Optimism bitten on the bum
I really should learn by now. Getting optimistic about medical stuff isn’t a good idea for me. According to Dr A, all the scans were OK and there was nothing out of the ordinary in the dexamethasone test, although being picky, I don’t like it when people won’t give me the numbers (for my own future reference). Yes I know, I’m sad but I’m an ex-management accountant and I’m comfortable with numbers!
The good news: I won the argument about the Indometacin effect on my fasting glucose sample. So we finally both agree I am not diabetic. But, the adrenal androgens remain pretty high – the androstenedione is getting higher – with no apparently obvious reason jumping out. That is obviously a source of concern (even if it isn’t, it should be), as Dr A asked for my consent to present my case to the multidisciplinary team to ask for further suggestions. (If I was feeling less than charitable, I’d suggest this was more a case of wanting to appear to be doing something other than giving up on me). My suggestion of CAH or a possibly pituitary connection are still dismissed. In the meantime, I had another set of blood samples taken while at Anycity to keep an eye on the androgen levels – even if Dr A can’t suggest any reason why they might be so high apart from my weight being the cause. I’ll concede that my weight is certainly not helping matters, but given that a lot of the problems I have were present well before weight was a big issue, I still find it very difficult to consider the weight issue as anything other than a symptom in its own right. Despite my misgivings about medication for weight loss, though, I’ve reluctantly agreed to accept a referral back to the dietician to be prescribed Orlistat for a trial period. I’ve a feeling that might be a decision I’ll come to regret.
Moving on, I brought up the head pain again. I’m still not 100% convinced that this is simply coincidental, especially now the head pain seems to be settling into a similar stress-related pattern as the abdominal pain. As per usual, my concerns were dismissed as coindicence and Dr A suggested that if I was really that bothered, I should ask my GP to refer me back for a second neurological opinion as the team would not accept a non-urgent referral from another speciality within the trust.
Back in January once the weight loss drugs have a chance to work. Even my optimistic side isn’t remotely convinced.
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