Question:
Can anybody tell me what kind of blood test to request for the following
symptoms? Severe itching all over the body, red skin lesions all over the
body, easily fatigued and in need of between 10 to 14 hours sleep at night?
I have gotten nowhere with the doctors who just prescribe things for the
symptoms and do nothing in terms of diagnostic work to see what it is that
is ailing me. I am 49 and not overweight.
How do I get the doctors to test to find out what is wrong? What kind of
blood test or panel should I request? How do I get past the pathetic attempt
by doctors just to treat symptoms and never to look into the matter to see
what is wrong?
The doctors presribed anti-itching meds but did no diagnostic work.
Does anybody know what this illness possibly could be? The itching is so
severe that the body even itches as I scratch the itches. Absolutely nothing
relieves the itching at all, not even the creams prescribed by the doctors.
The lesions have spread all over the body now and the itching is unbearable.
I have been verbally reprimanded twice for falling asleep at work. I seem to
fall asleep almost instantly as soon as I sit in any kind of relaxed
position.
Is there anybody there who can help me? What do you think I have and how can
I get the doctors to do some diagnostic work instead of just treating
symptoms?
Answer:
That's a tough one. I see posts like that on the allergy and sci.med newsgroup
It can range from an allergy to soap, not rinsing clothing properly,
"neuropathy", a side effect of meds, or something growing in or near your home
or workplace (mould, plants), sweating and yeast (maybe)
dry skin, lice, foods, right through to Lupus or one type of cancer - assuming
the lesions are occuring from scratching, (I saw itching mentioned with one
yesterday, but I forget which). I think I saw someone on another newsgroup who
was taking something herbal that had stinging nettle in it which can cause
itching in some.
As best I can tell is you have to do a process of elimination (while treating
the symptoms) and keep a diary.
It's work and it's not something that doctors can do for you.
If you want to eliminate dry skin and lice, have a laundered (hot water) set of
clothing in your car, spend a few nights at a motel totally away from home and
make sure you have a non-allergic oil for dry skin like baby oil. If the
itching stops or starts to abate, then you know the problem is somewhere at your
home.
If the itching stops or is not as bad on weekends or during a week's holiday,
then you have a hint that the problem might be at work.
If you want to rule out Lupus or sun allergy, stay totally covered up (away from
any source of UV rays/lighting) for a few days and see if the itching improves.
You could also consult an allergist and/or dermatolgist, but the more you can do
first, the less frustrating it would be for all parties involved.
