First and foremost, I apologize if this message is inappropriate, I really don't know where else to turn. I sincerely need some advise, help, direction, or something. ... I'm about ready to loose my mind over all this.
I've been ill for approx. 1.5-2 years, and cant seem to get a doctor to take me serious. My symptoms were as follows, ...... Started having a overall tired and "run down feeling", unintended weight loss from 135lbs. to 118lbs within a 9 month time frame. One swollen lymph node in my right armpit, and once in a great while in the genital area (but they would reduce after a few days), light right side chest pain, and a feeling of fullness. I went to our local general practice doctor and he performed blood work and thyroid test, yet said there wasn't anything abnormal that he found. Nothing changed for a few months, so I went back a second time, ... he again did blood work, again reporting he found nothing concerning. I lost a few more pounds since last visit. I communicated my sincere distress that I might have lung cancer due to the fact that I have been a heavy smoker (clove cigarettes, 2+ packs a day) for 17-18 years. He said I was "too young for something like that" (I'm currently 34, 35 in 12/03), yet I should quit smoking. I insisted that he take a chest x-ray for no other reason then to under my stress, and he did.... reporting nothing was "abnormal."
After living with these same symptoms with no improvement at all, a family member suggested I drive to the Capital city's emergency room (we live in a very small town) to be checked out. When I arrived, the attending doctor took chest x-rays, ran a EKG, performed blood work (I think he called it a "CBC and chem panel") and even a blood culture. His diagnosis? -- I had a profound case of "COPD." I was told to follow up with my regular doctor concerning the swollen lymph nodes (now I have the same large one in my right arm pit, and a number of small one in my left arm pit.... as well as two on each side of my neck) and abdominal pain/fullness (before I could not describe where it was actually coming from... now I can feel a hard area right below my ribcage on the right side.)
I made another appointment with our local doctor, and he performed "blood work" again,..... and again conveyed he found nothing of concern. He did ask me if the pain was greater after eating fatty foods..... I said the pain doesn't get worse at all... its always the same uncomfortable feeling. He said it was probably "gastritis." I just didn't agree, and still feel its more then that. A friend recommend that I see her doctor, with I have. He too did blood work and said "I think your just fine." I'm sincerely concerned as I feel worse than I ever have before. Tired all the time, the right side hard area under my ribcage is always uncomfortable, chest pain is more prevalent, etc. If you can help I would be very grateful as I'm starting to think no one really cares or is taking this seriously. I have a 19 month old son I dearly love and I owe it to him to do whatever I can to prevent/deal with this the best I can. Thank you and God bless.