The ultimate irony: a physician who cannot figure out what is wrong with themselves. (PLEASE HELP)

[lmk22]

The ultimate irony: a physician who cannot figure out what is wrong with themselves.

For my entire life, I have been hypermobile/flexible. During puberty, I developed excessive and deep stretch marks (far beyond what is typical during adolescence). My skin is hyperextensible on my neck, dorsal hands, and breasts. I have always had heavy and extremely irregular periods. My blood pressure has always been low (80s-90s/60s typically). I also have suffered with fatigue for as long as I can remember. I have always had a tremor in my hands, but recently this seems to have improved. My gingiva (gums) began receding in my teen years, but they appear to have been stable (albeit, significantly receded) for the past couple years.

Over the last year, I have developed hyperpigmentation surrounding my axilla (arm-pits) and it almost appears as if there is dirt surrounding the area (though I know there is not). I also have developed a nagging pain surrounding most of my major joints and it seems as if my breasts have begun to sag despite the fact that I am only in my 20s.

I have ruled out thyroid dysfunction, anemia, and diabetes/related glucose issues.

In case it is relevant, my family history is significant for:

Parkinson's (paternal grandfather)

Temporal Arteritis (maternal grandmother)

Ulcerative Colitis (father)

Crohn's Disease (mother)

I feel a little bit crazy because the conglomeration of symptoms I am experiencing is so bizarre. I am embarrassed, exhausted, and don't know what else to do. When I have told professionals in the past, they have shrugged it off and told me I am over-reacting which only adds to these feelings. Any thoughts are sincerely appreciated. Thank you!

[Hidden]

That you are over reacting? Wow!! I’m sorry you are being treated like this. I hope Barnclown will see this and chime in. I think she has hyper-mobility issues if I remember correctly.

All my best to you lmk22. I hope they take you seriously and figure this out for you very soon.

[Hidden]

Apart from low blood pressure (mine is high) you could be describing me re the excessive stretch marks (my son has these too), stretchy hypermobile skin etc. I do have hypothyroidism, Sjögren’s, Raynaud’s, small fibre neuropathy and Erythromelagia plus pointers to limited Scleroderma.

Also my first four decades were dominated by fatigue, eczema and alopecia areate and I’m told by one dermatologist that I have vitiligo.

Since you kindly replied to my post I just wanted ask if you have had antibodies done and inflammation markers looked at? And have you considered the various types of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome at all?

You maybe a physician but on here you’re just a fellow human being with stuff going on which is wearisome and, like all of us, you are looking for support and for answers. Best of luck

[Hidden]

I don't know much about it myself but I have a friend with Elhers Danos who has a host of those symptoms - it might be something to look into?

Hope you find some answers soon!

[happytulip]

You share some of my symptoms. As regards to the low BP have you ever had a tilt-test to look for POTS which is often linked with EDS and some of your symptoms. I was also a medic and had very low BP all my life, about 80-90 systolic, bit suddenly became symptomatic at the age of 32.

How is your sleep? Do you feel like you get enough refreshing sleep?