Hi Sunny

Naturally we can't diagnose you but are happy to support and reassure you where we can.

Unfortunately, doctors are human too and medicine is almost never a case of adding up the symptoms to arrive at a definitive answer. It is often the consideration of a possible solution before ruling it out. This takes time.

A couple of things struck me whilst I was reading your story though.

Sounds like your family DR has it all under control though and is taking your malady seriously. Are you female by any chance?

All your symptoms suggest you are fighting off some sort of infection/illness and bloodwork doesn't necessarily uncover all infections. The first thing that jumped out for me was the neck ache and fatigue - I assume they have checked you out for meningitis? Thyroid issues? Epstein Barr Virus?

Getting a diagnosis is not always so easy but you do need to persist and try not to become disillusioned and irritable as you need your energy for well. Alex and I were initially quite distressed about having to sit for hours waiting for doctors, beds, results, Xrays, orderlies, discharge etc. This was extremely detrimental to what was left of Alex's well being. We finally acknowledged that the system was unlikely to change in our lifetime, so our best option was to work with it. I took knitting and books and Alex took his DVDs and a days supply of drugs with him. We also discovered every coffee shop within a 2km radius and discovered which ones got the sun at which time of day

I think you will become an expert "doctor dancer" by the time this is over but I have no suggestions regarding the cost other than weigh it up against the possible consequences of NOT seeing a doctor and getting this sorted.

Make your family doctor your collaborator and don't let the specialists intimidate you into silence. When the specialists tell you there is nothing that they can find - don't just let them show you the door. Ask them what next steps they plan to take. This lets them know that "passing the buck" or "wait and see" are not options and forces them to consider other avenues. If they suggest you return to your family doctor, ask them to write you a note as to what they recommend you should ask the family doctor to investigate next. Again, this makes it more difficult to fob you off.

You have heard the saying that it is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil? Never more true than in your current situation. Shout out long loud and often.