Why most test results are "normal"

This may be more of me venting than actually asking this question, but how is it that one can feel so different now w/o some test result showing an abnormality? I have had this now for 29 months, and for the life of my can't understand how all these tests can't reveal something.  I look at my life pre and post illness which kicked this off, and see so many changes in my body.  How can I get 8 hours of solid sleep and still be so tired all the time? With something broken down in the body like this, I am confused how something doesn't show up somewhere given all the medical technology.  For me, a couple anti bodies are slightly high, and my testosterone on the low end of normal.  But....those are the only tests that even hint at anything out of whack.  How can that be?  Curious what you all think.

I know how hard it is to get test after test & have nothing show up, it is so discouraging. I used to think I should be the healthiest person around, I should feel so good but I feel so bad. Everytime I would go to get my test results I would have my hopes up & then they would be dashed & I would get really upset that once again "nothing". Research now is looking at mitochondrial disfunction & auto immune disease that is not with the T cells but with the B cells, not detectable with the usual blood tests. Let's hope we get to have tests that show how sick we are.

With your sleep, do you take anything to help you? I used to sleep for days & still get no refreshing sleep, wake up just exhausted. Now I take Tizanidine & Trazadone, one is a muscle relaxer & the other helps me to stay asleep. I sleep about 12 hours per night, that is how long it takes me to get good quality sleep in. I tell you it is also the bane of my existance, I have to only stay up 12 hours in order to have some kind of an organized life. My pills help in that way too, I get really sleepy after I take them. I am constantly trying to stay up later & later then i have to pay for it.

Take care of yourself & let us know how you are doing. Many hugs, Denise

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Fibromyalgia-dx'd: 2006, ME/CFS-dx'd: 2006, Holt-Oram Syndrome dx'd 1975, reduced lung capacity dx'd 2009, nasal allergies, food allergies, depression (lifetime problem) IBS, neuropathy in hips

I have 4 children & 7 grandchildren.

As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it. Prov. 25:11

I, like you, will point to unrefreshing sleep & post exertional malaise to remind myself that yes I am sick. I have days that I just think I am depressed or just lazy & I have to give myself a break & realize I am sick. Don't want to be & didn't ask for it but it is what it is.

I take CoQ 10, magnesium malate & vit D3 to help me have some energy I also, user 85% dark chocolate for more mental clarity & cognative awareness, it has really helped me. We all try different things to help us cope with this illness but what we need is a break through in research.

So you are still able to work, I am so proud of you, I can't even imagine working. This illness takes so much out of us, I hope you can continue. Hugs, Denise

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Fibromyalgia-dx'd: 2006, ME/CFS-dx'd: 2006, Holt-Oram Syndrome dx'd 1975, reduced lung capacity dx'd 2009, nasal allergies, food allergies, depression (lifetime problem) IBS, neuropathy in hips

I have 4 children & 7 grandchildren.

As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it. Prov. 25:11

Yeah, it is frustrating when all the test results are normal, I think for two main reasons: we want people to actually believe and understand that we are actually sick; and we hope that whatever's wrong can be identified and treated so that we can just get better! The doctors can't properly treat an abnormality that they're unaware of (because the test results don't show it).

The only things that the health professionals can find wrong with me are:
•slight scoliosis
•flat feet
•slightly high ANA levels (consistent: it was 1:160 two years ago and it is the same now)
•tender points are extra sensitive
•allergies show up on testing
•food intolerances worked out by dietician
•the Occupational Therapists can also find weak nerves and trigger points to work on

Hmm... Never realised that so many of my health problems are actually detectable...

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Age: 18
Conditions: Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, panic attacks, allergies, dermatitis, low immunity, tinnitus, restless legs syndrome, slight scoliosis, etc.
Possible: celiac, IBD, etc.
Goals: to be an occupational therapist; to explore the world.
"Reach for the moon; even if you miss, you will land among the stars.

Post Edited (Jasmine Grace) : 7/16/2013 8:00:56 AM (GMT-6)