Yesterday, I went to a new doctor for my neck. His practice also deals in holistic medicine. He ran a large battery of tests, all without needles, testing for things my other doctors never even considered. They tested my calcium levels, my liver enzymes, my adrenal function, and iodine levels, among other things. Found out some really interesting stuff. For example, if you are iodine deficient, it messes with your thyroid, yet it doesn't show up in blood work. The iodine test was a patch test. Basically, he puts iodine on your skin and sees how fast it's absorbed. The patch is supposed to last over 24 hours. Mine was almost completely gone by 9 hours. Now, I'm not a doctor, but I'm guessing that's not good. It could explain a lot though. Then of, course there is the main issue of my neck and back. He did all sorts of testing that other doctors never did. It really boils down to that all my issues could be caused by one little disc. Depending on the way the disc is deteriorating, it could be reducing blood flow. He took x-rays to see what's going on there. Now, all these other issues I'm having could be completely unrelated, but at least I'm getting some sort of answers.
I'm really not sure how I feel about this new doctor yet. The office staff seems a bit too nice. How can too nice be a problem? I just don't trust it. That's the big city in me. Everyone there seems to love their jobs. It's just not natural. But, a good friend of mine told me that I don't need to make any decisions now. She reminded me that it's my body and I know what I'm comfortable and not comfortable doing. I go back Monday for results and a plan of action. I guess that will be decision point. If I had to decide right now, I'd go with it. I need some relief. I can't continue in this much pain every day. Part of me is scared though that nothing is going to work. Have to get that out of my head. I also have to get it out of my head that I will be "fixed" after one day. Whatever I decide, it's going to be a long road. Thankful I have such a great support system to come along with me.