influenced by the amount of stress that one experiences and how it is dealt with. I think that it is important at this point to look at yourself as an individual and not to focus simply on the diagnosis. It may or not be accurate. People are often diagnosed with these syndromes when another cause is not apparent.

I believe that your best course of action is to work with a holistic doctor: naturopath, chiropractor, or someone with similar training in natural medicine. It is important that he or she evaluates the tests that you have undergone as well as examines you and the specifics of your history and environment. Too often clinical diagnosis is based solely on lab tests. These are critically important, but they must be interpreted in the context of the particular situation. Also, a physical evaluation and history can guide the physician in deciding which types of tests to order. Remember to question your doctor about the tests and why they are being performed. What is the margin for error? Are false positives and negatives common? Is it specific to the problem or more generalized? If it is positive, is there another, more specific test that should be performed in order to confirm the first result? Become actively involved in this process. This in itself can help to relieve the vague notion that “something” is wrong and help you to feel as if you are an active participant in your own healing.